Today’s Scripture “…Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord…” (1 Corinthians 15:58, NKJV) Be Steadfast and Immovable To “be steadfast and immovable” is a powerful choice we need to make. “I am not going to be moved by my circumstances. I’m not going to let what others say about me steal my joy. I’m not going to live worried about my finances. I’m going to do my best and trust God to do what I can’t do. I have the grace from God to handle anything that comes my way.” As long as you’re allowing circumstances to determine your peace and joy, your life is going to be like a rollercoaster ride that’s based on what goes your way. That’s surface living. God is saying, “You have to go down deeper in your faith.” Rather than try to use your faith to control your circumstances, use your faith to control yourself in the midst of those circumstances. When you stay in peace, that’s a place of power. You know that no weapon formed against you will prosper. A Prayer for Today “Father, thank You for Your peace and joy as I put my trust in You. Help me to be steadfast and consistent, unmoved by the ups and downs of life. I believe You have given me the grace to handle anything that comes my way today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.” MIRACLES OUT OF MISTAKES 3 Inspiring Messages from Joel! Through this resource, you will be encouraged to move past regret and shame. Your mistakes don’t stop or cancel your purpose. Allow God to correct the complications and resolve the complex issues. OUR THANKS FOR A GIFT OF ANY AMOUNT REQUEST YOURS NOW! ► Follow Us This email is intended for hopkinsanthony33@gmail.com. To unsubscribe from this email list, click remove. To ensure delivery to your mailbox, please add devotional@goto.joelosteen.com to your address book of approved senders. View this email online. Share this email © 2020 Joel Osteen Ministries | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE
Very Good
Living Light Daily Devotional Very Good By Touching Lives with Dr. James Merritt “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning – the sixth day.” Genesis 1:31 If you had known Winston Churchill and his wife before they married, you would have taken any bet that their marriage would not have survived. He was a decade older than his bride. He was already well known as a hero, a statesman, and an author. She came from a quite humble background. She was an early riser who went to bed early. He never retired before 3 a.m. and slept until noon each day. She was a classic worrier while he was a risk-taker. She was frugal with money and he was a spendthrift. He enjoyed going to parties but she was more of a homebody. He was a non-stop talker and she was quiet. By any measurement, they could not have been more different. Many would have called them “incompatible.” Yet, they were married for 55 years. Even more, in his autobiography entitled, My Early Life, his closing line read, “I am married…and he lived happily ever after.” Research shows that one of the greatest aids to being happy is to be happily married. It turns out that happiness and marriage make a great couple! A recent survey said that 36% of married people say they are very happy, while just 22% of unmarried people say the same thing. The Pew Research Center recently did a statistical analysis measuring the strength of the linkage between marriage and happiness. They found that all other things being equal, marriage increases one’s likelihood of being very happy by 12%. If this is true, then why is marriage in decline? Sixty years ago, 75% of all adults in the United States were married. Now, just 50% are married. In fact, we are facing something unprecedented in this country. It’s not just that marriages are failing, but that the very institution of marriage is falling by the wayside. The problem now is not that people are trying marriage and failing, but it is that fewer are trying it at all. Fifty years ago, 59% of young adults (age 18-29) were married. Today, just 20% are married. Fewer people are getting married. Why even bother with an institution that seems to be going extinct before our very eyes? Some consider marriage about as relevant as dinosaurs and cavemen. Why should Christians care about marriage? Why should these statistics burden our hearts when culture doesn’t seem to care at all? Quite simply it is because of what God thinks and says about marriage. It is no coincidence that the Bible begins with the marriage of Adam and Eve and ends with the wedding of Christ and the Church. God looked at creation and said, “This is good.” But when God looked at Adam and Eve He said, “This is very good.” As Christ-followers, we must not let culture tell us what is good and right. God and His Word should be the greatest influencers of our values and ideas. Only then can we be His light in a world of darkness. Dear God, forgive me for the times when I have allowed the culture around me to lead me away from you. Help me turn to you for the answers to all things. Keep me safe and protect me from those in the world that deny you exist and seek only to do harm. Read in browser » Recent Articles: First Love Deus Ex Machina A Clear Conscious Clean Conduct The Platform of Suffering Prayer Request Email TL Staff Donate Now Share Tweet Forward This email was sent to hopkinsanthony33@gmail.com why did I get this? unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences Touching Lives, Inc. · 1800 Satellite Blvd · Duluth, GA 30097 · USA
What Does Galatians 1:24 Mean?
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Marked by Honor
Today’s Scripture “…Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling…” (Proverbs 20:3, NLT) Marked by Honor A lot of times we think winning a fight is a mark of honor. We walk away from an argument thinking, I won that fight. I told them off. That’s not winning. You fed your ego, but it didn’t strengthen your relationship. You may have won the argument, but how much damage was done? When we say hurtful things, it exacts a heavy price. The real way to win is to avoid it and walk away. That’s a mark of honor. It takes humility. Pride wants to argue and have the last word. There’s a right way and a right time to address your differences. Do it calmly, express your concerns, and then leave it there. If it starts getting heated, walk away. When you do it God’s way, He’ll fight your battles. He’ll change what needs to be changed. Do what you can to keep the atmosphere loving, kind, and peaceful. Be a person of honor and avoid the fight. A Prayer for Today “Father, thank You for calling me to be a person marked by honor. Help me to know the right way and a right time to quietly and calmly address my differences with others. I want to do it Your way and leave it to You to fight my battles. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.” MIRACLES OUT OF MISTAKES 3 Inspiring Messages from Joel! Through this resource, you will be encouraged to move past regret and shame. Your mistakes don’t stop or cancel your purpose. Allow God to correct the complications and resolve the complex issues. OUR THANKS FOR A GIFT OF ANY AMOUNT REQUEST YOURS NOW! ► Follow Us This email is intended for hopkinsanthony33@gmail.com. To unsubscribe from this email list, click remove. To ensure delivery to your mailbox, please add devotional@goto.joelosteen.com to your address book of approved senders. View this email online. Share this email © 2020 Joel Osteen Ministries | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE
Understanding God
Toggle navigation Search Browse The Bible Toggle Dropdown Search The Bible Find it! Understanding God When He Doesn’t Make Sense Bible / Bible Study / Topical Studies / Understanding God When He Doesn’t Make Sense Share Tweet Save Clarence L. Haynes Jr. Tuesday, May 12, 2020 We have all heard it said before that God has a plan for your life. And it’s not just any plan but a good plan. These aren’t just ideas we conjure up to make ourselves feel good, this is what God has promised. In Jeremiah 29:11 God tell us “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” If this is true (and it is) I want to pose a question to you: why doesn’t it always feel good? Why is it that sometimes in the middle of God’s good plan, something happens that just doesn’t make any sense? If this has happened to you can you give me an amen! What do you do when God’s good plan for your life seems to go sideways? When instead of everything going right, it feels all wrong? Today I want to help you understand what to do when God doesn’t make sense. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Ridofranz Why Does This Happen? There are two reasons why sometimes we feel that God’s plan is going south in our lives. They are expectation and elevation. 1. Expectation Quite frankly when you hear that God is good and he has good plans in store for your life, you generally come to a simple conclusion…everything that happens in my life is going to be good. Consider for a moment Joseph in the Old Testament. God gave him a dream in Genesis 37 where his brothers and his parents would eventually bow down to him. I don’t know if Joseph fully understood the dream but it probably created in him an expectation of good things happening in his life. After all his father loved him and he had no reason to think otherwise. You and I often react the same way. Knowing that God our father loves us and he has the best planned for us, we expect it all to go well. We don’t give any room to anything else. The promise of Romans 8:28 is that God will work everything for our good, not that everything will always feel good. 2. Elevation The second reason God doesn’t make sense sometimes is because his thinking is far above ours. In Isaiah 55:8-9 God reminds us that his thoughts and ways are not our ways. In fact, they are far above or elevated over our thoughts and ways. This means that the methods and strategies that God has designed to fulfill this good plan in your life go far beyond your thought process. In other words, he’s going to get you there, he just may take a different route to do it. Keeping these two things in mind, I want to give you five things to do to help you understand God better when he doesn’t make sense. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/eternalcreative 1. You Have to be Honest with God I have often heard people say you can’t question God. My response to that has always been why not? God is your heavenly Father. You have every right to come before him with everything you don’t understand, in fact he encourages it. 1 Peter 5:7 says “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” That word in the Greek means your cares, your concerns, your worries in other words…everything. Prayer only works if you are completely honest and transparent with God. Don’t worry, he can handle every emotion you have. Whether it’s fear, anger, worry, concern, joy, sadness, doubt, uncertainty – he can handle it. In Matthew 11 John the Baptist was in prison. He was there after having preached about the coming of the Messiah; after having baptized Jesus and declared him the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world; after seeing the Holy Spirit descend on him and hearing the voice from heaven declare this is my Son with whom I am well pleased; after seeing and hearing of the miracles. Jesus said of those born among women, there is no one greater than John the Baptist. This John from his prison cell sent his disciples to ask Jesus a question. “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Matthew 11:3). John was uncertain. He was unsure. He didn’t know, so what did he do? He asked. And when Jesus heard the question, he wasn’t offended. He responded. Be certain today you can be open and honest before God. Trust me, you won’t offend him. In fact he invites you into his presence. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29). Photo credit: Pixabay/Creative Commons 2. Learn from Those Who Have Come before You Romans 15:4 gives us a wonderful reminder, “Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.” Everything that was written before was to teach us. Remember when Paul wrote this to the church in Rome, there wasn’t a New Testament, all they had was the Old Testament. Paul encourages them to learn from what God has done, study his track record. What I love about the people we read about in the Bible is that God doesn’t leave anything out. We see their struggles, their questions, their doubts. Yes, we see their victories and successes as well, but God doesn’t leave out the challenges they faced to get to the destination God had for them. God did this to encourage you. How amazing is God’s love for you that he would include all of this in his word so you can understand that you can trust his track record. It’s like he’s saying “Yes my child there will be times where what I am doing won’t make sense to you. However, as you have seen in the lives of those who have come before you, I will always come through. I have fulfilled my promises before and I will do the same for you.” Photo credit: Unsplash/nathand 3. You Have to Stop Blaming Yourself One of the lies of Satan is to get you to believe that if God isn’t doing something fast enough in your life, it’s your fault. If the train rolls off the tracks, it’s your fault. Have you ever asked the question why me or what did I do to deserve this? Many times, the answer is nothing. However, I am not talking about people who choose to willfully live in sin, that’s a whole different conversation. I want to give you hard truth. We live in a sinful, fallen world. There will be things that will happen simply because of this fact. This reality will sometimes leave questions that may never get answered on this side of eternity. If and when these things happen, don’t blame yourself. If you are walking with God and obeying his word, even then life will happen. We have to understand that as believers our hope is not just for this life. All of God’s goodness will not be experienced in this life. He has even more planned for you. Stop blaming yourself when something unexpected happens. Remember that it’s not your fault and recognize the best is yet to come. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). 4. You Have to Believe and Trust Let’s face it, the Christian walk is a walk of faith and trust. There is no way around it. 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us of this truth: “For we live by faith, not by sight.” The hard part about faith is that many times the circumstances don’t always align. Where you are going doesn’t always match where you are. If you remember Joseph’s story, he was headed to the palace yet he had to go through prison before he got there. This is where faith and trust come into play. Faith says “I don’t know what you are doing but I know you are working it out for my good. Because I believe that, then I can trust you.” Just like we often group grace and mercy together, faith and trust are necessary if you are going to understand what God is doing in your life. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Aaron Amat 5. Remember Jesus One of the best ways to understand God when life doesn’t make sense is to remember Jesus. While we understand what Jesus did looking back on it now, his disciples and the people who were alive while it was happening didn’t get it. Jesus is our great champion, the Son of God, the miracle worker, the one who speaks and the winds and waves obey him. He is the one who has all power and authority, but he is going to die and this death is going to bring us life? No one truly understood it while it was happening. The pieces of the puzzle didn’t come together until after the resurrection. That’s when it started to make sense. Notice Peter’s words in the book of Acts: “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear … Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah” (Acts 2:32-33, 36). By remembering Jesus’ life, you will understand that sometimes the way God gets you to the desired result doesn’t always follow the script you think it should. No one at the time thought that Jesus’ death on the cross was a good idea, but now we know it was the best thing that has ever happened for all of us. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Kristi Linton It Will All Come Together As you can see the promises and plans of God for your life are good. Nonetheless, along the way to getting there you may encounter some things that will make you want to question that. When this happens (and chances are it will) remember how great God’s love is for you and trust that his love for you will never fail. His good plan will be accomplished in your life and there is nothing anyone can do to stop it. As the Apostle Paul reminds us: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). Walk with God today and know that God has nothing but the best planned for you. Even when it doesn’t make sense. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/monkeybusinessimages Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a rising speaker, teacher, author and co-founder of The Bible Study Club. He has spent more than 30 years serving the body of Christ in various capacities and has just released his first book called The Pursuit of Purpose. If you have ever struggled trying to find God’s will, this book will help you discover the different ways God leads you into his perfect will. To learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes.com. Share This Recently Featured 4 Practical Ways You Can Pray for Appalachian Believers Ashley Hooker What Is Shavuot and Is it Still Important Today? Blair Parke Haggai: A Big Lesson from a Small Book Hope Bolinger Understanding God When He Doesn’t Make Sense Clarence L. Haynes Jr. You may also like How Many Americans Believe Trump Is Anointed by God? Top Evangelical Theologian Withdraws Support of Donald Trump Why Do So Many Women Show Off Cleavage in Church? Ads by Revcontent Drink This Before Bed, Watch Your Body Fat Melt Like Crazy Healthier Living Club Featured Verse Topics Healing Bible Verses Worry and Anxiety Bible Verses Prayer Bible Verses Bible Verses for Overcoming Grief Comforting Bible Verses Bible Verses About Protection God’s Promises – Verses in the Bible Bible Verses For Faith in Hard Times Encouraging Bible Verses Hope Bible Verses Friendship Bible Verses Forgiveness Bible Verses Strength Bible Verses Love Bible Verses Inspirational Bible Verses About Online Bible Sitemap Link to Us Advertise with Us Feedback Proud member of Salem Media Group. Copyright © 2020, Bible Study Tools. All rights reserved. Article Images Copyright © 2020 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Do Not Sell My Info (CA only)
Enneagram
Congratulations! You are a Level1 ‘Peacemaker’ Enneagram Type… Y ou made a wise choice taking your Enneagram type test today. Your results show you’re a Peacemaker Type…currently living in partial alignment (or level 2) to this Enneagram type. You’re now just seconds away from unlocking the enormous potential inside you. Living in ‘partial alignment’ to your Peacemaker type means you never really unlock or access your innate strengths, talents and gifts that can manifest an amazing life you…full of wealth and abundance You’re like a Ferrari stuck in first gear. You have the potential to manifest unlimited abundance, but partial alignment to your ‘Peacemaker Type’ means attracting money and financial stability is very difficult for you. Life can be full of bad luck and disappointments for someone living out of alignment to their Peacemaker type. You may experience constant missed opportunities like not getting that promotion or pay rise. You may be living pay check to pay check…and never really feeling like you have enough for life’s luxuries, like holidays, travel, or meals out. The home of your dreams or financial security may seem like a pipe dream. Maybe you’re stuck in a job you hate or find really boring, or with a boss or work colleagues you don’t care for. You may long for a career or life purpose that really makes you feel fulfilled and pays you what you’re worth. You may still be waiting for your soul mate to come into your life and enrich it. When in partial alignment to the Peacemaker type-it’s difficult to attract the right kind of person into your life-who will support you and help you grow. These are all the common experiences for people like you-in level 2 alignment to their Peacemaker type. To better understand where you are right now- and the unlimited potential you have hidden inside…we need to look at… The 3 Levels Of Alignment To The Enneagram Peacemaker Type Level 1 people (not aligned) These people are not aligned to their Peacemaker type in any way. (not even partially aligned like you) In other words…they are living completely at odds with their strengths and weaknesses. Life will NOT be working at all for level ones. It’s a serious uphill battle for them just to get by. Level ones could even be homeless or very close to it. They may struggle to find work or any income at all. Their finances might be a complete mess and they’re in serious debt constantly. Bills go unpaid and worry about money is the sole focus of their lives. Finding loving relationships is difficult, if not impossible for level one people. And then we have… Level 2 people (partially aligned) As you know already- this is YOU… Level 2 people are ‘partially’ aligned to their Peacemaker Enneagram type. While not as bad as level 1 people, level 2 people still seriously struggle to manifest fully, the kind of life they truly desire. And a loving supportive relationship is very hard for them to attract too. And then we have… Level 3 people (fully aligned) Level 3 people are completely aligned to their Peacemaker Enneagram type. They maximise their earning potential in positions, careers and business opportunities that are perfectly aligned to their strengths and weaknesses. As the Billionaire investor Warren Buffet says… ‘People who know the edge of their competency are safe and successful. And those who don’t, Aren’t.’ They also manage their weaknesses very well so they don’t hold them back. Living in alignment like this to your Peacemaker type means your natural talents and abilities can shine through. When you’re using your natural talents and abilities-life can flow easily. It’s like opening the door to all the gifts the universe has to offer you and money just shows up. Or as the Famous American Author …Dean Koontz says: I really believe that everyone has a talent, ability, or skill he can mine to support him and to succeed in life. “How Can I Best Use My Natural Talents and Abilities?”»
What is Shavout?
Toggle navigation Search Browse The Bible Toggle Dropdown Search The Bible Find it! What Is Shavuot and Is it Still Important Today? Bible / Bible Study / Topical Studies / What Is Shavuot and Is it Still Important Today? Blair Parke | Editor for Xulon Press Wednesday, May 13, 2020 Share Tweet Save As we enter into the blooming splendor of spring, there are several different ways that people recognize this time of new hope and growth in the wake of celebrating Easter and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Judaism, festivals are ways to commemorate the time of spring and one festival in particular on the Jewish calendar is that of Shavuot, or what you may know it as Pentecost. Shavuot has been celebrated on the fiftieth day, or on the seventh week since Passover was celebrated. It is clear while reading the Bible that festivals to celebrate new harvest was imperative to the arrival of spring, but what is Shavuot and how is it celebrated today? And since some people have desired to learn more about the traditions of Jewish heritage, what is it about Shavuot that makes it special? Let’s start from the beginning to learn what Shavuot is and conclude with why it is still important to take part in today. What Is Shavuot? The word Shavuot, Shavuos, means “weeks,” while Pentecost comes from the Greek word pentekoste, which means 50th and marks it being the fiftieth day, seven weeks (Omer), since the sheaf offering of the harvest for Passover. It originally began as a festival celebrating agriculture, especially because it is the start of the wheat harvest. Pilgrim festivals, which is what Shavuot originated from, were festivals where male Israelites had to travel to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices at the Temple, which consisted of fresh offerings from their fields. The men would also recite prayers and read psalms that related to the festival being held. During the festival in ancient times, the gifts of two wheat loaves from the new harvest were given to the Holy Temple during Shavuot. This was named Yom ha-Bikkurim, or “Day of the First Fruits.” This year, Shavuot 2020 will be celebrated from the evening of May 28th to the evening of May 30th. This two-day festival falls, for the Hebrew calendar, on Sivan 6-7, which is the Hebrew month equivalent to May and June. In Israel, Shavuot is only celebrated for one day. Shavuot is very special when it comes to the Torah, as Shavuot occurred 3,300 years ago when God gave the Torah to the Jewish people on Mount Sinai. “And when He had made an end of speaking with him on Mount Sinai, He gave Moses two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God,” (Exod. 31:18, NKJV). This historical moment is recognized during each Shavuot, celebrating the Torah as a gift from God that He continues to give each year. How Does One Celebrate Shavuot? The festival is open to all men, women, and children, as the first day of Shavuot has everyone attending the synagogue to hear the Ten Commandments read. People are also supposed to stay up all night the first night of Shavuot reading and learning from the Torah, known as “Tikkun Leil Shavuot.” The reason behind staying up the whole night reading the Torah is to show God the excitement and thankfulness in being given the Torah has not waned these past several thousand years. Holiday candles are lighted by women and girls to recognize Shavuot both nights of the festival. Rest is especially noticed during the festival, as no work is allowed to be done during Shavuot. As for the menu options for Shavuot, it is treated like any other Jewish holiday but with the focus on dairy. Two meals are eaten each day of Shavuot: one meal is dairy, ranging from cheese blintzes and cakes to casseroles and quiches; the other meal is a traditional holiday meal. Dairy is important to have at this time, as it reflects the idea of the Torah as “nourishing milk” from God. For the second day of Shavuot, a memorial service is held, the Yizkor memorial service, with a special memorial prayer said after the reading of the Torah for those who have passed away. Some Jewish communities will also read from the book of Ruth because King David is a descendent from the Moabite Ruth and, as we all know, are also descendants of Jesus. Decorating homes and synagogues with greenery and flowers is another tradition during Shavuot. Although no exact explanation has been given for this custom, several beliefs have circulated on what the greenery represents: Baby Moses’ basket, flowers in the desert, harvest and first fruits, and even fragrant speech from God. There is even a special greeting that is shared among those during Shavuot that denotes a holiday is happening. When greeting one another, each person is to say, “Gut yom tov,” which means “Good, good day” in Hebrew. Little Known Facts about Shavuot -Shavuot actually has four additional names for the same festival: Yom HaBikkurim – “Day of First Fruits”; Chag HaKatzir – “The Harvest Festival”; Atzeret – “The Stoppage” as a way of saying to rest and not work; and Zeman Matan Torah – “Time of the Giving of Our Torah.” -When lighting the candles to celebrate Shavuot, a candle must not have been a created flame just to light the candle but can be lighted from a pre-existing flame, such as one from a candle lit before the holiday, one from a gas range, or a pilot flame. -It is important to have children, even babies, hear the Ten Commandments being read, as the Jewish people promised God, when receiving the Torah, that their guarantors would be their children to cherish and celebrate the Torah from then on. -The day, or days, Shavuot is celebrated to mark not only the day that Moses received the Torah from God but also the day King David died and the Baal Shem Tov, who started the Chassidic movement and passed away during Shavuot as well. Why Is Shavuot Important to All Believers of God? It is evident why Shavuot is important to Jewish people, as the Torah is how they live their lives every day in honor of God and in thanks for His trusting them with such worthy Scripture. Their traditions during Shavuot also remind them of what God gave to them and how it has impacted their lives in so many ways. However, we should see Shavuot as important to all those who believe in God, as this commemorates His love and guidance to His people in one of their most desperate hours. Writings of the Torah make up part of the Bible (such as the book of Exodus), which all Christians live by and believe come straight from God. When Shavuot occurs each year, we should reflect and be thankful for what God has given us, especially His Word. It is another time we can step away from our busy, me-focused lives and reflect on the loving God who chose to come down to us and gave us life-changing literature we forever have in our lives. Shavuot demonstrates that we need to make time for God regularly, remembering what He gave to us not only through the Bible but through His son, Jesus Christ, on the cross. As we set aside these special times with God, we grow to know Him more personally and experience Him on a deeper level than we ever had before. Photo credit: ©GettyImages/happy_lark Blair Parke is a freelance writer for BibleStudyTools.com and editor for Xulon Press. A graduate of Stetson University with a Bachelor’s in Communications, Blair previously worked as a writer/editor for several local magazines in the Central Florida area, including Celebration Independent and Lake Magazine in Leesburg, Florida and currently freelances for the Southwest Orlando Bulletin. Around The Web Ads by Revcontent Drink This Before Bed, Watch Your Body Fat Melt Like Crazy Healthier Living Club 12x Better Than Solar Panels? Prepper’s Invention Takes Country by Storm! Easy Power Plan You May Want to Catch Breast Cancer Signs As Early As Possible Cancer | Sponsored Links Bible Verses about Coronavirus: Scriptures on Pandemic & Plagues 4 Signs Your Heart Is Quietly Failing You PhysioTru Load More You may also like Federal Judge Says Kansas Churches Can Hold Worship Services despite 10 Person Gathering Limit Story Behind Pic From September 11 Photos That Was So Sad, Newspapers Only Published It Once ‘Ugly’ Baby Left In Hospital Honors The Mom Who Didn’t Want Him Ads by Revcontent Drink This Before Bed, Watch Your Body Fat Melt Like Crazy Healthier Living Club Featured Verse Topics Healing Bible Verses Worry and Anxiety Bible Verses Prayer Bible Verses Bible Verses for Overcoming Grief Comforting Bible Verses Bible Verses About Protection God’s Promises – Verses in the Bible Bible Verses For Faith in Hard Times Encouraging Bible Verses Hope Bible Verses Friendship Bible Verses Forgiveness Bible Verses Strength Bible Verses Love Bible Verses Inspirational Bible Verses About Online Bible Sitemap Link to Us Advertise with Us Feedback Proud member of Salem Media Group. Copyright © 2020, Bible Study Tools. All rights reserved. Article Images Copyright © 2020 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Do Not Sell My Info (CA only)
Behold the Lamb of God
Today’s Scripture “…The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!…” (John 1:29, NKJV) The Lamb of God In the Old Testament, the only way to have forgiveness for sins was to sacrifice an animal. Every year on the Day of Atonement, the high priest would offer a sacrifice for his sins and the sins of all the people. If the sacrifice met all the requirements, their sins would be taken away, and they would be covered until the next year’s Day of Atonement sacrifice. This was an ongoing process of temporary forgiveness. Jesus is the Lamb of God who actually takes away our sin. Now we can live with the confidence that all our sins—past, present, and future—have not just been covered, but they have been washed away by the power of His blood and death on the cross. We have an everlasting release. The price has already been paid, and you are forgiven. Don’t go around feeling guilty, condemned, trying to pay God back for your mistakes. Receive His forgiveness, receive His mercy, receive His love. A Prayer for Today “Father, thank You that I am forgiven, thank You that I am redeemed by the blood of Your Son, Jesus. Thank You that the price for my sins has been paid once and for all. I receive Your love and forgiveness and refuse to live under guilt and condemnation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.” MIRACLES OUT OF MISTAKES 3 Inspiring Messages from Joel! Through this resource, you will be encouraged to move past regret and shame. Your mistakes don’t stop or cancel your purpose. Allow God to correct the complications and resolve the complex issues. OUR THANKS FOR A GIFT OF ANY AMOUNT REQUEST YOURS NOW! ► Follow Us This email is intended for hopkinsanthony33@gmail.com. To unsubscribe from this email list, click remove. To ensure delivery to your mailbox, please add devotional@goto.joelosteen.com to your address book of approved senders. View this email online. Share this email © 2020 Joel Osteen Ministries | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE
The Spirit of Fear
Spiritual Growth and Christian Living Resources Toggle navigation 7 Signs You’re Being Controlled by the Spirit of Fear Leah Lively Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer 2020 7 May Today, many people in the world are facing a greater fear than they have ever felt in their lifetime. Crises of all kinds, and abundant misinformation, is taking our sanity on a never-ending roller coaster ride. Our world has never felt less peace-filled and more fear-filled. Fear is not a new concept in our world. From the beginning of Scripture and throughout its pages, fear is present and acted upon. While fear may always be a part of our lives, how we respond to our fear is what matters the most. It is easy to become controlled by a spirit of fear. God has a calling for your life and a spirit of fear will hold you back from fulfilling that calling. Paul writes to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” Let’s take a look at seven signs you are being controlled by the spirit of fear: Photo Credit: ©Pexels Andrea Piacquadio 1. Fear Becomes a Prison Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. – Genesis 3:8 CSB God created Adam and Eve to have a relationship with them. They freely walked and talked with God throughout their days. Adam and Eve did not need to hide from God as they had yet to experience sin. Fear did not enter the world until Adam and Eve chose to disobey God and bite into the forbidden fruit. Once they sinned and disobeyed God, their sin created a prison of fear as they covered their bodies and physically hid from Him. They feared his response to their sin. They feared their new awareness of sin. They became imprisoned by fear, unable to experience the freedom of their relationship with God. When fear takes over, we want to hide from everyone, especially God. Our fear keeps us in bondage. Whether we are fearful of the future, becoming ill, or experience job loss—fear can control us to the point of turning away and hiding from God. Through prayer and worship in God’s presence, you can shift your eyes to the One who helps you move out of the shadows of fear into the light of freedom. Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/tommaso79 2. Fear Makes You Lose Your Focus And Noah did everything the Lord commanded him. – Genesis 7:5 CSB The story of Noah relates closely to the COVID-19 pandemic. His family was in forced social isolation for 40 days. That’s not even the most fear-inducing element of the story. While his family was in quarantine on a massive boat, God destroyed everything outside of the walls except for the animals Noah was also living with. There would be rain for 40 days, which had never happened on the earth before this point. Rain was a foreign concept to the people of that time as water had only come from the ground, not the sky. Despite all the unknown circumstances, the word fear is never mentioned. God didn’t even tell Noah “Don’t be afraid” as he does other people of the Bible. We do know that Noah found favor with the Lord, walked with God, did everything the Lord commanded, and was righteous before God. While Noah most likely was afraid (as any human would be), he didn’t allow it to be his focus. Noah’s focus remained on God so that he could be obedient to God’s call on his life. Sometimes the enemy uses fear to remove our focus on what God may be calling us to do during a difficult season. Instead of focusing on fear, serve those around you. Collect food for a local food pantry to distribute to school children who are unable to get their normal meals at school. Send cards to a senior living facility or a gift card to a needy family. Focus on loving others instead of your fear. It’s an act of obedience to God. Photo Credit: ©GettyImages 3. Fear Makes You Listen to Outside Influences No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will not leave you or abandon you. – Joshua 1:5 CSB In the Bible, God tells Joshua to be brave, strong, and not be afraid more than any other character in the Bible. Joshua had plenty of reasons to be afraid. Their great leader, Moses, had died and it was now Joshua’s job to lead the Israelites into battle with many nations who were larger and stronger. The Israelites complained about leaving slavery in Egypt and how difficult it would be to conquer these nations. The strength of other nations was intimidating. Joshua had a major task in front of him, but God reassured him that He would be with Joshua. Had Joshua listened to outside influences and allow his fear to control him, he would not have reached the promised land, fulfilling God’s plan for His people. The voices of the world are loud. Whenever you choose a path opposite of the majority opinion, outside influences will try to speak truth into your life. Going against the crowd can be fearful if you are not confident in your leader. Joshua trusted God’s leadership in his life. God had taken them from slavery, safely through the Red Sea, and provided nourishment in the wilderness. Joshua trusted that God would help them conquer their enemies. The path of following God is never easy, but fear can cause you to turn your ear to those who are not on the same path. Photo Credit: ©Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio 4. Fear Creates Obstacles Lord God, what can you give me since I am childless? – Genesis 15:2 CSB The first time God’s commandment of, “Do not be afraid” is recorded in the Bible is when he was talking to Abram. Abram obeyed God by leaving his home and traveling to an unknown land. As Abram settled in the area, he faced difficulties with the Pharaoh of Egypt, his nephew Lot, and the king of Sodom. Each time, God brought him through with abundant blessings. While Abram could have felt fear in all of this, God only addresses his fear when Abram questions the fulfillment of a covenant God made with him. God promised that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. This seemed impossible since Abram and his wife were without any children and were well past child-bearing years. Abram’s fear created an obstacle to believing God’s promise. God’s promises throughout the Bible are abundant. Are you allowing your fear to create an obstacle to believing God’s promises for you? He promises never to leave or abandon you (Hebrews 13:5 CSB). God says He knows the plans He has for you, plans for your well-being not for disaster (Jeremiah 29:11 CSB). Do not allow whatever fear you are experiencing to create an obstacle to believing God. He is greater than any fear you will face. Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Dilok Klaisataporn 5. Fear Can Keep You From Facing the Battle You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out and face them, for the Lord is with you. – 2 Chronicles 20:17 CSB King Jehoshaphat of Judah was one of the few kings who followed God as King David did. When he was afraid of war with enemies of Judah that were too many in number to conquer, he “resolved to seek the Lord” (2 Chronicles 20:3). He called everyone to fasting and prayer, then before the people, he cried out to God: “We do not know what to do, but we will look to you” (2 Chronicles 20:12). Jehoshaphat admitted their weakness and committed to looking to God for victory. Despite his fear, he was ready to stand and face the battle before him. Our world is full of battles. Global pandemics, broken relationships, and chronic illnesses can seem too great a foe to conquer. Just like Jehoshaphat, you must admit your weakness, position yourself before God, and face the war. God will do the fighting, look to Him to guide you into the next step to take in the battle before you. Ask God to help you stand and face your war, trusting Him to fight to victory. Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/fizkes 6. Fear Causes Doubt You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time. – Luke 1:20 CSB Zechariah, the priest, and his wife Elizabeth had been praying for a child. The angel Gabriel visited Zechariah to let him know that Elizabeth would be having a son. The visit from an angel of God was not convincing enough for Zechariah for him to believe him. Zechariah asks, “How can I know this?” (Luke 1:18). This fear of the unknown caused Zechariah to be stricken mute for the entire duration of the pregnancy. He could not share this news with anyone, especially his wife. Your fear can create doubt making you believe your circumstances will never change or God is not sovereign (all-knowing and in full control). As a priest, Zechariah goes to the temple to care for it and oversee sacrifices made to the Lord. He was immersed in the presence of God daily yet doubted God’s messenger. Fear causes you to doubt God’s Word in the Bible and doubt the wisdom of your pastor’s Sunday message. Doubt hinders you from believing God is who He says He is. Zechariah’s son was John the Baptist who prepared the people for the coming Messiah. Some of John’s followers became Jesus’ disciples. If you find your fear causing doubt, ask God for more faith. Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Bartek Szewczyk 7. Fear Makes You Forget God’s Truth The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said.” – Matthew 28:5-6 After Jesus Christ was arrested, the disciples scattered and hid in fear for their own lives. Only the women and John remained at the foot of the cross. On the third day after He was laid in the tomb, the women continued their service to their rabbi by preparing to anoint his body. The women were afraid when the earth shook, and an angel appeared. The angel reminded the women that Jesus has risen, just as he said. In the time leading up to his death, Jesus told his followers multiple times that he would rise on the third day. The disciples’ fear caused them to stay hidden instead of walking to the tomb with the women. Jesus had prepared them all for this moment, yet their fear made them forget his words. God’s truth can be forgotten when you allow your fear to cloud His words. Challenges of life can create fear and makes you not remember the truth He has spoken into your life. The moments when God said “yes” make you wonder if you really heard Him correctly when a situation becomes difficult and fear takes over. The gift of God’s peace is tested when circumstances fill you with fear. Throughout your lifetime, you will continue to experience fear. Despite this guarantee, you cannot allow it to take over. Through God’s Word and prayer, you can turn your eyes to Him. He can help you step into His presence and not hide from Him. Through focusing on God and not fear you can step out in obedience as you love and serve those around you. While fear can keep you from remembering God’s promises, trust that He will fulfill the promises He has for you. God will fight whatever battle is ahead of you. Stand before Him, acknowledging your weakness, and face the battle. Fear may cause you to question or forget God’s words and His faithfulness in your past. Remember the ways He has cared for you and focus on the truth of His Word. Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Halfpoint Leah Lively is a wife and mother of four living in central Virginia. Through writing and speaking opportunities, she is passionate about encouraging others in learning more about the Bible and maturing in their faith. Leah writes on her blog at leahlivelyblog.com as well as 30-day Bible studies on specific books of the Bible. Her second study, 30 Days in Acts – A Journey: Igniting the Flame of the Early Church releases May 19, 2020. Drink This Before Bed, Watch Your Body Fat Melt Like Crazy Healthier Living Club Sponsored by Revcontent Find Out More > 15,781 NEXT: Prayers for Birthdays, Graduates, and Grieving during the COVID-19 Crisis About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use Crosswalk App Do Not Sell My Info (CA Only)
The Meaning of Matthew 6:33
Living Light Daily Devotional First Love By Touching Lives with Dr. James Merritt “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” Matthew 6:33 A mother curled up on the bed with her little 5-year-old daughter. Together they watched the movie, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” She was so excited when the story was over. Her dad came home from work and she ran out to greet him and said, “Dad, can I tell you the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs?” He said, “Sure.” She started telling the story and then she gets down to where the prince kisses Snow White and she awakens from her deep sleep. Then the little girl said, “Daddy, do you know what happened then?” The dad, knowing how fairy tales always end, said, “Sure! They lived happily ever after.” She said, “Oh no, daddy…they got married. ” Is it really possible to get married and live happily ever after? It is not only possible, but it is the will of God. If it is God’s will for all marriages to be happy, then why is the reality that so many are not? A recent survey said that 75% of married people would describe their marriage as less than happy. Scores of young adults, terrified of committing to marriage and ending up miserable, are instead opting to live together first to “try things out” before making a life-long commitment. Or, they are choosing to live together without ever marrying, believing that they, “don’t need a piece of paper to show that we love each other.” The truth is, however, that being happily married is not about finding the right person. It is about being the right person. And becoming the right person begins with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is impossible to have a marriage that honors and glorifies God without Christ at its center. Each person individually must be surrendered to live within marriage in the way that God says to live. This involves loving one another through service, forgiveness, kindness, understanding, respect, and physical intimacy, just to name a few. Why aren’t more marriages happy ones? The answer is that too many married people aren’t first in love with Jesus. A deep, growing relationship with Him will always lead to enriched relationships with others…and none more so than marriage. Dear Jesus, help me to understand that I must first love and commit to you and your ways before I can commit to another person. Teach me every day to know you more and more because this will help me become closer to those I love. Read in browser » Recent Articles: Deus Ex Machina A Clear Conscious Clean Conduct The Platform of Suffering Complete Confidence Prayer Request Email TL Staff Donate Now Share Tweet Forward This email was sent to hopkinsanthony33@gmail.com why did I get this? unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences Touching Lives, Inc. · 1800 Satellite Blvd · Duluth, GA 30097 · USA
