Real Christian discussion

I haven't been on Goodreads for a little while, hopefully i'm back fully. We mods would like to apologize for our absences during the last few weeks or months.

Anyways, i'd like to share a little with you all. Wait, how could I forget? Happy New Year everybody from all the mods, we wish y'all a wonderful and prosperous new year. May it be one filled with hope, joy, breakthrough and deliverance and may God be with you all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDnrY...
This song "Made A Way" by Travis Green, has been such an inspiration to me over the last few months. The chorus of the song says "You made a way. When my back was against the wall, and it looked as if it was over. You made a way, and i'm standing here, only because You made a way"

Sometimes we go through somethings in our lives that make us want to throw in the towel, just give up, forget about God, forget about salvation but then God just steps in and works it out in a way only He could and we just have to look to Him and thank Him.

God is a way maker. When no one else believes in us, God does. When even we ourselves don't see a way out, God does. Even when all the signs say give up and we give up on ourselves, God doesn't. Life won't always be easy, if it was, something would be terribly wrong in our walk with God. He gave us trials so we can grow stronger in Him and trust in Him.

As you go about your life remember, no matter what the circumstances may be, God is always there for us. I pray you'll all enjoy the rest of your weekend and stay in the fight, so at the end we can hear "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

God is our Way-maker. I love that! Thanks for sharing, Lee. Good to see ya again :)

Thank you Karis, it's good to be back.

Lee wrote: "I haven't been on Goodreads for a little while, hopefully i'm back fully. We mods would like to apologize for our absences during the last few weeks or months.

Anyways, i'd like to share a little ..."
 
Hey, little friend! Happy New Year! *hugs*

This is a very encouraging piece that you have shared. I greatly appreciate it. I, too, have been absent with the holidays, and family stuffs, and just being blessed through the season. I hope to get back on here soon and back in the swing of things. :)

It's really great to see you! ♥
 

Hey Urs *returns hug* it's been too long! I pray you had a wonderful holiday.

You and me both! I missed so much during my absence, I hope I can catch up :) z
Until we meet again . . . c:

Good Afternoon everybody. I really like the story of the man at the pool at Bethesda. It is found in John chapter five, (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/... ) it's a long chapter so I didn't bother putting it here.

The man at the pool was crippled, he had no one to help him when the water was troubled, therefore he could not get his healing. After the Jewish feast, Jesus went to Jerusalem. There was a pool near the market interpreted to be called "Bethesda." At the pool, at certain time, an angel would come to trouble the water, and whosoever went in after the troubling would be made whole. Now this man, was unable to move without assistance. When Jesus saw him, he could see he was there a long time and he asked of the man "Wilt thou be made whole?"

Sometimes we have situations that have us tied hands and feet, unable to help ourselves. God is always available but He does not dwell in places where He is unwanted. Often times we cry out to God, yet we don't believe. Him asking the man if he will be made whole may seem ridiculous to some because it's obvious the man needed the healing. We have to avail ourselves, He is willing to help us but we have to ask of Him. As I said in my last devotion God is our way maker but we have to let Him know we need him. Just surrender all your problems to Him, and He will do the rest.

Have a blessed week.

Hi Lee,

Some very encouraging words of wisdom that you are sharing! Thank you honey! God bless you--always!

C.

I'm glad I could encourage you :) Thank you and the same to you!

:)

Happy new year everyone I'm excited with what God has planned for me this year. I love Travis Greene's album it is truly a blessing.

The Tabernacle

Tuesday Devotional ~ 10 January 2017 / 12 Tevet 5777

This favorite passage of mine is one that I have been thinking a lot about lately. It is a Psalm of David—a man who truly loved the Lord God with all his heart. He was a man who made some major mistakes, but he was extremely sorry and repented of his great error, and the deception he was walking in. Praise God for His amazing Grace, and His willingness to forgive us when we turn from our sin and call out to Him!

I just pray for the day when those of us who truly love God will join the saints of God in the Kingdom of Heaven on that great and glorious day! Until then, may we be busy about the work of the Lord, as we earnestly strive to walk in His Holy Word, as we are led by His Holy Spirit into all Truth!

With the love of Christ,
C. Read

Psalms 15:1-5 “LORD, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in Thy holy hill?

He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

He that backbiteth not (or slander) with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

In whose eyes a vile person is contemned (or despised); but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.”

Amen. Thank you for sharing C.

My devotional today comes in the form of lyrics. "You Deserve It" by JJ. Hairston and youthful praise
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxL1m... )
God is worthy to be praised, He deserves all our praise and worship even though we aren't worthy. It is nothing Good that we have done to deserve His grace, love and mercy. So let's allways try to have a song in our hearts and a praise on our lips.

My hallelujah belongs to You (Repeat 4x)
You deserve it
You deserve it
You deserve it
You deserve it

All of the glory belongs to You (Repeat 4x)
You deserve it
You deserve it
You deserve it
You deserve it

Call & Response:
Hallelujah (Repeat)
All the glory, All the honor,
All the praise
You deserve it (Repeat)

My hallelujah belongs to You (Repeat 4x)

Have a blessed day and rest of week everybody. No matter what the situation, God is always there for you, for us. Just call upon Him and He will hear and answer us.

Thanks, Lee for sharing such a beautiful song :)

Are You Sleeping?

Devotional for Tuesday -- 17 January 2017 / 20 Tevet 5777

Jesus said, “For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” (This precise warning from the Lord is referenced in three separate passages. Please see Matthew 24:4-5, Mark 13:5-6, and Luke 21:8.)

We are living in “such a time as this,” where great deception is taking place, and God’s people desperately need to be on guard and very watchful. I fear that so many people are not paying attention to what is going on right before our very eyes. Please prayerfully consider this important passage.

Matthew 13:24-30 “Another parable put He forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:

But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.

So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?

He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?

But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.

Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.”

There are so many wonderful things that God is showing us about the kingdom of heaven in this passage, but I want to concentrate on the fact that the tares were not exposed until after the fruit was brought forth.

Jesus said, “Ye shall know them (false teachers) by their fruit.” Which is why we must pay close attention to not only what a person says, but what they do as well—especially teachers and preachers of God’s word.

So many men are still asleep (physically and spiritually speaking), and they are not even able to see the tares! Moreover, it is imperative to see that the “deceivers” are walking among God’s people, pretending to be Christians.

I have heard well-meaning preachers claim that there will be more people in heaven than in hell, but not so according to God’s word; and the following passage will refute that lie. By the way, I believe that a Christian, who truly loves God, can believe a lie. But it’s what we do with the truth, when it’s presented to us, that will reveal the true condition of our heart.

Matthew 7:13-23 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.

Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.”

Some men say you can’t be deceived unless you want to be, but that is an absolute lie! God warns us throughout His word to be diligent to obey Him because He knows that Satan is extremely subtle in his lies and deceptions.

If we arrogantly think that we cannot be tripped up by the Wicked One, that is a very dangerous place to be. As foretold in the Holy Scriptures, there are so many people, even "Christians," in that “fallen” condition. And because I was once there, I am so thankful that God saw where I was, and saved my soul from the hand of my Enemy! And I will ever praise Him!

If God has revealed that you, too, have believed “truth mixed with lies,” please don’t deny it any longer, and turn your heart over to God.

1 Peter 5:6-11 “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time:

Casting all your care upon him; for He careth for you.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

I would like to share one last Scripture passage that I hope you will prayerfully consider. And I hope you will sincerely think about all that I have said, and may the Lord give you “understanding in all things.”

Matthew 13:36-43 “Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and His disciples came unto Him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.

He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;

The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;

The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.

As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.

The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;

And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.”

Satan is persuading so many unsuspecting people, through his lies and deceptions, to follow him; but all the while convincing them that they are headed for heaven. And I am certain that those who are in that horribly deceived state do not really want to be there, especially if they truly knew and understood what their end will be if they don’t repent.

Only a “Real Christian” will love righteousness, and hate sin. Only a true follower of Christ, will love His word, and not the world. And only those who genuinely love God will seek to please Him, rather than pleasing themselves or other men. What we do with our lives (our works), are the “fruits” that defines us. And if you see that you have no desire to be filled with God’s love, holiness, and purity, please call upon the Lord while there is still time!

I can attest to the fact that God is very loving, merciful, and so forgiving toward those who truly repent of their sin, and come to Him through faith in His dear Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

I just praise God for His amazing grace until He gave me "eyes to see" and “ears to hear” the truth! And if He did it for me, He will reveal the truth to anyone else who truly loves Him, and wants to worship God in Spirit and in truth too! Which is my earnest prayer for you!

Finally, I would like to share a newsletter that I wrote almost twenty years ago, but is extremely relevant today. And may the Lord God be with you and your loved ones in these final days!

With the love of Christ,
C. Read


http://www.truelightministries.us/New...

Wow, C.!Thanks for sharing this devotion. I especially love what you said in this paragraph:

Only a “Real Christian” will love righteousness, and hate sin. Only a true follower of Christ, will love His word, and not the world. And only those who genuinely love God will seek to please Him, rather than pleasing themselves or other men. What we do with our lives (our works), are the “fruits” that defines us. And if you see that you have no desire to be filled with God’s love, holiness, and purity, please call upon the Lord while there is still time!

To God be the glory! Great things He has done!
... and that include the devotionals from Lee and my Friend C. ! Thank you so much!
I have been quiet a lot busy at the coupe last weeks of 2016 and first weeks of 2017, and I praise and thank the Lord for giving a little more time and space for a lot of things these including a time for "Real Christians"!
I haven't volunteered in the devotionals yet, but I believe Karis said that we can share anything the Lord lead us to share... and I told my Friend C that maybe I can share some thoughts here, and so here it is...
This is a part of the message I shared with the churches here that I pray the Lord bless in your hearts:
"The Proper Use of TIME"
Ecclesiates 3:11, "He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart,so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end."
God is not limited by time because He is the owner of it, and He is eternal. He gave all of us the same amount of time in a day and gave us the choice of how we use this time. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 gives 14 pairs of things that should be given time: Born-die; plant-pluck up; kill-heal; break down-build up; weep-laugh; mourn-dance; cast away stones-gather stones; embrace-refrain from embracing; get-lose; keep- cast away; rend-sew; keep silence-speak; love-hate; war-peace. Wonderful!
I will add a little more to this list, in fact only three: TIME for Friends,Family,and Faith;
1. Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Someone said that "a true friend is someone who is not there ALL THE TIME, but someone who is there ANYTIME you need him"! One great blessing the Lord gave me is a Friend whom I did not meet face to face, but has given so much TIME to instruct,challenge,help,remind,encourage and a lot more! If you have a Friend who spends time for you, you are indeed blessed. and the best thing is...you can be that kind friend as well. Time spent for a friend is always a time well spent!

2. The last half of Proverbs 17:17 says, "and a brother is born for adversity." We are expected to give time for our Family!
How happy are fathers and mothers will be if children spend time with them! Sadly, many children today spend more time with gadgets and machines rather than with parents!
There are also children who longs for their parents. I just happened to read a very short clippings:
One night a boy approached his father after dinner...
Boy: Dad, can i talk to you for a moment?
Father: Okay, quick, and we need to go to bed now, for we will have so many things to do tomorrow.
Boy: Dad, how much is your salary for one day?
Father: (a little surprised) 500 pesos a day. Why?
Boy: (excited) Dad, can i borrow 20 pesos from you?
Father: (angry) What?!? you've taken my time just for this nonsense?! Go to bed now!
The boy went to his room with a sad face. Then the father realized that maybe he was wrong, and his son is really in need for some money, so he went to his room to apologize. But when he entered, he saw his son counting a bundle of twenty peso bills in his hands. He got angrier this time...
Father: You wanted to borrow 20 pesos from me, while you have this bundle of money here! what are you trying to say!?!
Boy: Dad, I only have 480 pesos here... I wanted to borrow from you so that I can have 500 pesos. Then i can give you your salary for one day so that you do not need to go to work. I will pay you for one day so that you can spend a day for me... we can talk, play,sing and what ever we wanted to do together...I miss you Dad, please...let me borrow 20 pesos...
The father wept...

Fathers, our children need not just our provisions...they need our time...

3. How much time do we give to our Lord??? Coming closer to Him...communicating with Him...
Reading the Bible is God talking to us...do we spend time listening to Him??? His WORD???
My small family follow a Bible reading guide: 3chapters in weekdays,5 chapters Sundays. How about you? Ours is very simple, maybe you can do a better Bible reading guide... but what most important is...are you reading your Bible? It will increase your FAITH to our Almighty God!
My Friend gave me a beautiful personal Bible with my name on it last 2007. 10 years after, I was able to read the whole of it about 5 times, and have preached from it more than 1000 sermons... it brings me closer to our Lord and strengthened my service to Him! "Read your Bible and Pray everyday as you grow,grow,grow" says the song.
Prayer is talking to God. How many times do you talk to Him??? How long??? Jesus prayed...and He prayed a lot! Does He need to pray? Do we??? Yes, we can talk about prayer, but the most important is...do we pray?
As an illustration: try to find a yarn, measure a foot from it, then measure another 95 feet more. There are 96 15minutes in a day, can you spend one of them in prayers? If you do the measuring, you will see how long do we spend for other things compared to a 15minute prayers in a day. Then we say, "Prayer is talking to God", can we spend more time talking to Him than talking to others? It will increase our FAITH to our Heavenly Father.
"Read your Bible and pray everyday as you grow,grow,grow"

James 4:14 says, "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away."
Our life is short...let us spend time for things...but let us spend more time for our FRIENDS,FAMILY,FAITH(GOD) before we vanish away...so that our lives are better prepared for ETERNITY where there is no TIME needed...
May God be always gracious to us.
Thank you "Real Christians".
Please always be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!
To God be the glory!

You're absolutely right in saying that you're welcoming to share whenever you like and whatever God impresses upon your heart. Time is such an important thing. It's what makes up life, and how we use it is more important than we realize.

Up at a Christian summer camp, I worked at last year, we had "Tawg" ( Time alone with God) set aside every day for the campers, on Sunday us high school workers had a 2 and 1/2 hour Tawg time. That time was such a blessing, and I realized that I needed to have more time like that. I haven't been as faithful as I'd like to have been about setting aside that time every week, but I've differently realized the importance of spending daily time with God.

Hi Karis and Pastor Arnie,

You two are very encouraging to me! Thank you! God bless you and your loved ones--always! And God bless the visitors and contributors to these devotionals! I appreciate you too!

I don't have much time, and I would really like to reply to Pastor Arnie's wonderful devotional, but I am on my way out of town..., but I will be back--the Lord willing!

Take care, and may the Lord be with you all at Real Christians!

With the love of Christ,
C. Read

Thank you Karis..."TawG", i like that and i will share that with my devotional group later tonight! It will be a blessing for them to hear that too! PTL
:)
Hello my Dear Friend C.! It's always great to hear from you! Praying for your very busy day. Looking forward to another devotionals from you!
Take care and God bless always.
And always be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!

I believe all of us here in "Real Christians" are just so blessed with Christian fellowship. I really can't wait to actually meet all of you someday. It's wonderful how we can share what's God's been teaching us and in turn learn from others. Praise the Lord, indeed for blessing us beyond measure.

As we have so much freedom, though, I believe, it is important to be praying for encouragement and blessings unto our brothers & sisters who are called by God as ambassadors in chains, who might be discouraged, beaten, and feeling all alone. Hebrews 13:3 says, " Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."

Karis wrote: "I believe all of us here in "Real Christians" are just so blessed with Christian fellowship. I really can't wait to actually meet all of you someday."

Karis, I am looking forward to that great and glorious day too! And I say Amen to this verse you quoted:
Hebrews 13:3 says, " Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."

And thank you my dear Pastor Arnie for your prayers! God bless you and your dear family! Always!

With the love of Christ,
C.

Thanks C.!

Eternity

Devotional for Tuesday ~ 24 January 2017 / 27 Tevet 5777

I would like to share these thought provoking words that were written in a different day and age, but still have great eternal significance. As you read these words, I want you to seriously think about your life, and what you are truly living for. This world or the world that is to come wherein dwelleth righteousness? And I ask you, who are you truly living for? Yourself or the One who gives us eternal life and true peace?

“The number of a man’s days

at the most are an hundred years.

As a drop of water unto the sea,

and a gravel stone in comparison of the sand;

so are a thousand years to the days of Eternity.”

With the love of Christ,
C. Read

Good afternoon everybody. Your devotionals and comments have been such a blessing to me. I apolpgize for not posting last week. I pray this devotional catches y'all in high spirits.

Since yesterday and into today I've been listening to this song on repeat. "By Myself" by Deon Kipping (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPM9w... )

Recently, I've been going through some stuff and having a struggle keeping my faith. A christian youth group here in Jamaica by the name of iTURN ministries (The can be found on Twitter and Facebook) had a praise experience last weekend at which I recommited my life to God. Since then, i've been struggling with my faith.

This song was introduced to me at the right time helping me to realize that "By myself, it won't work" Many times when I tell sinners about God, they say they want to sort out this or that in their life before coming to God, what they don't realize is that, without God, their situation cannot be fixed.

Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. We must remember that no matter what we are experiencing, God is willing to help us, but we must let Him know that we are in need of Him.
As the song says. "By myself, it won't work. Lord I NEED your help"

Signs of the time are everywhere. It would be a shame for us to fall out of the race right before he finished line. In whatever we do, let us rember to call on Jesuse. ANother song says "When i call on Jesus, all things are possible!" So, let us call upon Him, let us seek Him while He may be found for a time cometh when it might be too late.

I don't mean to frighten you but we must be ready at all time. Tomorrow isn't promised to any man. We can be here one second and gone the next. I pray that we all make it to the pearly gates, I hope that none of us will have to trod the road to distruction. It won't be easy but God is always there. Have a good evening everybody.

Thanks, Lee. It's hard to really be honest and share that you're struggling. I know that from personal experience. But, really thanks, I love you, sister, and am so grateful for all your help here in Real Christians. I'll be praying for you :)

Keep on fighting the good fight!

Thanks sis, helping out around here is the least I can do. This group and it's members have been such a blessing to me. Thank you and i'll do the same.

Same to you!

Yes, this group has been so supportive and loving to me that I really feel like you're all family to me. *sends a quick hug*

Thank you so much Lee for today's Devotional! To God be the glory!
Yes! It is hard to feel weak at times,especially spiritually, but praise the Lord because he is always there to strengthen us if we call upon Him. Indeed, without Him we can do nothing by "My Self", John 15:5.

Yes Karis, we have found a dear "Family" here... :), what a blessing!

Praying for you, and thanking you for this beautiful ministry you are doing.
Please always be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!

You said that you have been struggling with your faith since recommitting your life to God, that is a good sign, it means that you have a stronger faith relationship with God now than before and the devil is afraid of you. Your struggle is real and difficult but give it to God and try to remember that you are on the winning team and the losing team is hazing and heckling you. Praying that you stand firm in your faith and that God blesses you. Praying that we all wear the Armor of God and stand firm in our faith in Him. God Bless you all.

Karis wrote: "Yes, this group has been so supportive and loving to me that I really feel like you're all family to me. *sends a quick hug*"

I couldn't agree more.

Arniegamilong wrote: "Thank you so much Lee for today's Devotional! To God be the glory!
Yes! It is hard to feel weak at times,especially spiritually, but praise the Lord because he is always there to strengthen us if w..."

Amen, without God, we are nothing. Without us, God is still God.
A blessing indeed.
It is such a wonderful experience to meet and intereact with like minded people who never seize to share with and encourage each other.

Rita Faye wrote: "You said that you have been struggling with your faith since recommitting your life to God, that is a good sign, it means that you have a stronger faith relationship with God now than before and th..."

I really didn't look at it like that. Thank you so much Rita, I pray that God will continue to bless you and continue to show up in your life.

30 January 2016

Hi Everyone!

Lee you wrote: "let us seek Him while He may be found for a time cometh when it might be too late..."

I was reminded of this wonderful passage from the prophet Isaiah:

Isaiah 55:6-11 "Seek ye the LORD while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near:

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."

Lee, I earnestly pray that you will keep trusting the LORD! You are a very sweet humble lady, and I am sure that the Lord will bless and keep you as you seek to follow Him in Truth! Just keep your armour on, because that ole devil is "like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8)

Just as Rita said, our struggle is real. But always remember, we serve the Almighty God! Jesus has already won the victory, we just don't see it yet. That's where our faith comes in. And the more we read and study the word of God, the greater our faith becomes. And as we strive to "hit the mark," we will miss sometimes, but God knows our heart, and He is such a loving, merciful, and forgiving God. We just need to keep practicing more, and persevere unto the very end. And only through the Lord Jesus Christ can we do it! That's why we NEED Him so much! And He loves being needed by us! :)

I am very blessed to meet up with all of you folks! Karis, Lee, and Aerykah you have been such an encouragement to me. And so has Mary Kate. I know we don't see her at this site right now, but I am certain she is praying for us "Real Christians."

I am also very thankful that my dear friend Pastor Arnie has joined us. He has been such a blessing to me and my ministry for many years, and I love to see him encouraging you all too. :)

Satan really wants to trip us up. He would love for us give up, but I pray that you won't give him that pleasure. Satan's target IS God's people. Please don't give into his lies. He hates for us to worship our God in Spirit and in Truth. Satan is a defeated foe, we just don't see that yet either. But praise God, we will one great and glorious day when he is finally put down!

Please hold on to this great passage, my dear Christians:

Ephesians 6:10-18 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"

All of you are in my prayers! And I truly thank you for yours! And as Pastor Arnie, said: "Please always be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!"

With the love of Christ,
C. Read

P.S. Sometimes I get so busy, but please don't take my silence to mean that I am not praying for you all, because I AM!

My Prayer Partner C.
It's a great blessing and joy to hear from you!
Thank you so much for this reminders. Satan is more active than we are, but praise the Lord because Greater is he that is in us, than he that is in this world! and he gave us this Armour! and as long that we keep the Word of God and put it into practice, we drive the enemy far from us because the Word of God is our offensive weapon against the devil and his army.
Thank you C. and always know that i know that you are praying for us and we do also for you.
May all of us Real Christians be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!
Blessings.

Isaiah 59:17 He (The Lord) put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His Head; He put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak.

Romans 13:12 ...So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ...

In Isaiah The Lord put on His Armor, righteousness as a breastplate and helmet of salvation we wear, the garments of vengeance is the Lord's alone, but we should remember to add the cloak of zeal to our armor.
I like the way it is put in Romans- to put on the armor of light -put on the Lord Jesus Christ. It gives me courage to wear the armor of light and I am deeply honored and humbled to put on the Lord Jesus Christ.
I am a Christian Soldier and you are my Brothers and Sisters in the Army of God. Although we are all over the world, we stand together and through and in Jesus we will hold the line against darkness and carry God's light wherever we may go. Praying that we all walk in the Light of Jesus always.

Beautiful and wonderful passages of Scripture that you all are sharing! Thank you for both encouraging and challenging each other in our daily walk with Christ.

The Light of the World

Devotional for Tuesday ~ 31 January 2017 / 4 Sh’vat 5777

Jesus said, “I am come a Light into the world, that whosoever believeth on Me should not abide in darkness.” John 12:46

Many years ago, I once believed that if someone said they were a Christian that I would not even think to question that. However, had I truly understood God’s word, I would have known that the ministers of Satan are quite intent on disrupting, and destroying if possible, the lives of those who are truly seeking to walk with God; which is why we must guard our hearts against the false teachings of deceitful men and women.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”

There are many different religions in this world, but only one true God. There are many different denominations, but only one true church. There are many “false lights,” but only one “True Light.” And the Lord Jesus Christ is that glorious “Light” that God sent into this dark and dying world to show us the way back to Him and His heavenly kingdom!

John 12:44-50 “Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on Me, believeth not on Me, but on Him that sent Me.

And he that seeth Me seeth Him that sent Me.

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on Me should not abide in darkness.

And if any man hear My words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

He that rejecteth Me, and receiveth not My words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

For I have not spoken of Myself; but the Father which sent Me, He gave Me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

And I know that His commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto Me, so I speak.”

God’s word is vital to our well-being as followers of Jesus Christ, as it is through His word that our faith will grow stronger. And as Christ—the true Christ—lives in us and through us, He will lead and guide us into the truth by His Spirit. And only by walking in the True Light, can we truly be free from the power of the darkness of this world.

I would like to share this song by Chris Rice entitled, “Go Light Your World.” These words really touched my heart, and I hope they will encourage you to be a willing vessel unto the Lord for Him to use as He desires. Our God is so worthy of our love and devotion!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUTWR...


There is a candle in every soul
Some brightly burning, some dark and cold
And there is a Spirit who brings a fire
Ignites a candle and makes His home

Carry your candle, and run to the darkness
Seek out the helpless, confused and torn
And hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world

Frustrated brother, see how he's tried to
Light his own candle some other way
See now your sister, she's been robbed and lied to
Still holds a candle without a flame

So carry your candle, and run to the darkness
Seek out the lonely, the tired and worn
And hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world

Cause we are a family whose hearts are blazing
So let's raise our candles and light up the sky
Praying to our Father, in the name of Jesus
Make us a beacon in darkest times

Carry your candle, and run to the darkness
Seek out the hopeless, deceived, and poor
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world

Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the hopeless, confused and torn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world


May your candle shine brightly for all to see! And may God bless and keep you as you walk with Him in the True Light of His holy word!

With the love of Christ,
C. Read

Amen!

Rita Faye wrote: "Although we are all over the world, we stand together and through and in Jesus we will hold the line against darkness and carry God's light wherever we may go. Praying that we all walk in the Light of Jesus always."

AMEN!

Praise the Lord for this challenge and reminders. It is always our prayer "that we all walk in the Light of Jesus always"

I would like to share one of my Devotionals about Prayer:

Mark 1:35-37;
"And in the morning,rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.
And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee."

I read that the tense of the verb "prayed" in this passage indicates a continued action, not just a brief moment.
Our Lord Jesus' prayer life was successful because:
1. It was Planned... rising up a great while before day.
2. It was Private... went out, into a solitary place.
3. It was Prolonged... there prayed...when they had found him,they said unto him, All men seek for thee.

He got up early enough...got away far enough...and stayed at it long enough!
He prayed before starting His public ministry...He prayed while doing His ministry...and He prayed after completing His mission!

When our Lord Jesus Christ Himself give so much emphasis on Prayer, how much more we who are His ordinary servants.
I read a quote from Jonathan Edwards 30 years ago that as my Dear Friend C. always say is as relevant today:
"The one concern of the devil is to keep the saints from prayer. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we PRAY."

Real Christians, let's pray for each other. We need each others' prayer. Our loved ones need our prayers. Our Friends need our prayers. Even our "enemies" (not the devil) need our prayers.

As Andrew Bonar said:
"O brother pray; in spite of satan, pray; spend hours in prayer; rather neglect friends than not pray; rather fast,and lost breakfast...dinner...and supper...and sleep too- than not pray. And we must not just talk about prayer... we must PRAY."

Beloved, let us pray...
May we remain strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!
Blessings!

Arniegamilong wrote: "Praise the Lord for this challenge and reminders. It is always our prayer "that we all walk in the Light of Jesus always"

Real Christians, let's pray for each other. We need each others' prayer. Our loved ones need our prayers. Our Friends need our prayers. Even our "enemies" (not the devil) need our prayers.
"...
And we must not just talk about prayer... we must PRAY."

AMEN! I love your devotion to the LORD my dear friend! God bless and keep you and your loved ones, always!

With the love of Christ,
C.

Just wanted to pop in over here right quick and let y'all know that a new thread has been started for February Devotions. You can find it here-- https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

And thank you all so much for taking the time to share these devotions with us. Y'all are such a blessing!! :)