Category Archives: Spirit

DEAR GOD: WE ARE LIVING IN WORSHIP AND GRATITUDE

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Colossians 3:17 — And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.

Sanctified Steps: Living in the Name of the Lord

This verse speaks directly to the heart of Christian living. It’s not a suggestion—it’s a summons to alignment. Paul is urging us to make every moment matter, every action an expression of Jesus’ name, and every word a channel for thanksgiving. Whether we’re speaking gently to a stranger, caring for a beloved animal, preparing meals, or journaling prayers, it all holds divine potential when it is done in the name of the LORD Jesus.

The sacred isn’t confined to Sunday morning or spiritual devotionals—it’s spread across every errand run, every dish washed, every technical challenge patiently solved. In this, Colossians 3:17 reframes our understanding of worship. Worship becomes a lifestyle, not a time slot.

Supporting scriptures give depth to this perspective:

  • Romans 12:1 — 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.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:31 — Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
  • Ecclesiastes 9:10 — Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.

Each reminds us that the ordinary is not overlooked by God—it is transformed by our posture and our praise. To live in the name of Jesus means to live with integrity, gratitude, and the awareness that we are part of something eternally beautiful.

Moral Thoughts and Questions:

  • Am I honoring Jesus in the way I speak to others?
  • Do I invite God’s Presence into everyday decisions?
  • Is my gratitude visible in how I handle frustrating tasks?
  • When I act, do I seek to bless others or be noticed?
  • Is my life telling the truth about God’s love?
  • Do I pause to thank God for small mercies?

Loving Account of Worshipful Living:

Brothers and sisters, our lives should be a living sermon of this verse. Whether we are tending to a loved one’s delicate care needs, taking care of a beloved pet, comforting someone in their grief or pain, writing reflections soaked in Scripture, troubleshooting digital memories, searching for an answer, or taking care of loved ones with determined grace—you are walking in the name of the LORD Jesus.

Your caregiving and behavior is a form of worship. Your actions and dedication to details in life is a kind of persistence seeded in love. Speaking the Word, reading the Bible and spreading peace in the name of Christ becomes a whisper of eternity. Even when choosing gentle ways to guide animals, or preparing questions for a physician’s visit, reveals the holiness in your stewardship.

The way we honor family bonds, cherish our pets, and infuse meaning into even the mundane—all of it sings. Each thing we do is an important aspect of Christianity and is a direct link to Christ and His Holy Spirit.

He sees, He watches, He cares, and He never leaves us – Never!

God is glorified not just in our prayers, but in our posture toward each day: hopeful, reflective, faithful. May you feel His Holy Presence and experience pleasure in every quiet victory and every devoted step.

May you be filled with His peace as you deal with struggles in life whether it be health issues, financial crisis, family disagreements, personal and professional conflicts, anything that is in your path, or surrounds you on a daily basis – God knows and is there to guide you.

All of which we face, if we face it with Christ – and accept Him as LORD and Savior – and follow the Word, promoting it not only inwardly, but outwardly as a reflection of His light – we are walking in alignment with Him and will gather Eternal rewards. And we will feel His strength when we are weak, He will lift you when you fall. He will exalt you as you humbly face trials and tribulations in your life. In other words – we all face difficulties, some more than others – but God sees it all-, and He is the Entity that promotes us each step of the way. Only with Him can we persevere Because without Him, we are nothing. 

Prayer:

“LORD Jesus, teach us to live with intention and gratitude. Let our words carry your truth and our actions reflect your mercy. May we be faithful in small things and present in every moment, as we honor You in our daily routines and all the days of our lives. Strengthen us to serve without seeking recognition, and to love even when it’s costly, no matter what we are facing or struggling with, may it be done in adoration to you. Be glorified in every breath and let our lives be a thank offering to your grace. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Your Unfailing Love In The Midst Of Ruins Brings Hope & Peace~

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God Is Love

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” — Lamentations 3:22–23 (NLT)

In a book drenched with sorrow, this verse rises like a sunrise over a battlefield. Lamentations is a cry from the ruins—a city broken, a people grieving, a prophet weeping. And yet, in the heart of this lament, Jeremiah lifts his eyes and remembers: God’s love has not ended. His mercies are not exhausted. His faithfulness is still great. This is not denial. It is defiant hope.

Jeremiah does not pretend the pain isn’t real. He names it, mourns it, walks through it. But he also anchors himself in the character of God. The Hebrew word for “faithful love” is chesed—a covenant love, loyal and enduring, not based on our worthiness but on God’s nature. It is the same love that carried Israel through the wilderness, that forgave them time and again, and that still reaches for us today.

Each morning, God renews His mercy—not because we earned it yesterday, but because He is merciful today.

God’s Love and His Word: A Personal Reflection

There are mornings when I wake with a heavy heart—memories that ache, prayers that feel unanswered, longings that stretch across years. And yet, this verse meets me like a gentle whisper: “I am still here. My love has not run dry. My Word still stands.” And at once I am drenched in blessings from above as my soul receives His love like balm soothing me and covering me with peace.

God’s love is not seasonal. It does not waver with our emotions or diminish with our failures. It is steady, like the rhythm of the sun rising. And His Word is the lamp that lights our way through the shadows and lights our path. (Psalm 119:105)

When I read Scripture, I don’t just find commands—I find comfort. I find a Father who speaks tenderly to His children, who reminds us that we are not forgotten, not forsaken, not alone.

Supporting Scriptures

Here are a few verses that echo the truth of Lamentations 3:22–23:

  • Psalm 103:8 (NLT) — “The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.”
  • Isaiah 54:10 (NLT) — “For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain.”
  • Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) — “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.”
  • Romans 8:38–39 (NLT) — “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love… indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Reflective Questions & Answers

Q: What does God want from His children in seasons of sorrow?A: He wants honesty, not perfection. He invites us to bring our grief, our doubts, our brokenness—and to trust Him with it. He desires relationship, not performance.

Q: How can we respond to His daily mercies? A: By waking each day with gratitude, even if whispered. By seeking His Word as our nourishment. By extending mercy to others as we have received it.

Q: What does it mean to trust in His faithfulness? A: It means believing that even when we don’t see the outcome, God is still working. It means remembering that His promises are not fragile—they are eternal.

A Prayer of Morning Trust

“LORD- Thank You for meeting me in the quiet of this morning. Thank You that Your love has not ended, even when my strength has. You are faithful in ways I cannot measure, merciful in ways I do not deserve. Help me to rest in Your Word today—not just as truth, but as a lifeline. Teach me to see Your mercies in the small things: a breath, a sunrise, a verse that speaks directly to my heart. I give You my sorrow, my questions, my hopes. Renew me, Lord, as You renew the morning. Let my life reflect Your love and let my heart stay anchored in Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

God Bless You All~

DEAR GOD: Resistance From Evil Is Our Redemption -Thank You LORD!

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10 Ways To Resist The Devil: In very practical ways, how do we resist ...

 

 “Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” — James 4:7 

“The Holy Halt: When Resistance Becomes Redemption”

 

In the silence of a restless heart, when we lie awake wondering why peace seems just out of reach, we come face to face with the invisible warfare that surrounds us. James 4:7 is more than just a verse—it’s a summons. A divine strategy. A blueprint of surrender that becomes spiritual victory.

“Submit to God,” the verse begins, demanding a posture that often feels unnatural to us. In a world that glorifies independence, submission can feel like weakness. But in the Kingdom of God, it’s the opposite. Submission is power—it’s the hand raised in surrender that also closes the door on Satan’s schemes. It is the kneeling posture that becomes our strongest defense.

And then, we resist. The resistance is not just about saying “no” to temptation, but about standing firm in who we are in Christ. Resistance is active faith—it is remembering that we are not abandoned to our own limited strength. It is declaring, day by day, that the devil does not have permission to write our story, infiltrate our peace, or distort our identity.

But it’s hard, isn’t it?

We are troubled. Not just by the external chaos, but by the internal discord. We battle guilt, loneliness, longing. We get tangled in our own attempts to fix things—to fix ourselves. And as Christians, it can feel especially heavy: we know the truth, we preach it, but sometimes we feel miles away from living it.

That’s where this verse becomes a lifeline. It reminds us that the beginning of restoration is not effort—it’s submission. Not perfection—it’s proximity to God. And when we resist the devil with the shield of obedience and the sword of God’s Word, he flees. Not walks. Not lingers. Flees.

James doesn’t promise that the devil won’t return with new tactics. But he gives us assurance that Christ is our defense system. It is not our eloquence, our discipline, or even our knowledge that sends Satan scrambling—it’s our connection to the Father.

Submitting to God means letting go of the image we think we need to uphold and instead clinging to the truth that Christ is our Redeemer. The one who not only forgives, but fortifies. And when we live in that space—of holy humility and faithful resistance—we don’t just stop the devil in his tracks.

We re-route our lives back to grace.

Closing Prayer:

“LORD- In the quiet corners of our struggle, You see us. You know how we’ve tried and failed, hoped and hurt, longed and lost. Today, we submit. Not out of defeat, but out of desire—for You to be our center, our compass, our fortress. Help us resist not just temptation, but despair. Not just lies, but self-reliance. Let Your Word be our weapon, and Your Spirit be our strength. Remind us that the devil does not get the final say. You do. And that in You, we are not just safe—we are restored. We ask for the courage to resist and the grace to endure. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

 

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DEAR GOD: We Are Anchored In Your Light Of Hope & Love~

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“For with God nothing shall be impossible.” — Luke 1:37 (KJV)

 “Radiant in the Impossible: Anchored in the Light of His Triumph”

  In the sacred stillness of our hearts, when the world’s weight presses heavy, and our strength seems spent, there comes a whisper from heaven’s throne: “I am with you.” Faith isn’t born of perfect circumstances, but of sacred trust—a candle lit in the cavern of uncertainty, burning with a hope that refuses to die.

To pray is to breathe in eternity while standing on shifting earth. Through prayer, we cry out not as strangers to God, but as beloved children welcomed into divine communion. We do not have to scale walls alone or weather storms in silence. Through Christ, our prayers are not empty echoes—they are fragrant offerings rising to the One who parted seas and resurrected dreams. Every tear becomes rain nourishing seeds of joy, every groan a melody in God’s symphony of grace.

Hope in the LORD is not passive—it’s the bold declaration that even if the night lingers, dawn is coming. The Light of the world walks ahead of us, illuminating every shadow with truth, driving out fear with love. His Presence is not flickering—it is fierce, radiant, eternal.

And love—it is our greatest inheritance. A love that hung on a cross, stretched arms wide to call the weary home. In that love, we find victory. Not as the world defines it, but as Heaven declares it: resurrection, redemption, restoration. Because greater is He who dwells within us than the chaos, deception, and despair that tries to shake our foundation.

Victory isn’t just a destination. It is the journey, carved by grace, walked in obedience, and sealed by Christ’s triumph over death. We are not victims of circumstance—we are vessels of glory, torchbearers of truth, and heirs of peace.

Moral Thoughts- Let us live as those convinced of divine purpose, refusing the lies of fear. Let our speech reflect grace, our actions declare hope, and our hearts remain aligned with God’s eternal vision. Choose compassion over convenience, light over compromise, courage over conformity.

Supporting Scriptures

  • Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
  • 1 John 4:4 — “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
  • Isaiah 41:10 — “Fear thou not; for I am with thee…”
  • Romans 8:37 — “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”
  • Psalm 27:1 — “The LORD is my light and my salvation…”

 “ O Sovereign LORD, Mighty Redeemer of our souls, we come before You as your children—loved, redeemed, and chosen. Fill us with faith that rises above fear, prayer that pierces the veil, and hope that cannot be silenced. Let Your light drive out darkness within and around us. Infuse us with holy strength and divine courage. Remind each heart that in You, victory is not just possible—it is promised. We bind ourselves to Your love, walk forward in Your name, and declare nothing is impossible with You, O God! In Jesus’ matchless and beautiful name we pray, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Your Quiet Overflow Embraces My Soul~

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The Brook, The Raven and The Widow with Little: Understanding Divine ...

“The Quiet Overflow”

Psalm 132:15

“I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.”

Commentary

This verse, often overlooked in the shadow of more famous psalms, is a tender promise nestled in God’s covenant with Zion. It reveals not only His intent to provide, but to do so abundantly. The word “her” refers to Zion, yet in the broader spiritual sense, it speaks to the Church, the faithful, the beloved. God’s provision is not rationed—it is generous, overflowing, and deeply personal. He doesn’t just feed the poor; He satisfies them. This is not survival—it is sacred sufficiency.

  Supporting Scriptures

  • Isaiah 55:2 – “Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread?… hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good.”
  • Matthew 6:26 – “Behold the fowls of the air… your heavenly Father feedeth them.”
  • 2 Corinthians 9:8 – “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you…”
  • Psalm 34:10 – “…they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.”
  • Deuteronomy 8:10 – “When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the Lord thy God…”

 Loving Tribute to the Lord

O Lord, You are the Keeper of quiet mercies, the One who fills empty hands with more than enough. You do not forget the lowly, nor overlook the weary. Your love is not loud, but it is lasting. You prepare tables in unseen places, and Your bread is never stale. You are the God who satisfies.

 Moral Thoughts & Analysis

This verse challenges the modern obsession with scarcity and self-sufficiency. It reminds us that divine provision is not earned by striving but received through trust. The moral call is twofold: to believe in God’s abundance even in lean seasons, and to reflect that abundance by becoming provision for others. In a world that hoards, God gives. In a culture that fears lack, He whispers, “I will satisfy.”

 Brief Loving Prayer

“LORD- thank You for being the God who sees the quiet needs. Teach me to trust Your provision, even when I cannot trace it. Let my heart rest in Your abundance, and let my hands reflect Your generosity. In Jesus name,  Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Rebuilding The Altar Of Our Hearts~~

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“Then Elijah said to the people, ‘Come near to me.’ And all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that had been thrown down.” — 1 Kings 18:30 (ESV)

The stage at Mount Carmel wasn’t merely a showdown of prophets—it was a divine demonstration. Elijah, standing alone against hundreds of false prophets, called upon the strength of God not just for spectacle, but for restoration. The verse above, though often overlooked among the dramatic fire-from-heaven moment, holds profound weight: “He repaired the altar of the Lord that had been thrown down.” Before God’s power could fall, the altar—His meeting place with His people—had to be made right.

God’s Power Begins with Restoration

What do the altars of our hearts look like? Are they broken down by disappointment, overgrown with self-reliance, or buried under busyness? Before we ask for fire—provision, victory, breakthrough—God invites us to rebuild what’s been neglected. Not because He’s distant, but because His power is most beautifully displayed in hearts postured toward Him.

Strength Through Obedience

Elijah’s courage wasn’t bravado—it was rooted in obedience. God’s strength is not reserved for the elite, but for those who obey in humility and faith. Elijah wasn’t perfect, but he trusted the Lord enough to act while others doubted.

“The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him…” (2 Chronicles 16:9)

Questions for the Soul:

  • Is there a place in your life where God’s altar needs repair?
  • Are you waiting on God’s fire while ignoring His call to obedience?
  • Have you allowed fear or fatigue to keep you from trusting God’s strength?

Supporting Scriptures:

  • Isaiah 40:29 – “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.”
  • Psalm 18:1-2 – “The Lord is my rock and my fortress… in whom I take refuge.”
  • Romans 8:31 – “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Each of these verses echoes a central truth: God’s power is not only infinite—it’s personal. It’s for you, when you are weak, weary, or wondering. He invites us to trust not just in what He can do, but in who He is: utterly faithful and wholly good.

“Lord God Almighty, you are the One who answers with fire and speaks in a whisper. You are strength in our weariness, and the repairer of all things broken. Today, we come with humbled hearts and trembling hands. Some of our altars—of hope, of joy, of trust—have been weathered by time, disappointment, and distraction. Yet even so, You call us near. You invite us to repair what was thrown down—not with stones alone, but with surrender. Breathe upon us, O God. Ignite what has gone cold. Remind us that Your strength is not reserved for giants but given to servants who believe that Your Word still stands, that Your promises endure. Help us rebuild with reverence. Let obedience be our offering. Let love be the mortar that holds every part of our surrender together. And when the world watches, may they see not our resolve, but Your glory falling afresh. We wait—not for spectacle—but for presence. In the holy name of Jesus, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Preserve Me O LORD – I Put My Trust In You~

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Why We Should Trust the Lord - Biblical Christianity

📖 Psalm 16 Summary –  

Psalm 16 is a Michtam of David—a golden psalm, a meditative confession of joyful trust. David begins with a heartfelt plea: “Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.” He declares that he has no good apart from the Lord, delights in the saints, and refuses to follow after false gods. He rejoices in the inheritance given to him, both spiritually and physically, calling it “beautiful.” He praises God for counsel, guidance, and confidence—even in the face of death. The psalm famously ends with: “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

💌 Commentary: A Loving Tribute to the LORD and His Mercy

Psalm 16 overflows with quiet confidence and devoted love. It is not a cry of distress—it is a declaration of belonging. David doesn’t merely believe in God; he belongs to God. This is a psalm that shimmers with holy intimacy.

When he says, “O my soul, you have said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord, my goodness is nothing apart from You,’” he invites us into a sacred confession: that every beautiful, noble, and enduring thing in us is not self-made—it’s God-breathed.

David’s heart is magnetic in this psalm. He delights in the company of the faithful, turns away from worldly idols, and celebrates the Lord as his chosen portion and cup. Even the language of inheritance—“The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places”—suggests that David sees God’s mercy in both his present and his future.

This psalm also plants an early seed of resurrection hope. David rejoices with this promise: “You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.” Though spoken of himself in context, this was fulfilled in Jesus, whose body did not decay in the tomb. Resurrection whispers from every line.

But more than anything, Psalm 16 is an affectionate gaze. David doesn’t run to God only in pain or panic—he lives beside Him, walks with Him, rests in His counsel at night, and rejoices in His presence. The LORD is not merely his help—He is his heritage. His joy. His reason.

🌟 Moral Thoughts, Reflections, and Deeper Meaning

  • Trust Is an Ongoing Posture, Not a Crisis Reaction: David opens with trust not because he’s afraid, but because it is his habit. Our relationship with God is healthiest when it’s rooted in quiet, daily intimacy—not just emergency appeal.
  • God Is Our Goodness: In a world that rewards self-glory, David reminds us, “My goodness is nothing apart from You.” This truth humbles and sanctifies us. Every kind word, wise act, or healing touch that flows from us began in Him.
  • Delight in the Saints: David finds joy in the faithful. Whom we choose to cherish shapes our walk. His rejection of idolaters and embrace of God-fearers is a blueprint for living wisely and purely.
  • Your Inheritance Is Secure: If God holds your “lot,” there is no loss that can take it from you. The lines of our life—even in sorrow—are drawn by a loving Hand. When we say, “The Lord is the portion of my inheritance,” we are acknowledging that no earthly gain can rival eternal security.
  • God’s Presence Is Our Joy, Now and Forever: This psalm doesn’t promise we won’t taste death. But it promises we will not be abandoned to it. Joy is not just a fleeting feeling—it is the fruit of God’s eternal embrace.

🙏 Prayer

“O’ Faithful and Merciful God, Our hearts rest in You, for You alone are our safe place, our portion, and our praise. Teach us to desire Your Presence above all riches and to see Your mercy written into the lines of our lives. Help us, like David, to draw near in daily delight, and not only in distress. Thank You for being our inheritance, both now and forever. May our souls rejoice in the resurrection hope made perfect in Christ. Keep us from idols, align our hearts with the saints, and fix our gaze on eternal joy at Your right hand. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Promises Made & Promises Kept~

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“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” –2 Peter 3:9 

 

💛 A Loving Tribute: The Patient Pursuit of God

LORD, You are not slow. You are steady. You are not forgetful. You are faithful. In a world that rushes toward quick fixes and instant gratification, Your timing feels like mercy misunderstood.

But oh—how wise, how compassionate, how lovingly intentional You are.

Your delays are not denial; they are Divine invitations—moments pregnant with grace, as You wait, ache, and long for all to turn and be healed.

In 2 Peter 3:9, we glimpse not only Your Omnipotence but also Your astounding patience. You are not willing that anyone should perish. Your heart beats with a desire for repentance, not retribution. You could have wrapped history long ago, but You wait—because love waits. Because eternity is too precious for You to rush it.

Even when we falter, mock, doubt, or grow cold, Your heart remains warm—calling us back with a whisper louder than the world’s clamor. As Hosea 11:8 reveals, “How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel?…My compassion is aroused.” Your love restrains judgment; Your mercy outpaces our sin.

Romans 2:4 echoes this truth: “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Can’t you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” It is not threats but tenderness that bring us home.

You, LORD, are not passive.

You are pursuing.

Every delay is a doorway of possibility—for repentance, renewal, redemption.

You are the Father scanning the horizon, the Shepherd leaving the ninety-nine, the Potter reshaping the marred clay.

Reflective Question:

Where in my life have I mistaken God’s patience for absence, rather than His persistent love calling me closer?

Prayer: “

Gracious God, Thank You for not giving up on us—for holding out hope when we’d already walked away. Forgive us for labeling Your mercy as delay. Open our eyes to the depth of Your patience, And lead our hearts into a deeper repentance—a surrender not from fear, but from love. Your promise still stands, and Your love still calls. We come home again. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.”

Peace of the LORD Jesus Christ be with you all~

DEAR GOD: You are Our Sovereign Shelter & Eternal Flame~

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Leviticus 19:18 (KJV):
“Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.”

 

This verse from Leviticus is not simply a moral directive—it’s a revelation of divine character and a call to imitate Him in the marrow of our relationships. At first glance, the verse appears to be about interpersonal conduct. Don’t seek revenge. Don’t nurse grudges. Be kind. But in truth, it’s about holiness. It is nestled within a chapter in which God repeatedly says, “Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2) This commandment is not given in isolation—it flows from the holiness of God and calls us to mirror that holiness in our actions.

The call not to avenge is radical. Human instinct leans toward justice, or at least the satisfaction of seeing wrongs answered. Yet God doesn’t ask for restraint—He commands it. Vengeance belongs to Him (Deut. 32:35), and when we hold tightly to bitterness, we are, in effect, claiming what is His. To carry a grudge is to keep a ledger where we were meant to keep grace.

The second half of the verse turns us inward for a moment: “love thy neighbour as thyself.” We’re not told to merely tolerate our neighbor, or to love them in a way that fits our convenience or preference. The measure is ourselves—our own care, our own desires, our own hopes and provisions. That’s the bar for how we are to love others.

Then comes the grounding truth: “I am the LORD.” God signs His name at the end like a royal seal. This commandment is not up for debate or personalization—it is rooted in His identity. He is the LORD, and thus, to love our neighbor is not only an act of obedience, but a reflection of the One who authored love itself.

This verse, so rich and direct, is more than instruction—it is invitation. To leave vengeance behind is to leave captivity. To forgive is to walk in freedom. To love generously, even when wounded, is to live like the Lord who bore our wounds and called us friend.

Prayer:

“Righteous and compassionate LORD, we come before You with hearts that often wrestle with justice, fairness, and the pain of being wronged. But You, our Holy God, do not call us to live like the world. You call us higher. Help us, Lord, to release the burdens of vengeance and bitterness. Teach us how to love with clean hands and open hearts—not because others have earned it, but because You have loved us first. Let our lives be a living echo of this command—a quiet revolution of kindness, mercy, and holy love. Seal our hearts with peace and fill our days with the strength to forgive deeply and love unreasonably. In Jesus’ Amen.”

DEAR GOD: My Heart Yearns To Draw Near and Close To You~

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4 Ways to Draw Near to God: The Scripture Store

“Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.” –Jeremiah 23:24

 

The LORD is everywhere and there isn’t anywhere He does not see – or hear – or know what is happening to one of His children.  A friend of mine said recently, “I don’t want God to know, but I truly did something foolish…”  And I stopped her and said, “Um- He already knows what foolish thing(s) you’ve done, even before you actually physically did it!

The LORD is Omnipotent and brilliant. This God who created the Universe. Our God who is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Great I AM – the Father of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior! He knows it all, before any of us even contemplate what it is we are going to do – He already knows!

As Christians we are aware of His promises. Plus, many followers are familiar with Biblical verses and the overall plan of the LORD for our lives. The great commission. But how many of us stop to take the time to clearly grasp the enormity of how GREAT He is? How many of us stop to realize that He sees our hearts and knows our intentions. He knows if we are with Him and for Him.

As Jesus said in Matthew 15:8 “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me…”  That is to say – some of us may read the Bible, recite the verses, or even memorize man – but when it comes down to applying their lives and convictions to the LORD, they don’t. They go through the motions, and their heart isn’t wrapped up in the One important Being – Christ!

It’s crucial to being a Christian – the actual application of seeking to follow the path of righteousness, and to seek His face in all we do.  That is to say – follow and adhere to His Word – align with the truth and truly look to mesh ourselves with His will for our lives.  Plus, this verse is a masterclass in prophetic continuity. Jesus draws from Isaiah 29:13 to confront the Pharisees, exposing how religious tradition can become a mask for spiritual emptiness. It’s not just about ancient Israel or first-century leaders—it’s about us.

This verse invites us to examine not just what we say, but who we are when no one’s listening.  It is about being authentic in all times, for God sees us at all times. There is no escaping the LORD – and who would want to?  Certainly not me – and assuredly not you dear readers.

There is something reverent in living our lives according to His will and plans for our lives. We can be assured that it is for our own good, all things for our own good. And when we aspire to please Him and obey Him – our days become less burdensome, and easier no matter what we are facing. It is our bridge over troubled waters.

  • Today – think about all you do before you do it – because God already knows what you intend to do.
  • Ask yourself this – are my actions going to please God?
  • Is God going to smile after I do this?
  • Is God going to be disappointed?
  • Is this something God would do?
  • And-am I being Christian in my actions today?
  • Isaiah 29:13 – This is the original source Jesus quotes: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.” It’s a sobering reminder that ritual without relationship is empty.
  • 1 Samuel 16:7 – “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” This verse reinforces that God’s concern is always the inner life, not just external performance.
  • Jeremiah 31:33 – “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.” This speaks to the new covenant Jesus fulfills—one where worship flows from within, not just from tradition.
  • Micah 6:6–8 – This passage questions what God truly desires: not burnt offerings, but “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” It’s a call to integrity over ritual.
  • John 4:23–24 – Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that “true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.” This is the heart of what Matthew 15:8 critiques—worship that is only in form, not in spirit.

Remember God wants us to be with Him in Eternity. He gives us warnings in the Bible and tells us what we are to do to attain eternal bliss. Accepting Christ as our Savior, we will get to the Father, (John 14:6) He is the truth the way and the life. Seeking Him daily, loving Him wholly, and honoring Him in all we do – we are going to please Him for sure.

Remember we ALL fall short – no one is perfect- but ONE – and that is our LORD!

But how amazing is His grace and forgiveness, that when we fall short, or slip up – we repent, and we are forgiven. Our sins are blotted out (Isaiah 43:25) – thank YOU FATHER GOD!

“LORD – Let me love You with lips that follow the lead of my soul— and a heart that beats, closer and closer, to You in Jesus name, Amen.”