Contend for the faith

Contend for the faith  

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Jude1:3-4

General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in the Pacific during World War II, said this in December 1951:

In this day of gathering storms, as moral deterioration of political

power spreads its growing infection, it is essential that every spiritual force be mobilized to defend and preserve the religious base upon which this nation is founded; for it has been that base which has been the motivating impulse to our moral and national growth. History fails to record a single precedent in which nations subject to moral decay have not passed into political and economic decline.There has been either a spiritual reawakening to overcome the moral lapse or a progressive deterioration leading to ultimate national disaster.

Bible Promise:

In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God assures us that if we humble ourselves, pray, and turn from our wickedness, He will heal our land. What glory awaits us if we obey Him. Believer's prayer: I know, Father, that our nation needs You now more than ever. I pray today for our leaders. Open their hearts to Your Word and to Your will. Please give us a reawakening to Your ways and to Your purpose for our country. Restore to us the knowledge of the principles upon which this nation was founded. copied from The Patriot's Devotional - Dr. Richard G. Lee  RevDan - Have great Day!!

The Bible came with them

Daniel Webster (1782–1852) was a leading American statesman during the nation’s Antebellum Period. In 1843, he spoke of the Founding Fathers’ regard for the Bible in an address celebrating the completion of the Bunker Hill Monument:

The Bible came with them. And it is not to be doubted, that to free and universal reading of the Bible, in that age, men were much indebted for right views of civil liberty.

The Bible is a book of faith, and a book of doctrine, and a book of morals, and a book of religion, of special revelation from God; but it is also a book which teaches man his own individual responsibility, his own dignity, and his equality with his fellowman.

Promise

Second Timothy 3:16 is clear: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” God promises that His Word will teach us how to live. Prayer Dear God, You have given me Your Word to learn from and live by. Today and every day, please give me insight into the Scriptures I read and then help me to apply that truth to my life. Thank you Dr. Richard Lee Copied & paste  see Patriot's Devotional

Reading & praying

 Reading & praying

Prepare

I’d suggest 30 minutes to read, reflect, and respond to the Holy Spirit’s promptings in Lectio Divina. To tune in, I like to light a candle, not because it’s necessary, but because the flame and fragrance serve as gentle reminders when collecting my thoughts and calming my mind. I pray a prayer of invitation, saying something like, “God, let me hear from you,” and spend a few moments sitting quietly so my mind is open to hearing from God.

Lectio (Read)

My first reading is an opportunity to get to know the Scripture passage. I listen carefully for any words or phrases that seem to jump out. It’s important not to force things, but wait patiently for God to give gentle guidance. One day when reading Jeremiah 31, I felt my mind drawn to the strength of God’s commitment to His covenant:

“[I will make a new covenant] not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband.” (Jeremiah 31:32 English Standard Version)

I was struck by the image of God leading His people by the hand as an act of love – they weren’t left to begin their momentous journey alone.

Meditatio (Reflect)

The second reading of the same passage focuses further on the points I become aware of during the first reading. Often I’ll just re-read a few verses so I can reflect carefully on where God has nudged me.

Then I’ll reflect on what I believe God is saying. I try not to analyze the passage. It’s easy to slip into “study mode” and think about interesting points rather than listening to what God might be saying. It helps to ask God to make His focus clear.

Oratio (Respond)

After a third reading, it’s time to respond. I like to record my thoughts by journaling because I know I’m very prone to forgetting what I’ve learned, even by the next day! We can respond in prayer too, which gives us the opportunity for a conversation with God.

When reading Jeremiah, I journaled my wonderings. If God is so powerfully committed to keeping His covenant with me, why do I sometimes lack the commitment to stay close to God? Often the events of the day crowd in, and I don’t always make time to listen to God. I prayed that God would help me to prioritize spending time with Him.

Contemplatio (Rest)

After the final reading, I spend around 10 minutes in silent contemplation. This isn’t a time of prayer or meditation — I just sit quietly and allow God to work. When my mind starts to wander and dart here and there, I bring it gently back to stillness again.

There are many sources of inspiration to help develop the practice of Lectio Divina. Soul Shepherding has a collection of downloadable guides. It’s important to remember that Lectio Divina is not an end in itself or another spiritual practice to tick off our to-do list. It helps us hear specifically and individually from God through Scripture, guided by the Holy Spirit, and deepens our relationship with Him.

Originally published January 18, 2017

Not mine, Copied & pasted, but I like it !!

RevDan

Bringing Others to Jesus - CS

 Bringing Others to Jesus

John 1:35-42

Andrew is the disciple known for bringing people to Jesus. Immediately after meeting the Lord, he introduced his brother Simon to the Messiah. Another time, when a great multitude was hungry, he found a boy with five loaves and two fishes and brought him to Jesus (John 6:8-9). When some Greeks wanted to meet Christ, Andrew and Philip made the introductions (12:20-22). This disciple never lost his enthusiasm for the Savior.

Andrew's own conversion experience motivated him to let others know about the One who'd changed his life (1:36-37). How about you--have you lost the joy of your salvation? If your Christian life has become stale and musty, it's time to remember what Christ has done for you and to ask that He restore your excitement.

In addition, Andrew longed to know the Savior and spend time with Him (vv. 38-39). The disciple's example is a good reminder that sweet fellowship with the Lord isn't supposed to end with devotional times. It should also stimulate a desire to share with others the joy we find in our relationship with Christ.

Finally, Andrew was motivated by his conviction that Jesus was the Messiah (v. 41). He'd found the answer for a lost and hurting world and wanted others to know.

When Andrew answered the call to discipleship, Jesus told him he'd be "catching men" instead of fish (Luke 5:10). Since we, too, are followers of Christ, we have this same assignment. Our styles and opportunities vary, but we're each responsible to develop a lifelong habit of bringing others to Jesus.

Rev CS

Worthy of the Name

 From His Patriot' Daily Devotional - R.G. Lee

May [you] be counted worthy of the kingdom.

2 Thessalonians 1:5

Francis Scott Key (1779–1843) was the American lawyer and poet who wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner.” He also wrote the following:

The patriot who feels himself in the service of God, who acknowledges Him in all his ways, has the promise of Almighty direction, and will find His Word in his greatest darkness,“a lantern to his feet and a lamp unto his paths.”. . . He will therefore seek to establish for his country in the eyes of the world, such a character as shall make her not unworthy of the name of a Christian nation.

Prayer:

Precious Father, let Your Spirit fill me today, anoint my character, and make me a testimony for Jesus in all that I say and do. I also pray for my country, that she may be reawakened to You, Lord.

Patriot's Promise

God describes the character of a Christian: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23). God promises that if we walk in the Spirit, these qualities— evidence of the Spirit’s presence in us—will shine in us, and we will live worthy of His Name. Thanks, Dr. Lee copied and pasted

Apostasy revealed - JA

 Religious leaders, Politicians, Companies (who say they love Atlanta) encouraged The MLB to move the All Star game- Well they did - who does it hurt - the people they represent- Colorado requires voter ID too - SAD BETRAYAL

Even the media now reports that church membership is at an all time low in The US - Those who know their Bible are not shocked - God said in the last days - just before Jesus comes - there will be a great falling away - APOSTASY !

Part 2 - Apostasy was on full display last Sunday when Mr. Warnock, Ga Dem Senator said “ whether you are a Christian or not, through a comment to helping others , we are able to save ourselves” - NEVER will we be able to save ourselves- NEVER !

Part 3 - The pastors and churches in Georgia that voted for this man - ought to be embarrassed beyond measure- ROMANS 10:10 - salvation only come to those who believe that God raised Jesus from the dead - TRUTH

Rev JA

lingering in Psalms 42 - DN

 I have been lingering in Psalms 42 in my devotions.

I love this psalm. In verse 5 the writer ask himself, why art thou cast down o my soul? Sometimes it seems this question is implying it shouldn't be cast down. I can find reasons it would be cast down,

1. The Bombardment of the Enemy: vs 3,10a.

2. The Belittlement of his God: 3b,10b

3. The Banishment of his Friends: 4 (church friends I might add)

I also found reasons it shouldn't be cast down! He had a

1. Place to Run to: vs 4 (the house of God )

2. Person to talk to: vs 9 (I will talk to God)

3. Promise to Adhere to: vs 8

There's God's sweetness in the daytime and God's song to sing at night.

Rise up O soul...

Rev DN

A man of the world - RL

 Hello Blog Followers, friends and fellow laborers of GOD,

John Quincy Adams (1767–1848) served as the sixth president of the United States. Hear his exhortation to the American people:

I speak as a man of the world to men of the world; and I say to you, Search the Scriptures! The Bible is the book of all others, to be read at all ages, and in all conditions of human life; not to be read once or twice or thrice through, and then laid aside, but to be read in small portions of one or two chapters every day, and never to be intermitted, unless by some overruling necessity.

those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men,

Acts 17:11-12

copied & pasted

Thanks Dr. 

Richard Lee

see His Patriots' Devotional ( There's Hope America website)

#USA

#GodblessAmerica

#Bible

Prayer - KK

 Prayer is a precious ointment to the sin-sick soul. It calls out for relief in the heavenlies, it waits anxiously for the balm of grace to be applied. Its tears of repentance go forth as ambassadors seeking refuge from the King of Glory, knowing mercy is its only cure.

Rev KK

Starting with Jesus - SV

 The beauty of life with Jesus is that you can start at any age, regardless of background, regardless of regrets, regardless of what your family and friends will say. With Jesus, you can fully know peace, joy, hope, and love. I promise, and I will never lie to you. Put an X on yesterday and walk today into a future of faith.

And, if you already walk with Jesus, live it. Be kind, be patient, be a servant, be gracious. People will see Him in you.

SV

All things - CH

 Well we have made it half way through this week, now let’s continue to march forward! You know that’s what God’s plan is for us! He wants us to move forward! Your probably thinking Chuck you don’t know what I have been through or what I am dealing with right now!! Your absolutely right I don’t, but Jesus Christ does!!! He knows all things!! He knows the valleys and mountains that we climb and go through!! 1 John 3:1 tells us that we are Children of God!! He is our Heavenly Father, do we agree? And just has we have taken care of our children which never ends right? So in the same way(only better) the Lord Jesus Christ takes care of his children (us) we belong to the greatest family of all!!! We are Gods children!! Gods word tells us this! God’s word tells us that he loves us so much that he gave His only begotten Son up for us, so we could become part of the family of God amen!!!

We just have to put our faith in Him!! 2 Corinthians 5:7”For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

Remember Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Notice it doesn’t say some things!! It says All things!!! God loves you and He is not going to give up on you, your His children, amen!!

I praying that y’all will rejoice in what God can do for ya, know that!!

Y’all have a blessed day!!

- CH

One thing - DB

 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest... Mark 10:21

Once, I spent hours on a 1000 piece puzzle only to find at the end I was missing 1 piece. What a disappointment.

The young man who came to Jesus seemed to have it all: youth, wealth and self-esteem. Yet, he lacked one thing - he had never given himself to Christ.

No matter what we achieve in life, our life is incomplete without Jesus. He is the piece that makes us whole.

Rev DB

God is the strength of my heart - CH

  I would like to share with you Psalm 73:26” My flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

What I believe this is saying is that we are not going be perfect while we live here in this world, things are not always going to be what we want them to be, but look at what the second part of the verse says: but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!! This gives you and I the hope to carry on!! We know we that if we are a child of God that one day all this chaos that we are in will no longer be!!! Because we will be in the land of glory amen!! Hang in there!! Why? Because God loves you and He will see us through until He calls us home!!

Love y’all and praying for y’all!!

Have a blessed day

CH

Three things Paul is telling us - CH

 Good morning y’all, what a raining day out, after the beautiful day we had yesterday! I would like to share with y’all this morning a short passage from 1Thessalonians 5:16-18, Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Three things Paul was telling us here is

(1) rejoice always : we have an Almighty God who will walk with you hand in hand no matter what you are dealing with, rejoice always

(2) pray with out ceasing: we can pray anywhere anytime day or night doesn’t matter. God knows we can’t be own our knees 24/7, again we can pray anytime.

(3) give thanks in all circumstances! I know that can be tough for us sometimes, but we need to remember God is always there. We need to be there for each other as well!!

Praying for y’all and praying y’all have a blessed day!!!

Brother CH

the weaponry of prayer

And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. Luke 11:1

 The enemy fears nothing of a prayerless saint; nothing of our preaching, or singing, or evangelism, nor even our religious piety. But oh! how the weakest believers become agents of authority at the throne of grace. How immense and how intense is the weaponry of prayer.

True prayer, the kind that is heard and honored by God comes from the heart. It is conceived from above and born from within. As a newborn babe that knows no language, it cries for the sincere milk; it makes its case known with tears until it has latched on its source of blessing

Rev KK

Three things that seem to hold my attention here - DN

 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Joshua 1:2

Sometimes, before God brings something in your life, he first will take something out.

In relation to Joshua here, it was Moses..

There were instructions to follow. You will never receive what the Lord has for you sitting back and thinking about the good old days.

Three things that seem to hold my attention here,

1. The Giver or the Blesser

This is his nature. The way some act you would think, God only takes, but not so. He brought them out of Egypt, to give..

When God birthed you in his family, it was not to deprive you, it was to bless and enrich you with heavenly treasures..

2. The Gift or the Blessing

I love the way our King James Bible is written..

It doesn't read, I will give them, but I do give them.

A. A Promise Blessing: I do give

B. A Present Blessing: today

Some things are by faith, we trust Him and he then gives accordingly and in time.

Now, we know there are things waiting us, but there are things that God has for us now.

3. The Given: or the Blessed:

To them, even the Children of Israel

It wasn't for a particular one, such as

The Tribe of Levi or the Tribe of Judah. To qualify for this blessing you just had to be a included in the Children of Israel.

There are things that have been given unto us!

Because I am a part of Gods family, I am included in the blessings of he Father.

My momma use to say, as long as I have it, you have it.

You rest assure today, as long as God has it, you have it.

But my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory, by Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:19

Rev DN

What GOD wants for Family

 THE FAMILY (Acts 16:30-34)

And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. 34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. Acts 16:32-34

Three things GOD wants for your family:

I. God wants Families in Heaven
"Believe...and thou shalt be saved and thy house. V 31

II. God wants Heaven in Families
v.34-word "rejoice"

III. God wants Families in Church
Jailor was baptized. v.33

Rev. unknown

The Goal of Government - RL

 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. Psalm 33:12

When the first settlers arrived in America, the influence of the Bible on their lives came with them. For many, their Christian faith was as much a part of who they were as their brave spirit was, and their faith impacted everything they did. This fact stands out boldly as one sees, again and again, Scripture reflected in the individual colonies’ statements of the goal of their government. The Rhode Is- land Charter of 1683, for instance, begins this way: “We submit our person, lives, and estates unto our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, and to all those perfect and most absolute laws of His given us in His Holy Word.”



In fact, from the first colony at Jamestown to the Pennsylvania Charter of Privileges granted to William Penn in 1701—where “all persons who . . . profess to believe in Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, shall be capable . . . to serve this government in any capacity, both legislatively and executively” —the Bible was considered the rule of life in the colonies.

Lord, please keep my mind fixed on You and my thoughts grounded in Your Word so that You can use me to encourage my family, friends, and co-workers today. Help me to be aware of what I say and the way I say it—before I say it.

“The Helper, the Holy Spirit . . . will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:26).

RL

copied & pasted

Words to carry us - CE

 When you are flying in a jet, sometimes it looks like you could jump out of the plane and land on a soft cloud, but as you begin to descend you understand that it’s only an illusion. There is not enough substance in a cloud to support the weight of your body. I’ve heard songs and sermons that were only illusions.....just like the clouds!

We use our one liners, exciting cliches, favorite sayings, and “catchy phrases” to create these illusions; we tell people what to do in their trials and storms....just jump on the cloud! Sometimes it creates a lot of excitement and stirs emotions......the problem is it only works in the sermon or song......it doesn’t work in real life!

When we are hurting, or grieving, or struggling, we try to do what the preacher said......jump on the cloud.....only to discover there’s not enough substance to sustain and support our burdens and our needs!!

When dark times come, we don’t need fluff or clouds; we need substance....we need truth.....we need something real...... we need something that will sustain us.....we need the Word of God to trust and depend on! There will come a time in each of our lives when clouds are not going to be enough; we will need a Word from the Living God to carry us through! (CE)

RQ / CE

Trust me - SDV

 The Lord says, "Trust me."

That is the message of the Lord today and every day. "You can trust me."

He will measure your steps according to His plans for you. He will open doors that are good for you, and close the doors that are not. He will protect you from the sin that you hate. He will cross your life with people who will love and serve you because they trust Him, too.

Live set apart from the world and live upright. Stop worrying. Find sanctuary in the friends of faith gathering at His church. Surrender the burdens of your heart to Him and trust Him.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." Proverbs 3:5-6

SDV

Stay the Course - DN

 Stay the Course

I awoken today to a barrage of fears and doubts.

I have a 101 reasons why I shouldn't fear yet while contemplating the world's changes, asking God for a word and what should be His Word for today?

Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

( After 21 years of pastoring through the years 13 years of evangelism, 33 years of cerebral palsy, 10 years of heart failure, and a host of other things ) the living by faith was not the gulf I'm trying to get over. The mountain I'm trying to conquer, its the little additive found in the remaining part of the verse, if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

This caused me to rethink my life, in these fears and doubts and asked myself, was I attempting to draw back?

Several things come to mind:

The Dangers of Drawing Back:

It's a foe we all face and especially the older we get. When our leaning and care is on the cautious side. To name a few, the dangers to turn back are there when:

A. When the Storms Raging:

B. When prayers go Unanswered:

C. When Satan's darts are about us:

D. When others turn back:

2. The Displaying of Drawing Back:

A. Probably one of the most vivid displays is the town called Capernaum. It was said he could there do no mighty work because of their unbelief...

B. When Christ came to the disciples upon the waters, Peter cried out, if it's thou let me come unto thee. He had enough faith to get out of the boat (probably more than many of us. ) But when Peter saw the waves and felt the wind and the water rising up his leg, things changed. He took his eyes off of the Lord.

( he beginning to sink , cried out) To which Christ stated O thou of little faith Or WHY DID YOU DRAW BACK ....

Have you ever found yourself pulling back? In fact you started good went so far but stopped. How easy it is to do.

3. The Deliverance from Drawing Back:

It's been said, When I cannot feel the faith of assurance, I live by the fact of God's faithfulness. Matthew Henry

Deuteronomy 7:9 encourages us with this truth, Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God.

The faithfulness of God is our shield and deliverer from turning back.

We must keep our eyes on what got us started.

There's a God who is Faithful

A Friend that Sticketh Closer than a Brother

Scriptures that stood the test of Time

Press on, Don't draw BACK!!!!!

Rev DN