April 5, 2024 … His Presence Is Forever …

April 5, 2024 …  His Presence Is Forever …      

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...   Please take the time to take in this song with lyrics from the group Elevation Worship singing … Here In The Presence …  Poignantly and powerfully singing of how we Christians are ALWAYS in God’s presence.       

Always in His presence ... 

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Highlight Passage: …  Ecclesiastes 3:11 [NLT] …  

11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.      

… God has planted the opportunity in the hearts of all mankind to seek and find a portion, but never all, of God’s glory.                                      

Highlight Passage (in context): … Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 … USE THIS LINK …  

… Solomon relates God’s promise of always being in the heats of those who truly believe in Him and follow His will and ways.                                

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Reference Passage: … Exodus 33:14 … 

14 The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.”

…God’s promise to ALWAYS be with Moses and to care for God’s people.  

Reference Passage: …  Psalms 16:11, 139:7 (NLT)  ... USE THIS LINK … </b> 

… God’s promise, thru King David’s song, that He, The LORD, will ALWAYS be with His faithful remnant of believers.       

<b><u>Reference Passage:</u> …  Proverbs 3:5-6 … </b> ...  USE THIS LINK … 

… God’s Spirit, thru Solomon, calls for believers to trust and follow the Lord WHEREVER He leads them (us) under God’s protective care. 

 Reference Passage:  … Jeremiah 29:13 … </b> 

13  If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.

…God’s promise thru Jeremiah that God’s people will find God present WHENEVER they look for Him.

Reference Passage: … Matthew 18:20 … (NLT) … USE THIS LINK … 

… Jesus promise to be with all born-again Christians … ALWAYS!! 

                   

My Devotional Journal: Today’s Our Daily Bread  Author, Dave Brandon -  AT THIS LINK -   tells of a young college student, Monique, who struggled in life but perceived fellow students who were joyful in their Christian faith, … misunderstanding that following Christ wasn’t a “do this and don’t do this” life.  Once a friend showed here that following Christ was simply receiving God’s presence and finding a new heart, she surrendered her life to be in God’s presence ALWAYS.  

And if my readers today have taken in the linked song and meditated on the Scriptures above, and you know and believe in God’s presence as our Emmanuel (i.e., God with us), isn’t it wonderful to be in our Lord’s presence 24/7 - 365 … i.e., ALWAYS? That's what God is for me; and I pray He’s that for you?   If not, you can email me @ billb13@icloud.com and I’ll help you find your way to be with God ALWAYS and FOREVER.                                

My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh, Abba Father, thank You, King Jesus, … for being in my heart ALWAYS.          

My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... . I pray. again today, that all reading here will join me today, … to lavish being with You, Lord, … always and forever!   … Amen

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Blogger Note:  Everyday during this year, my daily devotional blogs are influenced by the reading and study of the online devotional blog entitled “Our Daily Bread,” distributed online via email by RBC Ministries.  If you GO TO THIS LINK on the date of my blog, you can read/study the ODB blogs; or you can subscribe to the blog via email at that site.

April 4, 2024 … Safety In God’s Arms …

April 4, 2024 …  Safety In God’s Arms  …       

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...  Please take the time to take in this song with lyrics from Cece Winans singing … The Goodness of God …  Poignantly and powerfully singing of how we Christians are covered by the safety of God’s loving and protective grace.     

Lifted up by the arms of our Lord ... 

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Highlight Passage: …  Psalms 91:15 [NLT] …  

15 When they call on Me, I … [The LORD] … will answer; I will be with them in trouble.  I will rescue and honor them.             

… God’s promise, thru Moses and/or King David of The LORD”S protection of God’s faithful followers.                                     

Highlight Passage (in context): … Psalms 91:1-2, 14-16 … USE THIS LINK …  

… A song of God’s promise of protection to those who love and faithfully surrender to The Lord’s watch-care.                                

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Reference Passage: … Deuteronomy 33:12 (NLT) …  

12 Moses said about the tribe of Benjamin, …  “The People of Benjamin are loved by the LORD and live in safety beside Him.  He surrounds them continuously and preserves them from every harm.”  

…God’s promise to watch over His faithful remnant of believers with His watch-care of protection.

Reference Passage: …  Psalms 121:5-8 … (NLT) ... USE THIS LINK …  

… God’s promise, thru King David’s song, that He, The LORD, ALWAYS watches over His faithful remnant of believers.      

Reference Passage: …  Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) … USE THIS LINK … 

… God’s Spirit, thru Solomon, calls for believers to trust and follow the Lord WHEREVER He leads them (us) under God’s protective care.  

 

Reference Passage: … Isaiah 41:10 … </b> 

10 Don’t be afraid for I AM with you.  Don’t be discouraged for I AM your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. 

…God’s promise thru Isaiah of God’s eternal watch-care of strength and protection. 

Reference Passage: … Matthew 28:20 … (NLT) … </b> 

20 “… And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”   

… Jesus promise to be with all born-again Christians they (we) carry our His Great Commission. 

Reference Passage: … John 16:33 … (NLT) … </b> 

33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” 

… Jesus promises His disciples (and all faithful Christians), who will be (and are) encountering trials and troubles in the world that He, The LORD has overcome the world.  

                   

My Devotional Journal:: Today’s Our Daily Bread  Author, Leslie Koh -  AT THIS LINK  tells of a little girl going to see the dentist was terrified when she heard the sound of the dentist’s drill.  But the Dentist had the girl’s father sit in the dentist’s chair and hold the girl in his lap; which called the child as the dentist did his work.  

With that ODB story as a backdrop, I love the attached photo as it depicts any of us who are broken and held in the protective and restorative ams of Jesus.  That was certainly me in 1983 when I surrendered in my brokenness to be lifted out of my past weakness by the strength and loving arms of my LORD and SAVIOR.  Perhaps some of you reading here with me right now can identify with being held up by our Lord.  I’m stopping here - right now - to pray for you as you take in the linked song and meditate on the Scriptures shared above.                               

My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh, Abba Father, thank You, King Jesus, … for ALWAYS lifting me up when I need Your strength.          

My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... . I pray. again today, that all reading here will join me today, … to surrender and be lifted by Your strength, Lord.  … Amen

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Blogger Note: Everyday during this year, my daily devotional blogs are influenced by the reading and study of the online devotional blog entitled “Our Daily Bread,” distributed online via email by RBC Ministries.  If you GO TO THIS LINK on the date of my blog, you can read/study the ODB blogs; or you can subscribe to the blog via email at that site.

April 3, 2024 … Hearing His Voice …

April 3, 2024 …  Hearing His Voice  …      

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...   Please take the time to take in this song with lyrics from Patrick Mayberry, featuring Zahriya Zachery, singing … Lead On, Good Shepherd …  Poignantly and powerfully singing of how we Christians hear our Good Shepherd’s voice and trusting to follow Him WHEREVER He leads.   

How I hear you, Lord! ... 

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Highlight Passage: … John 10:3 [NLT] …  

3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for Him, and the sheep recognize His voice and come to Him. He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.             

… Jesus calls His flock and the follow Him, … recognizing His voice.                                    

Highlight Passage (in context): … John 10:1-11, 16-27 … USE THIS LINK … 

… Jesus shows that HE is our Good Shepherd, Who opens the Gate, leading His flock, who follow His voice, to His glorious pasture.                              

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Highlight Passage (in context): …  Proverbs 3:5-6 …  USE THIS LINK … 

… God’s Spirit, thru Solomon, calls for believers to trust and follow the Lord WHEREVER He leads them (us).  

Highlight Passage (in context): …  Jeremiah 33:3 … (NLT) … 

3 Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.  

… God promises His people to show them wonderful things in the future if we are willing to ask and follow Him.    

Highlight Passage (in context): …  Luke 11:28 … 

28 “Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”  

…Jesus shows that those who hear His voice, thru the Word of God, and follow Him will be blessed by The Lord.

Highlight Passage (in context): …  John 8:47, 14:26 … (NLT) … USE THIS LINK …   

… Jesus teaches His born-again followers that He will lead those who love and follow His voice thru His words of truth (i.e., God’s word).    

Highlight Passage (in context): … Revelation 3:20 … (NLT) …  

20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.   

… Jesus promises to bless those who hear His voice and open the door to His fellowship.                     

My Devotional Journal: Today’s Our Daily Bread  Author, Xochitl Dixon-  AT THIS LINK -   wrote about a little deaf baby being fitted for his first hearing aid; … and when the aid was turned on, the baby quit crying immediately and radiated a smile, hearing his mother’s voice for the first time calming and encouraging her little child.      

Can you remember, when you first began to really know the Lord and you began to really hear and follow the Lord’s voice, perhaps thru a mentor or from really hearing God’s Spirit lead you thru His Holy Word.  I do; …  and I still come to my quiet place here every day to listen to my Good Shepherd lead me thru His word.  And I join with today’s linked song, by saying “Lead on, Good Shepherd, … lead on!” … I hear Your voice, Lord, thru Your word, and I will follow You forever!  … Do you hear Him calling, my friend?   I pray so!!                               

My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh, Abba Father, thank You, King Jesus, … for calling me to follow You, Lord, thru Your word.          

My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... . I pray. again today, that all reading here will join me today, … to seek to really hear You, Lord, thru Your word, and then following You EVERYWHERE You lead us.  … Amen

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Blogger Note:  Everyday during this year, my daily devotional blogs are influenced by the reading and study of the online devotional blog entitled “Our Daily Bread,” distributed online via email by RBC Ministries.  If you GO TO THIS LINK on the date of my blog, you can read/study the ODB blogs; or you can subscribe to the blog via email at that site.

April 2, 2024 … Christlike Leadership …

April 2, 2024 …  Christlike Leadership  …      

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...   Please take the time to take in this song with lyrics from The Blythe Family singing … Man of Faith …  Poignantly singing of how a man of faith stands out for all to see God working thru him.    

Aspiring to lead others? ... 

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Highlight Passage: … Psalm72:6 [NLT] … 

6  May the king’s rule be refreshing like spring rain on freshly cut grass, like the showers that water the earth.             

… Solomon desires and prays for his reign as King to refresh God’s people as the rain does the earth.                                   

Highlight Passage (in context): … Psalms 72:1-7 … USE THIS LINK … 

… Solomon, as King, prays for and anointing of integrity as He leads God’s people.                     

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Highlight Passage (in context): …  Deuteronomy 1:13 … 

13 Choose some well-respected men from each tribe who are known for their wisdom and understanding, and I will appoint them as your leaders.’   

… Moses decides to choose leaders from each tribe to lead and judge God’s people before entering the promised land. 

Highlight Passage (in context): …  Proverbs 16:12, 29:14 …  USE THIS LINK … 

… God’s Spirit, thru Solomon, on how to lead God’s people with fairness and justice.  

Highlight Passage (in context): …  Matthew 20:26-27 …  

26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.  

…Jesus shows that a leader must be humble and be willing to serve others.  

Highlight Passage (in context): … Philippians 2:3-5 … USE THIS LINK … 

… Paul charges fellow Christians to take on the attitude of Christ by being willing to think of others before our own desires.                                                                                                                                                                       

Highlight Passage (in context): …  1Timothy 3:1-7… USE THIS LINK …  

… The Apostle Pau instructs Timothy (and all of us) on what it takes to be a Pastor, Elder, or leader of God’s people.                     

 

My Devotional Journal: Today’s Our Daily Bread  Author, Sheridan Voysey -  AT THIS LINK -  wrote about how a number of leaders in the British government, including the Prime Minister of England, who attended a prayer meeting, and ultimately resigned because they were convicted that the government needed more integrity in leading their country.    

And it is so true that anyone who aspires to lead a people or government takes on an enormously important and difficult task and needs to have or develop the qualities which God puts forth in his word (see Scriptures above).  And really, I believe that all Christians should aspire to seek after those qualities to even be followers of our Lord in living the Christian life.  … Do you agree? … And do we have those qualities of humility, fairness, and goodness as we live our lives in following Jesus and potentially leading others?                               

My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh, Abba Father, thank You, King Jesus, … for calling me to rise above myself and to follow Your model in leading others.           

My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... . I pray. again today, that all reading here will join me today, … to seek to become more like You, Lord, and to follow You in leading others.   … Amen

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Blogger Note:  Everyday during this year, my daily devotional blogs are influenced by the reading and study of the online devotional blog entitled “Our Daily Bread,” distributed online via email by RBC Ministries.  If you GO TO THIS LINK on the date of my blog, you can read/study the ODB blogs; or you can subscribe to the blog via email at that site.

April 1, 2024 … Come TOGETHER In Christ …

April 1, 2024 …  Come TOGETHER In Christ …     

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...   Please take the time to take in this song with lyrics from a group of children singing … Encourage One Another …  Poignantly singing of how we Christians must be the encouragement of others to lift each other up in times of trouble.   

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Highlight Passage: … Hebrews 10:24-25 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …         

… God’s people are exhorted and encouraged to come together and encourage one another in times of trial.                                 

Highlight Passage (in context): … Hebrews 10:19-25 … USE THIS LINK …  

… God’s Spirit, thru the Author of Hebrews, calls on fellow Christians to come together to lift each other up in times of trial or persecution.                            

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Highlight Passage (in context): …  Proverbs 12:25, 27:17 …  USE THIS LINK … 

… God’s Spirit, thru Solomon, shows that fellow believers are stronger when they (we) work TOGETHER.  

Highlight Passage (in context): …  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 …  USE THIS LINK … 

… God’s Spirit, thru Solomon, encourages fellow believers to come TOGETHER  to lift each other up and be stronger in times of trial.

Highlight Passage (in context): …  Galatians 6:2 … 

2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ..   

… The Apostle Paull exhorts and encourages fellow Christians to share each others burdens and therefore help each other obey Christ’s law of love. 

Highlight Passage (in context): … Philippians 3:3-5 … USE THIS LINK …  

… Paul also charges fellow Christians to take on the attitude of Christ by being willing to think of others before our own desires.                                                                                                                                                                       

Highlight Passage (in context): …  1Thessalonians 5:11, 14 … USE THIS LINK …   

… Paul continues to call on fellow Christians to encourage and uplift one another, especially when they (we) are feeling weak.                    

 

My Devotional Journal: Today’s Our Daily Bread  Author, Alyson Kieda -  AT THIS LINK -   wrote about how she went thru an extended time of spiritual struggle and pain and at times wondered why she continued going to and participating in her home church.  But she did; and later realized that choosing to be with her brothers and sisters in Christ helped to get her through that time of trial.  

Ever been there?!  … Well, because today’s ODB entry recognizes that we’re al going to go thru times of trouble and trial at times, God’s word from sources like Solomon and the Apostle Paul (see Scriptures above) point us Christians to the truth that going thru such troubled times TOGETHER lifts and carries us thru such times so much more easily than trying to go it alone.

So, … if any of us are forging thru troubled waters these days, be willing to seek out help and encouragement by staying the course of our storms with the help of our fellow Christians and being willing to go thru life TOGETHER in our home church.                           

My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh, Abba Father, thank You, King Jesus, … once again, Lord, I’m uplifted by the truth and direction of Your word.          

My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... . I pray. again today, that all reading here will join me today, … to be lifted up by the encouragement of Your truth, Lord.  … Amen

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Blogger Note:  Everyday during this year, my daily devotional blogs are influenced by the reading and study of the online devotional blog entitled “Our Daily Bread,” distributed online via email by RBC Ministries.  If you GO TO THIS LINK on the date of my blog, you can read/study the ODB blogs; or you can subscribe to the blog via email at that site.