Monday, July 17, 2023

Tough Spot, 6of6

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~ Mordecai In An Enemy’s Presence ~

 

Series Note  ~  God often allows His children to be in difficult circumstances.  Many of my readers are in difficult circumstances as they read this post.  But our God is faithful never allowing us to be faced with a bigger situation than we are capable of handling with God’s help.

 

In this series we look a few of the many examples in Scripture where God placed one of His own in a difficult spot yet they remained faithful to God.  If you are in a tight situation, be thankful that God has entrusted you with that responsibility.

 

Scripture  ~  “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

 

Tough Spot  ~  “After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus subsided, he remembered Vashti, what she had done, and what had been decreed against her.  Then the king's servants who attended him said: ‘Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king; and let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather all the beautiful young virgins to Shushan the citadel, into the women's quarters, under the custody of Hegai the king’s eunuch, custodian of the women.  And let beauty preparations be given them.  Then let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti.’  This thing pleased the king, and he did so.

 

“In Shushan the citadel there was a certain Jew whose name was Mordecai the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite.  Kish had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives who had been captured with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away.  And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter, for she had neither father nor mother.  The young woman was lovely and beautiful.  When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter” (Esther 2:1-7).

 

The Rest of This Story  ~  It is highly recommended that you read and meditate on the surrounding verses and other related Scripture passages to this example. 

 

The Ultimate Three Examples  ~  Read Matthew 4:1-11.

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

Free Books ~ Right now you can obtain any, or all, of my eBooks for FREE (epub). Only at https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=robert+lloyd+russell 

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GOD’S CHURCH: Christ’s Pearl

GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight

GOD’S CHILD: Like A Tree

            Christian Growth Series

GOD’S DESIRE: How to Finish Strong

GOD’S LIGHT: How to Respond

CHRIST’S DISCIPLE: How to Finish Strong

            Christian Theology Series

CHRIST’S BLOOD: 7+ Amazing Benefits

PRIDE: Good and Bad

TEMPTATION: 50+ Tips

            Bible Character Series

SAMSON: Spirit-Controlled to Self-Centered

            Missions

JIM ELLIOT: Recorded Messages 

 

Sunday, July 16, 2023

In Jesus We Have… , 25

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~ In Jesus We Have Forgiveness, 3 ~

 

Introduction  ~  In this series we look at a few of the verses which state what we have when we are “in Christ.”  Consider our series theme verse: 

 

“God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:4-10).

 

Scripture  ~  “If we [believers] say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us” (1 John 1:8-10).

 

Comment  ~  I like to consider one-word descriptions of the Bible.  There are many but my favorite is “forgiveness.” 

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

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GOD’S CHURCH: Christ’s Pearl

GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight

GOD’S CHILD: Like A Tree

            Christian Growth Series

GOD’S DESIRE: How to Finish Strong

GOD’S LIGHT: How to Respond

CHRIST’S DISCIPLE: How to Finish Strong

            Christian Theology Series

CHRIST’S BLOOD: 7+ Amazing Benefits

PRIDE: Good and Bad

TEMPTATION: 50+ Tips

            Bible Character Series

SAMSON: Spirit-Controlled to Self-Centered

            Missions

JIM ELLIOT: Recorded Messages 

 

* * * * *

Saturday, July 15, 2023

Adornment, 29

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~ Jewelry, 11 ~

 

Series Note ~ In this series we look at some of the Scriptures which mention human physical adornment—pretty much without comment.  These posts will include clothing, head (including hair and wigs), jewelry (including accessories), makeup (including tattoos), and perfume (including incense).  It is important to note that some of these passages are culturally related to a specific culture and time period. 

 

Two Principles ~ (1) Focus on the long-term: Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.  Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates” (Proverbs 31:30-31).

 

(2) Exercise modesty: “Women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works” (1 Timothy 2:9b-10).

 

Scripture For This Week ~ “Do not let your adornment be merely outward — arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel – rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves” (1 Peter 3:3-5).

 

Two Keys ~ (1) “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).

 

(2) “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?  For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

Free Books ~ Right now you can obtain any, or all, of my eBooks for FREE (epub). Only at https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=robert+lloyd+russell 

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GOD’S CHURCH: Christ’s Pearl

GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight

GOD’S CHILD: Like A Tree

            Christian Growth Series

GOD’S DESIRE: How to Finish Strong

GOD’S LIGHT: How to Respond

CHRIST’S DISCIPLE: How to Finish Strong

            Christian Theology Series

CHRIST’S BLOOD: 7+ Amazing Benefits

PRIDE: Good and Bad

TEMPTATION: 50+ Tips

            Bible Character Series

SAMSON: Spirit-Controlled to Self-Centered

            Missions

JIM ELLIOT: Recorded Messages 

 

* * * * *

Friday, July 14, 2023

Fool Characteristics, 16

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~ Fools Talk Lacks Excellence ~

 

Series Note  ~  In this series we look at some of the passages in the Book of Proverbs – wise sayings that are generally true – that describe a fool from God’s perspective.  Some may surprise you. 

 

Scripture  ~  Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool, much less lying lips to a prince” (Proverbs 17:7).

 

Important Truth  ~  “The fool has said in his heart, ‘there is no God’” (Psalm 53:1a).

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

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GOD’S CHURCH: Christ’s Pearl

GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight

GOD’S CHILD: Like A Tree

            Christian Growth Series

GOD’S DESIRE: How to Finish Strong

GOD’S LIGHT: How to Respond

CHRIST’S DISCIPLE: How to Finish Strong

            Christian Theology Series

CHRIST’S BLOOD: 7+ Amazing Benefits

PRIDE: Good and Bad

TEMPTATION: 50+ Tips

            Bible Character Series

SAMSON: Spirit-Controlled to Self-Centered

            Missions

JIM ELLIOT: Recorded Messages 

 

* * * * *

Thursday, July 13, 2023

EXTRA: Milestone Passed

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~ Over 4,000 “Abundant Life Now” Posts ~

 

History  ~  ALN started on October 21, 2009, as a Tuesday blog.  The posts increased from time to time in frequency.  2015 was the first year of at least one post a day for the entire year.

 

Subjects  ~  Initially, posts tended to be singular with an occasional short series (less than 5 in a topic).  Over time this increased, and now looking back the record shows that there have been 86 completed series of 5 or more posts.  There have been 5 series with 100 or more posts, and the longest-running series was “Messiah” which included over 300 posts. 

 

THANK YOU  ~  Without readers these accomplishments would not have happened! 

 

Audience  ~  ALN has been read in over 200 countries and translated into more than 100 languages.  The USA is usually the top country as far as readership.  However, from time-to-time other countries have taken over that position.  As I write this, Italy is in the top spot followed by the USA, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates. 

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

Free Books ~ Right now you can obtain any, or all, of my eBooks for FREE (epub). Only at https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=robert+lloyd+russell 

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Christian Concepts Series

GOD’S CHURCH: Christ’s Pearl

GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight

GOD’S CHILD: Like A Tree

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GOD’S DESIRE: How to Finish Strong

GOD’S LIGHT: How to Respond

CHRIST’S DISCIPLE: How to Finish Strong

            Christian Theology Series

CHRIST’S BLOOD: 7+ Amazing Benefits

PRIDE: Good and Bad

TEMPTATION: 50+ Tips

            Bible Character Series

SAMSON: Spirit-Controlled to Self-Centered

            Missions

JIM ELLIOT: Recorded Messages 

 

Be an insider!  Sign up for his author NEWSLETTER and receive occasional news and special offers.  His books have won national and international literary awards.  Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift.  Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way.  You can easily unsubscribe at any time. 

 

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     An INDEX of all ALN posts can be accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .

EXTRA: Milestone Passed

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~ Over 4,000 “Abundant Life Now” Posts ~

 

History  ~  ALN started on October 21, 2009, as a Tuesday blog.  The posts increased from time to time in frequency.  2015 was the first year of at least one post a day for the entire year.

 

Subjects  ~  Initially, posts tended to be singular with an occasional short series (less than 5 in a topic).  Over time this increased, and now looking back the record shows that there have been 86 completed series of 5 or more posts.  There have been 5 series with 100 or more posts, and the longest-running series was “Messiah” which included over 300 posts. 

 

THANK YOU  ~  Without readers these accomplishments would not have happened! 

 

Audience  ~  ALN has been read in over 200 countries and translated into more than 100 languages.  The USA is usually the top country as far as readership.  However, from time-to-time other countries have taken over that position.  As I write this, Italy is in the top spot followed by the USA, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates. 

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

Free Books ~ Right now you can obtain any, or all, of my eBooks for FREE (epub). Only at https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=robert+lloyd+russell 

Choose From:

Christian Concepts Series

GOD’S CHURCH: Christ’s Pearl

GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight

GOD’S CHILD: Like A Tree

            Christian Growth Series

GOD’S DESIRE: How to Finish Strong

GOD’S LIGHT: How to Respond

CHRIST’S DISCIPLE: How to Finish Strong

            Christian Theology Series

CHRIST’S BLOOD: 7+ Amazing Benefits

PRIDE: Good and Bad

TEMPTATION: 50+ Tips

            Bible Character Series

SAMSON: Spirit-Controlled to Self-Centered

            Missions

JIM ELLIOT: Recorded Messages 

 

Be an insider!  Sign up for his author NEWSLETTER and receive occasional news and special offers.  His books have won national and international literary awards.  Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift.  Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way.  You can easily unsubscribe at any time. 

 

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     An INDEX of all ALN posts can be accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .

Bible Answer, 109

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~ Did You Get It Right? ~

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~ bible answer ~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  

 

question:  When Jesus Christ began His public ministry what was His first word?

 

answer:  Repent. 

 

“From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’” (Matthew 4:17).

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

Free Books ~ Right now you can obtain any, or all, of my eBooks for FREE (epub). Only at https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=robert+lloyd+russell 

Choose From:

Christian Concepts Series

GOD’S CHURCH: Christ’s Pearl

GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight

GOD’S CHILD: Like A Tree

            Christian Growth Series

GOD’S DESIRE: How to Finish Strong

GOD’S LIGHT: How to Respond

CHRIST’S DISCIPLE: How to Finish Strong

            Christian Theology Series

CHRIST’S BLOOD: 7+ Amazing Benefits

PRIDE: Good and Bad

TEMPTATION: 50+ Tips

            Bible Character Series

SAMSON: Spirit-Controlled to Self-Centered

            Missions

JIM ELLIOT: Recorded Messages 

 

* * * * *

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

God Attribute, 76

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~ Omnipotent ~

 

This Series  ~  This series of posts looks at some of the many attributes of God.  Generally, we move in alphabetical order.

 

Introduction  ~  Omnipotent is the theological term for God who is all powerful.

 

Scripture  ~  “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).

 

“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist” (Colossians 1:16-17).

 

Quote  ~  “During an earthquake that occurred a few years since, that inhabitants of a small village were generally very much alarmed, but they were at the same time surprised by the calmness and apparent joy of an old lady whom they all knew.  At length one of them, addressing the old lady, said, ‘Mother, are you not afraid?’  ‘No,’ said the mother in Israel; ‘I rejoice to know that I have a God that can shake the world.”   Charles H. Spurgeon 

 

Comment  ~  The author has written an eBook about the many of the attributes of God entitled: “GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight” ISBN: 978-1393359371, ASIN: B083L97PZV.

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

Free Books ~ Right now you can obtain any, or all, of my eBooks for FREE (epub). Only at https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=robert+lloyd+russell 

Choose From:

Christian Concepts Series

GOD’S CHURCH: Christ’s Pearl

GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight

GOD’S CHILD: Like A Tree

            Christian Growth Series

GOD’S DESIRE: How to Finish Strong

GOD’S LIGHT: How to Respond

CHRIST’S DISCIPLE: How to Finish Strong

            Christian Theology Series

CHRIST’S BLOOD: 7+ Amazing Benefits

PRIDE: Good and Bad

TEMPTATION: 50+ Tips

            Bible Character Series

SAMSON: Spirit-Controlled to Self-Centered

            Missions

JIM ELLIOT: Recorded Messages 

 

* * * * *