Daily Devotionals--NEW

[Pcola Girl]

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Nice seeing you all here today. I think our Bible study is going well. I love reading and hearing Gods word, don't you?
I love reading all your posts to. If there is a favorite book in the Bible you want to study let me know and we will start on it.
God Bless You all today.

I came across this article in one of my books I was reading and thought it was interesting and wanted to share it with you.
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Question: "What is the difference between the soul and spirit of man?"

Answer: What is the difference between the spirit and the soul? The word spirit refers only to the immaterial facet of man. Mankind has a spirit, but we are not a spirit. However, in Scripture only believers, those who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, are said to be "spiritually alive" (1 Corinthians 2:11; Hebrews 4:12; James 2:26). Unbelievers are "spiritually dead" (Ephesians 2:1-5; Colossians 2:13). In Paul's writing the "spirit" was pivotal to the spiritual life of the believer (1 Corinthians 2:14; 3:1; 15:45; Ephesians 1:3; 5:19; Colossians 1:9; 3:16). The spirit is the element in man which gives him the ability to have an intimate relationship with God. Whenever the word spirit is used, it refers to the immaterial part of man including his soul.

The word soul refers not only to the immaterial part of man but the also material part. Unlike man having a "spirit," man is a soul. In its most basic sense, the word soul means "life." However, the Bible moves beyond "life" and into many areas. One of those areas is to man's eagerness to sin (Luke 12:26). Man is naturally evil, and his soul is tainted as a result. The life principle is removed at the time of physical death (Genesis 35:18; Jeremiah 15:2). The "soul," as with the "spirit," is the center of many spiritual and emotional experiences (Job 30:25; Psalm 43:5; Jeremiah 13:17). Whenever the word soul is used, it can refer to the whole person, alive or after death.

The "soul" and the "spirit" are similar in the manner in which they are used in the spiritual life of the believer. They are different in their reference. The "soul" is man's horizontal view with the world. The "spirit" is man's vertical view with God. It is important to understand that both refer to the immaterial part of man, but only the "spirit" refers to man's walk with God. The "soul" refers to man's walk in the world, both material and immaterial.

[la.lady]

God is Love, God is Life, God is Good!!!! Do I need to say more. What does this mean to You???

[PreciousOne]

House Cleaning

Last Week I threw out WORRYING,
It was getting old and in the way.
It kept me from being me,
I couldn't do things my way.
I threw out those inhibitions,
They were just crowding me out.
Made room for my New Growth,
Got rid of my old dreams and doubts.

I threw out a book on MY PAST
(didn't have time to read it anyway).
Replaced it with New Goals,
Started reading it today.
I threw out childhood toys
(remember how I treasured them so)?
Got me a NEW PHILOSOPHY too,
Threw out the one from long ago.

Brought in some new books too,
Called I CAN, I WILL, and I MUST.
Threw out I might, I think and I ought.
WOW, You should've seen the dust.
I ran across an OLD FRIEND,
Haven't seen him in a while.
I believe his name is GOD,
Yes, I really like His style.

He helped me to do some cleaning
And added some thing's Himself.
Like PRAYER, HOPE and FAITH,
Yes I placed them right on the shelf.
I picked up this special thing
And placed it at the front door.
I FOUND IT - its called PEACE.
Nothing gets me down anymore.

Yes, I've got my house looking nice.
Looks good around the place.
For things like Worry and Trouble
There just isn't any place.
Its good to do a little house cleaning,
Get rid of the old things on the shelf.
It sure makes things brighter,
Maybe you should TRY IT YOURSELF.

[Pcola Girl]

God is love and life and the light of the world. God has no bad in Him only love.
I just wished everyone in this world could love God as we all do here. Wouldn't it be a wonderful world if they did?

Heather I loved the poem..

[la.lady]

Mary, you hit it on the nail head Sweetie. We are just so privileged that we can worship God even through our computers. My JOY runs over the top. Now I know what it feels like to be filled with so much LOVE OF GOD, that it just spills over.

See Ya Later....

[la.lady]

Heather thanks Darling and oh how that rings true...

[s1mon3]

Good Afternoon Ladies!

I was sitting here at my desk wondering what I could read on the site and came across this thread! I love Daily Devotionals and will definitely be reading daily and posting when I am instructed to!!

Thanks Mary for helping us all spread the good news!

[PreciousOne]

I got that poem in my inbox this morning and loved it Had to share it!

[la.lady]

Originally Posted by s1mon3

Good Afternoon Ladies!

I was sitting here at my desk wondering what I could read on the site and came across this thread! I love Daily Devotionals and will definitely be reading daily and posting when I am instructed to!!

Thanks Mary for helping us all spread the good news!

Hi Sweetie, I am so glad that you are with us.

I remember seeing you on the Sista's Lounge I believe.

[PreciousOne]

Originally Posted by la.lady

God is Love, God is Life, God is Good!!!! Do I need to say more. What does this mean to You???

The quote is just so self explanitory for me. God IS love, He teaches that Love is the most important virtue. We must love one another !

[la.lady]

What does light mean to us??? Do you think part of that could mean insight to God's word?
That means so many things to me.
JOY
PEACE
LIGHTHEARTED
LIGHT SHOWS US THE PATH THAT WE MUST FOLLOW.

I could go on, and on...

[s1mon3]

Originally Posted by la.lady

Hi Sweetie, I am so glad that you are with us.

I remember seeing you on the Sista's Lounge I believe.

That's right!!! I knew your avatar looked familar, but I could not place it! I am happy to be here. I just ordered "The Purpose Driven Life on Amazon for $1.99 and the "The Purpose Driven Life: Daily Scriptures.." for $.01. I can't wait to read them as I to have been wondering what my purpose here is!

[Determinedtolose]

Tammy, I'm glad you quoted Romans. You know alot of people don't realize that Paul is the protype for us believers. He was the first person to receive the gospel of grace. 1Timothy 1:15-16 Gal 1:11,12

Peter was given the gospel of circumscision, but Paul was given the gospel of grace by direct revelation from God.

Peter taught about the Kingdom, earthly promises (Ex 19:5-7, Gen 17) and how Jesus was crucified Acts 2:36-38. Then he tells teh Jews that they must repent and be baptized for the remission of sins.

Paul taught how Jesus gave Himself for us Galations 1:3-4, and say's that we are justified by faith and how we are redeemed (Ro 3:23-25) and all we have to do is believe in the death burial and ressurection of our Lord (Ro 1:16, Ro 3:22, Ro 10:9) and about our spiritual promises( Eph 1:3).

So there definately is a difference in gospels there of course for the obvious reasons, Peter was speaking to the Jews and Paul was speaking to the Gentiles, plus all the believers (Jew and Gentile).

That's why we must "rightly divide the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).

[la.lady]

Originally Posted by s1mon3

That's right!!! I knew your avatar looked familar, but I could not place it! I am happy to be here. I just ordered "The Purpose Driven Life on Amazon for $1.99 and the "The Purpose Driven Life: Daily Scriptures.." for $.01. I can't wait to read them as I to have been wondering what my purpose here is!

Oh Darling, you are going to love those books.

[PreciousOne]

If anyone wants a PDL book, I will send it to them for free, all you pay is postage.
I never read it all and don't feel called to read it either...
I have 6 other books I'm reading now.... all of them Christian (most of them Catholic based).

Current reads:
Walter Wangerin's two books: Book of God and Paul: A Novel.
Pope Benedict XVI's "Jesus of Nasareth".
Matthew Kelly's "Rediscovering Catholicism"

And a few Swedish Catechist books, as I'm studying to join the teaching team (8 others) this fall or next spring.

Have a BLESSED day!

[PreciousOne]

Got this in my inbox, from Woman of Grace:

Patience

"Without the burden of afflictions it is impossible to reach the height of grace. The gifts of grace increase as the struggles increase."
St. Rose of Lima

For Reflection:
What is the relationship between afflictions and the height of grace? Do I make use of such opportunities or do I rail against them?

[PreciousOne]

Oh, another devotional I got in my inbox today, and it's from ROMANS. Btw, I read a few chapters yesterday in my Swedish bible of Romans.

July 24, 2008


VERSE:
What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of
death? Thanks be to God -- through Jesus Christ our Lord!
-- Romans 7:24-25
Romans 7:24 - 25 - NAS - without Study Resources - Study Desk

THOUGHT:
Our bodies are mortal and flawed. They are tainted with our
weakness and sin. But, by the grace of God given us in Jesus
Christ, our future does not rest in the dust with our bodies, but
in the power of our perfecting Lord.

PRAYER:
Almighty God, thank you for giving me life beyond the death of
my mortal flesh. Thank you for giving me holiness beyond my
sin-stained flesh. Thank you for delivering me from death and
bringing me into your glory. Now, dear Father, may my words, deeds,
and thoughts reflect your grace and power in all I do today and
each day that follows. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

I am crossposting this between the dietalk forum journal and Christian thread, and my lcf journal here; Devotions for Dieters...

July 24


Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.


Terry had been a savior. It was so nice to find someone who had gone through a long, hard diet before. God had really brought them together. At the time Lisa needed someone most, Terry had miraculously showed up. Lisa wondered whether Terry wasn't an angel in disguise. She had been such a great help. God often answers our prayers through the people He sends into our lives at key times. It is good to seek out the support of others who can relate to what we're going through. Pray that God will lead you to such people, so they might accompany you through the tough times.

Today's thought: Help me remember that I'm not alone!

[la.lady]

Ladies, lets dwell on this scripture today:

PRAISE BE TO THE GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN HIS GREAT MERCY HE HAS GIVEN US NEW BIRTH INTO A LIVING HOPE THROUGH THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST...1 PETER 1:3

[Pcola Girl]

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Ladies, today Bible Study is on Praise. I think that sometimes we just do not stop and take the time to Praise God for all He does for us and gives us.
I feel praise is a way we can come closer to God and feel the real love He has for us. God Is creator of all so lets thank and praise Him for that.

Read your Bible daily and let His words absorb into you so you can feel Gods presence and awe.
When we feel that way we naturally want to praise Him.

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We are to praise God at all times, Thank Him for everything in our life no matter how large or small it is we need to praise God and give Him thanks.

""Praise, according to the Scriptures, is an act of our will that flows out of an awe and reverence for our Creator. Praise gives glory to God and opens us up to a deeper union with Him. It turns our attention off of our problems and on the nature and character of God Himself. ""

"GIVING GOD THE GLORY NO MATTER WHAT YOU ARE FACING"
Witnessing a magnificent fireworks display, hearing a stunning symphony, or seeing a glorious sunset can evoke a response of praise.

But often, it's easier to praise a sunset than the Creator of the sunset. In that same way, the difficulties of life often cloud our vision and keep us from praising God. What can we do to restore a heart-attitude of praise?

THE NATURE OF PRAISE
As we focus our minds on God and proclaim His goodness, we reflect His glory back to Him. The results can fill you with peace and contentment ( Isaiah 26:3) and transform your outlook on life.

REASONS TO PRAISE
Very simply, we praise God because He is worthy of our praise ( 1 Chron. 16:25; Rev. 5:11-14). He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is our Creator, Provider, Healer, Redeemer, Judge, Defender and much more.

Another foundational reason to praise God is simple obedience. The Bible says God is a "jealous" God who demands and desires our praise. "You shall have no other gods before Me," says the first commandment ( Deut. 6:7). As the psalmist said, "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord" ( Psalm 150:6).

As we praise God, we will discover incredible benefits for our lives. That's because human beings were created by God to praise Him ( Isa. 43:7, Matt. 21:16). Due to man's original sin, however, this relationship was disrupted. Praising God helps restore us to that right relationship, for God actually dwells in the praises of His people ( Psalm 22:3). As we draw near to the Father in praise, He draws near to us ( James 4:8).

Praise is also our ultimate destiny. When the Lord Jesus Christ returns again to earth, all creation -- including prideful mankind -- will recognize His glory and praise Him ( Phil. 2:9-11).

PRAISE FOR PROTECTION
God also gives us assurances of additional blessings as we praise Him. When we praise God, He honors us as His children, and provides His loving protection ( 2 Sam. 22:47-51). Failure to praise God, however, leaves us out of fellowship with God and out of His divine protection ( 1 Samuel 2:27-32).

Our praise can also serve as a powerful witness to those who do not know the Lord ( 1 Peter 2:9). Also, God can work miraculously through our praises. The ancient walls of Jericho came crashing down, giving victory to God's people, as a result of shouts of praise ( Joshua 6:1-21). The prison doors shook open when Paul and Silas praised God ( Acts 16:25-26).

OBSTACLES TO PRAISE
Praise is both important and powerful. So why is it so difficult at times to praise God? The Bible explains that, even with the power of the indwelling Jesus, our hearts are still "more deceitful that all else" ( Jer. 17:9). We sometimes forget that we are always dependent on God to live victoriously in this life.

Satan therefore tries to persuade us that we will eventually reach a point where we can "do it ourselves." The Scriptures are clear that Satan "prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" ( 1 Peter 5:8).

Disguised as an "angel of light," the devil and his host seek subtly to subvert the praises the children of God owe to their heavenly Father.

God, however, has given us grace in times of need, provided we humble ourselves ( Matt. 23:12; James 4:5-10). Praising God allows us to defeat the strategies of the enemy. As God's adopted children, we no longer have to remain slaves to sin ( Gal. 4:6-7). We have a powerful spiritual weapon in praise, and it is guaranteed to be effective ( II Cor. 10:4-5).

LIVING A LIFE OF PRAISE
It is vitally important to live in an attitude of praise toward God. But what can you do if you are having difficulty maintaining a life filled with praise?

1. Commit your life to Christ. First, be absolutely sure that you have placed your complete faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of your life. The Bible says that "if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved" ( Rom. 10:9). The life of praise begins here, with the confession of your mouth that "Jesus is Lord."

2. Confess sin and repent. Sin, including prideful self-reliance, separates us from God and from His love and protection. But we have the assurance of forgiveness if we come to Him in repentance ( 1 John 1:9). Confess any known sin and ask God to search your heart. Then, receive His forgiveness.

3. Praise God anyway! Despite your present feelings, it is important to offer praise to God, what Hebrews 13:15 calls a sacrifice" of praise. Despite our feelings or circumstances, God often asks us to take the first step, especially when He is trying to help us grow in our faith ( James 1:2-4).

4. Join together with other believers. Sharing your struggles with another brother or sister in Christ is not only good idea ( Ecc. 4:9-10), it is commanded ( James 5:16). Uniting with other believers in regular worship is also a key to being able to praise God ( Heb. 10:24-25).

AS YOU PRAY
Are you living a life filled with praise for God? If not, take a few moments to examine your life and your relationship with Jesus. If you have not made Him Lord of your life, start there. Then, confess any known sin and receive His forgiveness. Ask Him to renew you and refresh your spirit.

"Lord, You have made me and You love me. Forgive me for failing to give You the praise which You deserve. I confess my need of You in all things. I desire to walk in joy and praise. Release me now into a deeper understanding of who You are, so that I may truly praise You. I ask all this in Jesus' name. Amen."

GOD'S WORD ON PRAISE
"Sing to the Lord, all the earth; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day. Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples. For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; He also is to be feared above all gods" ( 1 Chron. 16:23-25).

[la.lady]

Mary Amen, and lets Praise God for everything... It is so easy in our own little world to get wrapped up in it and the humdrum of every day things, that sometimes we forget to Praise God for placing us here where he wants us to be...Lets remember to give thanks for all things and put God in our life more and more each day...

I'll be back Tuesday, after my company leaves. Have a good 4 days and be blessed.

[PreciousOne]

Got this in my inbox and figured since we're on the subject of Praise,

LITANY OF PRAISE

Praise You, Jesus, You are my life, my love.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the name above all names.
Praise You, Jesus, You are Emmanuel, God with us.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the King of Kings.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the King of creation.
Praise You, Jesus, You are King of the universe.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Lord of lords.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Almighty.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Christ.
Praise You, Jesus, You are Christ the King.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Lamb of God.
Praise You, Jesus, You are Lion of Judah.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Bright Morning Star.
Praise You, Jesus, You are our Champion and shield.
Praise You, Jesus, You are our Strength and our Song.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the way of our life.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the only truth.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the real life.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Wonderful Counselor.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Light of the World.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Living Word.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Redeemer.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Anointed One.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Holy one of Israel.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Sheep-gate.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Lord of hosts.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Rock of all ages.
Praise You, Jesus, You are my hiding place.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Savior of the world.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the strong tower.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Mountain Refuge.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Bread of Life.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Font of all holiness.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Living Water.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the True Vine.
Praise You, Jesus, You are my Spouse. my Maker.
Praise You, Jesus, You are our Fortress.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Deliverer.
Praise You, Jesus, You are our Victory.
Praise You, Jesus, You are our Salvation.
Praise You, Jesus, You are our Righteousness.
Praise You, Jesus, You are our Wisdom.
Praise You, Jesus, You are our Sanctification.
Praise You, Jesus, You are our Justification.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Door.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the great I AM.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the great High Priest.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Cornerstone.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Sure Foundation.
Praise You, Jesus, You are our Joy.
Praise You, Jesus, You are our Portion and Cup.
Praise You, Jesus, You are my Healing and Wholeness.
Praise You, Jesus, You are our Covenant.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Promise of the Father.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Everlasting One.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Most High God.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Lamb that was slain.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Just Judge.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Balm of Gilead.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Mighty Warrior.
Praise You, Jesus, You are my Defense.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Bridegroom.
Praise You, Jesus, You are my Patience.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Solid Reality
Praise You, Jesus, You are my Provider.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Resurrection and the Life.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Alpha and the Omega.
Praise You, Jesus, You are the Beginning and the End.
Praise You, Jesus, You are all that I need.
Praise You, Jesus, You are all that I want.
Praise You, Jesus, You are worthy of all praise.
Amen

[Star123]

Morning Ladies,

Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord!!! I remember this from scripture but don't have the verse at hand. We should praise him every moment, every hour and every day of our lives as long as we live. The angels in heaven praise him always and continually at the throne of grace, in the heavens above, where Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father.

Praise him today and forevermore, amen!!!

God Bless,