May 6, 2024 … Trust And Obey …

May 6, 2024 …  Trust And Obey   …      

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...  Please take the time to take in this song with lyrics with Big Daddy Weave singing … Trust and Obey … Powerfully singing of how we Christians are to trust and obey in following His will and His ways in life.

 

We TRUST and OBEY ... 

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Highlight Passage: … John 14:21 [NLT] … 

21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”           

…  Jesus assures His disciples, and all born-again believers, that He will reveal Himself and His ways to all who trust and obey to follow His word.                                                    

Highlight Passage (in context): … John 14:15-23 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …  

… Jesus assures His disciples in the upper room right before His predicted death that those who love Him and obey His word will be cared for by God’s Spirit … ALWAYS!                                     

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Reference Passage: … Proverbs 3:5-6 [NLT] … 

5 Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart;  do not depend on your own understanding.  6  Seek His will in ALL you do, and He will show you which path to take. 

… Solomon shows God’s people that they (we) must avoid trusting in our our own ways of seeing things and bring them to God to obey Him and follow His directions. 

Reference Passage: … Isaiah 1:19-20 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …   

… God’s word thru Isaiah promises the Lord’s protection for those who trust and follow Him.              

Reference Passage: … Acts 5:27-29 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …  

… Jesus’ disciple gave witness to the Jewish high council that that were bound by their trust in God to follow HIM rather than to follow the ungodly directions of mankind.           

 

Reference Passage: … 1Peter 1:14 [NLT] …  

14 So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. 

…The Apostle Peter exhorts fellow Christians to be obedient children of God and to follow God’s ways rather than our own desires. 

Reference Passage: … 1John 5:3 [NLT] … 

 3 Loving God means keeping His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome. 

…The Apostle John shows that the ones who really love God follow His commandments. 

My Devotional Journal: Today’s Our Daily Bread  Author, Xochitl Dixon -  AT THIS LINK  -    wrote about having a moment of reflection during her wedding ceremony, reacting with rebellion to the word “obey” in the wedding vows.  Yes, the OBD author said, “I do” to the vows; but since that  rebellious moment, she has come to realize that the word “obey” in scripture <b>(see passages above)</b> refers to being in surrender to follow God’s will rather than our own flesh.     

Today, as I take in the reflections of God’s word and the linked song above, I’ve come to the realization that trusting in God’s truth (i.e, His word) to lead me in life shows my love for my Lord rather than trying to fight thru life on my own accord.  So I pray all of us have taken on a “trust and obey” attitude and are surrendered to follow God’s way thru His word … EVERY DAY!          

My THANKFULNESS:.. Oh, Abba Father, thank You, King Jesus, …for loving me by showing Your way in life thru Your word.. 

My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... . I pray. again today, that all reading here will join me today, … to show our love for You, Lord, by following Your word.    … 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.

May 3, 2024 … Prayer Makes A Difference …

May 3, 2024 …  Prayer Makes A Difference  …     

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...  Please take the time to take in this song with lyrics with Matthew West singing … Don’t Stop Praying … Powerfully singing of how we Christians are charged to never stop praying to God for His empowering mercy and grace.    

Earnest and faithful prayer matters !!

  

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Highlight Passage: … 2Kings 20:2-3 [NLT] … 

2 When Hezekiah heard this, he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, 3 “Remember, O Lord, how I have always been faithful to You and have served you single-mindedly, always doing what pleases You.” Then he broke down and wept bitterly.            

…  When Hezekiah, suffering from illness, learned of Isaiah’s prophesy of his death, he wept and prayed to God Who granted Judah’s king fifteen more years.                                                    

Highlight Passage (in context): … 2Kings 20:1-6 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK … 

… At the prophesy of his death from an illness, Hezekiah prays for Healing mercies, which God granted fifteen more years.                                                                

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Reference Passage: … Psalm 61:1-3  [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …   

… King David’s desperate prayer for deliverance and protection for God’s people.         

Reference Passage: … Proverbs 3:5-6 [NLT] …  

5 Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart;  do not depend on your own understanding.  6  Seek His will in ALL you do, and He will show you which path to take 

… Solomon shows God’s people that we must avoid trusting in our our own ways of seeing things and bring them to God for His direction.      

Reference Passage: … Marl 11:24 [NLT] …  

24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.</i> 

… Jesus teaches His disciples the power of FAITHFUL prayer.         

 

Reference Passage: … Ephesians 6:18 [NLT] … 

18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere </i> 

…The Apostle Paul exhorts fellow Christians to be in persistent and faithful prayer, believing in and trusting in God for deliverance and for God’s empowering grace. 

Reference Passage: … Philippians 4:6-7 [NLT] … 

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. </i> 

…The Apostle Paul also teaches fellow Christians to take ALL our worries and concerns to God in thankful prayer to receive God’s peace.

Reference Passage: … James 5:16 [NLT] … 

16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. 

… James, the half brother of Jesus, teaches about the power of earnest prayer by any humble and righteous person. 

My Devotional Journal: Today’s Our Daily Bread  Author, Karen Pimpo -  AT THIS LINK  -  tells of the  ongoing effectiveness of a prayer card ministry in the author’s church which touches the lives of many people, who write their prayer requests on cards which are returned to the participant showing that some fellow Christian prayed for the requesting brother or sister in Christ.  And the ODB author attested as to the effectiveness and power of the prayer ministry.     

And to my fellow Christians, reading here with me today, I’m praying - RIGHT NOW - that you agree with the plea of Matthew West in the linked song and in the truth of the Scriptures shared above … that the prayers of God’s faithful, born-again believers, really makes a difference because God hears the prayers of His faithful prayer warriors.  So, what are we, as fellow Christians, praying for today?                                                                 

My THANKFULNESS:: ... Oh, Abba Father, thank You, King Jesus, …thank You for ALWAYS hearing my prayers. 

My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... . I pray. again today, that all reading here will join me today, … to take our concerns and cares to You in prayer, 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.

May 2, 2024 … Trusting In Our Creator …

May 2, 2024 …  Trusting In Our Creator …      

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...  Please take the time to take in this song with lyrics with Chris Brown, from the group Elevation Worship, singing … Trust In God … Poignantly and yet powerfully singing of how our Creator God has given His beloved mankind a way. thru our trust in Jesus, to be saved from our selfishness and sin.   

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Highlight Passage: … John 3:16 [NLT] … 

16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Hm will not perish but have eternal life.            

…  Jesus declares to Nicodemus (and all mankind) of God’s willingness, as our Creator, to give of His everything, in His Son, to save any/all who would believe in Him as our Savior.                                                     

Highlight Passage (in context): … John 3:10-17 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …  

… Jesus reveals to Nicodemus (and all mankind) of the reality of God being willing, as our Creator, to give up His Son to save mankind from their (our) sin.                                                    

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Reference Passage: … Joshua 1:9  [NLT] …  

9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”    

… God commands Joshua (and all of us) to cast away all fear and trust that God, our Creator, will be with him (and all who believe in God) ALWAYS.          

Reference Passage: … Psalm 37:4-5, 56:3  [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …  

… God’s promise thru His Psalmist, of God’s faithful watch care over all He created, especially mankind.       

Reference Passage: … Proverbs 3:5-6 [NLT] … 

5 Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart;  do not depend on your own understanding.  6  Seek His will in ALL you do, and He will show you which path to take. 

… Solomon assures fellow believers that God will show the way, His way, to go when we trust completely in Him.    

Reference Passage: … Matthew 6:25 [NLT] …  

25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life — whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?

… Jesus teaches, in His sermon on the mount, that God, as our Creator, provides all we need when we trust in Him.       

Reference Passage: … Hebrews 13:8 [NLT] …  

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

…God’s word clearly states that God, our Lord and our creator, NEVER changes.

My Devotional Journal: Today’s Our Daily Bread  Author, Monica La Rose -  AT THIS LINK  -  uses the classic novel created by Mary Shelley which depicts the character of scientist Victor Frankenstein as the “monster” creator of another monster who could not provide his monstrous creation with any support or guidance. And so the monster “Frankenstein” turns on his creator.   

And that “creation” illustrates the exact opposite from the Creator of mankind, our loving God, who would - and will -  NEVER leave or forsake mankind as Hie beloved creation.   BUT .. it is only those who trust in our Creator and seek to follow Him faithfully, as described in the Scriptures above, who will receive His watch care and saving grace,   I know that I am one of those; … are You?                                                               

My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh, Abba Father, thank You, King Jesus, …thank You for providing me with Your love/grace as I trust in You ALWAYS.   

My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... . I pray. again today, that all reading here will join me today, … to trust and follow You always, 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.

May 1, 2024 … The Authority of Our Lord …

May 1, 2024 …  The Authority of Our Lord …      

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...  Please take the time to take in this song with lyrics from the group Elevation Worship singing … Authority … Poignantly and yet powerfully singing of how Jesus, our Lord, has authority over all things in this world and our lives. 

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Highlight Passage: … Matthew 28:18 [NLT] … 

18 Jesus came and told His disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. ,,  

…  Jesus declares to His remaining disciples (and to all Christians) that He, Jesus, has authority over all things from God, the Father.                                                   

Highlight Passage (in context)  … Matthew 28:16-20 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …  

… Jesus, before returning to heaven after the resurrection appears to His 11 remaining disciples and declares that His authority from God, the Father in heaven will be imparted by Him, thru His Spirit, to carry out God’s commission for those who believe and follow His will and His way.         

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Reference Passage: … Mark 1:27  [NLT] …   

27 Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. “What sort of new teaching is this?” they asked excitedly. “It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!”     

… Late in Jesus’ earthly ministry, His followers were amazed at the authority Jesus appeared to have in healing sickness, casting out demons, and even raising the dead to life.        

Reference Passage: … John 5:25-27, 10:18  [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …   

… Jesus assures His followers that His authority as the Son of God and The Son of Man comes from God, the Father.      

Reference Passage: … John 16:33 [NLT] …  

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 assures his worried disciples that He will give them peace and power to deal with the influences of this world.  

Reference Passage: … Acts 1:8 [NLT] …  

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”.  

… Jesus declares that born-again Christians have been given empowering grace from Christ to be His witnesses in this world.      

 

Reference Passage: … Hebrews 13:8 [NLT] …  

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  

…God’s word clearly states that the authority of Christ over all mankind and all creation will NEVER change.  

My Devotional Journal: Today’s Our Daily Bread  Author, James Banks -  AT THIS LINK  -   wrote about his worries for his son, Geoff, who had been delivered to freedom from drug addiction but that Satan has great power in the world to bring about destructive influences into our human weaknesses.  But Goeff assured his dad, the ODB author today, that He had Christ leading his life now, saying to his dad about Satan, … “He has power but he has NO authority!”  

And being one whom Christ is delivering from a behavioral addiction to sexual sin, I needed that assurance from God’s word and the linked song today (and all days) … that Jesus, my Lord, and Savior is the same ALWAYS … with God empowered grace to lead me from my weaknesses to His glory and out from any dark influences in my life thru the light of His authority.   Perhaps you, or some of my readers today, need to dwell on the truths in today’s Scriptures as well.                 

My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh, Abba Father, thank You, King Jesus, …for Your grace today for any of us needing Your authority and power today.  

My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... . I pray. again today, that all reading here will join me today, … to claim and use Your authority, Lord, over the challenges we face today.    … 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.