Day by Day

[Soldier4Christ]

"Excuses"

For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:22b-23
   

Excuses for sinning entered the world when Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the snake.

Since that first passing-of-the-buck, things haven’t changed all that much. That’s the conclusion put forth by Pamela Druckerman, who has completed a book exposing the excuses men and women give as they try to justify or explain away the sin of adultery.

She discovered that men in South Africa excuse their infidelity by saying, “It’s probably kinder and better than taking a second or third wife.” Americans think they are justified when they “fool around” because their marriage has become a love-free zone. Men in Japan are holding fast to the conviction that sex outside the marriage really can’t be called "adultery" if a prostitute is paid.

Now, I assume that most of you reading this devotion are Christian, Christians who believe adultery is sinful and unacceptable to the Lord, their communities, congregations, and spouse. I also assume you are thankful that you don’t have to make any excuse about adultery.

I’m glad you feel that way, and that you don’t have to make up an excuse for such a sin.
So let me ask, if adultery isn’t the sin you excuse, what is? Since the Bible says, “all have sinned,” I’m sure you must have some sin(s) that you are trying to excuse away. So, what might that sin be?

Think about it. Haven’t you known people who have excused the sin of gossiping because “they are only telling the truth.” There are some who write off profanity and swearing because “everybody’s doing it.” Most of us are acquainted with those who have no problem harboring hatred in their hearts because “the other person started it.”

Making excuses for sin remains a pretty commonplace occurrence among God’s people. This is why we need to remember that even as the Lord didn’t find Adam and Eve’s explanations for sin to be acceptable, God isn’t pleased with our excuses either. Instead of excuses, God wants a spirit of repentance form His blood-bought people. Psalm 51:17 says, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Jesus lived, died and rose so we might have a repentant heart and a spirit which comes to the Lord and prays:

[def]

"Excuses"

For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:22b-23
   

Excuses for sinning entered the world when Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the snake.

Since that first passing-of-the-buck, things haven’t changed all that much. That’s the conclusion put forth by Pamela Druckerman, who has completed a book exposing the excuses men and women give as they try to justify or explain away the sin of adultery.

She discovered that men in South Africa excuse their infidelity by saying, “It’s probably kinder and better than taking a second or third wife.” Americans think they are justified when they “fool around” because their marriage has become a love-free zone. Men in Japan are holding fast to the conviction that sex outside the marriage really can’t be called "adultery" if a prostitute is paid.

Now, I assume that most of you reading this devotion are Christian, Christians who believe adultery is sinful and unacceptable to the Lord, their communities, congregations, and spouse. I also assume you are thankful that you don’t have to make any excuse about adultery.

I’m glad you feel that way, and that you don’t have to make up an excuse for such a sin.
So let me ask, if adultery isn’t the sin you excuse, what is? Since the Bible says, “all have sinned,” I’m sure you must have some sin(s) that you are trying to excuse away. So, what might that sin be?

Think about it. Haven’t you known people who have excused the sin of gossiping because “they are only telling the truth.” There are some who write off profanity and swearing because “everybody’s doing it.” Most of us are acquainted with those who have no problem harboring hatred in their hearts because “the other person started it.”

Making excuses for sin remains a pretty commonplace occurrence among God’s people. This is why we need to remember that even as the Lord didn’t find Adam and Eve’s explanations for sin to be acceptable, God isn’t pleased with our excuses either. Instead of excuses, God wants a spirit of repentance form His blood-bought people. Psalm 51:17 says, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Jesus lived, died and rose so we might have a repentant heart and a spirit which comes to the Lord and prays:

Pastor Rogers,thank you ,but you know on the outside it OK.because of self control, but in the inside i am always asking God to forgive me cause sometime i am a murderer i am really bad sometime.O lord forgive me I never do what i want to do sometime it come`s out so croaked.well that is why i got Jesus.. and i guess the Holy Spirit has got a full time job with me .got to keep real close  to God at all time.i know Jesus paid the price, and  i am striving to be like Him ,forget it wont happen here.So got to let go ,and let God  ,so here i am a imperfect you know..till He comes and get me..what a character  this human has..thank you Pastor Rogers,love in Jesus ..

[Soldier4Christ]

Sister def, that is true of us all and that is why we all need Jesus.

[def]

Sister def, that is true of us all and that is why we all need Jesus.

O my God the Lord is Good and most Gracious,  You just help me right now Pastor Rogers woo hoo  i am serious , thank you ..Thank you Jesus your Blood was not Shed in Vain Hallelujah ..I feel a little bit better now.

[def]

O my God the Lord is Good and most Gracious,  You just help me right now Pastor Rogers woo hoo  i am serious , thank you ..Thank you Jesus your Blood was not Shed in Vain Hallelujah ..I feel a little bit better now.

Good morning every body,may God bless you in all your needs today,Love in Jesus ,got to rain gratitude on Father God for giving  us Jesus..tanks you Jesus for saving me..

[Soldier4Christ]

Good morning, def.

[Soldier4Christ]

"An Accounting"

"...As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. Romans 14:11b-12
   

Last week, the BBC told how the Brazilian beer company, Ambev, had been sued by one of its experienced beer tasters. The unnamed man said the company, by having him drink 16 to 25 glasses of beer a day (and giving him a free bottle at the end of his shift), had not done all it could to prevent his alcoholism. The company defended itself by saying that the man was an alcoholic when he was hired as a taster.

I now can share that Judge Jose Felipe Ledur has made his ruling. He has decreed the company needs to cough up $49,000 for the beer taster. Judge Ledur’s decision said that if the man wasn’t an alcoholic when he was hired, he is now, and the company is responsible. On the other hand, if the man already was an alcoholic, he should never have been hired. Either way, the judge thinks the company ought to pay.

In short, the man isn’t accountable for his condition.

It’s not likely that the Lord, when He returns on Judgment Day, is going to share that judge’s opinion about us. Indeed, in the book of Romans, St. Paul tells us, “each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Anyone who thinks upon his thoughts, words and actions, and what he will say when he has to make such an account must find the thought most disquieting. On our own, we are lost and condemned people. On our own, God has no choice but to condemn us to eternal punishment.

But thanks be to God, we are not on our own.

Those who believe in Jesus as their crucified and ever-living Savior know that they are not on their own.

He who fulfilled the law for us, turned down all of Satan’s temptations, and conquered death and the grave will not leave us or forsake us. Because Jesus is our sacrificial substitute, our living Lord, we will not be alone. Because of Him we are forgiven and have been saved.

On the day of accounting, Christians will have no fear because, “since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:1-2)

[def]

Good morning, def.

Pastor Rogers good night now.OK i am just very tired again.don't have much endurance 10hrs up i am kaput..,what happen to the cool smiley

[def]

"An Accounting"

"...As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. Romans 14:11b-12
   

Last week, the BBC told how the Brazilian beer company, Ambev, had been sued by one of its experienced beer tasters. The unnamed man said the company, by having him drink 16 to 25 glasses of beer a day (and giving him a free bottle at the end of his shift), had not done all it could to prevent his alcoholism. The company defended itself by saying that the man was an alcoholic when he was hired as a taster.

I now can share that Judge Jose Felipe Ledur has made his ruling. He has decreed the company needs to cough up $49,000 for the beer taster. Judge Ledur’s decision said that if the man wasn’t an alcoholic when he was hired, he is now, and the company is responsible. On the other hand, if the man already was an alcoholic, he should never have been hired. Either way, the judge thinks the company ought to pay.

In short, the man isn’t accountable for his condition.

It’s not likely that the Lord, when He returns on Judgment Day, is going to share that judge’s opinion about us. Indeed, in the book of Romans, St. Paul tells us, “each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Anyone who thinks upon his thoughts, words and actions, and what he will say when he has to make such an account must find the thought most disquieting. On our own, we are lost and condemned people. On our own, God has no choice but to condemn us to eternal punishment.

But thanks be to God, we are not on our own.

Those who believe in Jesus as their crucified and ever-living Savior know that they are not on their own.

He who fulfilled the law for us, turned down all of Satan’s temptations, and conquered death and the grave will not leave us or forsake us. Because Jesus is our sacrificial substitute, our living Lord, we will not be alone. Because of Him we are forgiven and have been saved.

On the day of accounting, Christians will have no fear because, “since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:1-2)

Yes Pastor ,i believe that in the eyes of God i am under the blood of Jesus Christ and that i am saved white as snow.but that does not change that i try to be like Him ,and I can`t.,and that is what makes me so sad .I guess that what they call the grace of God .all the Father ask of me is to believe that`s all so I do..I think that the humility must have it`s place here no?.

[def]

Yes Pastor ,i believe that in the eyes of God i am under the blood of Jesus Christ and that i am saved white as snow.but that does not change that i try to be like Him ,and I can`t.,and that is what makes me so sad .I guess that what they call the grace of God .all the Father ask of me is to believe that`s all so I do..I think that the humility must have it`s place here no?.

by the way today daily devotions toke my breath away an the same for Spurgeon`s wow wow wow..i will be glad and meditate on that in my sleep i am sure god will grant me that grace just for tonight in Jesus name..good night .i want to sleep now..

[def]

by the way today daily devotions toke my breath away an the same for Spurgeon`s wow wow wow..i will be glad and meditate on that in my sleep i am sure god will grant me that grace just for tonight in Jesus name..good night .i want to sleep now..

[Soldier4Christ]

Yes Pastor ,i believe that in the eyes of God i am under the blood of Jesus Christ and that i am saved white as snow.but that does not change that i try to be like Him ,and I can`t.,and that is what makes me so sad .I guess that what they call the grace of God .all the Father ask of me is to believe that`s all so I do..I think that the humility must have it`s place here no?.

Goodnight, def. Rest in the thoughts that it is His love for us, knowing that we are not perfect that He imparts that grace to us.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Really Free"

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36
   

On Reformation Day we celebrate the gift of God to the church through His servant Martin Luther. Luther reminded us of our freedom from the Law in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jesus told the self-satisfied religious leaders of His time, “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin” (John 8:34). You see, they thought, “I’ve got it made.” They believed that their birth automatically made them free. In the 16th century many religious people felt much the same way: “I’ve got it made.” Birth and religious vocation give a false sense of freedom. Is it possible for lifelong church members with good records to make the same mistake – “I’ve got it made”?

Another tragically mistaken group says, “I’ve got to make it.” People in Jesus’ day followed the Pharisees and tried to keep their religious laws to the finest detail. Paul once lived by those standards, “I’ve got to make it.” In the 16th century many struggled to gain freedom from guilt through prayers, fastings, pilgrimages, and indulgences. Is it possible that today many depend on church attendance, financial contributions, church work, and acts of service to make it before God? A hopeless task!

Then we eagerly realize: The Son makes me free. Jesus Christ took on the slavery of the Law and died to atone for the world’s sin. God declares the world righteous for Jesus’ sake. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” When Luther discovered that freedom through faith in Christ, the gates of paradise opened to him. We rejoice in our movement from slavery to freedom and live in that freedom.

[Soldier4Christ]

"An Autumn Meditation on Sin"

For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing. Romans 7:19
   

I just finished three hours of hard work in our backyard. Autumn leaves had deluged our lawn. I raked and bagged more leaves than I care to count. I mowed the lawn to get any remaining leaves. Now I sit exhausted looking out the window. Already a few leaves dot the backyard. And the front yard, which I cut yesterday, sports a carpet of more leaves. When will the cycle ever end?

I can’t help but think of Paul’s struggle with sin described in Romans 7: “For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing.” He adds, “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death” (Romans 7:24). When will the cycle ever end?

We share Paul’s struggle. Our spiritual nature wants to do right and avoid what is wrong, but our sinful flesh leads us astray. We feel helpless. We rake leaves and bag them, but they just keep coming back like a nightmare. With Paul, helpless on our own, we cry out, “Who will rescue me from this body of death?” When will the cycle ever end?

Paul answers his own question, “Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25). God’s Son has set me free from the cycle of sin and death. The law could not free me. But Christ paid the full price for the sin of the world. He is our Righteousness. Therefore we are controlled not by our sinful nature but by the Spirit of God. We live by the Lord’s power, and so we can defeat sin in our lives every day.

I look out the window and know that while the battle with the leaves will last yet for another week or so, I will win the victory because these dead leaves are almost gone. And I thank God that He likewise has put sin to death and will give me the victory in my daily struggle.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Unemployed?"

When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant. Psalm 73:21-22
   

How difficult to be unemployed! You want to work, to earn a living, to pay your bills, to support your family. But you have lost your job through unforeseen circumstances. You are trying so hard to find something, anything, but no one seems willing to hire you. The days stretch out endlessly. The bills mount. Every “no” in an employment line reduces your hope a little more. You feel helpless and worthless. You doubt your ability to perform adequately. You turn inward and spend hours moping. Others try to comfort you, others who have a good job, but their words seem hollow. They pity you and don’t understand. You begin to envy those who have a job and to question why God is letting this happen to you.

The psalmist must have felt similarly when he observed his own poverty in the face of the wicked people’s success. He cries out, “When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant.” He recognizes his own self-pity and bitter attitudes. The psalmist’s answer comes from his faith in a caring God who would later send His Son to the cross: “Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:25-26). Words of encouragement for the unemployed. God will guide you through the difficult period and sustain you. He will help you serve others and will in His good time open the doors of opportunity to you.