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Agape Love – – – Dallas Willard
Love, of the agape variety, is goodwill in action. To love something or someone is to act or be poised to act for the good of that thing or person. Love of neighbor is a disposition to act for what is good for those closest to us. If you see harm coming to them, you […]
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God Invites Us into His Happiness
Author Randy Alcorn believes happiness has gotten a bad rap from Christians because it is somehow unspiritual. But is not God a happy God? From Eternal Perspectives Ministries………. https://www.epm.org/blog/2022/Nov/21/invites-happiness
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A Roadmap for Life in the Spirit
This is quite an excellent article on the possibilities available to every believer as they live life in the power and control of the Holy Spirit. From OpentheBible.org…….. https://openthebible.org/article/a-road-map-for-life-in-the-spirit/?s=09
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What the Bible Says to the Jaded and Discouraged
This article does a fine job of drawing out some lessons from Isaiah 40 on how to deal with weariness and discouragement. From OpentheBible.org…………. https://openthebible.org/article/what-the-bible-says-to-the-jaded-and-discouraged/?s=09
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3 Good Things to Do When You Need to Make a Decision
This is a great reminder of the importance of seeking God and His wisdom when facing a time of decision. From Beautiful Christian Life……….. https://www.beautifulchristianlife.com/blog/3-good-things-to-do-when-you-need-to-make-a-decision
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Your Tears Have Good Company
This is a really beautiful review and application of a most wonderful and very spiritual verse in the Bible: “Jesus wept.” From The Ploughman’s Rest…………….. https://ploughmansrest.com/blog/2022/11/14/your-tears-have-good-company?utm_source=pocket_saves
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Faith Based on True Knowledge of God
The central teachings of the Christian religion, such as those of the Apostles’ Creed, were from the beginning presented and accepted as knowledge—knowledge of what is real and what is right. That is why they had the transforming effect they did on a world dead set against them. Indeed, the biblical tradition as a whole […]
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9 Powerful Reasons Why “No” Is a Beautiful Word
Very interesting and uplifting article! From Crosswalk.com………. https://www.crosswalk.com/slideshows/9-powerful-reasons-why-no-is-a-beautiful-word.html
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Our Heavenly Father Listens and Answers — Matthew 7:9-11
This encouraging devotional offers the wonderful reminder that God both hears and responds to the prayers of His children. From Beautiful Christian Life……… https://www.beautifulchristianlife.com/bcl-grow/11-10-2022
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What Does It Mean That We Have “Assurance of Salvation”?
Our assurance that we are and will be saved comes from the Bible, based on the grace and love of God. From BibleStudyTools.com…………. https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-does-it-mean-that-we-have-assurance-of-salvation.html
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What to Do When the New Testament Quotes the Old
Some very helpful advice and tips for everyone when studying and reading the New Testament. From Knowable Word……….. https://www.knowableword.com/2022/10/14/what-to-do-when-the-new-testament-quotes-the-old/
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Finding Contentment
There is a reason that the Apostle Paul said that “contentment with godliness is great gain.” From Richard E Simmons III………….. https://richardesimmons3.com/finding-contentment/
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Building Habits: The Gap Between Knowing and Doing
A very important aspect in the lives of all believers is cross the gap between knowing the Word and living it out consistently. From Beautiful Christian Life……… https://www.beautifulchristianlife.com/blog/building-habits-the-gap-between-knowing-and-doing
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When Does Anxiety Become a Sin?
This is a helpful and informative article on anxiety from a biblical scholar who struggles himself with anxiety and worry. From Pierce Taylor Hibbs………… http://piercetaylorhibbs.com/when-does-anxiety-become-a-sin/
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Why Do Christians Do Bad Things?
I love this article! “To answer this question, we must consider the Bible’s teaching about what has already happened to the Christian, what is happening to the Christian, and what has not yet happened to the Christian.” From Ligonier.org………… https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/why-christians-do-bad-things
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What Is God-Given Love?
This article briefly examines how God’s love is different than the love generally known and experienced by humans. From Beautiful Christian Life……… https://www.beautifulchristianlife.com/blog/what-is-god-given-love
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Ezekiel’s Overwhelming Vision of the Glory of God
Here is an excellent article that dives deep into the lessons to learned and applied through Ezekiel’s vision of the glory of God. From Two Journeys………. Ezekiel’s Overwhelming Vision of the Glory of God https://subspla.sh/9ytzthd
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Christian Basics: What Are the Five “Alones”— “Solas” — and Why Do You Need to Know Them?
With Reformation Day, October 31st, coming soon, this article discusses the five Solas that the Reformers used to set them apart from the Catholic Church. From Beautiful Christian Life……… https://www.beautifulchristianlife.com/blog/christian-basics-what-are-the-five-alones-and-why-do-you-need-to-know-them
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Enduring in the Midst of Depression
Here is a very helpful article on dealing with depression which highlights the experience and insights gained by other believers with depression. From the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation………… Enduring in the Midst of Depression : https://www.ccef.org/enduring-in-the-midst-of-depression/
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Identifying Behemoth and Leviathan in the Book of Job
This is a very interesting article! And the answer posed by the title may not be what you think. From Knowable Word……….. https://www.knowableword.com/2021/06/18/identifying-behemoth-and-leviathan-in-the-book-of-job/
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Lead by Example, Even if You Stumble – – – Dallas Willard
Lead by example, even if you stumble The ultimate apologetic—that is to say, the ultimate lifter of doubt—is the believer acting in faith in an interactive life with God. That’s it. People need to see individuals living in daily interaction with the kingdom of the heavens: praying and saying. If we want to really attack […]
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8 Godly Men of the Bible Who Still Needed a Savior
Just a reminder that no matter how great our works for God are, we are all in need of the accomplished work of Christ. From Beautiful Christian Life………. https://www.beautifulchristianlife.com/blog/8-godly-men-of-the-bible-who-still-needed-a-savior
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Why You Should Really Read 1 Samuel
A nice overview and summary of 1 Samuel. From Crosswalk.com……… https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/why-you-really-should-read-1-samuel.html
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Sparkling Gems from the Greek – Philippians 4:6
This important and encouraging verse in Paul’s letter to the Philippians focuses on the necessity of fighting fear and faithlessness with prayer. From Crosswalk.com………. https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/sparkling-gems/sparkling-gems-from-the-greek-week-of-october-17.html
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We Love to Give Gold Stars
This article delves into a really interesting idea concerning Bible study: Our erroneous tendency to label the different characters in the biblical narratives as definitely “good” or “bad.” From OpentheBible.org………. https://www.knowableword.com/2022/10/24/we-love-to-give-gold-stars/
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Pay Attention to God’s Abundant Gifts – – – Dallas Willard
Pay attention to God’s abundant gifts It is God’s intention that our lives should be a seamless manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23). He has made abundant provision for His indwelling our lives in the here and now. Appropriate attention to the […]
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Psalm 121: The Keeping God
A really excellent article here on our God and the safety and peace we can find from our faithful and never-sleeping Father! From PlaceforTruth.org……….. https://www.placefortruth.org/blog/psalm-121-the-keeping-god
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WE SERVE OTHERS IN LOVE THROUGH OUR DISCIPLESHIP TO JESUS – – – Dallas Willard
We serve others in love through our discipleship Pastors are sent to make disciples of Jesus, apprentices to Jesus in kingdom living. Life is primarily devoted to work. All legitimate work is devoted to the creation of value, of what is good to a lesser or greater degree. That was God’s plan. He not only […]
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8 Steps to Take When Reading the Bible Feels Boring
While we should not fall into the trap of reading the Bible regularly as something to check off our “good Christian checklist,” even someone who truly loves God’s Word can still get bored with it at times. Here are some tips to counteract that. From BibleStudyTools.com……… https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/steps-to-take-when-reading-the-bible-feels-boring.html
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5 Myths about How We Got the Bible
If you spend any amount of time on social media, and even on some different websites, you are likely to find some myths about the Bible being espoused. This article looks at the 5 most prevalent inaccuracies about the Bible. From Crossway.org…….. https://www.crossway.org/articles/5-myths-about-how-we-got-the-bible/
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4 Battle Cry Scriptures to Memorize in Seasons of Depression
This is some very helpful encouragement here from someone who battles with depression. From Crosswalk.com………… https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/battle-cry-scriptures-to-memorize-in-seasons-of-depression.html
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What It Takes to be a Great Follower
I simply love this! Since most of us are followers rather than leaders, I think everyone can appreciate this little devotional. From OpentheBible.org………. https://openthebible.org/open-the-bible-daily/what-it-takes-to-be-a-great-follower/?s=09
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How to Find Hope in the Midst of Chronic Pain and Suffering
Chronic pain can be so debilitating and discouraging — but yet we must go on somehow. Throw yourselves on the mercy of God! From Crosswalk.com………… https://www.crosswalk.com/slideshows/how-to-find-hope-in-the-midst-of-chronic-pain-and-suffering.html
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What to Do When the New Testament Quotes the Old
Anyone who can read can understand the Bible. But also, because the Bible is unlike any other book we might read, it is important to know certain things about how best to understand and apply it. That is why I appreciate the ministry of Knowable Word. This article provides very helpful information on how to […]
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9 Ways Psalm 118:24 Encourages Us to Rejoice in the Lord Every Day
As I grow in the Lord, I am learning the importance of cultivating an attitude of thanksgiving to God for His grace and goodness, which leads to the experience of joy. Here are some insights in that regard from BibleStudyTools.com……….. https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/9-ways-psalm-11824-encourages-us-to-rejoice-in-the-lord-every-day.html
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May the Lord Make Me Truly Thankful
This brief article reminds us of how important it is to nurture a thankful heart. From the Dashhouse blog……….. https://www.dashhouse.com/may-the-lord-make-me-truly-thankful/
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Does It Matter How We Spend Our Free Time?
Here is another interesting but non-judgmental article from Randy Alcorn. Since our time and energy is limited every day and every week, it behooves us to make healthy and constructive choices in our we spend our free time. From Eternal Perspectives Ministries………. https://www.epm.org/blog/2020/Sep/30/matter-spend-free-time
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Weighing Our Words with Wisdom
Because we are all exposed to — and tempted to — the misuse and abuse of our words these days, this is a timely and helpful article! From Biblical Counseling Coalition……….. https://www.biblicalcounselingcoalition.org/2022/10/10/weighing-our-words-with-wisdom/
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Pleading for Blessings in Setbacks: Psalm 44
There are times for every believer where God will allow them to experience a setback or a disappointment — even when they have done nothing wrong. Psalm 44 is a biblical example of how to respond in such situations. From the Heritage Books blog……….. https://www.theheritage.blog/blog/pleading-for-blessings-in-setbacks-psalm-44
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Remember: Actively Reflecting on the Goodness of God
I am constantly flummoxed at how many times and how easily the Israelites forgot God and His goodness in the Old Testament. But then, I have to be honest and admit that I too am prone to forget God and His faithfullness and goodness in times of trial and struggle. From For the Church………. https://ftc.co/resource-library/articles/remember-actively-reflecting-on-the-goodness-of-god/
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To the Uttermost: How Jesus Keeps Us Day by Day
This is really a remarkably encouraging article! Jesus is as powerful and loving Savior for us now as He was on the cross! From Desiring God……… https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/to-the-uttermost
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You Can Be a More Effective Encourager
One of my goals for my blogs is to encourage those who come by. All believers have the ability to encourage and here are some tips to do just that! From OpentheBible.org………… https://openthebible.org/open-the-bible-daily/you-can-be-a-more-effective-encourager/
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To Speak With God, We Start Where We Are – – – Dallas Willard
To speak with God we start where we are As we approach the concept of speaking in partnership with God, we have to recall that we live in a personal universe. Everything around us is held together by personal acts of God. For example, Jesus spoke to the waves of the sea. Now, if you […]
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5 Examples of Adoption in the Bible
I am very happy to say that I am the proud father of an adopted daughter, and since I have become an adoptive dad, I have a much greater appreciation of the meaning behind God’s adoption of us! From Crosswalk.com………. https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/5-examples-of-adoption-in-the-bible.html
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The Deadly Peril of Being Double-Minded
This term is most prominently discussed in the Epistle of James, but the idea of the “double-minded” person shows up in a number of places in the Bible. But what does it mean? Here is a good overview from The Chorus in the Chaos via Patheos.com………. https://www.patheos.com/blogs/chorusinthechaos/the-deadly-peril-of-being-the-double-minded-man/
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Study the Bible to Get Massive Treasure
God has told us in His Word that there are great treasures and wonderful blessings to be found in reading, studying and applying the Bible. But like any good adventure story of seeking out a treasure, it takes some work and effort to find it and reap the rewards! From Knowable Word…………. https://www.knowableword.com/2016/09/19/study-the-bible-to-get-massive-treasure/
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A Prayer to Help You Walk in the Spirit
I really appreciate this helpful article from biblical counselor Rick Thomas! From Life Over Coffee……….. https://lifeovercoffee.com/a-short-prayer-to-help-you-walk-in-the-spirit/
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50 Verses Every Man Should Know
From BibleStudyTools.com……… https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/50-verses-every-man-should-know.html
PAINT – AND – PEN: a blog to extol the virtues of Jesus and living the Christian life
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