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Thanks for the post and the quote. The verse that stands out to me that goes along with this is: Romans 5:8 (AMP) 8 But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us. Have a blessed day in Jesus.

This is very though provoking. To yield ourselves to God is the only means whereby we may effectively die to self. "Walk in the Spirit, and we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh." Thanks for the post. Gary

This is a great illustration of this verse. I like it. Gary

Deuteronomy 8:2 (NASB) 2 "You shall remember all the way which the LORD your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. The scriptures teach us that God had a reason for testing Israel. It was to: 1. Humble them 2. To see what was in their heart 3. And to see if they would obey Him And in James we read that there are great opportunities for growth through testing. James 1:2-4 (NASB) 2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. When God is testing us, it means He has something in store for us. He will use these times of testing to build more endurance in us, to mature us, to develop more Christlike character in us, and to work out the defects in us. This is why I see testing as an opportunity, instead of life going sour. Gary

I believe the main thing for the Christian is to remain focused on Christ and stay on mission (the Great Commission), regardless of what is going on around us, or what looms on the horizon. As someone once said "none of us are getting out of this alive." Gary

Thanks Sower. There is a lot to think about in these quotes. Have a blessed evening. Gary

Thanks for your reply. And yes, I was referring to those being persecuted or afflicted for Christ's sake, who are self denying, cross bearing, followers of Him. Peter states there is no glory when buffeted for our own faults: 1 Peter 2:19-20 (KJV) 19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. BTW, thanks for sharing the poem. I'm going to save that to my computer for future use. Have a blessed weekend. Gary

This is so true, but one truth in which I still struggle with. That is, taking pleasure in infirmities. But as I look for examples in scripture of this, I find Paul and Silas in prison singing praises to God as they are bound in stocks after being beaten. Then Peter and the other apostles were beaten for preaching Christ and sent away shamefully treated, but rejoicing in that they were counted worthy to suffer persecution for His sake. And Jesus taught in the beatitudes to rejoice when persecuted, for the rewards would be great. So it is a win win situation when a Christian is persecuted or afflicted, but something I still struggle with doing myself. But by the grace of God I will learn. Gary

Good post. As I have lived my Christian life throughout the years, I find that there is only one sure way to become successful in glorifying God. It is found in the verses below. John 15:7-8 (KJV) 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. I understand this to mean that as I live my life in Christ, and allow His words to live in me, then spiritual fruit is the natural outcome. I cannot glorify God by my works or my own efforts to please Him. Spiritual fruit can only be manifested by the Spirit of God that dwells in me. And that only comes from a deep intimate relationship with Christ. Thanks for the post. Gary

According to Jesus, whatever is spoken by the mouth proceeds from the abundance of the heart. Gary

Amen! It is comforting to know that Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us. He is a friend that sticks closer to us than a brother. Gary

Amen! Loving God supremely and people sacrificially are the highest passions the Christian is called upon to pursue. Gary

Our trials serve a higher purpose than we can imagine. 1 Peter 4:12-14 (NLT2) 12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. 14 So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. Gary

Prayer is fellowship with the Unseen and Most Holy One.-Andrew Murray I do believe in the simplicity of prayer. But I also believe that there are times in which we may have to wrestle with God in prayer as Jacob did to get our answer. Jesus also modeled extended times in prayer, at least once lasting all night. For me, the time I spend in intercessory prayer is lengthy. I bring people and their needs to the Lord, asking Him to bring physical, spiritual, mental, or emotional healing, whatever the case may be. I ask that He would grant knowledge and wisdom to those who may be deficient in these areas. I pray for our nation and it's leaders, for the state of our spiritual leaders and the state of our churches in America, for the peace of Jerusalem, and so on. In all these areas I endeavor to bring specific needs to the Lord for His intervention. It has truly been a learning process, and I'm still growing in the area of prayer with much more to learn. Thanks for your post. Gary

I think you are pretty much right on. The verse below states that greed (coveteous, in KJV), is idolatry. So anything we covet or desire more than God is idolatry. In 1 Samuel 15:23, it states that stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. My opinion about life and God, can become an idol if I am unwilling to be reasoned with, especially when it comes to my own opinions about God and the scriptures. Gary Col. 3:5 (NASB) 5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.

Glad it went as smoothly as it did, however, I was beginning to experience withdrawal symptoms. PTL, all is good now. Gary

This is quite a testimony of how God has worked in your life. God is good. Thanks for sharing. Gary

Each member of the body of Christ has a responsibility in promoting unity. Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit gives us some insight as to how we can achieve unity in the passage below. Philippians 2:1-4 (KJV) 1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Gary

From the passage where Jesus commands us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, the implication is that we must first love ourselves. If we can love ourselves rightly, we can then love our neighbor as God requires. Gary

Obedience to God is the proof of our love for Him (Jn. 14:21). 1 Samuel 15:22 (KJV) 22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. Gary

If we don't walk humbly with our God, we will miss the mark every time. Jesus said it best in John 15 "without Me you can do nothing." To be humble, is to be totally dependent upon Him. Gary

A great account of men who exhibited great faith, fearless conviction, and a steadfast resolve to reject compromise at all cost. It also shows what God is willing to do when people demonstrate these qualities in their daily lives. What a great and miraculous deliverance from a Great and Mighty God. Gary

Several years ago after Thanksgiving dinner, my niece and her family were taking turns telling what they were thankful for. When it came around to my youngest great nephew, he said with all seriousness in his voice, "I'm thankful for underwear." I would assume that he is now probably thankful that he went through the pandemic and had toilet paper. Gary

Happy Thanksgiving to you also. Gary

Living in the will of God is productive in silencing the ignorance of foolish men, but may bring about suffering. But even if we suffer for the cause of Christ we are blessed (Matt. 5:10), "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake." So doing the will of God is a win, win choice. 1 Peter 2:15 (KJV) 15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 1 Peter 3:17 (KJV) 17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. Gary