DEAR GOD: Your Presence Is Here With Me~

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The Presence of Jesus - United Faith Church

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. –
John 14:18 (ESV)

Jesus speaks to His disciples during the Last Supper. He assures them that despite His impending departure, they will not be left alone. Instead, He promises to return to them. This verse encapsulates both the hope and comfort that Jesus offers to His followers.

The Greek word translated as “orphans” (or “comfortless “as stated in the KJV) conveys the idea of being bereaved, abandoned, or left desolate. Jesus assures His disciples that they won’t be left in this state. His promise extends beyond mere physical presence; it encompasses His ongoing spiritual presence through the Holy Spirit.

Supporting Scriptures

To understand the depth of Jesus’ promise, let’s consider related passages:

  1. John 14:15-17: Jesus introduces the concept of the Holy Spirit as the Advocate (Paraclete) who will come after His departure. The Spirit will guide, comfort, and empower the disciples.
  2. John 14:19: Jesus acknowledges that the world will no longer see Him physically, but the disciples will see Him because He lives. His resurrection ensures their eternal connection.
  3. John 14:20: In that day (after Jesus’ resurrection), the disciples will know that Jesus is in the Father, they are in Him, and He is in them.

Moral Reflection

Jesus’ promise transcends time and circumstance. As believers, we can draw several moral reflections:

  1. Assurance: Just as Jesus assured His disciples, we can trust that He remains with us. We are not spiritual orphans; His abiding presence sustains us.
  2. Hope: Even when circumstances seem bleak, Jesus’ promise reminds us of hope beyond the visible. His return and ongoing presence bring comfort.
  3. Community: Jesus’ promise extends to all believers. We are part of a global family, connected by His Spirit.

Reflective Questions

  1. How does the promise of Jesus’ ongoing presence impact your faith journey?
  2. Have you ever felt spiritually “orphaned”? How did you experience His comfort?

“In Christ, we find our eternal home—a place where spiritual orphanhood gives way to the abiding presence of our Savior.”

Closing Unity Prayer

“Dear Lord, thank You for the promise that You will never leave us as orphans. Your presence sustains us, even when life feels desolate. Fill our hearts with hope and remind us of the eternal connection we have through Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Video: Presence of Jesus - First Baptist Church

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May this reflection on John 14:18 encourage and strengthen our faith. 🙏

 

DEAR GOD: Your Mercy Endures Forever~

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20++ For The Lord Is Good And His Mercy Endures Forever Download - Free ...So, David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die- 
2 Samuel 12:13 (NKJV)

 

Bathsheba 

In the annals of biblical history, Bathsheba emerges as a multifaceted character—a woman whose life was marked by both tragedy and resilience. Her story unfolds in the pages of the Old Testament, primarily in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Kings. Let us delve into the depths of her life, exploring her loyalty to God, drawing lessons from her experiences, and seeking inspiration for our own faith journeys.

The Tragedy

Bathsheba’s tale begins with a fateful encounter. She was bathing on her rooftop when King David, from his palace, caught sight of her. Despite her marital status (she was married to Uriah the Hittite), David succumbed to temptation and committed adultery with her. The consequences were dire: Bathsheba became pregnant, and David orchestrated Uriah’s death in battle to cover up their sin.

The Resilience

Bathsheba’s resilience shines through in the aftermath of tragedy. She mourned Uriah’s death but accepted her new reality. When David took her as his wife, she bore him a son named Solomon. Despite the painful circumstances of their union, Bathsheba’s loyalty to God remained steadfast.

Lessons from Bathsheba

Sin’s Consequences: Bathsheba’s story reminds us that even secret sins have repercussions. Our actions affect not only ourselves but also those around us. We must be vigilant and seek forgiveness when we stumble.

God’s Forgiveness: Bathsheba’s life demonstrates God’s willingness to forgive. When David repented, God forgave him, and Bathsheba’s son Solomon became a pivotal figure in Israel’s history. No matter our past, God extends grace to those who turn to Him.

Enduring Consequences: Even after forgiveness, Bathsheba faced ongoing challenges. Her son Solomon’s ascent to the throne was marred by power struggles and family strife. Loyalty to God doesn’t shield us from life’s difficulties, but it sustains us through them.

Thoughtful Reflections

Empathy: Consider Bathsheba’s emotions—her grief over Uriah’s death, her vulnerability, and her eventual acceptance of her role in God’s plan. How can we empathize with others in their struggles?

Integrity: Bathsheba’s loyalty to God remained unwavering. How can we cultivate integrity in our lives, even when circumstances are challenging.

God’s mercy endures forever. He will always forgive and welcome you back into the fold, if you have a true repentant heart, and have turned from your sin. As Jesus said to Mary Magalene, “Go and sin no more-” God’s forgiveness is as deep and boundless as the sea and stars in the sky.

Takeaways

  • Loyalty: Our loyalty to God transcends circumstances.
  • Forgiveness: God’s grace covers our mistakes.
  • Resilience: Even in trials, we can find strength in Him.
Prayer In Unity

“Dearest Heavenly Father, like Bathsheba, we acknowledge our imperfections. Grant us forgiveness and resilience. May our loyalty to You be unwavering, even in the face of adversity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

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Let Bathsheba’s story inspire all of us to walk faithfully with God, trusting His plan even when life takes unexpected turns. Let us pray for strength, forgiveness, and wisdom. May we seek God’s guidance in our decisions, just as Bathsheba did, all the days of our lives –

 

DEAR GOD: Amen! & Amen! & Amen!~

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HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER - HOPE CHURCH TORONTO WEST

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. 

And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the
patient waiting for Christ. –

2 Thessalonians 3-1-5 (KJV) 

 

There is a song —” Just say Amen!” — and it exalts the LORD for all He has done, is doing, and will continue to do for His children.  And, so it goes, “If anyone here knows He is faithful, is there anyone here who knows He is able, Just say Amen…”

The song brings tears of joy and hope to the eyes of the faithful, it is a moving and powerful song that gets me every time I hear it-and most of all, it is so true.

Almost everyone has a story to tell and moments that led up to that story, and currently living out that story in heights of glory for the LORD thanks to His grace and love.

Giving Him glory and praise and saying Amen to all He is and continues to be it a joyful and fantastic way of spending our time during our life.  He is the center of all that we are, all that we do, and all that we see, hear, taste, feel and experience.  When we walk with Him and hold onto His ways and listen to His voice, we will be spiritually enacted and cohesively react according to the principles of the Word -and Him.

Joyful, Joyful, and so amazing is my Lord and His love for me!

Hold Him in your heart, mind, and soul.  Think of Him and ask Him for guidance in all that you do.

And think back about what He has done in your life.  When you pray, reflect on your blessings and how He HAS blessed you over and over. Think of the times He has moved mightily in your life -before complaining about “but He isn’t hearing my prayers now.”  No.  That’s not so!  He listens to the cries of His children.  He knows our needs.  And He does hear always.   It has to be in His time, and according to His will.

So, think back to all He has done for you, or someone you love or know.  And, then realize that He is there for us always and always will be. I invite you to just be patient and continue giving Him praise, glory and obedience in reflection of His love and His will, today and all the days on earth, and then eventually into the glorious entrance of heaven where we will live on in eternity!

“Thank You Lord, I know You are able, and You are faithful, and You are mighty, and You are powerful, and thank You for Your steadfast love, endurance and compassion, I love You now and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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May the realization and comfort of this powerful verse bring about a personal reflection as you acknowledge and thank the LORD for all He has done in your life and continues to do, may you ascribe to His Word and His ways, and most of all – give Him unending thanks and glory!

DEAR GOD: THANK YOU!

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John 3:16 God So Loved The World Machine Embroidery Design

The Depth of Divine Love

The verse John 3:16 is a beacon of hope, a celestial promise that transcends time and space. It encapsulates the essence of Christianity—the profound love of God for humanity. Let us delve into its depths, exploring how we, as Christians, can honor Him and live out this eternal truth.

The Verse

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 ESV)

The Magnitude of His Sacrifice

God’s love is boundless. He didn’t merely express affection; He gave His Son—the ultimate sacrifice. Imagine the pain of a parent surrendering their child for the sake of others.

  • How does this selfless act impact your understanding of love?

Inclusive Love

“The world” encompasses everyone—regardless of race, creed, or past. God’s love knows no boundaries.

  • How can we extend such inclusive love to others?

Belief and Eternal Life

Belief in Jesus is the key. It’s not mere intellectual assent but wholehearted trust. Eternal life awaits those who embrace this truth.

  • What does genuine belief look like in your life?

Living Sacrifices

Romans 12:1 urges us to present our bodies as living sacrifices. Our daily choices—small or significant—can honor God.

What sacrifices can you make today to honor Him?

Love in Action

 John 3:18 reminds us to love not in words alone but through deeds. Acts of kindness, forgiveness, and compassion honoring Him in all we do.

  • How can you tangibly express God’s love to others?

Integrity and Holiness

Our moral views matter. Honoring God involves living with integrity, resisting temptation, and pursuing holiness.

  • What areas of your life need alignment with God’s standards?

Thoughts to Take Away

Embrace Grace

God’s love isn’t earned; it’s freely given. Accept it with gratitude.

  • How can you extend grace to yourself and others?


Share the Good News

John 3:16 isn’t just for us—it’s for the world. Share it boldly.

  • Who needs to hear this life-transforming message today?

 Unity Prayer:

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your incomprehensible love. Help us honor You daily, living as reflections of Your grace. May our lives echo John 3:16, drawing others into Your embrace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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 John 3:16 isn’t a mere verse; it’s a lifeline. As Christians, let us honor God by living out this love, sharing it with a world desperate for hope. May our lives resonate with the eternal truth: God so loved us that He gave His Son. 🙏✨

DEAR GOD: We Are All Wonderfully Made By Your Hands~

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Creation | La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: A Reflection on Psalm 139:13-14

Introduction

The verses from Psalm 139:13-14 express a profound recognition of the LORD’s Divine craftsmanship in the creation of human life. The psalmist acknowledges that God’s involvement in our formation is not distant or detached but intimate and personal. This post will explore the moral implications of these verses, supported by additional scripture, with reflective questions and a moral takeaway.

Body

The phrase “thou hast possessed my reins” signifies God’s deep knowledge and control over our innermost being. The term “reins” in the Hebrew context refers to the kidneys, which were thought to be the seat of emotions and desires. This metaphor suggests that God understands our feelings and inclinations fully.

“You knit me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13) further emphasizes the individual care God takes in shaping each person. This imagery of knitting conveys a sense of purpose and intentionality. Every thread of our being, every strand of DNA, is woven with precision and care.

The moral dimension of these verses is clear: if we are intricately created by God, then every life has inherent value and purpose. This belief is echoed in Genesis 1:27, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” The image of God, within us bestows a dignity that demands respect and love for oneself and others.

Reflective Questions

  • How does the knowledge that you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” affect your self-esteem and the way you treat others?
  • In what ways can you honor the LORD’s craftsmanship in your life?
  • How does recognizing the value of every human life influence your views on social issues?

Supporting Scripture

Jeremiah 1:5 states, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” This preordained purpose highlights that our existence is not accidental but part of a greater overall Divine plan.

Ephesians 2:10 also supports this notion: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Our lives are meant for good works, actions that reflect the goodness of our Creator.

Conclusion

The recognition that we are fearfully and wonderfully made should lead us to a life of gratitude and purpose. Understanding our worth in God’s eyes can transform our perspective, inspiring us to live in a way that honors our the LORD’s Divine craftsmanship.

Closing Prayer

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for creating me with such care and detail. Help me to see myself and others through Your eyes, recognizing the worth and purpose You have placed in every life. Guide me to live out the good works You have prepared for me and do all according to Your will and purpose in my life, today, tomorrow and beyond, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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Takeaway Moral Thought

We are not random products of chance but masterpieces of our Divine and Master Artist and Creator, the LORD of lords and King of kings. Let us live with the dignity and purpose befitting such a work of art, treating ourselves and others with the love and respect that our Creator has shown us.

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May these verses from Psalm 139:13-14 invite us to consider our own lives and the lives of those around us with renewed reverence and responsibility, recognizing the LORD’s touch and creation in every human soul.

DEAR GOD: Grant Us The Eternal Value Of Wisdom

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For the Lord grants wisdom! From His mouth come knowledge and ...

Psalm 49: The Transience of Wealth and the Eternal Value of Wisdom

 This beautiful Psalm serves as a profound meditation on the nature of wealth, the inevitability of death, and the enduring value of wisdom. It is a Psalm that speaks across ages, reminding us of the limitations of material riches and the importance of spiritual understanding.

Scripture

The psalmist begins by calling all people, regardless of their social standing, to listen to the wisdom he imparts (Psalm 49:1-3). He reflects on the folly of those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches, for no man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for them (Psalm 49:6-7). The psalm starkly states that the wise and the foolish alike perish and leave their wealth to others (Psalm 49:10).

Moral Lesson

The central moral lesson of Psalm 49 is the transient nature of earthly wealth. It teaches us that we cannot rely on our possessions to save us from death or to buy us favor in the afterlife. The psalmist emphasizes that true wisdom lies in understanding our mortal condition and seeking a relationship with the Divine that transcends material concerns, as we take on LIFE through Jesus Christ, which is the real LIFE….and only LIFE we should seek.

Thoughts to Take Away

Psalm 49 reminds us that while wealth can provide comfort, it cannot offer salvation or lasting happiness. The true measure of a life well-lived is not found in the abundance of possessions but in the richness of wisdom and the depth of one’s relationship with God. Let us then seek the treasure that endures, the wisdom that guides, and the love that never fades.

Reflective Questions

  1. How do I measure my worth—is it by my possessions or my character?
  2. In what ways have I allowed the pursuit of wealth to overshadow my spiritual growth?
  3. What legacy do I wish to leave behind that is of true value?

Unity Prayer

“Dear Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom to discern the fleeting from the everlasting. Help us to invest not in the treasures that moth and rust destroy, but in the love and wisdom that endure forever. May we find comfort in Your Word, and all of Your commandments, and may we seek You alone in all we set to do, today, and all the days of our lives, as we humbly serve You, and do all according to Your will and purpose, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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“I pray that upon reflection of Psalm 49, we consider the impermanence of material wealth and the enduring value of spiritual riches. May we carry forward the understanding that our time here is limited, but the wisdom we acquire, the grace we received from the LORD, and the love we share have eternal significance, today and all the days of our lives, and beyond…”

 

Day 636 – God's Wisdom, Your Wisdom – Proverbs 15 - Wisdom-Trek

DEAR GOD: The Love From Mother – Is Love From You~

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Bible Verses About Mother's Love - CHURCHGISTS.COM

 

The Love of a Mother: A Reflection of Divine Affection

The love of a mother is a profound and sacred sentiment that has been celebrated and revered throughout history. It is a love that is pure, selfless, and enduring, often serving as the first and most enduring love one experiences. The Bible, particularly in the New King James Version (NKJV), offers us a glimpse into the depth of a mother’s love and its reflection of God’s love for us.

Scriptural Support

The scriptures are replete with verses that extol the virtues of a mother’s love. In Isaiah 66:13, we are comforted by the words, “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.”

This verse not only highlights the comforting nature of a mother’s love but also likens it to the comfort that God provides, suggesting a divine quality within it1.

Similarly, Proverbs 31:25-30 describes the strength and dignity of a mother, her wisdom, and her fear of the Lord, which are more precious than jewels. This passage paints a picture of a mother as someone who is strong yet gentle, wise yet humble, and valued beyond measure1.

Morals and Reflection

The love of a mother teaches us about sacrifice, patience, and unconditional love. It asks us to consider how we can emulate such love in our own lives. How can we show selflessness in our actions? How can we offer comfort and support to those in need? These questions prompt us to reflect on the morals instilled in us through a mother’s love and challenge us to live up to those ideals.

Thoughts to Take Away

As we ponder the scriptures and the love of a mother, let us take away the understanding that love is the greatest gift we can give and receive. It is a reflection of God’s love for us, a love that is boundless and eternal. May we strive to give love as mother’s love, with all the tenderness, strength, and devotion that it entails.

For those who have lost their dear mothers (like me- 9 years ago tomorrow) keep that love within your heart, embrace it going forward, remembering that love as you “love those around you” today and always.

For those of you who are fortunate and blessed to have their mom’s today celebrating this day, hug them a little longer than you normally would, hold them and tell them “thank you Mom” for all your sacrifices, and your love that made me who I am today.  Life is short, and fleeting. Enjoy the moment. Enjoy the second. Enjoy the minutes of life as it is.

Deeper Thoughts & Reflections

In the love of a mother, we see the hand of God, shaping and guiding us with a love that is as vast as the universe. Let us honor that love by living lives that reflect its beauty and grace. Reflecting on the love of a mother and the scriptures, we are reminded of the powerful bond that exists between a mother and her children.

It is a bond that teaches us about the very nature of love itself – a love that is nurturing, protective, and reflective of the divine. As we navigate the complexities of life, may we always hold dear the lessons learned from a mother’s love and the ultimate love of God, who is above all.

Prayer of Unity:

“Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of mothers, for their love that mirrors Your divine affection. May we cherish and honor them as they have cherished and nurtured us. Bless them with strength, wisdom, and joy. Help us to embody the love they have shown us, to be selfless, patient, and kind. May their example lead us closer to You, the source of all love, in Jesus precious name we pray, Amen.”

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May these verses and this post remind us that all love is from God-and especially the love of “mom” -which second only to God- is the quintessential love of our lives, from gestation, to birth, childhood, teen years, adult years, and beyond, mom’s love endures, as most important God’s love endures, forever and ever…

 

The loveliest masterpiece of God is the heart of a Mother. | Happy ...

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: Glorifying You Always ~

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Giving Glory to God

Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

Luke 17:11-19 (KJV)

In the Gospel of Luke, we find a poignant narrative that captures the essence of gratitude in the story of the ten lepers. We will explore the scriptural account, its moral implications, the significance of gratitude to Jesus, its relevance in today’s world, and how we might glorify Him in our thoughts, ways, voice.

Scriptural Account

The story unfolds in Luke 17:11-19, where ten lepers encounter Jesus. They stand at a distance, as was customary for lepers, and call out for mercy. Jesus responds by instructing them to show themselves to the priests, and as they go, they are miraculously healed. However, only one—a Samaritan—returns to express his gratitude to Jesus. Jesus acknowledges this act with poignant questions about the absence of the nine and concludes by affirming the Samaritan’s faith.

Moral and Reflections

The moral of this story is multifaceted. Primarily, it teaches us the importance of gratitude and how we should always honor and thank the LORD in all we do. The Samaritan leper’s return to thank Jesus is a testament to a heart transformed by grace. It also highlights the often-overlooked blessings in our lives and the importance of acknowledging them.

Significance to Jesus

To Jesus, the Samaritan’s gratitude was more than a social courtesy; it was an expression of deep faith and recognition of God’s power in His healing. It signifies a relationship with the Divine that is conscious and appreciative of His works. And it is an example of being humble and surrendering to the power and significance of who Christ is.

Relevance in Today’s World

In a world often characterized by entitlement and instant gratification, the story of the thankful leper stands as a counter-cultural beacon. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness, even in a society that may not always recognize or reward it.  It is a call for us to walk in the light. It is a call for us to acknowledge the LORD in all we do, through good times and bad. It is a way for us to enjoy the rewards and grace of the LORD as He extends us His love.

Reflective Questions

  • How often do we take the time to express gratitude for the blessings in our lives?
  • In what ways can we cultivate a more thankful heart?

Closing Unity Prayer

“Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the countless blessings You bestow upon us. Help us to have hearts like the thankful leper, recognizing Your hand in every aspect of our lives. May our gratitude be a reflection of our faith, and may it draw us closer to You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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As we reflect on the story of the thankful leper, let us carry the moral of gratitude into our daily lives. Let it be a guiding principle that shapes our interactions and our perspective on the world around us. For in gratitude, we find a path to contentment and a deeper connection with the Divine.

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: May We All Have A Spirit Of Giving Like The Widow

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Whose Recognition Do You Seek? — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARYThe Widow’s Mite: A Lesson in Sacrificial Giving

In the Gospel of Mark, we encounter a poignant tale of a poor widow who, in the act of giving two small copper coins, teaches us a profound lesson about the heart of giving. The verse in question, Mark 12:41-44, describes Jesus observing the crowd as they put money into the temple treasury. Many wealthy people threw in large amounts, but a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

Jesus calls His disciples to Him and says, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

This act of the widow is not just a lesson in generosity, but a call to sacrificial giving. It contrasts the widow’s offering with that of the rich, highlighting the disparity not in the amount, but in the sacrifice. Supporting verses that echo this sentiment include 2 Corinthians 9:7, which encourages each person to give what they have decided in their heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Moral Reflections

The widow’s mite invites us to reflect on our own giving. Are we giving just from our abundance, or are we willing to give in a way that truly costs us something? Luke 21:1-4 parallels the account in Mark and serves as a mirror, reflecting our own attitudes towards material possessions and the act of giving.

Reflective Questions

  • How does the widow’s act of giving challenge your current understanding of generosity?
  • In what ways can you practice sacrificial giving in your own life, even if it goes unnoticed by others?

Closing Prayer In Unity

“Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You humbled by the lesson of the widow’s mite. Teach us to give, not just from our surplus, but sacrificially, with a heart full of love and devotion. May our offerings, no matter how small they seem, be a sweet aroma to You. Grant us the courage to trust in Your provision, as the widow trusted in Your care. Help us to remember that it is not the magnitude of our gift, but the magnitude of our faith that truly matters to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

May this Biblical narrative invite us to explore the theme of giving and its deeper implications on our moral and spiritual lives. I hope this resonates with you and offers the reflection and inspiration that we all need as Christians…

DEAR GOD: I Love To Serve You Daily~

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God Is Love

God’s Righteous Anger & His Unfailing Love

Introduction

The concept of God’s righteous anger is deeply embedded in Christian theology, reflecting His perfect justice and holiness. Unlike human anger, which is often tainted by selfishness and sin, God’s anger is always justified, pure, and directed towards evil and injustice.

And Yet His Love is the other side of the coin – and it is a LOVE above all the rest!

The Boundless Love of God

God’s love for us is an unending ocean, a boundless sky that stretches beyond the horizons of our understanding. It is a love that is deep, wide, and all-encompassing, a love that embraces us in our entirety—flaws and all.

Scriptural Foundations

  • Eternal Love: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you” (Jeremiah 31:3). God’s love is not transient or conditional; it is eternal and unwavering.
  • Sacrificial Love: “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). The ultimate expression of God’s love was the sacrifice of His only Son for our redemption.
  • Victorious Love: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37-39). In God’s love, we find the victory over every trial and tribulation.
  • Adoptive Love: “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are” (1 John 3:1). We are not just creations or subjects, but children of the Most High, adopted into His family through love.
  • Abiding Love: “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him” (1 John 4:16). To dwell in love is to dwell in God Himself, for He is the very essence of love.

Reflective Thoughts

  • How does the knowledge of God’s eternal love shape our identity and purpose?
  • What does it mean to live as conquerors through God’s love in our daily lives?
  • How can we reflect God’s adoptive love in our relationships with others?

 The Nature of God’s Anger

In the Scriptures, God’s anger is not a capricious or irrational burst of emotion, but a consistent response to sin and rebellion. For instance, in Romans 1:18, it is written, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.”

Reflective Questions

  • How does understanding God’s righteous anger change our view of sin?
  • In what ways can we align our own sense of justice with God’s?

God’s Anger in Action Throughout the Bible, there are numerous instances where God’s anger leads to action. The flood in the time of Noah (Genesis 6-8), the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19), and the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-11) are all examples of God’s righteous judgment against sin.

Supportive Scripture

  • Nahum 1:2: “The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord is avenging and wrathful; the Lord takes vengeance on His adversaries and keeps wrath for His enemies.”

 Thoughts to Take Away About His Anger

God’s anger reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the importance of living righteously. It also assures us that God is just and will ultimately right all wrongs.

Takeaway About His Love

The love of God is not just a theological concept; it is a living, breathing reality that sustains, empowers, and transforms us. It is the foundation upon which we stand and the force that propels us forward. Let us rest in the assurance of His love and extend that love to the world around us.

Conclusion

God’s righteous anger is not something to be feared by those who are in Christ, for “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Instead, it is a reminder of God’s perfect holiness and the ultimate victory over sin and death.

And His Love is a balm for our souls, and an umbrella that deflects all evil and harm from those who follow Him. For those who trust in Him, for those who love Him, and for those who accept Him as LORD and Savior over their lives.

A United Prayer

“Dear Heavenly Father, we acknowledge Your holy and righteous anger towards sin. Teach us to hate evil as You do and to seek Your righteousness in our lives. May we be instruments of Your justice and love in this world, today and all the days of our lives, may we be humble servants in Your righteous army, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

The Bible offers us a glimpse into the complex yet perfect nature of God’s righteous anger, and His uncompromised love encouraging believers to reflect on their own lives and align with God’s will. May it serve as a guide to understanding the depth of God’s justice and love.

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