Welcome to this devotional website. Its primary goal is to encourage and uplift you in your spiritual journey, help you to know God personally, and to present everyday applications of spiritual principles. This Forum is not intended to engage in controversy. Positive and helpful comments to specific posts are always appreciated. Please send me an email with your personal comments and let me know if you wish to be added to my personal email list: tomdurst1@msn.com
Re: OUR HOME FOREVER « Result #1 Today at 7:04pm »
Tom,
You shared some good thoughts indeed!
The old quartet song was about, "This world is not my home," but I suspect it was more about getting past the hardships of life. I recall a young woman named Nan who sang "My Home is God" many years ago. It was revelatory as the reality was, not escapism, but coming home to Father.
Joined: Feb 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 116 Location: Spokane, Washington
OUR HOME FOREVER « Result #2 Today at 5:45pm »
Psalm 90:1-2 (The Message)
A Prayer of Moses, Man of God
1-2 God, it seems you've been our home forever; long before the mountains were born, Long before you brought earth itself to birth, from "once upon a time" to "kingdom come"—you are God.
From the days of eternity which the human mind simply CANNOT FATHOM we were "In Christ." I encourage you to meditate upon the deep meaning of this as you open your heart to the revelations of the Holy Spirit. The plan of redemption is to OPEN OUR BLIND EYES to see our eternal inheritance in Christ. Paul discusses this especially in Ephesians 1-3. Spend some time prayerfully going over these chapters. They are REALLY POWERFUL--more than you could ever begin to imagine.
The reason that NOTHING of this earth, no matter how good it may be, will ever fully satisfy us is that OUR PRIMARY HOME is ever and always shall be in God and in God alone!!! Nothing else will suffice but that. The very best things that this world can offer us are temporary and sooner or later will pass away. Our beloved relationships, homes, possessions and everything else are ONLY temporary.
How long will it take us to really learn this simple truth? All of the sufferings of this present life point us in the direction of OUR HOME IN GOD. Jesus Christ came to this earth as GOD WITH US to bring this eternal home to us in a very tangible way (John 1:14). In the gift of Jesus as a member of the human family the Kingdom of God broke into human history in the absolutely supreme way. Now by faith we are to enter the fullness of that Kingdom, live it out, rejoice in it, and never depart from it.
I invite you to read THE DEEP THINGS OF GOD which you'll find on the link below:
Re: BEHOLD HE COMES WITH CLOUDS « Result #3 on Dec 11, 2009, 10:41am »
Tom,
This is an excellent word! Well worth reading!
This is just one of the good parts you wrote: "Could it be that Jesus is continually coming to us each day "with clouds" or manifesting His glory to us in some ways that perhaps we do not even recognize? Is it possible that He is with us in the stormy times also and we don't realize it? In our obsession with the things of this present life could we be missing out on the fact that the Lord of Glory is with us in an even greater way than He was with His disciples during the time when He was on earth in human form?"
Joined: Feb 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 116 Location: Spokane, Washington
BEHOLD HE COMES WITH CLOUDS « Result #4 on Dec 10, 2009, 7:11pm »
BEHOLD HE COMES WITH CLOUDS
By Thomas E Durst
Revelation 1:7-8 (New King James Version)
7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
7. Consider (Lo; Behold)! He is continuously (repeatedly; habitually) coming WITH the clouds, and every eye shall see Him, even which ever of YOU folks pierce (or: pierced) Him. And all the tribes (people‑groups) of the Land (or: territory; earth) shall beat themselves (strike their breasts in grief or repentance) upon Him. Yes! It is so (Amen)!
8. “I am continuously (repeatedly) the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord [= Christ or Yahweh] God, the One continuously being (existing), even the One Who was and continued being, and the One continuously (repeatedly; habitually) coming, the All‑Strong (the Almighty).”
Of late I've been giving a lot of thought to these verses and the meaning of Jesus coming with clouds. In John 14-16 Jesus promised to return as the Comforter or Holy Spirit to be right alongside His followers. In the Bible clouds were often associated with the presence or glory of God. Also clouds can be associated with storms and times of judgment. Just do some concordance study on CLOUD and CLOUDS and you'll see what I mean.
Could it be that Jesus is continually coming to us each day "with clouds" or manifesting His glory to us in some ways that perhaps we do not even recognize? Is it possible that He is with us in the stormy times also and we don't realize it? In our obsession with the things of this present life could we be missing out on the fact that the Lord of Glory is with us in an even greater way than He was with His disciples during the time when He was on earth in human form?
The phrase that Jesus comes "WITH clouds" has an even deeper significance. In Jude 14 it speaks of Jesus coming "WITH His myriads of holy ones [ten thousands of His saints]" (Amplified). In Hebrews 12:1 it speaks of "so great a cloud of witnesses" (NKJV). In 1 Corinthians 11:7 Paul says that man "is the image and glory of God" (NKJV). Many times in scripture it speaks of God [often through His Son Jesus Christ] being WITH His people. His people are indeed His glory. So Jesus is "continuously (repeatedly; habitually) coming" or appearing WITH and THROUGH His people. The ONLY Jesus that a lot of people will ever see or hear is His image and His glory as revealed through one of His saints. Indeed we are His epistles, known and read of all men (2 Corinthians 3:1-3). So Jesus "continuously (repeatedly; habitually" comes on this earth through His saints. Those who live by the faith of the One who loves us and died for us are His "cloud of witnesses" and always have been. Think about that!
What about "they who pierced Him"? In a sense all of us were included among those who crucified our Lord and so when Jesus comes to us His presence is like a burning fire that brings repentance and purifies us if we are listening to His voice. If we aren't listening at the time He visits us we'll need to start listening sooner or later. There is no escaping from dealing with our issues until every bit of dross is "burned" out of us. Our Savior is very persistent and will keep seeking out His lost sheep until He finds every one of them and brings them back to His fold. Jesus exists from all eternity, always will be, and is "the One continuously being (existing), even the One Who was and continued being, and the One continuously (repeatedly; habitually) coming, the All‑Strong (the Almighty).”
The coming of the Lord is not merely a one time event way off in the future but is a very present reality. Could it be that in our literalistic interpretations of His coming that we have been looking for something that is even at the door--everyday of our lives? In this light it is easier to understand how two people could be together and one recognize His presence and the other one see nothing significant whatsoever (see Matthew 24:40-41). One is wrapped in His arms of love and has His help through life and the other one continues on with his mundane tasks of life oblivious of the Divine One that is right at hand.
The prophecy section in any Christian bookstore will have a large array of books dealing with various "endtime" scenarios and most of them are based on "gloom and doom" interpretations of Revelation having little or no relationship or connection with the gospel of Jesus Christ. No two of them agree. Some are pure fiction and others claim to be expositions of scripture. I don't doubt the sincerity of the writers but as for myself I think that God has richer treasures for us than what these literalistic, speculative prophecy teachings have to offer. Remember that the letter always kills but the Spirit gives life (2 Corinthians 3:6).
If you find yourself reacting adversely to these thoughts take a bit of time to pray and think about it anyway. I believe that the attention of the people of God has been badly misguided to focus on "endtime events" when the attention should be concentrated on "present time events" in our lives and in the world all around us. Jesus is with us right now, everyday, and we need to open our hearts to His goodness and love and the "clouds of glory" that are available. Jesus is an ever-present help in clouds of adversity and when we are being filled with His glory in our times of devotion. For those who earnestly seek God it seems that we have both kinds of clouds. Many are looking for help and deliverance in future events and forgetting that our Savior is "continuously (repeatedly; habitually) coming."
I think the most important thing of all for us to focus on is who we are IN CHRIST. As we live His life and let it flow out to others a cloud of God's glory will be unleashed in the earth and we can all be a part of that great Kingdom witness.
[Related verses to Revelation 1:7-8 that I would especially recommend for consideration are Daniel 7:13-14, Zechariah 12:10 and Philippians 2:9-11. Consider these verses as a group and be open to what the Holy Spirit may reveal to you. TD]
==========================
I'm indebted to my respected friend John Gavazzoni for several of the thoughts in this article. He is a deep student of God's Word and I've learned a lot from him for which I truly give thanks. If you would like more in-depth teaching on this whole topic I would recommend a series of five articles entitled HE NEVER LEFT written by John which you'll find on the link below:
Joined: Feb 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 116 Location: Spokane, Washington
WE ARE NEVER ALONE « Result #6 on Nov 29, 2009, 1:00pm »
WE ARE NEVER ALONE
By Thomas E Durst
Hebrews 2:14-18 (New King James Version)
14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. 17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.
Hebrews 4:15-16 (Amplified Bible)
15 For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning. 16 Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].
We have a living Savior who was God made flesh and tabernacled with us for a time (John 1:1-3, 14). He lived through all of our human experiences, was crucified for our sins, rose from the tomb, ascended to Heaven and is now at the right hand of the Father where He ever lives to make intercession for us as our great High Priest. In our times of temptation, sorrow, pain, suffering, as well as our joys He is ever with us and never has been absent from us at any time.
We are never alone! His help is always available for He indeed understands our struggles when no one else in the world may. We can truly praise God for such a Savior as this! In a world where things sometimes look very gloomy and hopeless we have a hope which is sure and steadfast.
If you want a blessing spend some time prayerfully studying the message of Hebrews, a book which is sadly neglected in most Christian circles. You will be lifted to heavenly places of new hope and courage through the message of this powerful book.
Joined: Feb 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 116 Location: Spokane, Washington
A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH « Result #7 on Nov 24, 2009, 6:29pm »
A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH
By Thomas E. Durst
Proverbs 18:21 (New Living Translation)
21 The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
Proverbs 18:21 (The Message)
21 Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—you choose.
I frequently hear conversations where people are dwelling on negative things such as the disasters and woes of this earth, their sicknesses and infirmities, their lack of ability to remember things, all the things they can't do, etc. In addition to this there is a tendency to criticize and judge others, especially government leaders. Many conversations degenerate into gossip and destructive evil-speaking. All of these things are little forms of death and should be seen in that light.
Negative talk brings death and works against our total well-being--physical, mental, emotional, and social. Who wants to be around a person who is continually dwelling upon the negative? I surely don't. I avoid such folks as much as possible in order to protect my own health and sanity. I refuse to get drawn into their negativity and respond either by silently non-participating or at times I feel led to briefly point out why I choose not to participate. I seek to do this in a way which is not offensive but yet may plant a seed thought that life has better things for us than this.
Some scientists say that every cell in our body has its own intelligence and brain and that we "program" those computer-like cells by our words and beliefs that we hold in consciousness. Sick words and thoughts bring sickness to mind, body, and spirit as well as broken relationships. In my practice of holistic health care I've again and again how negatively oriented people feed their ailments and yet they tenaciously hang on to their destructive thought patterns. I've seen people get very offended when I suggested to them that in order to get well they had to turn their thoughts into positive channels. They would rather try some physical remedy than make substantial changes in their thinking.
My own conviction is that human will-power alone is not sufficient to really be victorious over all the forms of evil that seek to enter our lives. The words of Jesus say it all for me:
John 15:5 (New Living Translation)
5 "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing." (Italics supplied.)
We need to remain in intimate fellowship with our Savior Who understands all of our weaknesses and problems. His words "apart from me you can do nothing" are so simple and so true. We need to realize our human condition of weakness and that we cannot save ourselves or lift ourselves up by own bootstraps. As we depend upon Jesus daily and spend time in fellowship with Him through prayer and dwelling upon His Word we become strong to face all of the attacks of the enemy of souls often referred to as the old Devil and Satan.
I believe that the following inspired words are one of the best prescriptions that we can find anywhere if we want health, healing, and life:
Philippians 4:8-9 (The Message)
8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
Joined: Feb 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 116 Location: Spokane, Washington
GOD CAN CHANGE ANYONE « Result #9 on Nov 19, 2009, 8:29pm »
At the heart of my understanding of God's power is the conviction He can change anyone. This is His best! If He can change you and me why not all? If God can take Paul, the chief of sinners (1 Tim. 1:15), and make him the chief of Apostles and a world changer, is there anyone He cannot transform?--Selected from HOPE BEYOND HELL, by Gerry Beauchemin, p. 49
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
This book has answered more questions that I've had for many years than anything I've possibly ever read--especially in the areas of the sovereignty of God, election, predestination, eternal punishment, hell, and much else. You can read it free online and also order a free copy for yourself for just postage expenses. Click on the link below for more information:
Joined: Feb 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 116 Location: Spokane, Washington
DO WE REALLY HAVE FREE WILL? « Result #10 on Nov 12, 2009, 12:33pm »
DO WE REALLY HAVE FREE-WILL? By Thomas E Durst
Proverbs 16:9 (New Living Translation)
9 We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
We may like to arrogantly feel that WE are in control of our lives but actually we are not (see Proverbs 16 in entirety). We may make all of the human plans we like but ultimately God determines whether those plans will be fulfilled or if He has other plans for us. Trying to resist God's ways for us is an exercise in fultility and endless suffering. Sooner or later His plans for us will be brought to fruition even if we "kick and scream" all the way. God is always sovereign. We may think we have "free-will" but this is only part of our ego-based, arrogant way of thinking we know more than God does.
Most people go through life in ignorance of God's will for them and they suffer endlessly, living in Hell, because they don't spend time listening to God, seeking His will, which they eventually will have to learn anyway. The ideal way to live if we wish to find true freedom is to continually seek God's will for our lives and make that seeking the number #1 priority above and beyond everything else.
In Acts 9:1-9 we have a story that illustrates exactly what I'm trying to say. Saul of Tarsus had made definite plans to persecute more of God's people but God had a different plan. Saul was not confronted with God's plan in a nice, pleasant, smooth way at all. I see in this story a rather abrupt way in which God worked to get Saul's attention. Nothing else had worked. God was sovereign, not Saul. The persecutor was transformed and joined the persecuted. We may also need to be confronted by God abruptly at times to stop us from carrying out our plans which are often not well thought out, prayed over, and bring disappointment and suffering. So if you think you've got your life well under control and everything planned fasten your seat belt for you are in for some big surprises! I imagine Saul certainly got a big surprise.
I could elaborate on this topic with literally pages of dissertation and supportive Bible verses but for now I just want to plant a seed and if you want more in-depth Bible studies on this topic I strongly urge you to read as much as you can from the link below. You will be quite amazed at what you might learn. Your whole life could end up being transformed and you just might find a lot more peace.
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