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November 2016
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Happy November! I hope we all have a beautiful and thankful month knowing how super blessed we are. :)Giving Thanks in Everything ~*~ Friday Evening's Devotion
Why would God command us to thank Him regardless of the circumstances? The idea defies human logic. But then, the Lord rarely binds Himself to man-made rules. Scriptural principles serve specific purposes in the Christian’s life. Gratitude keeps us aware of God’s presence, which builds our trust and ultimately strengthens our witness.
We must realize that thankfulness is not based on emotions or a situation’s outcome. We can be grateful, even during trials, because the Lord has promised to work everything for our good (Romans 8:28). That means He has a purpose for every experience, pleasant or difficult. A big problem stacked against our small resources sends us running to Him, thankful He has committed to work it to our benefit.
The believer’s part is to trust God will bring good from trials and to discover His plan, which gives further reason for thanking Him. Understanding His intentions renews our strength for facing difficult trials. Expressing gratefulness changes our attitude about God, ourselves, and our situations. Most people allow hurt and stress to form a pessimistic mindset, which negatively impacts every facet of their life. But believers have God’s Spirit working within to provide courage and a flow of thanksgiving.
When we demonstrate thankfulness in harsh circumstances, other people pay attention. Our coworkers, family, and friends will want for themselves the peace and energy we derive from a grateful relationship with the Lord. So whatever you experience today, go ahead and defy logic—praise God.
*****Overflowing With Gratitude*****
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. (c) 2016 All Rights Reserved.
**I listened to this last night while I was working on my PW, and preparing Thanksgiving stuff for my community, and over at my own journal. He's pulling it straight out of the Bible, y'all. He just talks to you and helps you see and understand. Please try and listen to this. If not today, some time during this time of being thankful. It will help you understand just how truly thankful you aren't and haven't been.
**I'm sorry there was no Thursday devotion.
Aerykah wrote: "Well, y'all... November is here and with that comes a new Devotionals thread. And thanks to Urs (you're a treasure, my friend!), I'm actually getting the new thread posted before November 1st! :D..."
Thank you, sweet girl--you're quite precious to me, too! ♥ Thank you for running things wonderfully like you are! :)
Click(& scroll down) ---> DON'T FORGET! :D
To Whom Shall You Go ~*~ Saturday Evening's Devotion
Hello, fellow real Christians! I hope y'all are having and enjoying this lovely Fall weather! ♥
After Jesus gave His bread is my flesh, wine is blood talk, many disciples left Him. (John 7:66). Then He turned and asked the Twelve, “You do not want to leave too, do you?" He didn’t want them to leave. In fact, He dearly wanted them to stay. You can see His heart, His love for them in this question. We can also see the anguish and heartache He had letting the others leave. Loving them so much, so much that He had to let them walk away. He knew it wouldn’t be true love unless He let them walk away. So He did.
But what I want to focus on is Peter’s answer: “Lord, to whom shall we go?”
I want that to be my confession, my admission, my profession.
Lord, to whom shall I go?
Peter could give this answer because he truly had nowhere else to go. He and the other eleven had already given their lives to Jesus. They had left their jobs, their families, their lives behind. They had already been selected as the Twelve. It was too late for them. Even if they walked away now, they’d constantly be asked, ‘Weren’t you one of the twelve?’ They had already given Jesus everything.
But more than that, they had already given their hearts to Jesus. They had already seen the truth, the undeniable, unshakable truth that Jesus was God. Once they saw that, everything else becomes a non-issue. It didn’t matter that everyone else was leaving, that Jesus wasn't the Messiah they imagined, that their lives could be in danger. It was all or nothing and they chose all. They chose Jesus. They went all in.
And thus, that is my confession today: Lord, to whom shall I go?
No matter the worries I have, no matter my past mistakes, no matter how tired I am, no matter if no one seems to understand me, no matter if half the things in the Bible don’t seem to make sense, no matter if the world offers me money, love, power, at the end of the day, to whom shall I go? There is no one but Jesus. That's why I’m still here. I’m all in.
I hope you all are too. If you are, let go of all that seems to be holding you back. The hurts from other people, the worries of the future, the lack of love from those who should love you most. Know that at the end of the day, you are where you're supposed to be and let that be enough.
Love and blessings for a most wonderful upcoming week! ♥
Today we wake up to a world that is changed. Whether the change is good or bad may take time to discover. Many people are angry and disappointed this morning and as Christians we need to put on our Armor of God and deflect the angry words. It is even more important to show our light through every action and word. We need to go out in the world and spread the Good News of Christ in a calm, loving, thoughtful manner. Once the Good News is delivered don't continue to preach at the person you are ministering to. You have done your part, leave the rest to God. The only thing you can do now is pray. I don't mean that as you have done everything you can, now pray. I mean it as the only thing you need to do is pray because prayer is everything. God knows the hour that each person accepts Jesus, that time may not be for 20 years. It doesn't mean that you failed. You have sown the seed and others will water it. Have faith and pray but allow that seed to grow at its own speed. Maybe not seeing the fruits of your labor is God's way of teaching you patience and perseverance. So spread the Gospel and pray continuously and live for God. Make your life an example to the people around you and be there quietly serving in the background waiting and watching for the questions that will come. Be ready with the answers. The questions may come from someone you didn't sow the seed in, but it will be your turn to deliver the water to a thirsty soul. Go with God.
Rita Faye wrote: "Today we wake up to a world that is changed. Whether the change is good or bad may take time to discover. Many people are angry and disappointed this morning and as Christians we need to put on our..."AMEN! :D This is wonderful for us today! Wonderful for today and every day. Thank you!
Well, it seems like I can't keep on schedule with my Thursdays, huh?! x) I'm sorry! And I was off all day yesterday! Ohmygoodness!
**I also want to let everyone know that our Ms. C Read has not been here to post her Tuesday devotions, because she has some family issues going on. Please keep her and her family lifted in prayer during this demanding time. ♥
Going Through the Valley ~*~ Friday Morning's Devotion
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.” - Psalm 23:4
Psalm 23 is perched between Psalm 22, which tells about the crucifixion of Jesus, and Psalm 24, which is a prophecy of the coronation of Jesus. It is beautiful trilogy about the Savior’s cross, the Shepherd’s crook, and the Sovereign’s crown.
Psalm 23 is the valley between the blood-drenched slopes of Mount Calvary and the sunlit peaks of Mount Zion. Thank God for every valley, because there must be a mountain.
If you are in the valley today, remember that you wouldn’t be there had there not been mountains to cross. There is vision in the valley and hope in the hills.
*from Love Worth Finding by Adrian Rogers
Urs wrote: "If you are in the valley today, remember that you wouldn’t be there had there not been mountains to cross. There is vision in the valley and hope in the hills."Now that is something to think about! What a great perspective! I love Adrian Rogers! I can't wait to see him face to face one day!
Thank you Ursula for a wonderful message! Love you honey!
C.
WATCH AND PRAYDevotional Message for Today
Tuesday, 15 November 2016 / 15 Cheshvan 5777
There was a question at our Wednesday night meeting, during our study on heaven, as to whether we will go through the "tribulation." I realize it is quite a controversial topic, but according to my understanding, I truly believe the "church" will definitely go through it, but for those who "have kept" God's word, He says: "I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth." Revelation 3:10 (KJV)
As I was reading my Bible I was really impressed by this passage from Mark 13: 21-37, particularly the last verse.
“Mark 13:21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, He is there; believe him not:
Mark 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
Mark 13:23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.
Mark 13:24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,
Mark 13:25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.
Mark 13:26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
Mark 13:27 And then shall He send His angels, and shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
Mark 13:28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:
Mark 13:29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
Mark 13:30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but My words shall not pass away.
Mark 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
Mark 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
Mark 13:34 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left His house, and gave authority to His servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
Mark 13:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
Mark 13:36 Lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping.
Mark 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch"
If God's people were as attentive to God and His Word as they are to their cell phones, the Church would be in much better shape today. I pray that people will wake up before it's too late!
I would like to encourage the visitors of this Real Christian community to be very watchful and earnestly strive to keep God's word! And may God bless you all as you seek to love and honor the Lord God Almighty with all your heart and with all your soul!
With the love of Christ,
C. Read
Good evening everyone. I hope y'all are having a good day. I don't have much to share today. I'd just like to share a bit of what was shared today at church. The topic was "Maintaining your Salvation" and the scripture lesson was taken from Hebrew 2 vs 1-4.I'm pressed for time, so please, read the scripture on your own. So, as Christians, we are greatly privileged to have received God's unmerited favor (Grace). By His Grace we are able to claim Salvation. Gaining Salvation isn't just a one off thing, like the baptism of the Holy Spirit, it has to be maintained.
Brothers and Sisters, let us not lose our seat in the heavenly transport over maintenance. There isn't a special hell for 'trivial sins'. Let us all set our houses in order for we know not the hour of the Master's appearing.
Let's try our best to maintain our Salvation. No man knoweth the day nor the hour the son of man shall appear.
I'll leave you with this song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EgJx...
Enjoy the rest of your evening.
Thanks Lee-lette for the devotional. This is a passage I don't think, we as Christians tend to focus on but it's such an important one.
I don't mean to butt into anyone's devotion time, but I thought I'd share a devotion I really enjoyed from Our Daily Bread . You can find it originally posted here http://odb.org/2016/11/21/what-about-.... It's called "What about you?"Emily listened as a group of friends talked about their Thanksgiving traditions with family. “We go around the room and each one tells what he or she is thankful to God for,” Gary said.
Another friend mentioned his family's Thanksgiving meal and prayertime. He recalled time with his dad before he had died: “Even though Dad had dementia, his prayer of thanks to the Lord was clear.” Randy shared, “My family has a special time of singing together on the holiday. My grandma goes on and on and on!” Emily’s sadness and jealousy grew as she thought of her own family, and she complained: “Our traditions are to eat turkey, watch television, and never mention anything about God or giving thanks.”
Right away Emily felt uneasy with her attitude. You are part of that family. What would you like to do differently to change the day? she asked herself. She decided she wanted to privately tell each person she was thankful to the Lord that they were her sister, niece, brother, or great-niece. When the day arrived, she expressed her thankfulness for them one by one, and they all felt loved. It wasn’t easy because it wasn’t normal conversation in her family, but she experienced joy as she shared her love for each of them.
“Let everything you say be good and helpful,” wrote the apostle Paul, “so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Eph. 4:29 nlt). Our words of thanks can remind others of their value to us and to God. —Anne Cetas
*prayer* Dear Lord, show me how I can be an encouragement to others with my words.
"The human spirit fills with hope at the sound of an encouraging word."
Karis wrote: "*prayer* Dear Lord, show me how I can be an encouragement to others with my words...."Thank you! Lee and Karis, your devotions had bits of wisdom that are wonderful reminders of what we should be doing...
BE YE THANKFUL!Devotional for Tuesday 21 November 2016 / 21 Cheshvan 5777 (Just a little late.)
I would like to share one of my favorite passages that is very fitting for this season. We can become disappointed or discouraged with the circumstances of our lives, and I hope these verses will be an encouragement to others!
May God be with you all at the Real Christian Community! You are in my prayers to the LORD! And I truly hope you will have a blessed Thanksgiving!
With the love of Christ,
C. Read
Philippians 4:4-8 "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
HAPPY BLESSED THANKSGIVING! ♥
Thanksgiving: The Highest Expression of Faith ~*~ Thursday's Devotion
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name” - Psalm 100:4. “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” - Colossians 3:15
If worry is the opposite of faith, then thanksgiving is the expression of faith--in fact, the highest expression. You say, “I don’t know if I have as much to thank God for as other people.” Well, the apostle Paul was in a filthy Philippian jail awaiting possible beheading when he wrote, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
You see, God has blessed you. You may not think so because you’re measuring blessings by the barometer of health, wealth, and happiness. You say, “Oh, those are blessings!” Not always. Some people are cursed with wealth. Some people don’t know how to use health. And happiness keeps some people from seeking the Lord.
Hey, Real Christians, let me tell you what blessings we have. “Blessed be the Lord who daily loadeth us with benefits...” (Psalm 68:19). God has loaded your wagon. How often? Every day! “It is of the LORD’S mercies we’re not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning...” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Every day you wake up to blessings. Thank Him for spiritual blessings and thank Him for simple blessings: good, clean water. Enough food. Shelter. The simple things. We are so blessed.
I have noticed that unthankful people are never happy people. They are filled bitterness, fear, negativity, selfishness and self-pity.
Refuse to worry, but carry everything to God in prayer. Rejoice in the presence of the Lord. Rely upon the power of the Lord. Reflect on the provision of the Lord. Rest in the peace of the Lord. Do everything with thanksgiving! AMEN! :D Prayers for you and your families to have a most blessed time in the Lord! ♥
**Please forgive me for being absent these past two weeks. I have family in the mountains of western North Carolina where the arson fires have been running rampant, and we had family to come over from California, because we have a dying relative in the mountains(unrelated to fires). I hope to be back on track. Thank you!
When God Looks on Us with Favor ~*~ Saturday's Devotion
Isaiah 66:1-2
Believers are always under the canopy of God’s grace and love. Nothing we do can change that. At the same time, our behavior and heart condition do determine whether we receive the fullness of His blessings. Today’s passage teaches us how to experience the Father’s favor.
First, He desires that we have a contrite heart and a humble spirit (Ps. 51:17). For that to be the case, all aspects of our lives must be surrendered to Jesus. Yet some dreams, desires, and people are difficult to release into His hands.
Anything we do not give over to His authority is evidence of pride, the exact opposite of what our Father wants in His children. Remember that “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Lack of submission proves that we think our way is better than His plan.
Second, God tells us to tremble at His Word (Isa. 66:2). Scripture--the unfolding revelation of Jesus Himself--is living and powerful to teach and transform us. Consider how we treat this treasure. Do we devote time each day to know what the Bible says and how to apply its principles? Do we hunger for more of the Word in our lives so we can know its Author better? One measure of our reverence is obedience: to honor the Lord, we must obey Him.
We all desire God’s favor. Are you living in a manner that positions you to receive His full blessings? Prayerfully consider whether you have submitted all areas of your life--from finances and health to relationships and work habits--to Jesus Christ. Recognize His authority in all things, and revere His Word.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. (c) 2016 All Rights Reserved.
**This is so important for all of us--I hope we have all taken in how wonderful our God is to us, most especially during this Thanksgiving season! I pray that you have all had a most blessed time with friends and family knowing you are so blessed in the Lord! ♥
The Lamb of God29 November 2016 / 29 Cheshvan 5777~ Tuesday Devotion
This passage needs no commentary, but I just want to say I am so grateful to our Lord for His ultimate sacrifice when He laid down His precious life to save our souls from sin, hell, and death! All praise, honor, and glory be unto the One who sits upon the Throne, and unto the Lamb, forever and ever! Amen.
Psalms 22:1 “My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me? why art Thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
Psalms 22:2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.
Psalms 22:3 But Thou art holy, O Thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.
Psalms 22:4 Our fathers trusted in Thee: they trusted, and Thou didst deliver them.
Psalms 22:5 They cried unto Thee, and were delivered: they trusted in Thee, and were not confounded.
Psalms 22:6 But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.
Psalms 22:7 All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,
Psalms 22:8 He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.
Psalms 22:9 But Thou art He that took me out of the womb: Thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts.
Psalms 22:10 I was cast upon Thee from the womb: Thou art my God from my mother's belly.
Psalms 22:11 Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.
Psalms 22:12 Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.
Psalms 22:13 They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.
Psalms 22:14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.
Psalms 22:15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and Thou hast brought me into the dust of death.
Psalms 22:16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of he wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.
Psalms 22:17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.
Psalms 22:18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.
Psalms 22:19 But be not Thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.
Psalms 22:20 Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.
Psalms 22:21 Save me from the lion's mouth: for Thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.
Psalms 22:22 I will declare Thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise Thee.
Psalms 22:23 Ye that fear the LORD, praise Him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify Him; and fear Him, all ye the seed of Israel.
Psalms 22:24 For He hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath He hid His face from him; but when he cried unto Him, He heard.
Psalms 22:25 My praise shall be of Thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear Him.
Psalms 22:26 The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek Him: your heart shall live for ever.
Psalms 22:27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before Thee.
Psalms 22:28 For the kingdom is the LORD'S: and He is the governor among the nations.
Psalms 22:29 All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow before Him: and none can keep alive his own soul.
Psalms 22:30 A seed shall serve Him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.
Psalms 22:31 They shall come, and shall declare His righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that He hath done this.”
May God be with you! We surely need Him! Keep the faith my dear brothers and sisters here at Real Christian Community! You all are in my prayers!
With the love of Christ,
C. Read
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
Here's the current schedule we're working with.
Please correct me in a comment or message if I'm wrong. And please let me know if you're no longer able to participate, if you need to switch days... or if you want to volunteer! ;)
- Sunday: Lee-Lette
- Monday: Andrea
- Tuesday: C. Read
- Wednesday: free
- Thursday: Urs
- Friday: free
- Saturday: Urs
And there are still some "free" days where anyone can share a devotion if they would like to. :)