trust

DEAR GOD: Unwavering Love & Loyalty to You~~

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God WILL reward you for being steadfast and loyal to HIS calling no ...

Naomi’s Unwavering Loyalty and Dedication:

  Naomi’s story, as told in the Book of Ruth, is a profound example of loyalty and dedication. Despite the loss and hardship she faced, her steadfastness and faithfulness shine through, providing us with a timeless example of godly character.

Naomi’s Loyalty to Her Family Naomi’s dedication to her family is evident in her concern for her daughters-in-law after the death of her sons. She urges them to return to their own families, yet her selfless love is met with Ruth’s famous declaration of loyalty:

  • “And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God” (Ruth 1:16-17).

Scriptural Foundations of Loyalty

The Bible speaks volumes about loyalty, often tying it to faith and righteousness:

  • “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).
  • “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good” (Romans 12:9).

Naomi’s Dedication to God

Naomi’s dedication to God is implicit in her actions and her nurturing of Ruth, leading to Ruth’s conversion and ultimate role in the lineage of David and Jesus Christ:

  • “He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour” (Proverbs 21:21).

Reflecting on Naomi’s Example

Naomi’s story encourages us to examine our own lives and loyalties. Are we as dedicated to our family, friends, and faith as Naomi was?

Heartfelt Message

Naomi’s journey from loss to redemption is a testament to the power of steadfast love and faith. Her story is a beacon of hope, reminding us that through loyalty and dedication, we can overcome the greatest of adversities.

Reflection Questions

  • How can we emulate Naomi’s loyalty in our own relationships?
  • In what ways can we show dedication to our faith amidst trials?

Naomi’s Steadfastness in Adversity

The Trials of Naomi

Naomi’s life was marked by profound loss, including the death of her husband and sons. Yet, in the face of such sorrow, she remained a pillar of strength and resilience. Her unwavering faith in God is a testament to her character:

  • “But Ruth clave unto her. And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law. And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee…” (Ruth 1:14-16 KJV).

The Loyalty of Ruth

Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi, even in the midst of her own grief, is a powerful example of the bonds that can form when we dedicate ourselves to others. Ruth’s decision to stay with Naomi led to her becoming part of God’s plan for redemption:

  • “Whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God” (Ruth 1:16 KJV).

The Reward of Faithfulness

The story of Naomi and Ruth culminates in the restoration and blessing of Naomi’s family line. It is a beautiful illustration of how loyalty and dedication can lead to divine blessings:

  • “So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bare a son… And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it” (Ruth 4:13,16 KJV).

The Call to Dedication

The Bible calls us to a life of dedication, not only to our loved ones but also to God’s will and purpose for our lives. This dedication is often expressed through service and obedience:

  • “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1 KJV).

The Fruits of Dedication

When we dedicate our lives to God and His commandments, we are promised life, righteousness, and honor. This promise is not just for the life to come, but it begins here and now:

  • “He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour” (Proverbs 21:21 KJV).

Closing Prayer

“Heavenly Father, I thank You for the example of Naomi. May I learn from her loyalty and dedication and apply these virtues in my own life, as I present You and Your love, and shine Your light towards others as I do all according to Your plans and will for my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: YES-I TRUST YOU!

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Proverbs 3:5-6 #17 'Trust in the Lord with all your Heart' Bible Verse

Trusting in God is a vital aspect of the Christian faith. The Bible is full of verses that encourage us to rely on God’s promises, power, and love. Herewith are just some of the verses that I find inspiring, along with my own comments.

Proverbs 3:5-61: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

This verse reminds me that God knows better than I do what is best for me. He has a plan for my life, and I can trust Him to guide me in the right direction. He knows what I need and how much I can stand in any given situation. So, He will lead me on the correct path each and every time. TRUST HIM!

Romans 8:281: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

This verse assures me that God is in control of everything that happens in my life. He can use even the most difficult situations for my good and His glory. He has a purpose for me, and I can trust Him to fulfill it. He is always on a level that far exceeds our understanding with unimpeded vision. TRUST HIM!

1 Peter 5:72: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

This verse invites me to release all my worries and fears to God. He cares about me and my problems. He is able to handle them and help me through them. There isn’t anything He can’t do or will do for me. He loves me with a love that is all consuming and powerful. He wants me to trust Him with all my concerns. TRUST HIM!

Philippians 4:6-72: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

This verse teaches me how to trust God in every single possible situation and beyond. I can pray to Him and tell Him what I need. I can also thank Him for what He has done and what He will do. He will give me His peace, which is beyond my what my mortal brain can completely absorb or comprehend. He will protect my heart and mind from doubt and fear. TRUST HIM!

Psalm 18:21: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

This verse describes God as my ultimate source of security and strength. He is my Rock, which means He is stable and reliable. He is my Fortress, which means He is my protection and Defense. He is my Deliverer, which means He is my Rescuer and Liberator. He is my Refuge, Shield, Horn, and Stronghold, which means He is my Shelter, Support, Power, and Safety. I can trust Him in any situation, because He is always there for me. TRUST HIM!

When you read the Bible are you fully engaged with the LORD? Do you feel His love and trust Him fully, and surrender yourself to Him, openly and completely?

I hope these verses and comments help you to trust God more and more. He is faithful and trustworthy, and He loves you very much.

“Father, I trust You with all of my heart and soul and mind and strength, I am Yours now and always, and I fully trust You in all I do, and know that You are my Rock and Protector and My Savior, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: I’m Hoping to Please You in All Things~

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Isaiah 50:7 For the Lord God will help me; therefore, shall I not be confounded: therefore, have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

The clearer way perhaps to interpret this passage might be best rendered this way, “The LORD Jehovah helps me, and I’m not ashamed. And because I’m not ashamed and because of the LORD’s help, I am determined to endeavor all that is before me in God’s name and Spirit.

We are all servants of the LORD. We sometimes might have issues, but as servants we may face inflexible circumstances, but it’s the LORD who can resolve these things, if we surrender and acquiesce to His will and ways.

A situation can quickly get out of control and snowball into a huge confrontation if not handled correctly. There needs to be a tone of confidence, sprinkled with a measure of docility, and a patient endurance.

There is a combination of being two things. As Jesus said, in Matthew 10:16 –“be wise as the serpent, but gentle as a dove.”  What a striking contrast between those two images. One is a side winder in all aspects of “charm and ambiguity” – while the other is clearly apparent, soft and gentle in approach and character.

One can be a mixture of a warrior and saint. It takes the right amount of each to make it a successful recipe overall. One is easy, the other is rough.  Submit to God in all resistance in the face of hostile individuals.

The unique camaraderie Christians share is the way we are called to be “over comers” in all our paths. We are called to a realm of reality in perfect union with Christ. We are followers and subscribe to His Word and ways.

When we align to His Will and not our own, trust in Him fully, acknowledge Him and love Him and turn from evil, we will experience health and peace deep within our very souls (Proverbs 3:5-8).

We are here for a moment in time but we can do all that is expected of us during this precious period of being on earth. We can acquire so many accomplishments in our flesh bodies.  We have jobs to do. All varied, all of equal importance, and all according to Him and His ways.

When we do things, we need to realize that God sees all.

God knows all.

And most important part of this equation, God loves us.

When we go with an attitude of “hoping to please God” you know what happens? We probably are doing just that.

“Father God, may I always acknowledge You, trust You, and follow the path in which You guide me, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”