Treasure Box Poetry And Praise: July 2014

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Quotes From Devotional - Get Your Faith Straight - Part 1

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Quotes From "Get Your Fath Staight -2 Devotional"

Get Your Faith Straight - Part 2

Have you ever been around a person who says they have faith, but you could never tell it by what they choose to do? I have met people who say they are a Christians, but would never know it by how they live. I know we are not perfect and we all have struggles.. but ultimately, people who love God will choose to do the things God loves. A person of faith will walk by faith and his faith will bring birth to good works. True faith will stand in agreement with the bible and is evidence of a true relationship to Christ.

To say you are a Christian but not follow the bible, is like handing an empty cup to a thirsty person. Nothing you could ever offer them would satisfy because they need water and you don't have it.

Getting your faith straight would require making sure you are really saved. I have heard leaders say they were Christians, but they help the devil openly in the things for which they stand. They stand for the very things that have brought God's judgment upon other nations in the past. The things God speaks against in His Word. I have heard people of other faiths say they were Christians, but teach doctrine that does not even exist in scripture and is contrary to scripture. In both the cases I mentioned, they would say they are people of faith. Yes maybe they have faith, it may even be great faith, but having faith in the wrong things will not be blessed by God.

To think you are saved is not good enough, you can know you are saved. I was reminded by God, just last night of something I heard a very long time ago. It slipped out of my lips, even though I hadn't thought about it in years. It was a saying I once heard a preacher say," It's not a hope so salvation, It's a know so salvation.

When you know your saved it will show and if you know it, you will show it, by how you live and what you do. When you love God , there will be evidence in your life because when Jesus lives in your heart

it will shine forth in a dark world. Just like a lighthouse on a hill showing people the way.

1John 5:13

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

Father God,

Help true believers to love you by our behavior and forgive us if we have not loved you, as we should, in times past. Open the eyes of those who have professed Christianity but never possessed true faith in Christ. Help others to understand that they may KNOW that they can belong to you as new born children of God. Show them they can have assurance of heaven through Christ and his finished work at Calvary.

In Christ Jesus I Pray This, Amen

Susan Y Nikitenko

July 30th, 2014

Read John 4

Devotional - Faith

Get Your Faith Straight - Devotional - Part 1 - July 30th, 2014

Get Your Faith Straight - Part 1

Most days I go outside to water my plants, weed and straighten up things. I happen to a have a stepping stone that stands upon its edge for decoration. It’s not all that pretty, but it’s what it says that makes it beautiful. It’s the word faith. Faith is very important and something we need to encourage each other and to keep hold of, during our most trying times in life. It stands as a reminder to everyone looking--- to not lose faith. Faith is so important in fact, that the bible says,” without faith it’s impossible to please God.” Not only is faith important to have answered prayers, but is one of the main ingredients for salvation in Christ.

I don’t know how many times I have gone outside and have found that stepping stone crooked. The word faith is leaning in a wrong direction when it needs to be straight. So I’m always paying attention to it, to make sure it stays straight.

In life, when something bad happens, our faith is tried and our faith can get bent out of shape. It's hard to understand some of what God is doing in our lives all the time, especially when it seems things are not going our way.

I was thinking about this and I asked myself the question, "When Is Our Faith Considered Crooked?"

I think the first way our faith would be considered crooked is if we are putting our faith in the wrong things. Putting your faith in the wrong thing can make the difference between life or death. It would be the equivalent to a police officer trusting in his water gun verses trusting in his real gun in a dangerous situation.

In the Christian walk, what you trust in is so important that it makes a difference between life and death. The bible plainly teaches, we are not saved by works, but that works are to be an important part of a Christians walk because they love God. We are not to trust in works for salvation, but live out good works with the motive of pleasing God. If we have faith in our works for salvation, we are trusting in what we do to save us. When we have faith in what Jesus did, we are trusting in what Jesus did for our salvation.

If we are trusting in how good we are, it would be considered pride in the eyes of God.

If we are trusting in what He did, we know we could never live good enough. We would realize He so lovingly paid our debt. We would humble ourselves knowing , he gave us something we do not deserve.

Get your faith straight today by trusting in what Christ did and not what you have done to get yourself to heaven when you die. Yes, live your best and give your best. Not because you have to, but because you want to. Want to, because God is pleased with and uses our good works for his glory.

Dear Father God,

Thank- You so much for paying for our sin debt upon Calvary's tree. We do not deserve the love you have shown to us. Thank- you for your mercy towards poor lost sinners, that would have had no hope without you. Help us be consistant in good works, that you may be glorified in our life and walk.

In Christ Jesus Name I Pray - Amen

Ephesians 2:8-10

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Susan Y Nikitenko

July 30th, 2014

Devotional - Read: Ephesians 8

Who Is Lying, You Or God? - Devotional - July 30th, 2014

Who Is Lying, You Or God?

While I was witnessing to someone recently, I asked a lady if she had ever sinned. She told me she had never sinned a day in her life. I was able to answer with something I had never answered with before. God gave me the response I needed to answer the question. I asked her first if I could ask her a question and she allowed me to. I asked her, "If the bible says all have sinned and you say you've never sinned....then who is lying, you or God?" She finally confessed that she had sinned but she left in a hurry.

I was telling someone about me talking to the lady and he felt I was being brash, but I was very loving in asking her the question. To never attempt to open someone's eyes to truth would be the wrong in my opinion, especially when God has given the answer that would help them see.

I am reminded of the story of Jesus, when the blind man approached Jesus. Jesus spit into the dirt and took the mud and rubbed it into the blind man's eyes. Sometimes a little hurt can help someone see. The motive is not to hurt, but to heal. Jesus gave sight to the blind man. This story is not only true, but also a symbol of giving sight to people blind to the things of God.

If I had a chance to talk to her further, I would have explained that one sin, just one, was enough to send her to hell. The bible teaches if we break one of the laws of God we are guilty of all. God loves us and knew we needed a Savior and sent his Son to die to a pay our sin debt.

The good thing is, she now knows she is a sinner. A person has no chance of salvation unless first realizing( he or she) is a sinner. It is then they can see their need of salvation and forgiveness.

I pray that the seed sown in her heart will one day, lead her to our forgiving Savior.

Father God, I pray you will help the lady I talked to last night. I ask that you will open her eyes to her need of you in her life. I pray she will see her sin the way you do and she will seek refuge in you.

In the name of Christ Jesus I pray, Amen.

James 2:10

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

Susan Y Nikitenko

July 30th, 2014

Read: John 9

Devotional

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Faith Through Our Failures - Devotional

Faith Through Our Failures

If someone were to ask me, if I believe God can use our failures. I would say yes he can. We learn through our mistakes and learn to teach others. Many geniuses have had failures and have learned what would not work, then one day they discover something the world never knew before. There had to be failures in order to discover something amazing that God already knew. To say that we cannot fail would be saying that we cannot sin. Now, it is true that God cannot see our sin when we are under the blood of Christ because our sins were paid for at Calvary and are under the blood. Though we are to confess our sins on a daily basis that the Lord would cleanse us from all sin. We are human, made from the dust of the ground and there will be almost daily failure in one way or another. Here are some examples.

A short fuse,

A judgmental thought, or other thought.

A hasty word, that should of not been said,

A mistaken lie,

A gossiping word by mistake,

A failure to go to authority, when it effects a church

A competing spirit of jealousy,

A failure to inform someone of a danger, without thinking,

Breaking a friends trust,

Destroying another's influence through deception, or trickery , because of jealousy or power,

Causing others to believe something that is not true, because someone listened to gossip,

Holding past mistakes against a person who has repented,

Failure to go to a brother or sister to clear up something before passing judgment .

Spending too much time on the computer, television, phone etc. and neglecting other areas of life.

I can think of failures from many God fearing people of the bible..these are just a few:

Abraham struck the rock twice for example, Moses failed to follow God's instruction of only striking the rock once... God said once, because Christ was to be stricken once, for our sin and it is and was enough.

David failed to have the " Ark of the Covenant" transported the way God had instructed.

Abraham failed to tell the King that Sarah was his wife.

Sarah laughed when God told her she was going to have a child in her old age,
so the list goes on.

If we can prove from scripture that Bible people failed in some way. With these types of examples, we can prove if great people of the Bible had days of failure, we too have days of failure.

God tells us however, if we love God, he will work both failure and success, sorrow and joy, trouble and peace, all together for good. For your good if you are a faithful child of God and for His good as well.

We should never think it's ok to sin but be striving to keep ourselves pure in an impure world. Sin brings consequences. However, if we do fail, forgiveness and restoration is always there when we return to a

right relationship to Christ Jesus.

James 1:27

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

----------

Romans 8:28:

This is my life verse because it has helped me through many, many hardships and troubles. I believe this verse to be true. If you do not believe it, it will not help you and you may resent it. I just know it's helped me to keep faithful, through the most devastating things in my life. Not all things are good, but God has promised that It will (work together) for our good, either here or eternity. If we love Him and we are one of his, we can know that God will not and can not lie. All things will work together for good, even if we may never understand how.

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Susan Y Nikitenko

July 23rd, 2014

Devotional- Failure

"Steps Of Spiritual Failure"

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Come Back To the American Dream

Come back to the American dream;

For freedom, United we stand.

Stand for what’s true, to our heritage;

Stand for what’s right across this land.

America, our beautiful home;

A place we can rest our head;

Because others gave of their own lives;

Through much violence and bloodshed.

They took it very seriously;

They knew what the outcome would be;

If they did not stand, for what was right;

No doubt We’d lose our liberty.

To squander freedom, means lose a dream;

To reject God, will something cost.

For if our God is left in the past;

This nations blessing, will be lost.

Susan Y Nikitenko

July 23^rd, 2014

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Come Home - Devotional - July 23rd, 2014 - LOST

Come Home

One thing I'm afraid of is getting lost. If I'm driving in an unfamiliar area and lose my way. I begin to get very upset. My grown kids get wound up and I have to pull over and collect myself. I'm very afraid of being lost out on the highway. I guess it's because I'm afraid I won't be able to find my way home. I have been lost a few times for hours and it is not fun at all. Getting lost and not having a phone to call home is especially stressful, because you know family members will be wondering where you are.

One Christmas, the Lord provided us with the money for a GPS. I'm so thankful for the device, because I feel reassured I can find my way home. Finding our way home is much easier today because of cell phones and other electronic devices but what about bible times?

I was thinking of bible people who couldn't find their way home and remembered the little lost lamb. The little lamb wandered away from the fold and was not under the protection of the shepherd. The shepherd notices one missing lamb, when he counted his sheep. The shepherd loves his sheep and WILL lay his life down for them. He left the 99 sheep settled safely in the sheepfold and went out searching for his lost lamb. The little lamb could not find his way home and someone loved him enough to go searching for him. He finds him and carries him back safely to the fold.

I thought of the prodigal son, who left his home in rebellion, spent all his money in riotous living. He wandered away from everything he was taught, everything he knew was right. He ended up in the slop bucket of sin. The pig pin, eating the slop thrown to the pigs. He realized for the first time. I want to be home, I want to go home, but will I be loved? Will I be accepted, just as a servant in my father's home? He had to find his way home and when He did his father rejoiced at his return.

Some people wonder why Christians use the word lost. When someone is lost, he's someone who needs to be found, someone who needs to find their way home. I'm reminded of the song Amazing Grace, in the words of the song it says " I once was lost, but now I'm found, was blind but now I see".

Without Christ we are lost in a world of confusion and hopelessness. Without Christ our soul is lost and held captive and destined for damnation. If you've ever played baseball, you know if you never bring the ball home, you'll never win. We need to lead lost people home. They can't find their own way home, they are lost and confused and need someone who can understand and see the things of God to show them and lead them the way. Just as the little lost lamb, who would have died had no one cared.

Now some people who are lost, are people who have known the things of God but have made some bad decisions in life and lost their way and forgot their way home. They are saved eternally but have been taken captive by sin or confusion. They became distracted by other things and lost their first love for God. They have done things they find hard to forgive themselves for and are wondering if God would really accept them back. Some may be blaming someone else for their falling away and resentment has blinded their eyes. They have believed the devils lies and cannot comprehend their way home. God uses people to win people. Using baseball for example , it may take a really good ball player to bring the ball into home base. When the prodigal son returned home he didn't know what to expect. He knew he did not deserve loved because he had turned his back on his family, but when his father saw him from a distance, His father wept with joy to see him return. With joy his Father's arms opened in acceptance of him.

If we have wandered away as a child of God, if we are willing to come home to God the Father, with true repentance, He will not refuse us. He will take us back with joy and love us just the same .

Father God,

Help us to be an encouraging person today, help us love others back to you. Help us have the wisdom and understanding how to guide the lost to you. As you say in your Word, He that winneth souls is wise. Open the eyes of those that have wandered away and open their hearts to understand you want them to come home. Lead us to the lost that we may bring them safely home, under the blood of your promise.

In The Name Of Christ Jesus I Pray This - Amen

Luke15

[4] What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

[6] And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

. [9] And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

[24] For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

[32] It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

Luke:19

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Susan Y Nikitenko

July 23rd, 2014

Lesson/Devotional - LOST

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Strengthening Your Teammate - Devotional - Football

Strengthening Your Teammate

Sometimes a football player can become discouraged after a bad play. A player can become exhausted from just putting everything he has into winning the game but still knows the enemy has gained control and has the advantage in scores. He could actually start questioning is own abilities after mental slams out on the field because of something he did wrong, even though he gave it his best shot.

The best thing for his teammates to do would be to get him pumped to do a better job next time. Help him get his thinking in the right direction and the focus off himself. A good leader will seek to restore the strength of his teammate.

In the Christians life, this kind of encouragement would be considered grace.

I think of Jesus after he endured temptation for forty days in the wilderness.

Even Jesus was ministered to and strengthened by the angels. God sent angels to minister to our Savior.

We are to minister to each other in times of testing, and times of temptation in order to strengthen each other, especially when a team member becomes wearied by the sorrows of life.

God has given us grace because he knows how fragile we really are. In comparison to all creation we really are very small, but if God thought us valuable enough to die for, then we should count every living soul valuable.

Valuable enough to lead them to Christ or back to the place they need to be in their relationship to God.

Mark 1:13

And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

Susan Y Nikitenko

July 22nd, 2014

Devotional Football

The First Down - Devotional - July 22nd 2014 - Football

The First Down

If there's one thing I know about football, it would be, the longer a team has the ball, the bigger the advantage for that team. The enemy doesn't take over the power of the game all at once, it's a little bit at a time. They are after the "first down", because they are rewarded with extra time to make the score. That's why it's very important to stop the team before they get the "first down." When they continue to have the control, they force the opposing team to go the wrong way down the field.

It's always fun to have your team regain control of the ball and start moving the ball in the right direction. It's hard work and strategy, to regain the power of the game a little bit at a time. It takes team work, endurance and going forward.

In the Christian life if we give up ground to the devil, the longer you let him have it the harder it is to get back. The more you let him have the more he will take. Don't give the devil a chance to gain the power of your life, by letting him get the "first down." Fight and fight hard to maintain your Christian strength by being faithful in your heart and life to our Heavenly Father. The closer you follow the plan of his Word and fellowship with OUR Father God, the more you will be able to resist the sin that so easily besets you.

When you see your going the wrong way, gain control.

When you have the ball, run with it in the right direction. Pass it , to your teammates, and together make a score for the cause of eternity and our Savior.

Hebews 12:1

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us

Susan Y Nikitenko

Devotional - July 22, 2014

Football

Monday, July 21, 2014

Discipline - Devotional - July 21st, 2014, Football

Discipline

When ball players are getting ready for a game, there are many rules they must follow. They can't be foolin' around, drinkin' and partyin'. They are to eat right, get good rest and keep fit so they can give their best performance during a game. They need to know the rules and the plays the coach has given them to learn. To give any less could be robbing the whole team of a possible win. The coach will enforce these rules, because he know his job counts on the winning of the game.

They need to remember the choices they make, effect the whole team.

In a Christians life it is much the same way. We are on Team "Jesus Christ" and the choices we make in life effect the whole team. God wants us to live a self disciplined life in Him, that's why we are called disciples. We become disciplined under the leadership of Holy God and His Word. Whatever we choose to do can rob a whole church of His blessings, that is why God gives us a Pastor. Pastors are given the oversight of the church and will be held accountable (by God) for what He allows in the church. He has to make hard unpopular decisions and do so as he bathes the decision in prayer. God wants us to be clean in His sight and living an obedient disciplined life. Then God will bless us as a team and in our individual lives.

Sometimes ball players get to knowing they are hotshots. If you've become a hotshot, just remember God hates pride, he resisteth the proud, and when he sees you, He knows how little you really are.

Let your light shine by living the life of a faithful disciple of Christ and be part of bringing your team into victory.

Susan Y Nikitenko

July 21st, 2014

Devotional

2 Chronicles 16:9

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him

Don't Drop That Ball - Bible Devotional - Football

Don't Drop That Ball

After sitting through football games all these years, better know, I know a little bit about the game. I've learned endurance through rain, shine and cold.

I was thinking about how important the ball is in the game of football and realized without the ball there would not be a game. The game ball is the object of everyone's attention and it is fought over, because both teams want to get hold of the ball and bring it in for the score.

The ball is the lifeline in the game, without possession of it, you would have a no win situation.

Without the ball we might as well stay at home and hang up the pompoms, cause there wouldn't be anything to cheer about. It's like chewing steak without teeth or driving a car without wheels.

Everyone would be standing around saying, "where in the world is the ball?"

As Christians, we have been given a job to do and the "ball" to the Christian is everything God has given us to win in Christian living. The only thing is, the "ball' to the enemy is something entirely different.

The enemy is out to win, and is out to get the ball from you. He wants you to fail. He wants to run you over and He doesn't care if you get spikes in your face while he's trying to take it. He's going to do anything he can to get that ball.

We as Christians need to be prepared for the battle and hold onto that ball, hold it tucked under your arm where ever you go and whatever you do, don't drop that ball, stay with the fight, don't give the enemy an inch or He will take a mile.

Susan Y Nikitenko

July 21st, 2014

Bible Devotional - Football

1 Peter 5:8

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Fussers Or Fighters , Devotional , July 21st - Football

Fussers Or Fighters

It must be very disappointing for a football player, who's all pumped up to play the game, ready to go, ready to win, to be wiped out by the enemy on the first play of the game. He has to set on the bench and watch everyone else do what he was dreaming of, play the game he loves. All he can do is pray and cheer his other team members on to the win. He may miss out on a few games because of the injury because injuries need to heal.

Now a true leader will show a good spirit about himself even when he himself has lost hopes in getting to play. He will set on that bench and be the best bench sitter he can be. He won't sit their pouting...He will sit their praying and showing a positive attitude that will help his fellow football players fight for the win.

I knew of a Christian who was discouraged, not by an enemy, but by another Christian who made a false judgment , and accused him. The Christian who passed judgment went to many others and spread the accusation and single handedly benched a faithful player who wanted to win. He was taken out by a teammate.

I guess you can say, the enemy blindsided him through a friend and as a result the injured warrior sets on the sidelines until he's spiritually well enough to lead again.

Sometimes we go through disappointments that are designed to try our faith. We have a choice at these times to be either fussers at the sidelines or fighters at the sidelines. I want to be a fighter whether in the game or setting on the sidelines. That's what I want to be, that's what I pray to be.

How about you? Have you been hurt out on the field....are you fussing, or are you fighting to be the best you can be where ever you are? Where ever you are, attitude can either give you the win or give you the loss. Be a leader in the game and be a leader on the sidelines.

Susan Y Nikitenko

July 21st, 2014

Devotional - Football

Galasians 5:7

Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

Sunday, July 20, 2014

The “Want To” - Devotional - Football

The “Want To”

When a guy is playing football he’s not going to go out there and say o’well it doesn’t matter if we win or lose. No, he’s going to say “We ARE going to WIN this game!” He’s not going to go out there and do a halfway job. Why go out there and face the enemy and not care if you win or not? The “want to” is going to be there and better be or your going to get run down by some really big guys.

You're not going to go onto a field filled with rough tough football players and not put on your protection. You're going to need a helmet and pads, some good running shoes, you’ll need a good water supply nearby and a towel to wipe your brow.

Listening to the coach, knowing the plays and team work are essential to being a winning team. The screaming MOM in the bleachers or family cheering you on,

encouraging you to be the best you can be is highly effective in letting you know you are counted on to GIVE IT YOUR ALL.

Everybody has to do their part.

In our Christian walk we need to want to win. We need to strive for the prize.

The “want to’ better be there and if not, you will be run over by the enemy and defeated. Don’t go into the Christian life giving a halfway effort. Yes, we will fail sometimes, but don’t lose sight of what’s important by dwelling over your failures.

You need to prepare yourself for the battle by wearing your helmet. The helmet of salvation. You need to KNOW you are saved, be secure in it.

You need shielded, have faith in what God can do through you and in your life.

You need your weapon—The Sword OF The Spirit - Memorize scripture, it is your sword.

Put on the biblical protection God teaches us about in - Ephesians 6:11-13

Ephesians 6:11-13

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Listen to the pastors preaching, and learn from other Christians. Remember we are all human, give grace as God has given you grace. Want to win, want to serve, want to be the best Christian you can be. Encourage others to be their best.

Live to win,

to win in your Christian walk...To win the prize,

The prize you will set at your Saviors feet.

Now Go Out There

And Win - While Walking With The Savior

Susan Y Nikitenko

July 20th, 2014

Devotional

Ephesians 6 - Bible Reading

Go Forward - Devotional - July 20th, 2014 - Football

Go Forward!

It must be very disheartening for a football player to fumble the football while being wide open for the winning play, to find the enemy has intercepted the ball and brings it in for a celebrated touchdown. Dropping the ball when everyone is counting on you and every eye on you is not fun. How miserable the moment must be.

Knowing there is still time on the clock, to get the win, is always comforting. Time to come back for a win for the good guys. Keep on going forward, keep with the game in spite of failure or disappointment. One messed up play does not make you a bad player.

There will be times in our Christian walk that we will fail to deliver, we are human, we are dust and can never live perfect enough for other people because we are not perfect. We will have fumbled plays, We will be a disappointment to someone, We will make wrong choices, but the game is not over when we mess up, it's only lost when we quit. As a Christian we must not only forgive others but forgive ourselves. Go forward for the win in the Spiritual battle. Lift high His royal banner as a winner for Jesus. Striving to live the life Christ wants you to live, through preparation, study and meditation of the Word.

As Children Born Into God's Family

We ARE, on the winning team. It's been fixed since eternity began.

Proverbs 24:16

For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

Susan Y Nikitenko

July 20th, 2014

Devotional

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Learning to Fly - Devotional

Learning to Fly

This will be the first summer, living here, that a bird couple has raised their babies in the birdhouse that hangs from the maple tree in our front yard. I can hear them chirping every time I go out to pull weeds. If I get close to the birdhouse, the mother becomes very upset and makes a lot of noise. She becomes fearless and will put herself in seemingly dangerous situations to keep her nest safe. Though I would never hurt these precious birds on purpose, she doesn't know it .... She puts up a real ruckus.

Her family is in a very vulnerable situation, she and he may know it, but the babies are oblivious to the danger. They are so close to the ground that someone or something could just reach out and change their whole world. I try to be very careful around these little creations of God. I want them to be successful at raising their family.

I will protect them from interference from predators until the birds learn how to survive on their own.

Soon the little birds will take a leap of faith from the nest and learn how to live their own lives and danger will be nearby until they learn to fly.

In the house of God, we are entrusted with newborn babes who need to be fed milk. They need special attention until they become strong enough to make wise decisions in a troubled world. A world that wants to swallow them up into a life of sin and defeat. As babes n this world, they have not learned to fly, so to speak. They are in danger of being pulled in many different directions of temptation and falsities.

The Bible teaches us to arm ourselves with the Word of God. As newborn babies in the Lord Jesus, we need to desire the milk of the Word and learn it well, live it, and love it. Then by faith, it will be time to

eat the meat of the Word, and in so doing, will learn to fly as mature Christians that can survive the dangers and struggles of life. Standing strong, through the power of prayer, living by faith, and looking to the Word of God to lead the way in all we do.

1Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Lord Jesus, even as mature Christians, this life can be overwhelming in so many ways, please help us to be good examples in a troublesome world. Be with the newly born Christians and those that are not yet skilled in the Word. Keep them in the Way of righteousness and bring them safely to maturity. Help them to fly.... In The Name Of Christ Jesus, I pray, Amen.

Susan Y Nikitenko

July 19th, 2014

Devotional

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11 KJV)

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1Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

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