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Post by savedbygrace on Jul 12, 2020 16:58:03 GMT -7
Yes, it's a mystery. But not a mystery to God! And so when I/we see trouble coming, we must arm ourselves with God's Word.
I am blessed to not only have online worship to "attend," but now online Bible study. Today we started a study on 1st epistle of Peter.... powerful stuff for Christians in exile, having been kicked out of Rome by Nero after the fire.
1st Peter 1:3-9 esv
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
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Post by Will on Jul 15, 2020 4:34:06 GMT -7
Hey Saved, are you in lockdown?
Will
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Post by savedbygrace on Jul 15, 2020 13:26:44 GMT -7
We have to wear our masks and try to social distance. South Florida is another hot spot now.
I am back to Day 1. God has encouraged me in quite a few ways yesterday and today, to the effect that He is still with me and I must not give up.
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Post by savedbygrace on Jul 16, 2020 15:15:13 GMT -7
Important safeguards put in place today. Still a very difficult road. There were some victories today. Maybe I'll call this Day 1. Prayer appreciated.
To outward appearance I'm making no progress at all. I am very aware of my cycle.
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Post by savedbygrace on Jul 17, 2020 4:39:54 GMT -7
This spoke straight to my heart just now..... odb.org/2020/07/17/light-in-the-dark The Bible passage can be seen by clicking the link in the article. Powerful. My computer safeguards are stronger than the filter. I must honor them; they are my friend.
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Post by Will on Jul 20, 2020 2:53:56 GMT -7
Hey bro, well I am back to day 1 as well, so know how you feel! I believe the main thing the Lord Jesus teaches us is to not give up - He will honour the downpayment He has put in us, and will complete the good thing He's started.
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javajake
Silver Member
Posts: 382
Occupation: retired
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Post by javajake on Jul 21, 2020 11:50:23 GMT -7
Hey SBG and Will. Will be praying for you. Since I gave all my devices and pc’s (which are many) over to God I have not been tempted to use them to find porn. Have I been tempted in my heart to look at porn? Yes! Have I hoped some soft porn would show up on the cable channels while surfing through them? (and a few did but I bounced my eyes and quickly escaped cause I can’t watch porn on God’s device) Yes. I believe God has honored my dedication of these devices to Him and strengthen me in this area of porn. Now I was thinking cause playing around with evil fantasies and it leading to “M” I need to claim my body and mind to be only for God’s glory because after all He purchased me through Christ and I am not my own.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2 -NKJV
For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Corinthians 6:20 NKJV
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Post by savedbygrace on Jul 22, 2020 9:17:35 GMT -7
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javajake
Silver Member
Posts: 382
Occupation: retired
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Post by javajake on Jul 23, 2020 22:47:10 GMT -7
Amen. Good article. Our God is awesome!!
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Post by savedbygrace on Jul 24, 2020 8:03:54 GMT -7
Yes, that day was a wake-up call for me. It was a powerful reminder of God's mercy AND that He has not given up on me, AND that all of His promises are true.
As I go through the Scriptures, I am amazed at how many of them relate directly to the battle I am in.
2nd day of no coffee, only Decaf. Not that there's anything wrong with it; it's just too strong for me.
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Post by savedbygrace on Jul 25, 2020 14:03:09 GMT -7
With Tony Evans' book, I have it on Kindle, and have finished a good part of it (great book!!), but out pastor, as part of his ministry to us while we are shut up, is constantly recommending good books for us.
In particular, "The Practice of Godliness" by Jerry Bridges is one that quite a few of us have now purchased and are reading..I do better with a real book in my hand, because I underline heavily in them! This one is real food for the soul, which I am understanding the more I get into it.
And so, I continue the battle. The defining moment I mentioned a few days ago, where God literally stopped me short with the fact that He was forgiving me and putting me back on the right path at that very moment, was very real, and I must water it and grow it every single day.
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Post by savedbygrace on Jul 26, 2020 15:15:57 GMT -7
Sunday, and everybody's busy, which is probably a thing, but I still want to post something from church this AM.
Not the main point of the sermon, but we are strongly told to be ready for Jesus' return, which could happen AT ANY MOMENT. Would I be ready, or would I have to say, Lord, I'm really embarrassed by what I'm doing right now, please come back in a minute. NO, that must not be!
"The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray." 1 Peter 4:7
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.
“Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” Mark 13:32-37
-----Both from NIV----
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jul 28, 2020 7:14:46 GMT -7
It’s a wake up call isn’t it?
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Post by savedbygrace on Jul 30, 2020 8:04:38 GMT -7
Some Scriptures that have blessed me.....
And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. (Col. 2:6-7)
So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. (2 Cor. 3:18)
both from NLT
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Post by Will on Jul 31, 2020 22:11:57 GMT -7
Hey Saved, praise God for you keeping your mind on the Lord Jesus! Personally I don't believe in the doctrine of imminency nor the pre-trib rapture, it is an innovation of the last 200 years only that has come from the cult known as the 'exclusive brethren' (this doco covers it, extract here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlkt3kRUQII)But as the Word of God says, it is still our duty to be ready at all times, like the wise virgins, and focus our lives on the Lord Jesus, because whatever occurs before His return, His Kingdom is what matters.
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