Ozias
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Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you
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Post by Ozias on Jun 10, 2023 13:55:49 GMT -8
Reasons to Study with Your Mind and Heart
Reading the Bible is an important practice of the Christian life. The Bible is the life-line of the believer. It gives us guidance, light, comfort, encouragement, correction, strength, and connection to God. However, where does one begin? It is helpful for the new believer, or even for a believer who has read the Bible on many occasions, to follow a structured format. By reading the Bible following different structures, God will show himself and his will to the believer in new and fresh ways.
To know God—God created the heaven and the earth and everyone in it (Genesis 1-3).
To enjoy and love God—Meditate on God’s character, principles, and promises. Rejoice in his love, care, and forgiveness (Psalm 119:12-18, 160-162; 1 Timothy 6:17)
To know God’s Word—The Scriptures were inspired by God. They teach us the truth and show us what is wrong in our lives. They straighten us out (2 Timothy 3:16).
To understand the Word—Jesus is called the Word because he is the ultimate communication from God. He existed from the beginning with God, he is God, and he created everything. He said that those who have seen him have seen the Father (John 1:1-3; 10:30; 12:44, 45; 14:7-9).
To learn direction in life—The Bible shows us what to do (Ps. 119:11).
To find comfort and hope—The Scriptures give us encouragement (Romans 15:4).
To let God expose our innermost thoughts and desires—His Word helps us see ourselves as we really are and convicts us of sin so that we repent and change (Hebrews 4:12-16).
To become pure and holy—Jesus prayed this for all believers that they would be set apart for God and his holy purposes (John 17:17-23).
To obey the Great Commandment—The more we know God, the more we can love him. The Great Commandment is to love God with all of our being and our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:29-31). And Jesus gave us a new commandment to love one another (John 13:34-35).
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Ozias
Full Member
Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you
Posts: 100
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Post by Ozias on Jun 10, 2023 14:01:56 GMT -8
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Post by Redeemed on Jun 10, 2023 14:59:56 GMT -8
One-Year Bible Reading Plan...I like it. Nice how you linked it to Biblia. It's been a while since I've done the Bible in a year, now is a good time to start. |
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Ozias
Full Member
Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you
Posts: 100
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Post by Ozias on Jun 11, 2023 5:25:01 GMT -8
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Ozias
Full Member
Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you
Posts: 100
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Post by Ozias on Jun 12, 2023 5:18:38 GMT -8
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Post by civic on Jun 12, 2023 6:02:48 GMT -8
I never was one of those who were good at going through the bible in a year. I have the utmost respect for those who can do that.
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Ozias
Full Member
Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you
Posts: 100
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Post by Ozias on Jun 13, 2023 6:41:16 GMT -8
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Ozias
Full Member
Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you
Posts: 100
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Post by Ozias on Jun 13, 2023 6:50:22 GMT -8
I never was one of those who were good at going through the bible in a year. I have the utmost respect for those who can do that. I hear you, that's why I like daily devotionals. With them you get the word and a little breakdown on the meaning of the Passage. One thing you could do if you felt like it, Would be to look at the list of scriptures for the day and just pick out one and meditate on it. God could use that to speak to you. |
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Post by civic on Jun 13, 2023 7:30:32 GMT -8
I never was one of those who were good at going through the bible in a year. I have the utmost respect for those who can do that. I hear you, that's why I like daily devotionals. With them you get the word and a little breakdown on the meaning of the Passage. One thing you could do if you felt like it, Would be to look at the list of scriptures for the day and just pick out one and meditate on it. God could use that to speak to you. When I prepare for a mens devotional I usually go with whats been on my mind/heart from reading/studying His word that week. Sometimes I'm not sure until the day before what I will talk about. I try and get clarity and a prompting/conviction from the Lord.
For example last week I talked about the "mystery" and how Paul used that but wasn't sure it would go over in the group ( 20 plus men ) until I heard in the discussion prior to me talking/sharing that several people had mentioned the words - hidden, human wisdom vs spiritual understanding, mystery etc.... That was a confirmation is was the right topic because I was able to begin my talk by referencing 4 different people in the group and what they mentioned with the topic of mystery.
Here are the scriptures I used for the devotional which after turned into a lively discussion.
mustérion: a mystery or secret doctrine
Original Word: μυστήριον, ου, τό
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Definition: a mystery or secret doctrine
Usage: a mystery, secret, of which initiation is necessary; in the NT: the counsels of God, once hidden but now revealed in the Gospel or some fact thereof; the Christian revelation generally; particular truths or details of the Christian revelation.
3466 mystḗrion (the root of the English term, "mystery") – mystery. In the Bible, a "mystery" (3466 /mystḗrion) is not something unknowable. Rather, it is what can only be known through revelation, i.e. because God reveals it.
1 Timothy 3:16
New King James Version
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.
Colossians 1:15-23
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.
Colossians 2:1-5
I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
Colossians 2:9-10
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.
Ephesians 3:1-12
For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—
2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence..14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
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Post by Theophilus on Jun 13, 2023 7:51:09 GMT -8
I hear you, that's why I like daily devotionals. With them you get the word and a little breakdown on the meaning of the Passage. One thing you could do if you felt like it, Would be to look at the list of scriptures for the day and just pick out one and meditate on it. God could use that to speak to you. When I prepare for a mens devotional I usually go with whats been on my mind/heart from reading/studying His word that week. Sometimes I'm not sure until the day before what I will talk about. I try and get clarity and a prompting/conviction from the Lord.
For example last week I talked about the "mystery" and how Paul used that but wasn't sure it would go over in the group ( 20 plus men ) until I heard in the discussion prior to me talking/sharing that several people had mentioned the words - hidden, human wisdom vs spiritual understanding, mystery etc.... That was a confirmation is was the right topic because I was able to begin my talk by referencing 4 different people in the group and what they mentioned with the topic of mystery.
Here are the scriptures I used for the devotional which after turned into a lively discussion.
mustérion: a mystery or secret doctrine
Original Word: μυστήριον, ου, τό
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Definition: a mystery or secret doctrine
Usage: a mystery, secret, of which initiation is necessary; in the NT: the counsels of God, once hidden but now revealed in the Gospel or some fact thereof; the Christian revelation generally; particular truths or details of the Christian revelation.
3466 mystḗrion (the root of the English term, "mystery") – mystery. In the Bible, a "mystery" (3466 /mystḗrion) is not something unknowable. Rather, it is what can only be known through revelation, i.e. because God reveals it.
1 Timothy 3:16
New King James Version
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.
Colossians 1:15-23
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.
Colossians 2:1-5
I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
Colossians 2:9-10
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.
Ephesians 3:1-12
For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—
2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence..14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
I call that being led by the Holy Spirit. And if the Holy Spirit doesn't show up use your notes.  |
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Post by Parker on Jun 14, 2023 7:38:20 GMT -8
This is good. Daily devotion and Bible reading are important for Christians because they help to Grow closer to God and learn more about the Christian life. Develop a stronger relationship with God. Teach, rebuke, correct and train in righteousness. Act on our convictions and faith. Direct our lives and better understand God.
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Ozias
Full Member
Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you
Posts: 100
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Post by Ozias on Jun 14, 2023 7:47:09 GMT -8
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Ozias
Full Member
Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you
Posts: 100
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Post by Ozias on Jun 15, 2023 7:16:35 GMT -8
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Ozias
Full Member
Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you
Posts: 100
|
Post by Ozias on Jun 16, 2023 8:15:24 GMT -8
One-Year Bible Reading Plan
Day 7 / June 16
Gen 13:5–15:21
Matt 5:27–48
Ps 6:1–10
Prov 1:29–33
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Ozias
Full Member
Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you
Posts: 100
|
Post by Ozias on Jun 17, 2023 8:08:48 GMT -8
One-Year Bible Reading Plan
Day 7 / June 17
Gen 16:1–18:15
Matt 6:1–24
Ps 7:1–17
Prov 2:1–5
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