"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." - James 1:5

PONDER THIS

Do you know what wisdom is? Wisdom is seeing life from God’s point of view. When you pray and you have the Spirit of God and the Word of God in you, you will begin to have wisdom. Knowledge comes by looking around, but wisdom comes by looking up. God will lead you and give you wisdom. When a person is walking in the Spirit, he can say, “I have the mind of Christ.” He’s not afraid to trust what the Spirit says. That is not natural; it is supernatural.

Wisdom is not a feeling like getting teary-eyed and warm around the heart. It is having a mind that is fixed on God, full of the Word of God, and led by the Spirit of God. The Bible says God will guide you with wisdom.

- How have you measured wisdom in the past?
- What does it look like to seek God’s wisdom? How can you do that today?

PRACTICE THIS

Share with someone the value of godly wisdom. APR
|
|
I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by Love Worth Finding.

https://www.lwf.org/daily-devotionals/ask-god-for-the-wisdom-youre-missing

“Verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” - Matthew 24:34

This exciting prediction by Christ climaxes His great prophetic discourse on the Mount of Olives. He had given His disciples the signs they had requested, then discussed the coming great tribulation and finally His glorious return in the clouds of heaven. And “all these things” were to be fulfilled before “this generation” would pass away.

And what generation would that be? Many commentators have taken it as the Jewish people, but that would be redundant since many other passages had already promised that the nation of Israel would never pass away (Jeremiah 31:37-40; etc.). Furthermore, the Greek word for “generation” (genea) is never used elsewhere for any meaning but that of a particular age generation. A similar word, genos, sometimes means “stock” or “kind,” but never genea.

Thus, the generation that Christ was predicting probably meant the generation that would see the events He had prophesied. “When ye shall see all these things,” He said, “know that it is near, even at the doors” (Matthew 24:33). What are some of “these things”? World wars accompanied and followed by “earthquakes in divers places” as well as “famines, and pestilences” (v. 7), worldwide spread of the gospel witness (v. 14), many false Christs and false prophets (v. 24), widespread wickedness and spiritual indifference as in the days of Noah (vv. 37–39), and the budding of the fig tree, Israel (v. 32).

The word for “this” in verse 34 is the demonstrative adjective, so Christ seems to be referring to “that” generation which sees “these things begin to come to pass.” That generation will see all these things fulfilled! To that generation He says, “Lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28). HMM
|
|
I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by the Institute of Creation.

https://www.icr.org/article/16098/

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." - II Timothy 2:15

PONDER THIS

Imagine you pull your car in behind a man pushing an old car into a gas station. All four of his tires are flat. The headlights have been broken out. The battery is gone. All the fenders are dented and flopping. It has a gas tank but there’s a hole rusted in the bottom. You are sitting behind him, waiting to get gas for yourself, and you are amazed when you see his attempt to fill the tank up. If you were watching, what would you think? You’d likely wonder, What for? We say “Oh, God, show me your will.” God says, “Why? Why should I show you My will? You’re not prepared to do My will. You don’t really mean it when you say you want to know My will.”

Are you yielded to God? Don’t say, “I want to know the will of God,” unless there is willingness. Unless there is meekness. Unless there is openness. All those things were there when the Apostle Paul prayed and said, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” (Acts 9:6).

- What would it look like to yield to God in your life today?
- How do you prepare yourself for receiving direction from God?

PRACTICE THIS

Write out the steps you need to take to prepare yourself for God’s will. Follow those steps. APR
|
|
I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by Love Worth Finding.

https://www.lwf.org/daily-devotionals/are-you-really-ready-for-gods-answer

“When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.” - Psalm 27:10

There may be more people alive today than ever before, but there are also more lonely people today than ever before— divorced spouses, homeless people, many elderly parents and, perhaps saddest of all, orphaned or abandoned children. These and many others are still alone, even in a crowded world.

No one, though, was ever so alone as the Lord Jesus on the cross. “Behold, the hour cometh,” He had said, “yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave Me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me” (John 16:32). Then, only a few hours later, as He hung on the cross, even His heavenly Father had to leave Him. He cried, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46). He died alone, bearing the burden of all the sin of all the world on His soul.

But because He suffered alone, no one else need ever be alone again. “Be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, 'I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee'” (Hebrews 13:5). The apostle Paul, suffering alone in a Roman dungeon shortly before his execution, could still say, “Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me” (II Timothy 4:17). John the beloved, old and imprisoned alone on the tiny isle of Patmos, nevertheless “was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day” and then saw the Lord in all His glory (Revelation 1:10). So it has always been with those who know the Lord, for He is there, even when all others have forsaken them, and He understands. He has already been there ahead of us, “in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16). HMM
|
|
I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by the Institute of Creation.

https://www.icr.org/article/16097/

"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal." - I Corinthians 12:7

PONDER THIS

If you have a spiritual gift, it is not a means to an end. It is not for your personal use. It is not to make you feel good. It is not to prove something. These gifts are meant to put you to work for the Lord Jesus Christ. God has given you a gift to profit others.

One of my favorite stories is about a woman who’d taken a first-aid course, and later gave a testimonial to her class. She shared that in front of her house there was a horrible wreck—an old man driving a car had lost control, hit an oak tree, and was thrown out on the pavement. It was terrible. But she said, “I remembered my first aid. I remembered if I were to put my head between my knees I wouldn’t faint.” And she said, “I did; it was wonderful.” That’s the way some people think about gifts. They think a spiritual gift is supposed to be a particular blessing to them, but the Bible says here that the gift is a service to others. It is to profit the whole body. It is not for your enjoyment; it is for your employment.

- What changes when we remember that our spiritual gifts are to benefit the body and are not just for our own use?
- How have you used your spiritual gifts? Have they been used to benefit others in the body of Christ?

PRACTICE THIS

Take action and serve someone around you today using the gifts God has given you. APR
|
|
I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by Love Worth Finding.

https://www.lwf.org/daily-devotionals/you-were-given-a-gift-someone-else-needs

“Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you." "Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.” (Philippians 3:15-16)

Earlier, Paul had noted that he was not “already perfect” (Philippians 3:12), using a form of the Greek verb teleioo. In today’s verse, Paul uses the adjective form teleios. Although the root of the word is the same, this particular usage is significant.

In verse 12, the Holy Spirit inspires Paul to use the past perfect tense of teleioo, rendering the translation “not having been perfected” and thereby recognizing that the end product of God’s salvation has not yet been completed. The adjective form, teleios, denotes the sense of maturity, both in our text and the other 18 instances in the New Testament.

Those of the family of God who are “mature,” even if we might be “otherwise minded,” are to expect that our Lord Jesus will reveal “even this,” or the prize that we are to focus on in Philippians 3:14. The “one thing” of Philippians 3:13 is so important that we must “walk by the same rule” and “mind the same thing” (our text).

The Greek word for “walk” is only used four other times in the New Testament, and it describes marching in a row and following a prescribed order. We are to “walk in the steps” that Abraham exemplified (Romans 4:12), just as we are to “also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25).

Finally, we are exhorted to “mind” the same thing. Our thought processes are to be focused on that one thing that is most important—seeking the kingdom first. May these clear commands find their way into our hearts. HMM III
|
|
I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by the Institute of Creation.

https://www.icr.org/article/16096/

Hello, I hope people who read this are doing well. I've been around before but hardly outright comment or post.

I was wondering if there was anyone who had solid Prayer Book recommendations? Preferably simpler/historical prayers that I can read out loud if I need them, keep on my person, and to an extent memorize? I've been looking into more historical Protestantism, so I figured this would be a good place to ask.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated and I'll look into them!

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God." "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." - Colossians 3:1-2

PONDER THIS

There was a man who took his shirts into a dry cleaner and gave instructions on how he wanted the shirts cleaned. But after several visits, the dry cleaner never truly matched his formula. Frustrated, he said, “Look, I brought them in the first time, I told you how. I brought them in the second time and told you how, and now you’re wasting my time.”

Later, this same man went for visitation with his church, and he got a card with the name matching the name of the dry cleaner. He asked the card distributer, “Do they (the dry cleaners) know me?” He said, “Yes, they do know you.” He asked, “What do they think about me?” The card distributer responded, “They think the most important thing to you is the way your shirts are done.”

Do you know what I want people to think of when they think of me? The most important thing in my life is Jesus Christ. But that doesn’t just happen on its own. That’s a principle to guide my life.

- What are some things that are important to you? How is that evident in the way you live?
- What are some things you want to be remembered for? How do you need to live today in pursuit of that goal?

PRACTICE THIS

Ask a friend to share honestly about things that come to mind when he or she thinks of you. Ask where you can grow in reflecting Christ as the most important thing in your life. APR
|
|
I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by Love Worth Finding.

https://www.lwf.org/daily-devotionals/let-christ-be-what-people-notice-most-about-you

AND what is something you think I would change my mind about if I researched it using your recommended resources? Bonus points for linking sources I should look over.

“My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up.” - Psalm 5:3

Bible study, meditation on the Word, and prayer are necessities for a healthy Christian life and are good to practice at any time of the day or night, according to the constraints of time and the responsibilities of each individual. Other things being equal, however, the best time of all is in the early morning. A believer who awakens each morning to the voice of the Lord in His Word will, in turn, be ready to speak words of blessing to others through the day (Isaiah 50:4). And as we look up to Him each morning in prayer, He will hear and direct our steps through the day.

This was the example set by the Lord Jesus Himself: “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed” (Mark 1:35). If even Jesus Christ needed such a quiet time early in the morning set aside to fellowship with His Father, we also would do well to follow.

Note the prayer of David: “Cause me to hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in Thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto Thee” (Psalm 143:8). We urgently need to know the way we should walk each day, for it is so easy to get turned aside into our own ways, and the obvious time to pray for guidance is at the very beginning of every day.

One should not make a legalistic ritual of prayer and Bible meditation, of course, for it should come from a heart of love whenever and wherever it can be done, whether morning or evening. However it may work for each person, may God help us to say with the psalmist: “O how love I Thy law! it is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97). HMM
|
|
I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by the Institute of Creation.

https://www.icr.org/article/16094/

Hi! I’m Catholic, previously Baptist, and I’ve always wondered why Protestants didn’t believe in the Eucharist. It says in Luke 22:19 "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."

I know some places do it and say it symbolizes the body and blood, but why is it Christians believe that God preforms miracles every day, but can’t preform this one during church- especially with the evidence to back it up (look up the Eucharistic miracles)

It’s something that’s been weighing on me and I really just want to ask someone who isn’t catholic.

Not marking this as Catholic vs Protestant debate being this isn’t a debate, genuinely just curious!

"All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." - I Corinthians 6:12

PONDER THIS

An expedition is a journey. You’re going somewhere if you’re on an expedition. In the KJV, this verse is translated as “all things are not expedient.” The word expedient means, “something that brings you to your goal.” Every Christian ought to have some God-given goals. Every one of us ought to have a holy ambition in our lives. I have goals for my life. I believe they have been given by God, hammered out on the anvil of prayer, and they’ve become goals for my life. Now, I can tell whether a thing is right or wrong for me by assessing if it will bring me to my appointed goal or hinder me. Is this activity an anchor that keeps me out of God’s harbor, or is it something that propels me toward my God-given goal?

But if you don’t have any God-given goals, then expediency makes no difference for you. God has laid His hand upon you. This was the great goal of the Apostle Paul. He said, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12).

- What are your God-given ambitions and goals?
- What are some things that have hindered you from your spiritual goals?

PRACTICE THIS

Make a list of some God-given goals that are on your heart today. Share them with a friend and find some practical steps to pursue these goals. APR
|
|
I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by Love Worth Finding.

https://www.lwf.org/daily-devotionals/is-this-helping-you-reach-your-god-given-goals

“That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man;" "that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love," "may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;" "and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” (Ephesians 3:16-19)

This prayer of the apostle Paul applies to us as well as “to the saints which are at Ephesus” (Ephesians 1:1). Paul directs his prayer “unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (3:14), and he requests both that “Christ may dwell in your hearts” and also that the Holy Spirit would strengthen our “inner man.” We know elsewhere that Christ is at the right hand of the Father in heaven so that the Holy Spirit is the person who actually indwells our bodies as believers (Ephesians 1:20). And yet, because God is a triune God, if the Holy Spirit indwells us, so also must “the Spirit of Christ” or else “he is none of His” (Romans 8:9).

But the prayer doesn’t end with Christ dwelling in our hearts. He further prays that “ye might be filled with all the fulness of God,” and thus the Father is there too! When we accept Christ, we accept also the Father and the Holy Spirit, for the three are one, and God in all His triune fullness thenceforth lives in us.

The Lord Jesus Himself prayed essentially the same prayer. “I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth... and My Father will love [you], and We will... make Our abode with [you]” (John 14:16-17, 23). What a priceless privilege and responsibility is ours as believers that our triune God of creation, redemption, and direction is with us always! HMM
|
|
I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by the Institute of Creation.

https://www.icr.org/article/16093/

A post where people can post topics they wish for others to pray about, and where people can come and find topics and users to pray for.

"And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, 'Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?'" "And he said, Who art Thou, Lord? And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.'" "And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, 'Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.'" - Acts 9:4-6

PONDER THIS

If you want to know the will of God, there must be willingness. And there must also be meekness. Saul said, “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” That is, “You are in control. I’m not in control.” Do you know what meekness is? Meekness means you are teachable. Psalm 25:9 says, “the meek will He guide”. Are you meek? If you’re not willing and you’re not meek, you won’t know God’s will.

Now, here’s a third thing: Not only did Saul have willingness and meekness, but he also had openness. He sought the will of God. Have you been open to the will of God? Don’t just simply say, “If God wants to show me, He can.” Have you earnestly prayed and said, “Oh God, I want to know Your will”? Do you report for godly duty? Do you think it’s up to God to put His hand on your shoulder and snatch you and turn you around? Or, after you’ve met the Lord Jesus, are you going to be like Paul and say, “What is it Lord that you really want me to do?”

- Where have you seen an example of meekness in someone close to you?
- Has God ever guided you to do something? What was that like?

PRACTICE THIS

Talk to a close friend or family member and ask if that person has seen meekness in you. Ask that person to keep you accountable as you seek God’s guidance. APR
|
|
I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by Love Worth Finding.

https://www.lwf.org/daily-devotionals/give-god-control-of-what-happens-next

It seems that just saying there is no verse i can read in my Bible that commands me to "pray to Mary" seems to cause such hatred, as if my version of Christianity is unaccepted but theres must be protected.

idk, i dont really consider myself a protestant as more as a Bible believing born again Christian, but what do i know about labels. I only go by what others tell me of their version.

have had plenty of catholics tell me they work for their salvation, but when i call it a works based salvation group, they get upset?

have had plenty of catholics tell me they dont just follow the Bible only, they have traditions that were passed down. but if i repeat that on some subs, i am automatically anti-catholic. so do they not know what they are, or what?

so what are your thoughts on this sub and how has it helped you in the past?

“If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel.” - Colossians 1:23

In our text, “the faith” insists on a particular body of doctrine that defines the Christian life. For instance, as Paul and Barnabas were returning from their initial missionary effort, they went back to each area “confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith” (Acts 14:22).

There are nearly 50 occurrences in the New Testament where “the faith” is used in this way. These references always speak of obedience to specific teachings that embrace the core of the godly lifestyle that represents holiness and the divine nature (II Peter 1:4). Thus, one who is “grounded and settled” in the faith will be both knowledgeable and stable in his Christian testimony and ministry.

It is necessary, of course, to build on the foundation of the Lord Jesus (I Corinthians 3:11), but only the “gold, silver, precious stones” have any lasting value (I Corinthians 3:12-15) —hence the requirement in Jude: “It was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 1:3).

Furthermore, those who continue in the faith will not be “moved away from the hope of the gospel.” That hope acts as “an anchor of the soul” (Hebrews 6:19) and is the drive that motivates us to maintain a pure lifestyle (I John 3:3). “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (I Corinthians 15:58). HMM III
|
|
I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by the Institute of Creation.

https://www.icr.org/article/16092/