Friday, June 21, 2024

Sow and Reap, 1

 

~ Judge Not > Not Judged ~

 

Introduction ~ One of the consistent themes in Scripture is that what we sow is what we will reap. In agricultural terms if we sow wheat, we will reap wheat and not something else such as corn. This reaping what is sown theme is found throughout both the Old and New Testaments. In this series we look at some New Testament examples.

 

Keep in mind that God lives outside of time and sometimes our reaping may not be immediate, but it is assured. In reference to His future return Jesus said, “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work” (Revelation 22:12).

 

Scripture ~ Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:37-38).

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

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Bible Version: Quotations are from the NKJV unless otherwise noted. Emphasis is added.

FREE Author Newsletter: Subscribe today and receive a FREE welcome gift followed by occasional news and special offers: booksrlr .com/connect - Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way and you can easily unsubscribe at any time.

Author web page: “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell” booksrlr .com/ – 11 national and international book awards.

Daily blog page: “Abundant Life Now” robertlloydrussell.blogspot.comAn INDEX of past topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.

·         The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.

·         His personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog.

Facebook page: Robert Lloyd Russell

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Thursday, June 20, 2024

Disciplined Life, 4

 

~ Discipline / Training in Scripture, 1of4 ~

 

Series Note ~ A constant reality is that it takes effort to develop and maintain good habits. Unfortunately; we effortlessly develop bad habits.

 

To combat this fact of mankind’s fallen nature requires consistent effort. This is why personal discipline is vitally important. Simply stated the bottom-line is that to fulfill our responsibility to become increasingly Christ-like we must exercise continual discipline.

 

Scripture ~ “Exercise [literally train] yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:7b-8).

 

Comment ~ We are all disciplined (or trained) in one way or another! Trained in Godliness or trained in lust, gossip, lying, dishonesty, covetousness, selfishness, etc.

 

The New Testament has only four passages that specifically speak of training. Three passages are presented in a positive way and the other presents a negative aspect of training.

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

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Bible Version: Quotations are from the NKJV unless otherwise noted. Emphasis is added.

FREE Author Newsletter: Subscribe today and receive a FREE welcome gift followed by occasional news and special offers: booksrlr .com/connect - Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way and you can easily unsubscribe at any time.

Author web page: “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell” booksrlr .com/ – 11 national and international book awards.

Daily blog page: “Abundant Life Now” robertlloydrussell.blogspot.comAn INDEX of past topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.

·         The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.

·         His personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog.

Facebook page: Robert Lloyd Russell

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Wednesday, June 19, 2024

God Attribute, 125

 

~ Infinitude ~

 

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

 

Introduction ~ The God of the universe is incomprehensible. But He has revealed a lot in General Revelation (what we can observe in our surroundings). He has also inspired a written record (The Holy Bible) or Special Revelation. He most certainly has not revealed all things to humans.

 

General Revelation ~ “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened” (Romans 1:18-22).

 

Special Revelation ~ “All Scripture [The Holy Bible] is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

 

The Reality ~ Many of God’s traits are beyond our finite comprehension including His omnipotence (unlimited power), His omniscience (all knowing), and His omnipresence (everywhere simultaneously present), as well as many other traits.

 

Consider just one thing that modern science has revealed: the known universe is about 93 billion light years across. Light travels nearly six trillion miles in a year. 

 

Have you ever marveled at how an apple tree never produces apricots? “Then God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth;’ and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. So the evening and the morning were the third day” (Genesis 1:11-13).

 

Scripture ~ It is no wonder that Isaiah was inspired to write: “‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts’” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

 

“Thus says the Lord: ‘Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? For all those things My hand has made, and all those things exist,’ says the Lord. ‘But on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My Word’” (Isaiah 66:1-2).

 

Quote ~ “He is measureless. Measurement is the way created things have of accounting for themselves. It describes limitations, imperfections, and cannot apply to God.”—A.W. Tozer (The Knowledge of The Holy).

 

Comment ~ For those interested in this topic I recommend my book about the alignment of science and Scripture in regard to the nature of physical light and the nature of spiritual light. “GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight,” eBook ISBN: 978-1393359371, ASIN: B083L97PZV; or print edition ISBN: 979-8223228738, approximately 206 pages.

 

Six national and international literary awards.

 

There is also a follow up book entitled: “GOD’S LIGHT: How To Respond,” focusing on application with interesting new concepts of Christian growth,” eBook ISBN: 978-1393424994; or print edition ISBN: 979-8223726906 approximately 178 pages.  Presented are amazing parallels between the way physical objects react to natural light and humans react to spiritual light. 

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

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Bible Version: Quotations are from the NKJV unless otherwise noted. Emphasis is added.

FREE Author Newsletter: Subscribe today and receive a FREE welcome gift followed by occasional news and special offers: booksrlr .com/connect - Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way and you can easily unsubscribe at any time.

Author web page: “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell” booksrlr .com/ – 11 national and international book awards.

Daily blog page: “Abundant Life Now” robertlloydrussell.blogspot.comAn INDEX of past topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.

·         The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.

·         His personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog.

Facebook page: Robert Lloyd Russell

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Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Why Trust God? 93

 

~ God Reveals Wisdom ~

 

Introduction  ~  “Abundant Life Now” previously provided a list of Biblical of examples of fearing / reverencing God (217 posts).  In this current series we look at Biblical accounts that demonstrate that we can fully trust God.  Initially we posted seven general reasons for trusting God.  We are currently looking at passages from all 66 books of Scripture which demonstrate a reason for trusting our Creator. 

 

Scripture  ~  “But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.’ But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10). 

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

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Bible Version: Quotations are from the NKJV unless otherwise noted. Emphasis is added.

FREE Author Newsletter: Subscribe today and receive a FREE welcome gift followed by occasional news and special offers: booksrlr .com/connect - Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way and you can easily unsubscribe at any time.

Author web page: “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell” booksrlr .com/ – 11 national and international book awards.

Daily blog page: “Abundant Life Now” robertlloydrussell.blogspot.comAn INDEX of past topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.

·         The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.

·         His personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog.

Facebook page: Robert Lloyd Russell

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Monday, June 17, 2024

The Christian Walk, 22

 

~ Walk As Children Of Light ~

 

Series Introduction  ~  The New Testament has much to say about how a believer should live their life.  Christians should never have to guess about the life that pleases God.  In this series we look at a variety of passages that speak about the Christian walk on earth. 

 

Scripture  ~ “For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:5-8).

 

Quote  ~  “To walk with someone means you are aware of their presence.  And this is true with God.  If you’re to walk with Him, you must be continually aware of His presence.” —Kay Smith {Pleasing God)

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

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Bible Version: Quotations are from the NKJV unless otherwise noted. Emphasis is added.

FREE Author Newsletter: Subscribe today and receive a FREE welcome gift followed by occasional news and special offers: booksrlr .com/connect - Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way and you can easily unsubscribe at any time.

Author web page: “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell” booksrlr .com/ – 11 national and international book awards.

Daily blog page: “Abundant Life Now” robertlloydrussell.blogspot.comAn INDEX of past topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.

·         The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.

·         His personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog.

Facebook page: Robert Lloyd Russell

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Sunday, June 16, 2024

Fatherly Love

 

~ God Is Our Example ~

 

Consider The Nature of God the Father's Love. Those of us who have received Jesus Christ as our Savior are blessed in multiple ways. Consider a few examples…

 

Our Father Initiated Our Love Relationship ~ He loved us first! (1 John 4:19).

 

Sacrificial Love ~ He gave His only begotten Son to save us, and wants to give us the kingdom! (John 3:16, Luke 12:32).   

 

Unconditional Love ~ He loves us just as we are, “as is,” yet He paid “full price” for us (Romans 5:8).   

 

Daily Love ~ His mercies are new every morning (Psalm 103:13, Lamentations 3:22-23).

 

A Love That Blesses ~ He blessed us at creation, and blesses each of us with our own blessing (Genesis 49:28).

 

Corrective Love ~ He corrects us for our benefit (Hebrews 12:6-11).   

 

Eternal Love ~ His love for us began when we were in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13-17).

 

Jealous Love ~ He is passionately in love with us (Song of Songs 7:10).    

 

Forgiving Love ~ He forgives all sins, big and small (Isaiah 1:18).

 

Protective Love ~ Nothing can separate us from our Heavenly Father’s love (Romans 8:38-39).

 

Question ~ As a father how does your love for your children measure up?

 

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).

 

“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12).

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

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Bible Version: Quotations are from the NKJV unless otherwise noted. Emphasis is added.

FREE Author Newsletter: Subscribe today and receive a FREE welcome gift followed by occasional news and special offers: booksrlr .com/connect - Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way and you can easily unsubscribe at any time.

Author web page: “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell” booksrlr .com/ – 11 national and international book awards.

Daily blog page: “Abundant Life Now” robertlloydrussell.blogspot.comAn INDEX of past topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.

·         The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.

·         His personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog.

Facebook page: Robert Lloyd Russell

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Saturday, June 15, 2024

Promise of God, 23

 

~ God’s Mercy Will Never End ~

 

This Series ~ God has made many promises to His people. This series of posts looks at some (100) of the many attributes of God.  It is not an exhaustive list.

 

Key Factor ~ God not only makes promises to His people but He also keeps all of His promises.

 

Scripture ~ “For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations” (Psalm 100:5).

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

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Bible Version: Quotations are from the NKJV unless otherwise noted. Emphasis is added.

FREE Author Newsletter: Subscribe today and receive a FREE welcome gift followed by occasional news and special offers: booksrlr .com/connect - Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way and you can easily unsubscribe at any time.

Author web page: “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell” booksrlr .com/ – 11 national and international book awards.

Daily blog page: “Abundant Life Now” robertlloydrussell.blogspot.comAn INDEX of past topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.

·         The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.

·         His personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog.

Facebook page: Robert Lloyd Russell

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