Tag Archives: LORD

DEAR GOD: You Are Our Help

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41 Bible Verses About Help From God - The Graceful Chapter

God You Are Our Help

 

1.Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. 2.Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. 3.But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. 4.I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. 5.I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. 6.I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.7.Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. 8.Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah –                                   

Psalm 3:1-8 (KJV)

Heartfelt Commentary

Psalm 3 is a powerful testament to God’s unwavering protection and the deep faith that King David had in His divine care. This psalm is traditionally believed to have been written by David during the time he fled from his son Absalom, who had rebelled against him. Despite the immense pressure and the numerous enemies surrounding him, David’s faith in God remains unshaken.

Verses 1-2: A Cry for Help

David begins by acknowledging the overwhelming number of adversaries rising against him. These enemies doubt God’s ability to save him, but David’s plea reflects his deep distress and yet his unwavering belief in God’s deliverance.

  • Supporting Scripture: “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.” (Psalm 18:6)

Verses 3-4: God as Protector

David proclaims God as his shield, his glory, and the lifter of his head. Despite the circumstances, he has complete trust in God’s protection and sustenance. He cries out to the Lord, who answers him from His holy hill, signifying God’s readiness to hear and respond to His people.

  • Supporting Scripture: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.” (Psalm 28:7)

Verses 5-6: Peace Amidst Turmoil

David speaks of the peace he experiences even in the face of great danger. He is able to lie down and sleep, waking again because the Lord sustains him. His fearlessness in the face of overwhelming odds is a testament to his deep faith in God’s protection.

  • Supporting Scripture: “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)

Verses 7-8: Assurance of Salvation

David calls upon the Lord to arise and deliver him, expressing confidence in God’s ability to defeat his enemies. He ends the psalm with a declaration that salvation belongs to the Lord and a blessing upon His people.

  • Supporting Scripture: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)

Moral Takeaways

  1. Trust in God’s Protection: Even in the face of overwhelming adversity, trusting in God’s protection can bring peace and confidence.
  2. Persistent Prayer: Like David, we should continuously cry out to God, knowing that He hears and answers our prayers.
  3. Fearlessness Through Faith: Faith in God’s ability to save us removes fear, no matter the circumstances.

Reflective Questions

  1. How do I respond to overwhelming challenges in my life? Do I turn to God in prayer?
  2. What are the “enemies” in my life that make me feel besieged? How can I trust God more to protect me against them?
  3. In what ways can I experience and cultivate peace, even amidst turmoil?

Biblical Views Then and Now

In David’s time, the concept of God as a shield and protector was rooted in the tangible realities of battles and wars. Today, while the context may differ, the metaphor remains powerful. We face spiritual, emotional, and mental battles, and the assurance of God’s protection continues to offer profound comfort and strength.

Serving God with Love and Honor

Serving God means placing our complete trust in Him, just as David did. It means acknowledging His presence in our lives, seeking His guidance in times of trouble, and resting in the peace that only He can provide. Our service to God is not just in our actions, but also in our faith and reliance on Him.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for being our shield and protector. Help us to trust in You completely, even when we face overwhelming challenges. Lift our heads and sustain us with Your peace. Guide us to serve You with faith and love, and to find strength in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture to Ponder

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

May this reflection on Psalm 3 deepen your faith and bring you closer to the heart of God, knowing that He is always with you, protecting and guiding you.

God Bless You All~

DEAR GOD: Establish Your Plans For My Life~

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Working for the Lord - Truediscipleship

“Commit Your Work to the Lord, and Your Plans Will Be Established”

Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)

Introduction

The proverb “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3) offers profound wisdom that resonates deeply within the Christian faith. This verse encapsulates the essence of trust, faith, and divine guidance, urging believers to entrust their endeavors to God. In today’s fast-paced and often secular world, this proverb serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of aligning our ambitions with God’s will.

Moral Views

At its core, this proverb emphasizes the moral principle of trust in divine providence. It suggests that true success is not merely a result of human effort but is ultimately determined by God’s blessing. This perspective encourages humility, recognizing that while human planning and hard work are essential, they are insufficient without God’s favor. It calls for a moral alignment where one’s actions and intentions are in harmony with God’s purposes.

In contemporary society, where self-reliance and individualism are often celebrated, this proverb challenges us to reconsider our approach to success. It invites us to shift from a self-centered mindset to one that is God-centered, acknowledging that our abilities and opportunities are gifts from God. By committing our work to the Lord, we acknowledge His sovereignty and express our dependence on His guidance and provision.

Christianity in Today’s Times

In today’s world, Christianity faces numerous challenges, including secularism, materialism, and moral relativism. Amidst these challenges, the call to commit our work to the Lord remains relevant and vital. This proverb encourages Christians to integrate their faith into every aspect of their lives, including their careers, relationships, and personal goals.

For many believers, this means seeking God’s guidance through prayer, studying the Scriptures, and being part of a faith community. It involves making decisions that reflect Christian values, such as integrity, compassion, and justice. In a world that often prioritizes success at any cost, Christians are called to pursue excellence in a way that honors God and serves others.

Meditative Takeaways

Meditating on this proverb can lead to several profound insights and spiritual practices:

  1. Trust in God’s Plan: Reflect on the importance of trusting God’s plan for your life. Consider how His wisdom and understanding far exceed our own. This trust can bring peace and assurance, even in uncertain times.
  2. Aligning with God’s Will: Contemplate how your goals and actions align with God’s will. Are there areas in your life where you need to seek His guidance more earnestly? This alignment can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
  3. Humility and Dependence: Recognize the importance of humility and dependence on God. Acknowledge that while your efforts are important, true success comes from His blessing. This humility can foster a deeper relationship with God and a greater sense of gratitude.
  4. Prayer and Reflection: Incorporate regular prayer and reflection into your routine. Use this time to commit your work and plans to the Lord, seeking His direction and blessing. This practice can strengthen your faith and provide clarity and focus.

Supportive Scriptures

Several other scriptures support and expand upon the themes found in Proverbs 16:3:

  • Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
  • Psalm 37:5: “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.”
  • Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
  • Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Prayer

 “Dear LORD- we acknowledge Your sovereignty and wisdom. We commit our work and plans to You, trusting that You will establish them according to Your perfect will. Guide us in our endeavors and help us to align our actions with Your purposes. Grant us humility to recognize our dependence on You and the faith to trust in Your plan. May our lives reflect Your love and grace, and may we seek to honor You in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Thought to Take Away

As you go about your daily tasks and pursue your goals, remember to commit your work to the Lord. Trust in His guidance and provisions and seek to align your actions with His will. In doing so, you will find peace, purpose, and the assurance that your plans are established by the One who knows and loves you best.

As you ponder and think further on God’s Word -I pray it provides you with inspiration and a deeper understanding of the LORD and all that He represents…

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the ...

 

DEAR GOD: You Are Our Jehovah-Rapha – My Healer~

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Divine Healing Is For You Today! - AFCM International

 

“And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.”
-Exodus 15:26 

Exodus 15:26 is a verse that encapsulates the profound nature of God’s relationship with His people, highlighting His role as a healer and protector. The verse reads: “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.”

It stands today with us as well if we follow His ways, commandments and His voice – and trust in Him. He will lead us to safety and heal our hearts and souls. We need to seek Him first in all we do.

The Covenant of Healing: This verse is set in the context of God’s covenant with Israel. It follows the miraculous deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt and their crossing of the Red Sea. Here, God promises to be their healer, but this promise is conditional upon their obedience and faithfulness. It’s a powerful reminder that the relationship between God and His people is interactive and reciprocal.

When we obey and align with His Word and follow Him and do all according to His will and purpose for our lives, we will be healed in more ways than one. Our body heart mind and soul is in His very capable hands.

God as Jehovah-Rapha: The name Jehovah-Rapha, meaning “The Lord Who Heals,” is revealed in this passage. It’s not just physical healing that’s in view here, but a holistic restoration—spiritual, emotional, and societal. The diseases of Egypt can be seen as symbolic of the spiritual and moral corruption that God’s people are to be delivered from.

The evil world and chaotic setting in our society today is how God will heal. He will lighten our load and highlight the path in which we should walk. He will heal our souls and wash us clean. 

Moral Implications: The moral takeaway from Exodus 15:26 is the importance of obedience and trust in God. It teaches us that adherence to God’s commandments is not merely a legalistic requirement but a path to well-being and protection from the ‘diseases’—be they literal or figurative—that afflict humanity.

As we reflect and meditate on His Word and partake of His goodness in all we do, we will see His promises come to fruition. He will ultimately heal us in the way it is most beneficial for us.  The biggest healing is of our souls that we can live forever through Christ.

Exodus 15:26 serves as a reminder that God’s desire for His people is wholeness and health. It challenges us to reflect on our own lives and consider how we are responding to God’s call to obedience. Are we listening to His voice and doing what is right in His eyes?

  Reflection:

  • How can we apply the principle of obedience to God in our modern context?
  • What are the ‘diseases’ in our lives that we need healing from?
  • In what ways can we become more attuned to the voice of God?

 “Dear Lord, You are Jehovah-Rapha, our healer. We thank You for Your promises and Your faithfulness. Help us to listen to Your voice and to walk in Your ways without fail.  Heal us from diseases that plague our spirits and our societies. May we find our strength and restoration in You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”

DEAR GOD: PRAISING YOU DAILY!!!!~

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Psalm 107:8-9 (NLT)
 
“Let them praise the Lord for his great love
    and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
 For he satisfies the thirsty
    and fills the hungry with good things…”                                                                                               We do not need to look for things that we might praise God for. We can always thank God for His marvelous kindness, His faithfulness, His love, His miracles of mercy, for filling our lives with all that is good.   God is awesome in all He does. He loves us in all we do. And He is with us from our first breath to our last, and then we are home for all eternity.                                                                                                                                                                                                                               “Father, we give you thanks, and Glory, and honor and we thank You for who You are, what You are, and what You’ve done, and continue to do, we just want to give you PRAISE this day and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Apple of Your Eye~

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You Are The Apple Of God’s Eyes – Becoming the Oil and the Wine

For thus saith the LORD of hosts;

After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you:

for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

 Zechariah 2:8 KJV

 

Ask someone what he/she thinks is precious. Some might say, an heirloom handed down for generations.  Or others may say their brand-new house.  The majority of individuals probably will answer, “My children.”  All except the latter is of little significance. It’s entirely materialistic gain…nothing more.

As children of God…we’re precious in His sight. We’re special, and He loves us as evidenced by His promises in His Word. To this day, God continues to love and guide us, as He has throughout the ages.

His presence is felt by those of faith. His voice can be heard above a crowd, and His Spirit corroborates with our spirit in every aspect of our lives.

He’s there in a business meeting and in the living room while we’re watching TV.

He’s at our dinner table, and He’s watching over us at bedtime.

God never leaves us, nor would we want Him to. As stipulated in Zechariah 2:8- apple of His eye-refers to the pupil, a valuable and vulnerable part of the body. This metaphor functions to express God’s deepest feelings for His children.

God, King of the Universe, is our biggest treasure, and the most precious part of our lives and heart.

Return His love unconditionally, and then be still and watch God work. (Psalm 46:10)

 

“Lord, thank You for everything in my life, past, present, and to come. I am Yours, and place my trust in You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? 

Psalm 42:2 KJV