Disciplined Life, 13

 

~ Mind Control ~

 

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 ~ “For as he [a person] thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7a).

 

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:1-3).

 

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).

 

Resource ~ If you would like a better understanding of how your thoughts control your life then consider the book “CHRIST’S DISCIPLE: How To Finish Strong” by Robert Lloyd Russell, eBook ISBN: 978-1393844402, ASIN: B091XZF79B, or print edition ISBN: 979-8223262800.

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

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

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Daily blog page: “Abundant Life Now” robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com – An 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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God Attribute, 139

 ~ Lord ~

 

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

 

Scripture  ~  “The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. …

 

“Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.’

 

“And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.’ Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him.

 

“And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man” (Genesis 2:8-9, 15-22).

 

Quote  ~  “Christ will be Lord or He will be Judge.  Every man must decide whether he will take Him as Lord now, or face Him as Judge then!”  (A.W. Tozer).  

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

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

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Daily blog page: “Abundant Life Now” robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com – An 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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Why Trust God? 104

 ~ God Makes Sovereign Appointments ~

 

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 ~ “Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you — being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ — I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me.

 

“I am sending him back.  You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel.  But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary.

 

“For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave — a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord” (Philemon 8-16).

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

* * * * *

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.com – An 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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The Christian Walk, 36

 

~ Walk In Fellowship ~

 

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 ~ “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” (Amos 3:3).

 

“Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

 

“On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper” (1 Corinthians 16:2a).

 

Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:33-34).

 

Comments ~ The old tongue-in-cheek saying is that fellow-ship is a few guys in a ship! There are at least two root concepts in the concept of fellowship. First, there exists a positive relationship and second there is a commonality such as a shared interest or common goal.

 

As Christians we not only walk in fellowship with our fellow believers but also with each member of the Trinity. Our fellowship is with God the Father (1 John 1:3). Our fellowship is with Jesus Christ (1 John 1:3; Philippians 3:10). Our fellowship is with the Holy Spirit (Philippians 2:1; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

 

To be in fellowship is to be in harmony. Are you living in harmony with all three members of the Trinity and with your fellow believers?

 

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.

 

** * * * *

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

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Daily blog page: “Abundant Life Now” robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com – An 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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In Jesus We Have… , 86

 

~ An Inheritance, 6 ~

 

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 ~ “Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come” (Ephesians 1:15-21).

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

* * * * *

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

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

Daily blog page: “Abundant Life Now” robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com – An 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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Promise of God, 37

 

~ God Will Free You ~

 

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 ~ “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’ They answered Him, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, “You will be made free”?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:31-36).

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

* * * * *

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

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

Daily blog page: “Abundant Life Now” robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com – An 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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Is Christ God? 1of12

 

~ David Called Jesus Christ God! ~

 

Scripture ~ “While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, saying, ‘What do you think about the Christ?  Whose Son is He?’  They said to Him, ‘The Son of David.’  He said to them, ‘How then does David in the Spirit call Him “Lord,” saying: “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool’?”  If David then calls Him “Lord,” how is He his Son?’  And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore” (Matthew 22:41-46). 

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

* * * * *

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.com – An 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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Disciplined Life, 12

 

~ Worship ~

 

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 ~ “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:1-2 nasu)

 

Comments ~ 1) Worship is not just singing praise songs. Worship does not occur only in a church building. Properly understood and practiced worship is a 24/7/365 occupation.

 

2) As your Creator and sustainer of your life He deserves your worship. “He [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 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. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:15-18).

 

3) As your Savior He deserves your worship. “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.  And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:13-17).

 

Resource ~ If you would appreciate help in finding and doing God’s will for you then consider the book: “GOD’S DESIRE: How To Please God” by Robert Lloyd Russell, eBook ISBN: 978-1393211785, ASIN: B08H4F619W, or print edition ISBN: 979-8223962915.

 

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

* * * * *

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.com – An 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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God Attribute, 138

 

~ Logic ~

 

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

 

Scripture  ~  “‘Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Me. There is more than enough room in My Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with Me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.’

 

“‘No, we don't know, Lord,’ Thomas said. "We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?’

 

“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me. If you had really known Me, you would know who My Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen Him!’

 

“Philip said, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.’

 

“Jesus replied, ‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father! So why are you asking Me to show Him to you? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I speak are not My own, but my Father who lives in Me does His work through Me. Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen Me do” (John 14:1-11 NLT).

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

* * * * *

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.com – An 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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