christ doctrine

DEAR GOD: Your Enduring Presence Comforts Me~

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What Does Falling in Love With Jesus Actually Mean?

“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” – Matthew 28:20  


Enduring Presence 

In the closing verses of the Gospel of Matthew, we find the resurrected Christ imparting a final commission to His disciples. This passage, often referred to as the Great Commission, encapsulates the mission of the church and the enduring Presence of Christ.

The Command to Teach

Christ’s directive to “teach all nations” is a call to discipleship that extends beyond the mere transmission of knowledge. It is an invitation to a life-transforming journey that aligns one’s actions with the teachings of Jesus.

  • What does it mean for us to observe all that Christ has commanded
  • How does this shape our daily lives?

The Assurance of Presence

Perhaps the most comforting aspect of this verse is the promise that follows the command: “I am with you alway.” In a world fraught with uncertainty and change, the constancy of Christ’s presence offers an anchor for the soul. How do we experience this presence in our lives? In what ways does it sustain us through trials and tribulations?

The Scope of the Promise

The phrase “even unto the end of the world” speaks to the timeless nature of Christ’s commitment to His followers. It is a promise that transcends generations, cultures, and epochs. As we face the challenges of our own era, how does this assurance shape our perspective on the future?

A Moral Reflection

The moral imperative embedded in this scripture is clear: to live out the teachings of Christ and to share them with others. It calls us to a higher standard of conduct, one that reflects the love and grace of the One we follow. Are we living up to this calling? Are our lives a testament to the teachings we have received?

A Reflective Close

As we ponder the depth of Christ’s commission and the promise of His presence, let us take a moment to reflect on our role in this divine narrative. Are we active participants in the mission of teaching and sharing the Gospel? Do we find solace in the promise of Christ’s enduring presence?

Unity Prayer

“Dear LORD, we are humbled by Your great commission and the promise of Your eternal presence. Grant us the wisdom to teach Your ways and the courage to live them out. May we feel Your presence guiding us at every step, and may our lives be a reflection of Your love until the end of time, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Let’s embrace the teachings of Christ and find comfort in His everlasting presence all the days of our lives…

DEAR GOD: I Have No Fear – YOU Are Here!

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Wisdom of Life.: Looking for the perfect love....Fear, Faith, and the Love of God

Fear is a common human emotion that can be both protective and paralyzing at once. It arises from the anticipation of danger, whether real or imagined. Yet, in the spiritual realm, fear often stems from uncertainty and the feeling of being alone in the face of life’s trials. However, the love of God is presented in the Holy Bible through scriptures as our ultimate antidote to fear. It is through Christ and His love and His power we can assume our lives in peace, free from fear – or wrestle ourselves away from those emotions, through His love and His promises.

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” – 1 John 4:18 (ESV)

  This scripture encapsulates the transformative power of His Holy and Divine love. It suggests that fear is linked to the expectation of judgment, but God’s love, being perfect and complete, dispels all traces of fear. It’s not just the absence of fear but the presence of something much greater love. It is His Presence in our life, and His Spirit that dwells within each of us as believers to overcome and to forge forward with resilience and confidence.

The Moral of Divine Love

The moral lesson here is that embracing the love of God encourages us to move beyond our fears, and through His strength and His Power we are set free from it. It teaches us that we are not alone, that we are loved unconditionally, and that there is a higher purpose to our lives, through God our Father Almighty. He has a plan and will for each of us while we are here on earth. This understanding will liberate us from the chains of fear, allowing us to live more fully and courageously, but only through Christ, and Christ alone can this be done, not by ourselves.

Reflective Questions

  1. How can we cultivate a deeper sense of God’s love in our daily lives?
  2. In what ways does fear affect our relationship with God and others?
  3. What steps can we take to replace fear with faith in God’s plan for us?

Prayer In Unity

“Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You to seek refuge from our fears. May Your perfect love fill our hearts and cast away the shadows of doubt and all of our anxiety. Guide us with Your wisdom, and let Your presence be our constant comfort, while You protect, and love us all unconditionally in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

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Final Pondering Thoughts

 As mortals -fear is a natural part of the human experience, but it doesn’t and shouldn’t overtake any of us. Through faith and the love of God, we always will overcome our fears and live with a sense of peace and purpose. Let us hold onto the promise that God’s love is powerful, and He alone can and will wipe out all fear, leading us into a life of freedom and joy, by His Love, Blood and His promise in the Word!

DEAR GOD: What Is Gossiping?

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19 ways to accidentally make everyone think you’re pregnant – SheKnows

Psalm 31:18
Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.

Gossip is ugly. Gossip can be inhumane and cruel. And most importantly – God frowns upon gossip. You might say, He abominates it with a passion.

Talking about someone or sharing in with a group of naysayers speaking boldly and harshly about someone is just downright wrong on so many levels. It can have devastating repercussions on the person that is being gossiped about. And again, it can wreak lots of harm on your status with God – and it may even start to unravel a piece of your heart and soul if you continue to do so.

There are so many types of gossip. There those who can’t wait to share to others about something they “know” exclusively about, “said individual.”  It can be a minor account of what the person said. However, most times it turns out to be a long story and then others join in, and before you know it- it’s become a feeding frenzy on who knows more and what the person did and has done.  Not good!

There are extenuating circumstances that can happen. Where someone thinks that another should be “warned” about an individual – due to some extreme outrageous behavioral issue – and is trying to basically give a warning of sorts. And the warning is in truth and good faith. That’s not gossiping.

The Bible teaches that gossip is a sin that can harm others and consequently, us as well. Gossip is speaking or listening to words about others, be it false or negative. The Bible does warn us against gossip because it can create strife, separation of friends. It can cause quarreling, keep people in trouble, lead to ungodliness, and cause much bitterness and anger. The Bible advises us to avoid spreading rumors, lying, and slander – but instead to speak in truth and in love!

The Bible labels gossips as untrustworthy and meddlesome (Proverbs 11:13; 20:19; 26:20; 1 Timothy 5:13) — and even as worthy of death (Romans 1:29, 32) So being One body in Christ, you don’t want to be among the gossipers, or in a group of such.

The book of Proverbs suggests gossip is like “delicious morsels,” a tasty treat that promises delight to those who indulge (Proverbs 18:8; 26:22).

I see gossip as the polar opposite of the Gospel. Why? Well simple really. We know that gossip is bad – whereas we know the Gospel is good. One could be lies – the other only truth.

And if the story is false – you may not just be gossiping you’re slandering someone and undermining and disparaging their reputation. Slander is a very wicked thing.  (Leviticus 19:16; Psalm 15:3; Proverbs 19:5)

 Gossip is usually always behind the victim’s back. By definition, gossip occurs only when the subject of the story is not present. It’s easier and more interesting that way when others aren’t there to “defend” themselves. And when people gossip, they usually lower their voices, look around to see if anyone is within ear shot, and then let it rip forth- “Psst-I know something you don’t know!” You know its gossip if you wouldn’t be saying it if the person that you’re speaking about was present. At least a good majority of times that is the case.
Gossip is clandestine, hidden, furtive, stealthy, sly (Proverbs 25:23; Psalm 101:4–5). In other words – it’s sneaky and underhanded and gutless!
There are frilly “so called innocent gossipers. Then there are those who are intent on destroying someone out of a warp sense of revenge. Mean vicious gossip bent on revenge is birthed in malice and threatens to sink whole fellowships (2 Corinthians 12:19–13:2; 3 John 9–10). This my friend is the kind of gossip that is a gazillion times worse than being a busybody, who is too interested in other peoples’ business (2 Thessalonians 3:11; 1 Peter 4:15). Yet Jesus said that we will give an account for every careless word we have spoken (Matthew 12:36), not just for the malicious ones.

The Gospel and doctrine of Christ offers pure and fulfilling promises and peace. It is my overall clothing of choice (Ephesians 6 – Gospel Armor) all the days of my life. Whereas gossip is grossly inadequate and has nothing to offer but a dark cloud of suffocation to those who choose to engage in its nastiness (2 Peter 1:3–4).

The Gospel provides all the resources you need to regularly resist Gossip in real time (1 Corinthians 10:13)- God protects you and what you are experiencing isn’t uncommon and has happened to others. God provides a way to escape and will always show you a way out.

Eventually the temptations to gossip and be at the circle of such back biting vapid nonsense will ease off.  There is a battle going on daily in our lives. Spiritual verses the flesh. We need to walk in the spirit and light, and in time – even the most delectable morsel of gossip you may want to share will drop away.

As you trust in God’s love and His grace – you will be strong through Christ to walk away and turn your back on gossiping for good!

“Father may I be a vessel for Your purpose and not be apprehended or tempted by gossip, whether listening or adding to it, may I be strong through Christ, and provide encouragement and inspiration and bring You all the glory, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

*Definitions according to online google.
Gossip –
(Noun) -Casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true: “He became the subject of much local gossip.”
Gossip
(Verb)Engage in gossip: “They would start gossiping about her as soon as she left.”
Slander
 (Noun) – The action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person’s reputation.  “He is suing his neighbor for slander.”

DEAR GOD: Here I am For You Not The World~

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Alleluia to the Lamb by Kim Coleman - YouTube

 Corinthians 6:14-18 ESV 

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore, go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”

 

Go out and separate from them, “says the LORD.” Did you ever take the time to realize what that means? Today in this vastly unstable and impure world, it can apply to almost all we encounter on a daily basis. God is telling us to be an example and set forth on the right path and establish ourselves as followers in all we do and say. Although we are in the world, we are not “of the world” and all it enforces in terms of immorality and salaciousness.

We are to be different and that is not to say, “high and mighty” because NO ONE is. There is only One pure and Mighty One, and that is the LORD.  What we need to do is be on guard, don’t take interest in superficial things or things of ill gotten measures in entertainment or otherwise, but in things of godly nature.

We are not to “repel” and think we are better than others, again we are not. We are to present our light to those we encounter and to represent Christ in all we do, say, think, and feel.

Eventually things that are not godly or pure will be like “poison to your soul” and you will shrink away from it. Things that are foul and unsightly and vulgar, will be like an electric shock to your soul. As we get deeper into a relationship with the LORD and we connect our spirit with His Spirit more intimately, we become less enamored of the world, but more enamored of Him and His ways. It’s a natural transformation.

Today, as you go out and do what you need to do…shine your light, stand up and be a faithful follower and be an example to others of what a Christian is all about.

“Father, may I do all according to Your will today, may I be a humble servant and example of Your light, and may I never stray from Your Word, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”