VoyForums
[ Show ]
Support VoyForums
[ Shrink ]
VoyForums Announcement: Programming and providing support for this service has been a labor of love since 1997. We are one of the few services online who values our users' privacy, and have never sold your information. We have even fought hard to defend your privacy in legal cases; however, we've done it with almost no financial support -- paying out of pocket to continue providing the service. Due to the issues imposed on us by advertisers, we also stopped hosting most ads on the forums many years ago. We hope you appreciate our efforts.

Show your support by donating any amount. (Note: We are still technically a for-profit company, so your contribution is not tax-deductible.) PayPal Acct: Feedback:

Donate to VoyForums (PayPal):

[ Login ] [ Contact Forum Admin ] [ Main index ] [ Post a new message ] [ Search | Check update time | Archives: 1, 2, 3, 4 ]

[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Date Posted: 07:01:12 11/14/23 Tue
Author: c
Subject: Supplementary Teachings 10/2023 (updated)

Turning Points devotional 10/28 - 29/23

Light in the darkness

A light to guide us

John 11:9 - 10 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

(edited)

...Jesus said He is the Light of the world (John 8:12), meaning He makes spiritual life possible all the time if we walk in His light. If not, we will stumble in the dark.

Jesus' lesson was simple: Walk in His light, and you will not stumble. Why would we live in darkness when His light is always available?

------------------------------=

PowerPoint with Pastor Jack Graham 10/4/23

Where you can deal with your ‘junk’

By: Dr. Jack Graham

October 4, 2023


Iron sharpens iron,

and one man sharpens another.

–Proverbs 27:17



A number of years ago, there was a man in our church who was a very dynamic leader. He was great with people, led others in the faith, and never missed a Sunday. Then one day, it came to light that he was having an affair. So I sat down to talk with him about stepping down from his leadership position.

This man became belligerent. “It doesn’t matter what I do outside of church,” he told me. “I’m a good leader in church and that’s all that matters. It’s not the church’s business what happens in my private life.”

I looked that man square in the eye and said, “Oh, yes it is our business. What I do out of church… what you do out of church… and what any member does outside of church is the business of the church. When I fail personally, it affects everyone. The same is true for every single member.”

No person in the body of Christ is an entity to himself or herself. Every member of God’s kingdom is intricately intertwined with the others. So when it comes to private issues you’re facing, bring them to light among a trusted Christian community. Deal with your junk alongside believers who love you, and you’ll find a place of trust and hope to overcome any problem you face.

BRING YOUR ISSUES TO LIGHT AMONG THE BODY OF CHRIST, AND YOU’LL FIND A PLACE OF TRUST TO OVERCOME ANY ISSUE YOU FACE!

------------------------------------------=

Today in the Word

November 2023

Today with Mark Jobe

Quiet Your Soul and Listen

(edited)


What does God sound like? Until we get to Heaven, we will not know exactly. But Scripture tells us that God speaks to us....

The question is not whether God speaks, but whether we hear Him when He speaks. Our job is to quiet our soul, listen attentively, and discern the voice of God when He speaks to us. Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still and know that I am God;..." Being still is not easy for us in this modern age....It means that we cease all activity.

In that stopping and the stillness that follows, my soul can finally breathe, and my spirit can more fully grasp that God is my refuge and my strength. It is in this stillness that my fear and anxiety start to shrink. We sit quietly in the presence of the Great I AM. It is only then that our thinking can focus on God and His Word.

For years I have been practicing a morning ritual of being still and knowing....

...We cannot tell God how and when to speak to us. We can, however, position ourselves to hear His voice.

----------------------------------=

intouch.org Daily devotion 10/14/23


The Perks of Failure

Our mistakes are never the end of the story if we keep going to God with our disappointment.


Proverbs 16:17-19

Pride is dangerous because it hinders our communication with God. It is something that Scripture clearly says the Lord hates (Prov. 6:16-17; Prov. 8:13; Prov. 16:5). So if there is pride in your life, God will want to help remove it. And He might allow you to experience failure as a means to that end.

And that is what happened to Israel in Joshua 7:1-26. The new nation had won a mighty victory in Jericho and became rather prideful. Considering themselves invulnerable, they became disobedient to the One who had delivered them.

In arrogance, a soldier named Achan ignored God’s instructions concerning spoils from the battle of Jericho. Israel then proceeded to the town of Ai, but instead of the easy victory the soldiers expected, they suffered a humiliating defeat. Joshua and the elders of Israel humbly cried out to the Lord, who led them to confront the sin in their midst and then conquer Ai.

If disappointment today leads to great success tomorrow, isn’t the setback worth it? The next time you experience failure, observe your response: Do you throw your hands up in frustration? Do you struggle with inadequacy? Notice your feelings and ask God, “What do You want me to know in this moment?”

----------------------------------=

Beside the Still Waters

11/20/23

Conversion

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;


(edited)

True conversion consists of a total surrender to God's plan for our life. This is not always easy, yet if we trust in God for strength to do His will, it is quite possible. To be converted is to be changed, so a changed life must be evident. If we go on living as before, without changing our ways, we are not converted, no matter how much we speak Christ's Name....

...If we are truly converted and Jesus lives in our heart, we will be ashamed when we fail. We will not only seek forgiveness but also ask God to help us gain victory over our weakness.

Titus Yoder

Psalm 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.


------------------------------------------=

Beside the Still Waters

12/1/23

Heeding God's Spirit

2 Corinthians 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them who are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.


(edited)

Is it important to heed God's Spirit? A recent experience reminded me of the blessing we might miss if we don't.

A neighbor man had suffered a heart attack. On a Saturday evening several weeks later, I came past his place and saw him sitting on his porch. "Visit your neighbor," the Spirit prompted. I did so the same evening, and during our visit my neighbor told me, "When I saw you coming up the driveway, I said, 'Here comes a man who cares about me. Life is worth living.'" His statement really blessed my heart! In the past he had been touchy and hard to relate to. That evening I saw a soft side which I don't often see in him. He thanked me for caring about his life.

Later I wondered: How often do I fail to heed the Spirit's promptings, and I miss out on blessings like these? ...Too easily we forget to maintain proper priorities in life. I prayed, "Lord, help me to see the small day-to-day opportunities that I have to bless other people's lives."

Taking time for others will help to get our mind off ourselves and our troubles. We can see life in a better perspective...God's Spirit is faithful in speaking to us. Let us be faithful in heeding His voice.

James Kurtz

1 Thessalonians 5:17,19 Pray without ceasing....Quench not the Spirit.

----------------------------=

Beside the Still Waters

12/3/23

Calling on God with a pure heart

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.



(edited)

..."Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8). Spiritual sight comes through the Word of God as the Spirit of God guides us in the Word, for God shows Himself pure unto the pure in heart (Psalm 18:26). The result is a pure mind that is stirred up by remembrance of things that the Spirit has revealed.

A pure heart is also "holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience" (1 Timothy 3:9), because only a pure heart is a container worthy of such a priceless gem....A purified soul, obedience to the truth, and sincere love for the brotherhood come through a pure heart that loves fervently (1 Peter 1:22).

Obeying the command to "keep thyself pure" (1 Timothy 5:22) will keep us from many sins of the flesh and spirit.

Daniel Stauffer

-------------------------=

Beside the Still Waters

12/4/23

The God of the Valley

(edited)

A certain merchant was informed by his secretary that his company was in serious financial difficulty. "It's been a bad year, sir," he said. "There have been vast losses and few gains." The merchant knew that bankruptcy was imminent, but he replied, "No, John, it has been a good year in spite of everything. All those figures in red represent hours of agonizing prayer on my part. These experiences have made me feel so spiritually blessed that I cannot despair over earthly losses. The future is bright because the Bible promises that God will withhold no good thing from those who walk uprightly" (Psalm 84:11).

The secretary looked at the merchant and said, "It has been your steadiness under the testings of the past year that made me long to know Christ as you do. So the other night I received Him as my Savior; and I agree, sir, that it has indeed been a good year!" Both men had come to realize in a wonderful way that the Lord of Heaven is also the God of the valley.

Eli Yoder

Green pastures are often found in the lowlands of trial - H.G.B.

---------------------------------=

Beside the Still Waters

12/10/23

Complete in Christ

(edited)

Colossians 2:9 - 10 For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him, Who is the Head of all principality and power:


Taking up our cross daily means crucifying our self-will every day, which can have a bitter taste...When we are planning what we want to do today, let's stop and ask Jesus if this is His will for us. If the answer is negative, let's try to discern what He does want us to do.

...We must bear in mind that Christ was humble throughout His life here on earth, especially when He bore our sins on the cross. So we want to humbly follow in His footsteps.

Being complete in Christ means dying and being buried with Him, and then rising to a new life by His power. We will be led by the Holy Spirit in a life of victory over sin and loving service to others. Let us trust in the grace of Christ to make us complete in Him.

Fred Beachy

May we be found complete, washed in the blood of the Lamb!

---------------------------=

Beside the Still Waters

12/28/23

Parting or Investing?

Matthew 6:19-20 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:


(edited)


...There's a world of difference between a fool who invests his money for fleeting pleasures, and a wise man who invests his money in Heaven.

...To give to the poor is to invest by lending to the Lord. "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).

Our whole life should be "invested" for God and others. It's like the J-O-Y song: Jesus first, yourself last, and others in between. We will be blessed if we do without something we would love to have, so that others can have what they need.

Eli Yutzy Jr.

Proverbs 11:25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

------------------------------=

intouch.org Daily devotion 11/11/23

Persevere in passing down your faith

James 1:2-4

(edited)


Yesterday we read about how to tell loved ones about Jesus through our actions, but doing something once or even a few times isn't enough. There must be consistency. Does what you believe have merit in small situations as well as in major ones? Do you still trust God in those times when circumstances look impossible? How do you react when things don't go your way? What do you do when life gets tough? Do you keep loving others no matter what?

Don't be discouraged when you fall short. We all are human and will respond imperfectly at one point or another. What's important is what we do next. Whenever you're in a difficult moment, remember the wonderful words Paul wrote to the Galatians: "In due time we will reap, if we do not become weary" (6:9).

--------------------=

intouch.org Daily devotion 11/17/23

Acquiring Discernment

Proverbs 2:1-11

(edited)


Though discernment doesn't appear overnight, it does develop when we "search for her as for hidden treasures" (Proverbs 2:4). So don't wait until you're facing a critical decision - start asking the Lord for His wisdom today. We need time to practice this kind of humility so we'll learn to hear His voice among the noises of life. And in the meantime, rest assured that no matter what decision you make, God will be with you (Psalm 139:7-12).

---------------------------=

intouch.org Daily devotion 11/21/23

Living in the Present

(edited)


Hebrews 10:23-25

The Gospel urges us to entrust both the past and the future to God. That mindset frees us to live for the Lord in the only moment we can: the present. Yes, there is an aspect of God's Kingdom that is not yet - its fullness hasn't yet arrived. But at the same time, we live in His Kingdom here and now.

In Hebrews 3:13, the call to encourage one another every day isn't just a suggestion; it's a vital practice for spiritual growth. We need regular support of Christian brothers and sisters to help us successfully navigate each day's challenges and opportunities. Encouraging each other can be a beacon of light and hope to those around us.

That's the author's focus in Hebrews 3:13. If we want to guard against our hearts being "hardened by the deceitfulness of sin," we should give and receive encouragement. It is good to speak words of affirmation, hope, and accountability regularly. But even when offered just once, they can have a long-lasting effect, far beyond the present moment.

---------------------------------=

intouch.org Daily devotion 11/22/23

Every Sunday is a little Easter

(edited)

John 12:20-24


How do we practice resurrection? We haven't diet yet, after all! First, we let go of our old ways of living, our selfish desires, and our pride (2 Corinthians 5:17). In doing this, we experience a kind of death - one from which we are "made alive in the spirit" (1 Peter 3:18).

Second, we embrace the faith and hope Jesus provided. This happens in a powerful way every time we gather with other believers, confessing our sin and receiving God's forgiveness and mercy. We worship together, in faith that our Savior has died and risen from the grave. And we worship also in hope that the new life we now enjoy partially will be enjoyed completely when Christ comes again. Think of every Sunday as a little taste of Easter, all year long.

-----------------------=

Our Daily Bread daily devotion 12/2/23

Building up Goodwill

(edited)

Ephesians 4:16

When we think of the best business practices, what first comes to mind probably aren't qualities like kindness and generosity. But according to entrepreneur James Rhee, they should. In Rhee's experience as CEO at a company on the brink of financial ruin, prioritizing what he calls "goodwill" - a "culture of kindness" and a spirit of giving - saved the company and led to its flourishing. Putting these qualities central gave people the hope and motivation they needed to unify, innovate, and problem-solve. Rhee explains that "goodwill...is a real asset that can compound and be amplified."

In daily life too, it's easy to think of qualities like kindness as vague and intangible, afterthoughts to our other priorities. But, as the apostle Paul taught, such qualities matter most of all.

Writing to new believers, Paul emphasized that the purpose of believer's lives is transformation through the Spirit into mature members of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:15). To that end, every word and every action has value only if it builds up and benefits others (v. 29). Transformation in Jesus can only happen through daily prioritizing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness (v. 32).

When the Holy Spirit draws us to other believers in Christ, we grow and mature as we learn from one another.

Monica La Rose

Dear God, teach me daily what truly matters - the love poured out through Your Son.

-------------------------=

Adult Bible Class - Union Gospel Press

Fall Quarter

10/15/23

A Backsliding People

by Gordon Talbot

(edited)


Judges 2:16-23


Judges 2:16 - 18 Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, who delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them. And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way that their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD; but they did not so. And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.


p 36

To assert that the groaning and vexation of the Israelites due to pagan oppression caused God to abandon the plan He had determined to follow would be to say that people can manipulate God. Since we know that cannot be done, we must seek another explanation for why God is said to have "repented." The theological answer can be summed up in the following way. The Hebrew word in Judges 2:18 translated "repenting" can carry the idea of relenting or taking pity. This may indulge the thought of becoming softer or less severe and harsh. In other words. God's plan never changed. What changed was that He was now ready to rescue them because their suffering had finally caused them to earnestly ask for His help.


Golden Text Illuminated

by Darrell W. McKay

p 38

Thankfully, the God Who entered into covenant with His people allows them only so much leash to sin and then eventually draws them back with the cords of love (cf. Hos. 11:4). Let us be grateful for God's mercy.

--------------------=

Today in the Word 12/7/23

A Mystery for the Teacher


John 3:1 - 21

(edited)


...But even before Nicodemus could ask a question, Jesus addressed what was in his head and on his heart....

To answer Nicodemus, Jesus used an illustration of the wind blowing wherever it pleased. He used this example to highlight the nature of those who are born again. We cannot figure out the moment-by-moment movement of the wind. In the same way, we cannot figure out who will be born again by the Spirit of God. It is, and will always be, a great mystery.

Jesus is not negating human responsibility, but He is emphasizing the Spirit's role in a person coming to faith in Him.....

The Spirit's movements may be mysterious, but they are not random. Let's thank God for choosing us.

Eric Moore

------------------------------=

Like Rabbi Kirt Schneider teaches, spiritual life is affected significantly due to how we choose - the choices we make each day.

Anything involving choice has the potential to choose wrong - and it is said that a saint can choose wrong due to Proverbs, etc. not being kept in mind due to interest in other things.



The Key to answered prayer by Rabbi Kirt A. Schneider

p 171

I know we go through battles. I know we go through tough times. But we have a choice. When we're in tough situations, we can still give God thanks by faith. We can still say, "Father, thank You. This might be a challenge, but I choose to love You. I choose to be grateful. I choose to believe that You're doing something good in my life right now."




Discovering the Jewish Jesus - Rabbi Kirt Schneider

Qualified for Greatness | Revelations to Set You Free Season 1

11/28/22

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPn9QccUf2Q


(edited portion of a teaching exposition)


1:51


Even when we're united with Him in oneness, we're still unique. And the only person that can choose to love God is you. You're not just a shadow. God isn't making you love Him. You have to choose to love Him. You're always going to be separate. You're always going to have your own will. It's always going to be up to you to give God your heart. As I said last week, no one can give your heart to God but you.

And understanding this puts a weight of responsibility on us. When we wake up in the morning, God is not going to make us love Him. And love is not a feeling - love is a choice. When we wake up in the morning, you and I have to realize that it's our responsibility to put Him first. It's our responsibility to control what we say. So that we're always placing ourselves in a position under His authority and under His Word - watching what comes out of our mouth because we want to love Him. We have to choose to be under His authority because we love Him. We have to choose to be obedient. Jesus said: "if you love Me, you'll obey Me." But this is our choice.

As I said last week, when I was a very young Christian, I couldn't handle the fact that any of it had to do with me - because I had no confidence in myself. I just said: "Lord, it's all up to You. If You don't save me, I'll be lost. If You don't save me, I'll perish. If it depends on me, I'll fail."

So all I could do is trust God in His sovereignty to complete in me what He began. And that's a right thing to do. But as I got older, I realized that God is not going to force me to love Him, I have a call, and only I can do it.

-------------=

Person to Person: The Gospel of Mark

by Paul V. Vickers


(summarized points of the text)


p 125 – 126

(Mark 8:22 - 26)

We can see truth a little when Jesus Christ saves us, but then we must choose love and compassion to truly see.


p 227

We must choose to make ourselves ready for the Heavenly Father to feed us with new life.


p 228

Jesus Christ will allow us to see our judas-like ways so we can choose to be virtuous eventually.

[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]
[ Contact Forum Admin ]

Forum timezone: GMT-8
VF Version: 3.00b, ConfDB:
Before posting please read our privacy policy.
VoyForums(tm) is a Free Service from Voyager Info-Systems.
Copyright © 1998-2019 Voyager Info-Systems. All Rights Reserved.