The Choice is Yours

Our culture Thinks that Choice is the Highest Good. God Has a Different Perspective. #BibleLoveNotes #Bible #Devotions #Choice

I had more than 120 choices for my lunch beverage. 

I was in a fast food restaurant, standing in front of a new beverage machine that starts with 22 soft drink choices and allows you to add extra flavors like cherry, raspberry, lime, vanilla, etc. 

We Americans love choices, and we’re convinced that most choices are neither right nor wrong, just different. 
  • God says loving ourselves is harmful; our culture encourages selfishness (2 Timothy 3:1-5; Philippians 2:3-4).  
  • Jesus says He’s the only way of salvation; our culture tells us that beliefs don't matter, just sincerity (John 14:6). 
  • God says there is only one healthy, God-pleasing sexual relationship: that between a married man and woman; our culture rejects any boundaries in sexual intimacy (Romans 1:26-27; Matthew 15:19).
Life is full of choices, some as inconsequential as what to drink for lunch. Others are life-changing. We can choose to believe God or man, to trust our instincts and the norms of our culture or to trust God’s Word. 
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Our culture Thinks that Choice is the Highest Good. God Has a Different Perspective. #BibleLoveNotes #Bible #Devotions #Choice

Innocent or Not

When we lived at Ft. Leavenworth and met some of the prisoners at the maximum-security prison, I learned some interesting things about fallen human nature. #BibleLoveNotes #Bible #Devotions

Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, is home to the Department of Defense maximum-security prison. 

When my husband was in the Army, we were stationed at Ft. Leavenworth twice. At that time, they had a rehab program allowing prisoners on good behavior to bag groceries at the commissary and attend some Christian women’s meetings at the post chapel. 

These men, who had all committed serious crimes, were accompanied by guards, but this didn’t keep the majority from telling us they were innocent whenever they had a chance. 

You and I can be the same way about our lesser “crimes,” and that’s why God says: 

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8-9

Confession draws us closer to God because He esteems those who are humble and contrite (Isaiah 66:2). Today let’s ask God if there are any areas of our lives where we are fooling ourselves.
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* I understand that they no longer allow prisoners these privileges.


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Why all the prisoners I met at When we lived at Ft. Leavenworth and met some of the prisoners at the maximum-security prison, I learned some interesting things about fallen human nature. #BibleLoveNotes #Bible #Devotions

3 Stages of Pride

Beware of these signs of pride that affect every age and stage of life. Scriptural encouragement.

There are different types of pride: 
  • Pride of youth—in our 20’s and 30’s when we think we can do anything. Self-esteem proponents encourage this, but it’s destructive unless it’s based on diligence and skill. Just because we think we can do something doesn’t mean we can (Romans 12:3).
  • Pride of middle age—when we self-righteously take credit for our successes. But God doesn't praise us for success. He praises us for faithfulness (Matthew 25:21; 2 Corinthians 10:17-18).
  • Pride of age—when we think we are "good enough" and have no need to keep growing in our walk with the Lord so we get cranky, bitter, demanding, and selfish (Ephesians 4:20-24). 
We're prone toward pride at every stage, but God gives a solution:
    "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

    ✜✜✜

    https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Life-Devotional-One-Minute-Reflections/dp/1087775760

    I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. To find out more see 10 Reasons Why You'll Love Wisdom for LifeI also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet offering quiet time encouragement. Find out more HERE.
    Beware of these signs of pride that affect every age and stage of life. Scripture offers helpful insights.



    Beware of these signs of pride that affect every age and stage of life. Scripture offers helpful insights.




    Beware of these signs of pride that affect every age and stage of life. Scripture offers helpful insights.

    Advising God!

    We human beings are really something....we think we can do something that is way above our job description.

    "Many folks want to serve God but only as advisors."
    author unknown

    Ouch! I know I’m sometimes guilty. 

    Sometimes I do something without praying and then I ask God to bless it afterwards. Or I just assume my plans are God’s plans. Or I get upset when God doesn’t do things my way. 

    Sometimes I’ve even had the arrogance to say, “If I were God, I’d do it this way,” as if anything I plan could be better than His plans! 

    God doesn’t need my advice and He doesn’t need yours—we need His. 

    That’s why Scripture says: 
    "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you...But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.” James 1:5,6,

    Let's ask and believe! 
    -----------------
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    We human beings are really something....we think we can do something that is way above our job description.

    Why I Wore My Mom's Perfume

    Have you ever thought about the aroma of Christ that we spread?   2 Corinthians 2:15-16 explains that we have our own kind of perfume. #BibleLoveNotes #Bible #Devotions #MothersDay

    I was 40 when my mom died. For a year after her death, I wore her perfume instead of my own. It was a nice reminder. 

    Sometimes one of my family members would start talking about my mother, and they'd admit that my perfume (her perfume) had triggered sweet thoughts of her. 

    My mother has been dead for more than 25 years, but when I smell her perfume, I still remember her fondly.

    Scripture says Christians also wear a fragrance, the fragrance of Christ.

    “For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved ... an aroma that brings life.” 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 

    I imagine that the more time we spend with the Lord, the more of His fragrance we wear. And the more of His fragrance we wear, the more those around us have sweet thoughts of God.
    ----------------------

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    Have you ever thought about the aroma of Christ that we spread?   2 Corinthians 2:15-16 explains that we have our own kind of perfume. #BibleLoveNotes #Bible #Devotions #MothersDay

    When Angels Tell Lies, Cults Are Formed

    One of the most popular "Christians cults" in the world began with the lies of an "angel."

    A Christian friend asked why I wrote: Why Muslims Can't Believe Jesus Was a Prophet. I explained that Christians need to be aware when religions promote a "false Jesus" - a Jesus who is not the Jesus described in Scripture.

    That's why I'm writing today about the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints (Mormons).

    My prayer is that we will recognize that Mormons need to hear the true gospel just as much as our atheist friends do.

    Mormons believe:
    • Joseph Smith found the Book of Mormon in 1823, guided by the angel Moroni.
    • The Book of Mormon is the perfect, trustworthy Word of God. 
    • The Bible contains errors in doctrine.
    • Non-Mormon churches are not preaching the true gospel.
    • God the Father was once a man.
    • Christ died to make eternal life possible, but there are different "kingdoms" in eternity. To spend eternity with God the Father, you must be married in the Mormon temple and you must obey Mormon prophets and ordinances.  
    Although some Mormon explanations sound very similar to biblical Christianity, the foundation, principles and conclusions of Mormonism are very different. They worship a different Jesus - something spoken of in 2 Corinthians 11:4.

    It's interesting that Galatians 1:8 contains a very clear warning against false beliefs like Mormonism: 

    "Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse!"

    The angel Moroni definitely preached a different gospel and denied the true gospel.

    Whether you know any members of the LDS church or not, why not take some time to pray for their salvation.
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    For more information on the beliefs of Mormonism and documentation for the beliefs listed above, see: Mormonism Research Ministry.

    Also check out this collection of short, helpful articles on Mormonism: Articles on Mormonism.


    One of the most popular "Christians cults" in the world began with the lies of an "angel."

    Bible Love Notes

    Think God is Against Holidays? Think Again!

    We serve a God who understands our need to celebrate. Scripture shows that Holidays--(originally "holy days")--were God's idea#BibleLoveNotes #Bible #Devotions #Holidays

    Life is often repetitive and mundane.

    That's one reason we love to celebrate, have a party, a special event, or have a day off. 

    Holidays--(originally "holy days")--were God's idea. 

    He instituted all sorts of feasts and festivals in the Old Testament so His people could interrupt their routine, enjoy each other, and enjoy Him (Old Testament Festivals; Holy Days). 

    It's wonderful to know that we serve a God who loves a party, and His love always gives us reason to celebrate!

    So let’s ask the Creator of the universe to give us some creative ideas for celebrating His faithfulness and provision this week. 

    Here are a few ideas:
    • A Bible club with a fun craft for your kids.
    • A simple but festive lunch with your Bible study class.
    • A special dessert with your small group.
    • Any event, big or small, where you can share what God is doing in your lives and celebrate His love.
    “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 

    *******
    Some people think Christmas and other holidays are pagan. This in-depth video explains that these concerns are based on popular rumors, not historical facts: Is Christmas a Pagan Holiday?

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    We serve a God who understands our need to celebrate. Scripture shows that Holidays--(originally "holy days")--were God's idea#BibleLoveNotes #Bible #Devotions #Holidays


    He Lifts My Head

    This 1-minute devotion explains what may be Satan's greatest temptation. See if you agree. #BibleLoveNotes #Bible #Devotions #Discouragement

    In a 100-year-old devotional book I read an interesting vignette. Three demons sat with Satan discussing how to make a particular woman sin: 

    “I will show her the pleasure of sin,” said the first. 

    “I will show her the pain of righteousness,” said the second. 

    But Satan was not pleased until the third said, “I will discourage her.” 

    This 1-minute devotion explains what may be Satan's greatest temptation. See if you agree. #BibleLoveNotes #Bible #Devotions #Discouragement
    “This is the best way to make her sin,” the Liar and Deceiver smiled. “Discouragement works best.” 

    I know this is true in my life. 

    When I am discouraged, I am more likely to slip into bad thought patterns, wallow in self-pity, overlook my blessings, get irritable, and miss God’s purposes for my day. 

    Fortunately, when we're discouraged, we can avoid the pit of sin and despair by quickly turning our hearts and thoughts toward God.

    “But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.” Psalm 3:3

    ---------------------

    For more thoughts on discouragement, read these 1-Minute devotions:
    Beatin' the Blues
    Eat, Rest, Cry 

    Bible Love Notes

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    This 1-minute devotion explains what may be Satan's greatest temptation. See if you agree.


    Nothing Magically Evolved: Evolution is Religion

    No matter what evolutionists claim, they need a great deal of faith to believe. #BibleLoveNotes #Bible #Devotions #Creation

    Most evolutionists talk about the theory of evolution as if it were a scientific fact.

    God explains why:

    "In the last days scoffers will come...they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed..." (2 Peter 3:3-7)

    According to scientific method, an event cannot be called a fact unless it is observable or reproducible. 

    That means evolution is just as much a faith-based belief as creation because no man observed creation and it only happened once.

    Nor is evolution any more scientific than creation. The facts of science don't contradict creation. In fact, Romans 1:20-23 explains that there is an underlying beauty, order, and design that affirms God's presence in creation:

    “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."


    The next verse in this passage explains why so many mock creation:


    "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools…” 

    Let's pray for the scoffers among us that they may come to know the Creator.
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    No matter what evolutionists claim, they need a great deal of faith to believe their flawed, unprovable theory.




    No matter what evolutionists claim, they need a great deal of faith to believe. #BibleLoveNotes #Bible #Devotions #Creation


    Today's my Birthday: 2012

    Gail, author of Bible Love Notes, shares insights about turning 61 and her 38 years of walking with the Lord.

    Written in July 2012:

    This year I turn 61 and 38…physical birth, spiritual birth.(1) 

    And I can't help but reflect on the similarities in my physical and spiritual growth processes:

    As a baby Christian God "wiped my nose and hand-fed me." Things were pretty easy. 

    In the early years His Word was my caretaker and every lesson was an exciting new discovery. 

    Awkward growth spurts followed when I became a spiritual adolescent. 

    Then I spent far too long in the know-it-all stage of my teen years. 

    Eventually God began to trust me with the responsibilities and hardships of spiritual adulthood. Sometimes I made Him proud, sometimes I staggered from the pain and sank into self-pity, and often I longed for the easier years of spiritual childhood. 

    But babies can’t experience God’s fullness. We learn and grow through adult responsibilities and adult difficulties.

    Gail, author of Bible Love Notes, shares insights about turning 61 and her 38 years of walking with the Lord.
    Today, as I turn 61 and 38, please ask God to help me keep growing. And this is my prayer for you too!

    Let's grow up in our faith!

    1 Peter 2:2-3:
    Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

    Hebrews 5:11-14:
    There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.

    (1) My spiritual birthday is actually a few months prior to my physical birthday  


    No Shades of Grey--It's Black and White

    No Shades of Grey--It's Black and White - It's Pornography

    We apologize for this extra step, but this devotion from 2012 was updated and is now located at the link below.

    We pray that this devotion will encourage you!

    No Shades of Grey - It's Black and White


    Why Did God Allow This to Happen?

    Why Did God Allow This to Happen?  This 1-minute devotion offers several important examples and addresses the question of why bad things happen to good people.  #BibleLoveNotes #Bible

    During the years we did ministry overseas, I broke my ankle, tore my pcl,* and got a terrible case of food poisoning. My husband had his wallet pick-pocketed, and we lost a huge sum of money. 

    My friend Kim had a major accident on her way home from a trip to raise funds for her ministry to at-risk elderly.

    Corrie Ten Boom, holocaust survivor with a life-changing message, suffered a stroke that left her unable to speak the last 5 years of her life.

    After 45 years of difficult mission work in China, Jonathan Goforth went blind.

    Steve Saint's father was martyred when he was five and Steve suffered a serious spinal cord injury while developing missionary equipment.

    Why?

    I don't know. 

    But this I do know: “all things [big and small] God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
     

    If something in your life doesn’t make sense, trust this promise!

    "We know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose." (Romans 8:28, AMP).

    ---------------
    *posterior cruciate ligament 

    Each highlighted word is linked to a devotion about that person or subject.


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    Why Did God Allow This to Happen?  This 1-minute devotion offers several important examples and addresses the question of why bad things happen to good people.  #BibleLoveNotes #Bible


    Starved Spiritually

    A True Story of Being Without God's Word and the Effect if Can Have on a Christian.

    Haralan Popov was imprisoned 13 years for his faith in Christ. 

    Five years into his sentence, he discovered another prisoner rolling cigarettes in Bible pages. 

    “For five years I had starved physically, but I had starved even more spiritually, and I can tell you the spiritual hunger is more painful than the physical… God’s Word had been my inseparable daily companion. Then, abruptly, I had been cut off from it for five years. I offered [this prisoner] all my money for the New Testament, but I would have given him my arm or leg if he had asked for it! That’s what God’s Word meant to me then—and now.” *

    I read Popov’s story as a new believer, and it touched me as much then as it does now. 

    I can access God’s Word so easily, but I must never take it for granted because it is “God-breathed” and useful for every aspect of life and living (2Timothy 3:16-17).

    It is alive and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). 

    It endures forever (Isaiah 40:8).

    It is more important than our daily bread (Matthew 4:4). 

    Haralan Popov understood these things. Do I? Do you?
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    *Haralan Popov , Tortured For His Faith  (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondarvan Publishing House, 1970) pp. 97,98.
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    A True Story of Being Without God's Word and the Effect if Can Have on a Christian.



    A True Story of Being Without God's Word and the Effect if Can Have on a Christian.




    A True Story of Being Without God's Word and the Effect if Can Have on a Christian.

    Non-Negotiable Element of Love for Jesus

    This 1-minute devotion discusses a common form of hypocrisy among Christians and a way to idenitfy it. #BibleLoveNotes #Bible

    “Well, God and I are fine, and that’s all that matters.”

    The leader of a short-term mission trip had kindly, privately confronted a team member about inappropriate behavior, and this was the unrepentant man's response. 

    This individual had repeatedly complained, ignored directions, and bent the rules. He'd taken advantage of other team members and been culturally insensitive. Ironically, this same man was known for passionately expressing his love for Christ in public meetings, often with tears in his eyes.

    This is an easy trap for any of us—thinking outward expressions of love make up for inward rebellion. 

    But Jesus defined genuine love for God when He said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

    Help us, Lord, to truly love You and to show our love through obedience to Your commands.
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    This 1-minute devotion discusses a common form of hypocrisy among Christians and a way to idenitfy it. #BibleLoveNotes #Bible

    Bible Love Notes

    America the Prude

    Let's pray that America maintains standards regarding the display of pornography.

    "America is a bit prudish."

    Lately I’ve been reminded of this statement an Englishman made to me in the 1980's when my family was living in Europe. He was right. America had standards about the display of pornography and advertising far higher than European standards.

    Living in Germany in the early 80's with two school-aged children was challenging. I often had to divert their eyes from graphic posters in store windows and magazine covers on open display. 

    European standards for pornography have always been lower than U.S. standards. That's one area I'm proud of my country.

    Sadly, America is in severe moral decline, and I wonder how long we will be "prudish" when compared to Europe. This is one of many areas where our country needs prayer. 

    "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior..." 1 Timothy 2:1-3

    Let's pray for our country, dear Christians. May we be a country where children and adults need not divert their eyes from open pornography.

    Let's pray that America maintains standards regarding the display of pornography.


    Self-Defense

    Beware of the sin of self-defense. Learn to give sincere apologies.

    “Please forgive me for what you think I did.”

    We human beings are excusers, defenders, and egotists. Our knee-jerk reaction is self-defense. Even we Christians can resort to "No Regrets" like the creative and meaningless one above. 

    And there are others:
    • “I’m sorry you were offended” a way to apologize without admitting blame.(1) 
    • “I’m sorry if I did anything to offend you”— vague enough to keep our ego intact.
    • “Please forgive me, but….” giving us the ability to tack on excuses and accusations, thus voiding the apology.
    • "You misunderstood" allowing us to justify rude or selfish acts by explaining our motives (i.e. it's not what I did, it's what I thought that matters).
    We can’t do anything about others' un-apologies, but we can ask the Lord to free us from the bondage of our own self-defense (James 4:8-10; 1 John 1:8-10). 

    The Lord can help us to be genuinely sorry for our sins - sorry enough to repent honestly.
    ------------
    (1) There are times this apology is appropriate: when someone accuses you of doing something you didn't do. You can still express sorrow that they were hurt or offended. But if you have done something offensive, this is not an honest apology.
    For a good example of genuine repentance, see David's confession in Psalm 51.
    See these 1-Minute devotions:  Forgive Me or Else (He "Apologized" for his Affair) and How to Say "I'm Sorry."

    ------------
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    Beware of the sin of self-defense. Learn to give sincere apologies.



    Beware of the sin of self-defense. Learn to give sincere apologies.


    Bible Love Notes