Suffering in Earthly Christian Life

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Expectation, Suffering

Did we come to know Jesus by looking for an easy way through life, and into eternity? Were we seeking an escape from persecution, and to be continuously protected from harm? If that was the case our search was in vain, and we need only look at His life to understand that. Jesus warns us to be vigilant, and to know that there are those who will want to do us harm, but in the end our souls will find their reward despite the trouble that is in the world, and we will rejoice in our earthly calamity simply for having known Jesus.

The Forgiveness of Moral Man versus Holy God

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Forgiveness

How do we deal with sins that we have fallen into? Do we wallow in despair, and think there is no rescue, or forgiveness? Where is our heart in the midst of our transgression, and have we been convinced by a dark world that our sin has forever damned us in the eyes of God? Well, that is the ploy of Satan, but we are provided forgiveness, and escape, if we will only believe, and come to God in contrition, asking for mercy and forgiveness. In this way we are forgiven completely.

Little Sins... the Slippery Slopes to Disaster and Death

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Little Sins

The little sins in our life are the most dangerous. Do we allow ourselves to tell the small white lies, and think they are not really sin? How about the person we allow ourselves to have lustful thoughts about, but never actually get physical with? Is it alright to do that because, after all, we aren’t going to act on those fantasies? Well, it is the little things that lead us to the larger ones, and although they seem safe, they lead us to points of no return... sin.

Sins wrapped in gold are sins nonetheless

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Hidden Sin

We are so naive when it comes to sin. We think that we can easily recognize it, when in fact our greatest sins are often those we lift up to ourselves, and others, as being our most magnificent accomplishments of faith. Things like the pride we take in a healing prayer when in fact it was God’s hand that did the work, and our feeling of self righteousness was merely an attempt to steal his glory... even when we outwardly praised Him. So many sins come encrusted in the sweetness of sugar, or a shining gold plate, when in fact it is sour bread, or crude metal underneath.

God’s Truth, what is it worth, and what are we willing to pay?

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Truth

Do we value truth above all else? If we do then how much of our lives are spent on obtaining it? Some of us say that we value truth in this way, but we reveal our actual selves as we pursue the real treasures we hold dear; quickly devising a lie, or holding back the truth by not speaking it, just to obtain those things. Here are two question for us to consider today: are we willing to sell everything we own to follow after, and obtain, absolute truth, and the second is, once we have found it, are we willing to lay down our lives in its defense?

A Desperate Creation, Our Spirit, and the Simple Plan of Salvation

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Simplicity

How is our spirit today? Is it intertwined with the Holy Spirit as they both dwell within us? Have we accepted Jesus Christ as our savior, and by this have we come to receive the Holy Spirit of He who raised Christ from the dead? If so, then in this way we are freed form sin and death, and become the children of God, and the hope of all creation. For Just as our redemption comes to us through Jesus Christ, the further redemption of God’s creation comes through us by our acceptance of Him... in this way we secure the extended salvation of all creation.

Rejected by the World, and failing while carrying our Cross

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , The World, Our Faith

As Christians, are we surprised to be looked down upon, slighted, and rejected by the world? Does it upset us that, because of our faith, we are not liked, or revered by those around us, even our families, and those who we once called our friends? Yet we knew this would happen when we were called by Him to come. We knew this would be our burden, and also knew it would make us acceptable in the eyes of God. We are living stones meant to construct a spiritual house... not for worldly habitation, but in service to God our Father.

Praising God for the Darkness while seeking His Good Light

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , praise , Always

When do we bless the Lord? Are we only meant to bless, and praise Him, in the righteous times, or for the holy things in our life? How about the everyday routine things that most of us don’t consider worthy, and which don’t appear to be good or bad? I assume your answer is “yes“ in all of these things? So how about the sin that we find in our lives, the evil that comes against us, suffering, torment, and all forms of tribulation? Do you still answer “yes”? Well you should.

Beginning our Prayers with Thanksgiving

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Thanksgiving

How should our day begin each morning, and In what way should each of our prayers continue to open throughout our day? Praise is good, but It is my custom to thank God for all His many blessings that have proceeded this moment before I begin to praise Him, and finally to convey any need, or desire, I might have. How do you begin your day, and your next breath of prayer? Do you thank Him enough?

Hiding the Condition of our Faith

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Facing Faith

Do we confess our sins, repent, and ask God for forgiveness? Do we walk with Jesus each day and bare every transgression to Him so that He can intercede for us regarding it, and we can face it head on? Do we do all these things and neglect to talk with Him about the condition of our faith? Hiding our problems in dealing with life, our doubts, the times when we feel alone, and yes, our personal grappling with faith, does us no good, doesn’t give aid to those around us who similarly struggle, and hides nothing from God who knows our heart.

My Grandchildren, and being taught contentment in Godliness

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Godliness , Contentment

Are we meant to be content in our godliness over all that the world has to offer? When faith in Jesus has led us, and the Holy Spirit has revealed to us the character of God, do we find ourselves living at ease in our godliness? Though Satan tempts us with wealth, power, and a life founded in the world, there is no true happiness in them, and we are never content in all that we have. We flit like hummingbirds from blossom to blossom all the days of our lives. However, godliness breeds contentment, and a lasting peace, that instills in us an overwhelming joy... each of these being eternal.

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