All tagged righteous

A Sacred Place

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Sacred Places with God

I read a short devotional message nine years ago, on this very day, that thrilled me. It was called "A Sacred Place" and it couldn't have been more relevant to my life at that time, and continues even now. The scripture verse used was from 1 Thessalonians. I gave this verse, a prayer of intercession and blessing, much thought, and I found that it went hand in hand with the prayer, consecration, holiness, and sacredness of my own life. I hope it does this for you too, and opens your awareness of the sacred places in your prayer life where God’s love sanctifies you through, and through. Today I reprint what I wrote that morning…

Bad Living and Bad Praying

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Sin and Praying

As I read the title of the devotional message that Pastor E.M. Bounds had written this morning I was captured. It read "Bad Praying = Bad Living” but, as I read further, it was actually telling us that the way we live can impact the success of our prayers. When we are actively engaged in sinning it is nearly impossible to pray as we should. Oh, we might say the words, but the connection to our heart is broken, and our outreach towards God is without sincerity and strength.

Come Now Lord Jesus!

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Second Coming

When Jesus was asked why He ate with sinners and tax collectors he wasted no time in responding that He came to heal the sick, not those who are well, and He said it again in a different way so that He wouldn’t be misunderstood by saying that it was His intention to call sinners to repentance… not the righteous. If we step back from the trees so that we can see the forest we will realize that the first coming was indeed meant to destroy sin, and deal with death, but then we will find too that in His second coming He is returning to claim the righteous… those He has already healed. So if you are a sinner then repent, and if you are a believer then prepare yourself for the day He will return for you.

Sharing our Bodies physically, and spiritually, as we should

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional ,

Let’s consider our bodies today, and ask ourselves if we protect and honor them in the ways we share them. First of all let’s ask ourselves who, or what, we should share our bodies with, and ask ourselves if by doing so we remain holy in the process. There is scriptural mention of seven specific ways that one can share their bodies… physically with their spouse, with someone whom they are not married to, someone of the same sex, an animal, and then three spiritual ways… with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit who come to abide within us. Three of these ways are sinful, and four are sanctioned by God. So let’s ask ourselves who we allow ourselves to become one with? With whom, or what, do we share our bodies, which we know are the temples of God?

Living One Life for all to see

Richard Forbes
Living a Righteous Life

We praise, and worship the Lord in church, and pray in our secret places, but what do we do with the remainder of our lives? Do we lead two separate existences? Do we have a spiritual life on the one hand, and a carnal one on the other? Do we walk out of the sanctuary, close the door, and then without another thought, begin to live like citizens of the world? In the life of the apostle Paul we are given a glimpse of how we should live one spiritual life at all times. He offers his life as an example for us. It was a life modeled after Jesus… holy, righteous, and blameless for all to see.

Are We the One Strong Person that Others Come to for Intercession?

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Being an Intercessor

As Christians, who do we speak for in times of trouble and temptation, and who speaks for us? Is there someone in our lives we can turn to for intercession? Is there not one righteous soul who will place his hand upon us, and intercede in prayer when we are in a bad way? Think on this today; who do you turn to in such times, and are you steady enough in your prayers and faith that others would consider turning to you?

Holding to our faith when the sinners appear to be winning.

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotional , Holding to Faith

Have we looked at those who sin repeatedly and watched them prosper, while never seeming to be punished or have any ill effect from it; not even a stumped toe? Then, do we watch as righteous men suffer mightily? How does this make us feel; are we tempted to question our faith, and God’s Word? Friends, God’s timing is not ours, and His plan complex. Judging our faith, or God’s Word, based on His punishment of determinably unfaithful sinners is wrong minded; look instead on the final outcome.