Ixtheus Christian Devotionals

Jesus says...

Take care to live in me, and let me live in you. 
For a branch can't produce fruit when severed from the vine. 
Nor can you be fruitful apart from me. 

{5} "Yes, I am the Vine; you are the branches.
 Whoever lives in me and I in him shall produce a large crop of fruit. 
For apart from me you can't do a thing.

 {6} If anyone separates from me, 
he is thrown away like a useless branch,
 withers, 
and is gathered into a pile with all the others and burned. 

{7} But if you stay in me and obey my commands, 
you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted!

 {8} My true disciples produce bountiful harvests. 
This brings great glory to my Father.

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Paul Said...

I will say this: 
because these experiences I had were so tremendous, 
God was afraid I might be puffed up by them; 
so I was given a physical condition which has been a thorn in my flesh, 
a messenger from Satan to hurt and bother me and prick my pride.

 {8} Three different times I begged God to make me well again.
 {9} Each time he said, "No. But I am with you; that is all you need. 
My power shows up best in weak people." 

Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; 
I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ's power, 
instead of showing off my own power and abilities. 

{10} Since I know it is all for Christ's good, 
I am quite happy about "the thorn," 
and about insults and hardships, persecutions and difficulties; 
for when I am weak, then I am strong--
the less I have, the more I depend on him.
2 Cor 12:7-10 (TLB) 

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Paul also said...

...I want to remind you 
that your strength must come from the Lord's mighty power within you.
Put on all of God's armor 
so that you will be able to stand safe 
against all strategies and tricks of Satan.

For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, 
but against persons without bodies--
the evil rulers of the unseen world, 
those mighty satanic beings 
and great evil princes of darkness who rule this world; 
and against huge numbers of wicked spirits in the spirit world.

So 
use every piece of God's armor 
to resist the enemy whenever he attacks, 
and when it is all over, you will still be standing up.

But to do this, you will need the strong belt of truth 
and the breastplate of God's approval.
Wear shoes that are able to speed you on 
as you preach the Good News of peace with God.

In every battle you will need faith  as your shield 
to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan.
And you will need the helmet of salvation 
and the sword of the Spirit--which is the Word of God.

Pray all the time. 
Ask God for anything in line with the Holy Spirit's wishes. 
Plead with him, reminding him of your needs, 
and keep praying earnestly for all Christians everywhere.

Pray for me, too, 
and ask God to give me the right words 
as I boldly tell others about the Lord 
and as I explain to them that his salvation is for the Gentiles too.
(Eph6:10-19 TLB)

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IXTHEUS CHRISTIAN DEVOTIONALS 
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God Bless You.....brother bob.......<><

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