Quick Check

~ What Are Your True Priorities? ~

Scripture  ~  “Then Isaiah the prophet went to King Hezekiah, and said to him, ‘What did these men say, and from where did they come to you?’  So Hezekiah said, ‘They came to me from a far country, from Babylon.’  And he said, ‘What have they seen in your house?’  So Hezekiah answered, ‘They have seen all that is in my house; there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shown them’” (Isaiah 39:3-4). 

Comment  ~  Some decades ago Robert Boyd Munger wrote a profound little booklet entitled, “My Heart, Christ’s Home” in which he used the word pictures of his life being like a house.  The take-away point was that he kept one closet with the secret things he didn’t want anyone—including God—to mess with. 

Application  ~  If a financial auditor came to your home and examined all your financial records (credit card statements, check book register, etc.) what would they learn about your true priorities?  Would they find lots of treasure being laid up in heaven?  Would they find evidence of living selfishly rather for the kingdom of God?  The reality is that one can learn more about the true character and priorities of an individual by examining their spending habits than by a thousand other contacts!  What would a comprehensive audit reveal about you?  Your home and your spending habits show you true heart!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

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

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts 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: USA Today, 1of4

~ Where Would YOU Place the USA Today in the Historical Political Cycle? ~

There exists a Historical Cycle which is consistent throughout man’s history.  It is often true of individuals, but it is especially true of nations.  As you look at the cycle, ask yourself…

1)  Was this true of Israel in Old Testament times?

2)  Does this apply to the USA today?  If so,

3)  Where would you place the USA today?

4)  Where are you today as an individual in your relationship to your Creator? 

The historical cycle indicates that man progresses from: 

1)  Bondage to Spiritual Faith       

2)  Spiritual Faith to Courage   

3)  Courage to Freedom 

4)  Freedom to Abundance       

5)  Abundance to Selfishness    

6)  Selfishness to Apathy          

7)  Apathy to Dependency        

8)  Dependency to Bondage  

(The original source of documenting this cycle is unknown.)

the only solution:  “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

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

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts 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/ .

Identity in Christ, 90

~ I Am Able To Do All Things Through Christ’s Power ~

Introduction  ~  When Christians understand the various characteristics and aspects of the birthright which came with their second birth, they comprehend their identity in Christ.  Once Christians understand their identity, their destiny is also clear!  This series of “Abundant Life Now” posts will look at one of those facets each week. 

This Week’s Verse  ~  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). 

~~~ EXPLANATORY “IDENTITY IN CHRIST” NOTES ~~~  

(1)  Each Monday ALN posts an example of Scripture’s description of aspects/characteristics of Christians—those who have personally trusted in Jesus Christ, The Messiah, as their personal Savior.

(2)  This series is not intended to be an exhaustive list.

(3)  God the Father described Himself to Moses as the great “I AM” (Exodus 3:14).  God the Son also said “I AM” (John 8:58). 

(4)  Jesus Christ is the Son of God and several times in the Gospel of John He refers to Himself as “I am.”  “I am the Bread of Life” (6:35-51), “I am the Light of the World” (8:12, 9:5), “I am the Door” (10:7-9), “I am the Good Shepherd” (10:11-14), “I am the Son of God” (10:36), “I am the Resurrection and the Life” (11:25), “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (14:6), “I am in the Father, and the Father in Me … Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me” (John 14:10-11), and “I am the True Vine” (15:1-5). 

(5)  Individual Christians are also sons and daughters of God.  This series will show some of the various “I am” aspects of a Christian. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

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

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts 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/ .