guidance

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Your Spirit In Your Believers~

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Holy Mass images...: HOLY SPIRIT

 

  1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV)
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

These powerful verses, penned by the Apostle Paul, remind us of the profound truth that our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit. This concept was revolutionary to the Corinthians, who lived in a society where the body was often misused and defiled. Paul emphasizes that as believers, we are not our own; we have been bought with a price—the precious blood of Jesus Christ. This truth calls us to live lives of holiness, honoring God with our bodies and spirits.

Meaning Then and Now
Then: In the first-century Corinthian context, these verses were a stark reminder of the need for sexual purity and respect for one’s body. Corinth was known for its immorality, and the concept of the body being a temple of the Holy Spirit was a radical shift in thinking. Paul wanted the Corinthians to understand that their bodies were not their own to misuse but were sacred, set apart for God’s purposes. They had been redeemed at a great cost, and this redemption called for a life that reflected God’s holiness.

Today: For Christians today, these verses continue to resonate deeply. In a world where the body is often objectified and misused, the call to honor our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit is a timely reminder. It challenges us to live with integrity, purity, and a sense of responsibility toward our bodies. Recognizing that we are bought with a price, we are urged to glorify God in all aspects of our lives—physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Moral Takeaways
Holiness and Purity: Our bodies are sacred and should be treated with respect and purity, reflecting the holiness of God.

Stewardship: We are stewards of our bodies, called to care for them and use them in ways that honor God.

Identity in Christ: Our worth and identity come from being God’s temple, redeemed by the sacrifice of Jesus.

Reflective Questions
How can I honor God with my body and spirit in my daily life?

In what ways can I be a better steward of the body God has entrusted to me?

How does understanding that I am bought with a price change my perspective on my actions and decisions?

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

Galatians 2:20 (NKJV): “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

1 Peter 1:18-19 (NKJV): “Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”

Prayer
“LORD -Heavenly Father, we thank You for the incredible gift of Your Holy Spirit dwelling within us. Help us to honor our bodies as Your temples, living lives of holiness and purity. Remind us daily of the great price paid for our redemption and guide us to glorify You in all that we do. Strengthen our commitment to live as faithful stewards of the bodies and lives You have entrusted to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Scripture to Ponder
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV): “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Blessing
May the Lord’s presence fill your heart with peace and His Spirit guide you in every step. Trust in His love and live each day honoring Him in body and spirit.

God Bless You All~

DEAR GOD: I Wait, Trust & Love You Forever~

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Waiting on God - all things faithful

Waiting for God’s Word and Good Tidings

Waiting is often one of the most challenging aspects of our faith journey. Yet, it is also one of the most profound opportunities to deepen our trust in God. As we wait for His word and good
tidings, we learn to place our hope and faith in His perfect timing and wisdom.

Trusting in God while we wait is not a passive activity; it is an active, intentional process of
seeking His presence and leaning on His promises. 

It requires a heart that is steadfast and eyes fixed on Him, even when circumstances are uncertain. 


During these times, we are called to draw near to God through prayer, meditation, and worship, finding strength and courage in His
unfailing love.

In the waiting, God is at work within us, refining our character and aligning our desires with His will. It is a time of preparation, where we are molded and shaped for the plans He has for us.
Trusting in God’s word means believing that His promises are true and that He will bring about
good in His perfect time.

The act of waiting also cultivates patience and perseverance. It teaches us to rely not on our own understanding but on God’s infinite wisdom. As we wait, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness
throughout Scripture, seeing how He has delivered His people time and again. This gives us
hope and assurance that He will do the same for us.

Reflective Questions

  • How can I actively seek God’s presence while I wait for His word and good tidings?

  • What areas of my life require deeper trust and surrender to God’s will?

  • How can I cultivate patience and perseverance during times of waiting?

Supporting Scriptures

  • Psalm 27:14 (ESV): “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage;
    wait for the LORD!”

    • Encourages us to find strength and courage in the waiting, trusting in God’s timing.

  • Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): “But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they
    shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

    • Reminds us that waiting on the Lord renews our strength and gives us the endurance to persevere.

  • Lamentations 3:25 (ESV): “The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul
    who seeks him.”

    • Affirms that God is good to those who wait and seek Him earnestly.

Moral Takeaways

  • Trust in God’s Timing: Believe in God’s perfect timing and trust that His plans are for
    our good.

  • Seek His Presence: Actively seek God’s presence through prayer, meditation, and
    worship during times of waiting.

  • Cultivate Patience: Embrace the waiting as a time to develop patience
    and perseverance, knowing that God is at work within us.

Prayer

“Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of hope and trust. As we wait for Your word and good tidings, help us to seek Your presence daily, finding strength and courage in Your promises. Grant us the patience and perseverance to wait on Your perfect timing, knowing that You are at work within us. Align our desires with Your will and mold us for the plans You have for us. Thank You for Your unfailing love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Scripture to Ponder

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Blessing

May your heart be filled with peace and assurance as you wait on the Lord. Trust in His perfect timing and may His word and good tidings bring you comfort and joy. May His presence guide you, and His love sustain you every step of the way.

Stay strong in your faith, and remember, God is with you in every moment.

God Bless You All~

DEAR GOD: My Eyes Are Ever Toward You LORD!~

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Andando na Luz - Comunhão Com Deus | Pessoa orando, Imagens de biblia ...

  Psalm 25:14-15 (ESV)

“The secret of the LORD is with those who fear him;
and he will show them his covenant. My eyes are ever toward the LORD,
for he will pluck my feet out of the
net.”

This verse speaks profoundly to the intimate relationship between the Lord and those who
revere Him. The “secret of the LORD” refers to the deep, personal revelations and understanding that God shares with those who earnestly seek Him. It emphasizes the idea that God reveals His heart, His plans, and His promises to those who walk in reverent awe of Him.

When I reflect on this, my heart is filled with gratitude and wonder. To think that the Almighty
God, the Creator of the universe, chooses to reveal His secrets to us is overwhelming. It speaks of His love and desire for a close, personal relationship with each of us. This Divine intimacy is
not given lightly but is a treasure for those who respect and honor Him.

The second part of the verse, “My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for he will pluck my feet out of the net,” speaks of our continual reliance on God. In our daily lives, we encounter countless nets traps and snares set by the enemy to entangle us. But when we fix our eyes on the Lord, He promises to rescue us. This divine protection is a testament to His mercy and mighty power.

God’s covenant is a binding promise, a testament of His unwavering commitment to us. When
we live in fear of the Lord, respecting and revering Him, we are in a position to receive His
guidance and revelation. This fear is not about being scared but about having a deep respect and acknowledgment of His majesty and authority. In return, He grants us wisdom and discernment, guiding us through life’s complexities.

Reflective Questions:

  • How often do I seek God’s guidance and revelations in my life?

  • Do I truly revere the Lord in my daily actions, reflecting a heart of worship and obedience?

  • In what ways has God shown His covenant and guidance to me recently?

Supporting Scriptures:

  • Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own 
    understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

    • Emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s guidance and trusting in His plans.

  • Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV): “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and 
    hidden things that you have not known.”

    • Reaffirms that God reveals His secrets to those who earnestly seek Him.

Moral Takeaways:

  • Reverence for God: Develop a heart that truly reveres the Lord, reflecting respect and awe in our daily lives.

  • Constant Vigilance: Keep our eyes fixed on God, trusting in His guidance and protection.

  • Divine Revelation: Recognize the privilege of receiving God’s revelations and treasure
    His covenant promises.

Powerful Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before You in awe of Your majesty and love. Thank You for revealing Your secrets and covenant to those who seek You with reverent hearts. Help us to keep our eyes
ever fixed on You, trusting in Your mighty power to rescue us from the snares of life. Fill us with Your wisdom and discernment, and guide us in all our ways. Thank You for being our refuge and strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture to Ponder:

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): “But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall 
mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

Blessing:

May the Lord’s mighty power and mercy be with you always. As you seek His guidance and
treasure His covenant, may your heart be filled with peace and your path made straight. Trust in His protection and wisdom, knowing that He is with you every step of the way.

God Bless You All~

“Mine eyes are ever toward the #Lord; for he shall pluck my feet out of ...

DEAR GOD: Your Word Is Sweet & Pure~

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Sweeter than Honey! | Chuck Larsen

Psalm 119:103 states, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” This verse beautifully captures the essence of the Psalmist’s deep love and reverence for God’s Word. It is a vivid metaphor that compares the sweetness of God’s teachings to the most delightful substance known in ancient times—honey. It is a taste that is truly unique and such a treat to the senses. And that is only second to the ONE and Only Sweet – which is to say – the WORD of the LORD. It is satisfying and like none other, and so purely soothing to the soul.

Scriptural Support

The Bible frequently uses the imagery of sweetness to describe the Word of God. For instance, in Psalm 19:10, it is written, “They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.” Similarly, Proverbs 16:24 says, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” These verses reinforce the idea that God’s words are not only valuable but also bring joy and healing to those who embrace them. Those who indulge in this sweetness are able to be a reflective light of that sweetness. What you ingest and digest is pivotal to the outcome in which you are – and ingesting and digesting the WORD is fundamentally who we are, and all we do.

Moral Takeaways

  1. Value of God’s Word: Just as honey is cherished for its sweetness, we should cherish God’s Word for its wisdom and guidance.
  2. Spiritual Nourishment: Just as honey provides physical nourishment, God’s Word provides spiritual nourishment, strengthening our faith and guiding our actions.
  3. Joy and Delight: Embracing God’s teachings brings joy and delight to our lives, much like the taste of honey brings pleasure to our palate.

Meditative Thoughts

  • Reflect on the times when God’s Word has brought comfort and guidance to your life. How did it feel to receive that divine wisdom?
  • Consider the ways in which you can make God’s Word a more integral part of your daily routine. How can you savor its sweetness more fully?
  • Meditate on the transformative power of God’s Word. How has it changed your perspective, actions, and relationships?

Story Inspired by Psalm 119:103

In a small village nestled among rolling hills, lived a young girl named Eliana. Every morning, she would visit the village beekeeper, Mr. Amos, to taste the fresh honey he harvested. The sweetness of the honey was a daily delight that Eliana cherished.

One day, Mr. Amos noticed Eliana’s joy and asked, “Why do you love honey so much, Eliana?”

She replied, “It makes me happy and gives me energy for the day.”

Mr. Amos smiled and handed her a small, worn-out book. “This is the Bible,” he said. “Its words are sweeter than honey and will nourish your soul.”

Curious, Eliana began to read the Bible each day. She found stories of love, wisdom, and hope. The more she read, the more she felt a deep sense of peace and joy, much like the sweetness of honey.

Years passed, and Eliana grew into a wise and compassionate woman. She often shared the Bible’s teachings with others, spreading the sweetness of God’s Word throughout the village. Just as honey had nourished her body, God’s Word had nourished her soul, guiding her through life’s challenges and joys.

Unified Prayer:

“Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the sweetness of Your Word, which nourishes our souls and brings joy to our hearts. Help us to cherish Your teachings and make them an integral part of our lives. May Your Word guide us, comfort us, and transform us into vessels of Your love and wisdom. As we meditate on Your promises, fill us with peace and strength to face each day. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Thoughts for the Day

  • Morning Reflection: Begin your day by reading a verse from the Bible. Let its sweetness fill your heart and guide your actions.
  • Midday Meditation: Take a moment to reflect on how God’s Word has impacted your life. How can you share its sweetness with others?
  • Evening Gratitude: Before you sleep, thank God for the guidance and comfort His Word has provided throughout the day.

May the sweetness of God’s Word be a constant source of joy and strength in your life…

 

Psalm 119:103 How sweet are Your words to my taste!Yes, sweeter than ...

DEAR GOD: You Say It All & You Are My All~

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Pin by Loloww Lori on BIBLE | Peace meaning, Peace, Bible

 

Jeremiah 33:6 (NLT)-

Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security.

In the midst of darkness, death, and despair, the love of God is like a guiding light, leading His people to safety. This is the spirit and message of Jeremiah 33:6. The prophet received a vision from God foretelling the death, destruction, and devastation that would fall on the city.

It is important to remember that God’s love and mercy can guide us through even the most difficult times. God is with us, even when we have difficulty “hearing” at times. It’s a matter of seeking Him and taking the time to meditate and think, “what would You have me do LORD? – What is it I am supposed to be doing at this time? – How can I apply Your Word to my situation at this very moment in time?”  When we delve into His Word, and ask for guidance and His wisdom, He will respond in kind.

It may not be instantaneous, but He will provide the answers and direction according to His timetable, not ours. So, patience is an important component and aspect to finding answers.

Deuteronomy 31:6 – 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.

He will never disappoint, and He is why we live and breathe. He is giving us a commandment to “be strong and of good courage” in Deuteronomy 31:6, and that should be good enough for us, HIS WORD, and His promise. We are never alone!

Psalms 23:4 – Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

No matter the circumstances we never walk alone. Perhaps the most memorable example was in the book of Daniel concerning the three Hebrew children that were thrown into the furnace (Daniel 3:16-28). The LORD walked with them and protected them, when they exited the fires, not even one hair on them was singed, and their clothing was intact! Amen!

Isaiah 41:10 – Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

God continuously throughout His Holy Bible tells us and commands us not to fear, that He is with us, and He will strengthen us, and will uphold us.  How can we possibly do otherwise? If our God is telling us to be courageous, have no fear and we need to realize that He is always nearby.

Zephaniah 3:17 – The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

God’s love for us is unapparelled and surpasses anything and anyone in the Universe (that He Created) and knowing that He loves us that much (John 3:16) is the best gift of all. And along with that gift should be a strong reassurance and comfort for His children.

His Word is truth.
His Love is real.
His ways are perfect.

When you are in need of company, He is there. When you are in need of a shoulder to lean on, He is there. When you are in need of comfort, He is there. When you are in need of guidance, He is there. When you are in need of help, He is there. When you are in need of love, He is there…

Do you have Him in Your life? Do you seek Him in all you do? If not, what are you waiting for?

A life with our LORD and Savior is the only life worth living!

“Father, thank You for Your promises, love, and guidance and all You do and say, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: LOVE & THANKS FOR YOUR HELP~

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Praise ye the LORD, and keep His way, and He shall exhalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. (Psalm 112:1 KJV)

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And, if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together.  (Romans 8:16-17 KJV)

 

I realize that God is with us through all kinds of scenarios and have discovered that to be true too numerous to count and today I had a moment where I was exceedingly frustrated.   My computer wasn’t recognizing my password and therefore wasn’t allowing me to get in. After several attempts “login failed…password unknown” I took a deep breath. I shut down and tried to get by safe mode and go into recovery, but my keyboard wasn’t allowing me to choose! This went on for about an hour.  I asked God for help, and His wisdom.  I called a “geek” squad, and they told me to bring in the computer and for about one hundred dollars they’d try to recover and make an attempt to get in.  However, if that failed, they’d have to install windows from scratch, and I’d lose all of my info.  I knew that myself-that is why I wanted to see if there was a way to get in without the process of reinstalling a new window.

Anyhow, to make a long story short, I remembered I had another keyboard in my garage.  I went to retrieve it, connected the old keyboard, shut down the computer and lo and behold, I was able to choose safe mode and go into recovery default!!!  Hallelujah, and praise GOD!  He helped me again.

I felt His presence with me the entire time very strongly in fact. It was His wisdom that led me to all of the circumstances to figure this out.  And behold, it was done. So, Thank You God for fixing my computer!

Which brings me to the message for this post, “no matter the circumstances, God is with us.”  He is with us and will never desert us. No matter how big or how small. Nothing is too big or too small for our God.

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:9 KJV)

The significance of His Spirit and His wisdom is what keeps us “going” in all that we undertake and oversee on a daily basis.  We should never believe “we do it on our own”–He empowers us with His presence from within and guides us through all aspects thereof.

So thank You Lord for once again being there…how absolutely amazing You are! I love you so much.

Computer giving you trouble? –No problem, call God, after all who do you think taught that computer geek?

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And, if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together.  (Romans 8:16-17 KJV)

“Father, thank You for all You are and do, and thank You for Your guidance and strength, and Your wisdom and love that pours over me like a warm soothing balm, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: My Life Here Renewed Daily By You There~

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1 John 5:13: I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

I have always known the existence of God, since a little child. I was fortunate to be raised in a Christian environment, with church going parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. In fact, Sunday was a fine time to worship, meet and greet…and have others over for family dinners. It was special from sunrise to sunset. The foundation for my life was built upon the Rock, with my parents setting a fine example.

Today, as a senior citizen I look back and realize that God has ALWAYS been with me, through thick and thin. Through rough times and good times. And all the in between times.

As Christians we recognize God’s Word and surrender to His commandments and try to stay within the parameters of His Wishes. Being human, we sometimes fall short, and of course we repent and with contrite hearts we are forgiven.

We learn things from our falls, and we gain insight and wisdom because of them. I think that’s what defines humanity. Our ability to gain strength and depth with each transgression or tribulation.

I don’t know about anyone else, but being Bible savvy doesn’t mean I don’t learn something new each time I pick it up and read. There is a new thought or understanding and room for growth every time.

Living is living while here on earth, but when we are called home, that will be ETERNAL LIFE and all the rewards that come from that. I live daily because of Him living “there.”  And one day, I look forward to my future eternal home.

Until such time, I live for Him and Him alone.

“Father, God, thank You for the Word and Your guidance yesterday, today, tomorrow and all the days of my life here on earth, I embrace You and Your promises of the rewards to come, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: Your Spirit Rules Flesh ~

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Free faith dove holy spirit illustration

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Romans 8:9 (KJV)

 

There is a point when no matter how “spiritual” a person is, no matter how they define themselves in terms of Christianity, we might react driven strictly by our flesh, and not in accordance with our spirit. And that my friends, is what being “human” is all about!

Yes, we know the verse walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh (Galatians 5:16) – However, sometimes it is exceedingly difficult to push flesh impulses aside. Or to tell our flesh “SHUT-UP!”

Walking in the truth of God’s Word is to do it consciously, if not effortlessly…every single day of our lives here on earth.

Walking in the Spirit is to walk in a “New life in Jesus Christ.”  We turn from our old life. That old life includes bondage to any one person, system, idea or a contraindicative belief of a religious ritual, which is not Christ’ doctrine.

We are saved by Grace. His sacrifice and willingness to be nailed to a cross for our salvation, is a provision that only the Messiah accomplished. For us.

1 Peter 2:24 states, “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds, you have been healed. Romans 6:12 Paul tells us do not let sin reign in our mortal body so that you obey it.

Let’s face it. Flesh is annoying and lazy. It serves a purpose while we are here on earth, after all our spirit is encased in it. But when it comes down to Spirit verses the Flesh!  Spirit wins hands down! Amen!

Flesh wants to please itself. It wants to give itself pats on the back. It is greedy, it always wants more than it needs. And it will lead you on the road to temptation over and over.  The Spirit is kind, gentle, filled with wisdom and love. It wants what is best for us. And it is caring and giving.

Being led by the Spirit is to live a life of peace and gratitude. Being led by the flesh, is to live a life of indulgence and decadence. Living in the Spirit is rewarding and satisfying. Living in the flesh, is yearning for more and never being satiated.

Who do you represent? Are you the flesh? Or are you the Spirit?

Realize, we are human, and we all fall short from time to time. But when we do, understand that God forgives, and start all over again.

And when the flesh is getting loud and in your face…let the Spirit take over. When you do, I promise you that the flesh will be silenced immediately!

“Father, may I be led by Your Spirit in all I do, may I recognize the goodness of Your ways, and not be tempted by fleshy things or matters, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”