Salvation

DEAR GOD: Waiting Quietly For You & Loving You~

by // // No Comments

Waiting For the Lord - Zeteo 3:16

Waiting Quietly for Salvation: A Reflection on Lamentations 3:26

The book of Lamentations, attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, is a collection of poetic laments expressing grief, sorrow, and longing. Amidst the desolation and suffering, we find a gem of wisdom in Lamentations 3:26:

“It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.” 

This verse invites us to pause, reflect, and consider the virtue of patient waiting. Let us journey through its depths, drawing insights and inspiration.

The Beauty of Quiet Waiting

Waiting is an inevitable part of the human experience. We wait for healing, for answers, for breakthroughs, and for redemption. Yet, in our fast-paced world, waiting is often seen as a burden—a wasted moment. Lamentations 3:26 challenges this perspective. It reminds us that waiting can be a sacred space—a place where our souls find rest and our trust in God deepens.

 The Quietness of Faith

“Wait quietly,” the verse says. Not with anxious pacing or fretful impatience, but with a quiet heart. Faith thrives in the stillness—the moments when we surrender control and allow God’s timing to unfold. In quiet waiting, we learn to listen to His whispers, to discern His movements, and to find solace in His promises.

Reflective Questions

  • How do you typically approach waiting?
  •  Are you restless or serene?
  • What does “quiet waiting” mean to you?
  • How can you cultivate it in your life?

Takeaway Thoughts

Patience as a Virtue: Waiting is not passive; it’s an active discipline. Patience molds our character, teaching us endurance and trust.

God’s Timing: When we wait quietly, we acknowledge that God’s timing is perfect—even when it doesn’t align with ours.

Hope in the Silence: In the quietude of waiting, hope blossoms. Our salvation is assured, even if we cannot yet see it.

Moral Overview

Lamentations 3:26 teaches us that waiting is not wasted time. It is an invitation to draw near to God, to lean into His promises, and to find strength in our quiet trust.

Closing Unity Prayer

“Dear Heavenly Father, grant us the grace to wait quietly. May our hearts find rest in Your timing, and may our faith deepen as we anticipate Your salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

May this reflection on Lamentations 3:26 bring comfort and encouragement to your soul, as you joyfully and patiently wait on the LORD, and may you meditate on the goodness of the LORD and all that He is…

DEAR GOD: THANK YOU!

by // // No Comments

John 3:16 God So Loved The World Machine Embroidery Design

The Depth of Divine Love

The verse John 3:16 is a beacon of hope, a celestial promise that transcends time and space. It encapsulates the essence of Christianity—the profound love of God for humanity. Let us delve into its depths, exploring how we, as Christians, can honor Him and live out this eternal truth.

The Verse

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 ESV)

The Magnitude of His Sacrifice

God’s love is boundless. He didn’t merely express affection; He gave His Son—the ultimate sacrifice. Imagine the pain of a parent surrendering their child for the sake of others.

  • How does this selfless act impact your understanding of love?

Inclusive Love

“The world” encompasses everyone—regardless of race, creed, or past. God’s love knows no boundaries.

  • How can we extend such inclusive love to others?

Belief and Eternal Life

Belief in Jesus is the key. It’s not mere intellectual assent but wholehearted trust. Eternal life awaits those who embrace this truth.

  • What does genuine belief look like in your life?

Living Sacrifices

Romans 12:1 urges us to present our bodies as living sacrifices. Our daily choices—small or significant—can honor God.

What sacrifices can you make today to honor Him?

Love in Action

 John 3:18 reminds us to love not in words alone but through deeds. Acts of kindness, forgiveness, and compassion honoring Him in all we do.

  • How can you tangibly express God’s love to others?

Integrity and Holiness

Our moral views matter. Honoring God involves living with integrity, resisting temptation, and pursuing holiness.

  • What areas of your life need alignment with God’s standards?

Thoughts to Take Away

Embrace Grace

God’s love isn’t earned; it’s freely given. Accept it with gratitude.

  • How can you extend grace to yourself and others?


Share the Good News

John 3:16 isn’t just for us—it’s for the world. Share it boldly.

  • Who needs to hear this life-transforming message today?

 Unity Prayer:

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your incomprehensible love. Help us honor You daily, living as reflections of Your grace. May our lives echo John 3:16, drawing others into Your embrace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

__________________________________________________________________

 John 3:16 isn’t a mere verse; it’s a lifeline. As Christians, let us honor God by living out this love, sharing it with a world desperate for hope. May our lives resonate with the eternal truth: God so loved us that He gave His Son. 🙏✨

DEAR GOD: I Reflect On Your Gift Of Salvation~

by // // No Comments

Salvation Anyone? | Journeys

Psalm 149:4: A Reflection on Divine Pleasure and the Beauty of Salvation

Psalm 149:4 states, “For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.” This verse is a powerful reminder of God’s love and favor towards His people. It speaks of a God who not only creates but also delights in His creation. But what does it mean for the Almighty to take pleasure in His people, and how does He beautify the meek with salvation?

The Pleasure of the Lord

The pleasure of the Lord is not like human pleasure, which is often fleeting and self-serving. God’s pleasure is deep, abiding, and focused on the well-being of His people. It is a pleasure rooted in love and grace. Reflect on this: What brings you pleasure? How does your pleasure compare to the pleasure of the Lord?

The Beauty of Salvation

Salvation is often thought of in terms of rescue or deliverance from sin. However, Psalm 149:4 suggests that salvation is also an adornment, a beautification. It is God’s transformative work that takes the broken, the meek, and the humble, and clothes them in the beauty of His grace and righteousness.

Consider this: In what ways have you experienced the beautifying work of salvation in your life?

Scriptural Support

Throughout the Bible, we see the theme of God’s pleasure in His people and the beauty of salvation echoed:

  • Zephaniah 3:17 says, “The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
  • Isaiah 61:10 declares, “I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of His righteousness.”

These passages reinforce the message of Psalm 149:4, showing us that God’s pleasure and the beauty of salvation are central to His relationship with us.

 Reflective Questions

  1. How can we live in a way that brings pleasure to God?
  2. What does it mean to be ‘beautified’ with salvation in our daily lives?
  3. How can the knowledge of God’s pleasure in us transform our self-perception and interactions with others?

In Unity Prayer

“Dear Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your love and the pleasure You take in us. We are humbled by the beauty of Your salvation that adorns us in righteousness. May we live lives that reflect Your grace and bring You joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Moral Thought of the Day

“True beauty is found in the salvation that God bestows upon us, transforming our lives from the inside out and reflecting His perfect love.”

I invite you to ponder the depth of God’s love and the transformative power of His salvation. It encourages us to reflect on our own lives and to seek to align our pleasures with those of the Lord, finding true beauty in the salvation He offers. May this reflection lead us to a deeper understanding and appreciation of God’s love for us.

DEAR GOD: Your Forgiveness Is Testament To Your LOVE~

by // // No Comments

Pin on Bible quotes

The Embrace of Divine Forgiveness and Love

Throughout the history of human existence, the threads of Divine forgiveness and love are interwoven with our every experience. The concept of God’s forgiveness is a cornerstone in many religious texts, offering solace and hope to those who seek redemption. It’s so comforting to explore the depth of God’s forgiveness and His undeniable love for us, supported by scriptures that serve as pillars of faith for believers. It brings joy into the heart of the believers to realize and understand the depth of His compassion and love for us. It brings a sense of hope and light into our hearts, mind, body and soul to accept Him as our LORD and Savior.

God’s Forgiveness: A Testament to Love

The act of forgiveness is a testament to the boundless love that God holds for His creation. In the Christian tradition, the Bible speaks volumes of this through various passages:

  • 1 John 1:9 states, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This verse reassures us that confession leads to redemption.
  • Psalm 103:12 illustrates the extent of God’s forgiveness, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” It signifies the complete erasure of our wrongdoings through His mercy.
  • Ephesians 2:4-5 echoes this sentiment, “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” Here, love and forgiveness are intertwined, highlighting salvation as a gift of grace.

The Moral of Forgiveness

The moral of forgiveness is not merely about receiving it but also about extending it to others. As we are embraced by God’s forgiveness, we are called to mirror that forgiveness in our interactions. Matthew 6:14-15 advises, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” This reciprocal nature of forgiveness is a moral lesson that fosters compassion and empathy within communities.

Questions for Reflection

  • How can we embody the forgiveness that we have been granted?
  • In what ways can we demonstrate God’s love through our actions towards others?
  • What steps can we take to seek forgiveness for our own transgressions?

In conclusion

God’s forgiveness and love are undeniable forces that shape our spiritual journey. They are gifts that not only free us from the shackles of our past but also empower us to live a life of purpose and connection with the divine and with each other.

 “Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You in humility, grateful for Your unfathomable forgiveness and love. May we walk in the light of Your grace, reflecting Your mercy in our lives. Help us to forgive as we have been forgiven, to love as we have been loved, and to extend Your compassion to all. Guide us in Your truth and keep us close to Your heart. Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: Your Love Is Boundless~

by // // No Comments

 

The Boundless Love of God - Preachers Corner

The Boundless Love of God

The essence of God’s love is captured in the relationship between the Father and the Son, a love that extends to all His children. This amazing great love is not merely an emotion, but an active force that has been demonstrated throughout history and recorded in the Scriptures. It extends into the streaming years of generations after generation!

God’s Love for His Son

The love of God for His Son, Jesus Christ, is profound and eternal. In Matthew 3:17, as Jesus was baptized, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” This declaration not only affirms the special relationship between the Father and the Son but also sets the foundation for the love that would be extended to humanity. It is the quintessential and all-consuming love He offers every single day to ALL of His children. And to those who love Him, His provisions and blessings are endless, and beyond the scope of all human understanding!

God’s Love for His Children

God’s love for His children is vividly portrayed in the sacrifice of His Son. Romans 5:8 states, “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This sacrificial love is the cornerstone of Christian faith, illustrating that God’s love is unconditional and available to all who believe. Anyone and everyone has an ‘open invitation’ to experience and be a part of the body of Christ, and guided by the Holy Spirit that dwells within all His believers!

The Bible Depicts The Support God’s Love

The Bible is replete with verses that testify to God’s love. John 3:16 is perhaps the most well-known, declaring, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” This verse encapsulates the breadth and depth of God’s love, emphasizing its sacrificial nature and the promise of eternal life.

Another powerful verse is 1 John 4:16, which says, “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” This verse not only identifies God as love itself but also invites us to dwell in that love, assuring us of His constant Presence. Brings to us full confidence and assurance to the Presence of His Spirit. We are able to withstand and pursue things we cannot do otherwise. It is because of His love and faithful promises, we are able to LIVE LIFE!

Conclusion

The love of God is a theme that runs deep and wide through the intricate mosaic themes of Christian theology. It is a love that knows no bounds. A love that forgives and redeems. A love that sustains and nurtures. As children of God, we are the blessed recipients, although – NOT worthy- of this magnificent love, a love that calls us to live in harmony with one another and with our Creator, our King of kings, and LORD of lord, our Almighty and Loving Father, God!

 “Father, I wish to thank You for Your great love for me, You have shown me the full extent of this love in the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. May I dwell in Your love, and extend it to others, living as a true reflection of Your grace, in Jesus’ name, Amen”

May this devotional resonate with the depth of God’s love He has for all of His children.  

DEAR GOD: Thank You For The Word~

by // // No Comments

 

Bible | Come and See Christianity

The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.”
Isaiah 40:8 (KJV)

پــنـــــدار

When I see any kind of flower this verse above comes to my mind heart and soul immediately.  It brings another verse to my mind from John 1:14 – “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”  And then I grasp once again, the meaning of the Word- Jesus is the Word and He stands forever!  Amazing and so comforting.

My original thoughts on this verse are that it is a beautiful and profound statement of faith that inspires awe and wonder. It also challenges me to reflect on how I can respond to God’s love and revelation in Jesus Christ. How can I behold his glory, receive his grace, and follow his truth in my life? How can I share his love with others? These are some of the questions that this verse provokes in me. What about you?

The next time you see a flower – meditate on these verses and take in the enormity and overwhelming reality of who Christ is, what He has done for us. The WORD is powerfully comforting and a vast reminder of our salvation that was bought by Christ. His blood which covers us and His promises which are never ending, and His love which transcends all things and is unparalleled by any other Being.

“Father, thank You for Your enduring Word and for Your Son, my redeemer, all the days of my life I shall meditate on Your Word, and bring a daily reflection into the seconds of my life that is only possible because of You, in Jesus name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: How Do We Handle Harsh Words?

by // // No Comments

 

You have always put a wall of protection around him…take away ...

 

No weapon formed against you shall prosper,
And every tongue which rises against you in judgment
You shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
And their righteousness is from Me,”
Says the Lord – Isaiah 54:17 (KJV).

When a friend or loved one tosses harsh words your way it could send a piercing dart through your heart. It might also “anger” you, or stupefy you totally into oblivion, leaving you confused and wondering how someone who supposedly cares for you might say such words!

It can bring an array of emotions that cascade through your being. Although the enemy may be whispering to you, “react, and answer and get angry” – don’t!  Stop and ask for peace of Christ, ask the Spirit to guide you and hold you up. And take comfort in the words of the LORD.  His promises to protect you from those who mean you harm or spill vitriolic sewage your way cannot penetrate their caustic words into your soul.

Isaiah 41:10 -“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

These words are not just mere words as mortals usually espouse. No, in fact this is directly from His mouth to His children. He promises to uphold us in all matters pertaining to our protection and our lives.

Psalm 27:1 -“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?”

The light of my salvation— whom shall I fear? No one! Is the answer each and every time. I will state that emphatically and without recourse.  Words are just that- words. When words from mortals spew harsh and cruel, remember they’re not from our Father above, and it shouldn’t penetrate our souls. In fact, those who use “verbal attacks” usually aren’t standing in the light. It can come from the “opposite” side of Christ. So, take that into consideration as well.

Psalm 138:7 -“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.”

This verse in particular helped me this very morning as I am facing a situation that came out of left field. I have no clue about where or why this circumstance surfaced in the first place. However, I run to the Bible and the LORD for His protection and His light to overcome the darkness and to replenish my soul with His love. That’s all I need.

Ephesians 6:11-12 -“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

I never leave home with my armor of protection. I never get nervous about anything because I am fully clothed in His Gospel. It requires a great deal of faith, dedication and trust in the LORD at all times in order to “glide” over the bumpy, rocky road of trials and tribulations. Which includes but not limited to harsh words, harsh actions, and the evil in the world overall.

In times of trouble, we can find refuge in God’s protection. This is what we should think of when we hear harsh words.  These verses remind us of His provision and care for us:

  • Psalm 57:1 “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by.”
  • Psalm 61:2 “From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
  • Psalm 62:8 “Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah”Psalm 71:3 “Be my strong refuge, To which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress.”
  • Nahum 1:7 “The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him.”

Has someone or something thrown you a curve today in terms of harshness or seemingly out of nowhere? Is there something troubling you right this moment that has you upset, nervous, angry or sad? Take comfort in His promises and His Word, and in His love, it will reinforce your heart, mind body and soul.

“Father, thank You for Your Words and promises, I answer to You alone, and find refuge in Your love and light, may I always refer to Your Word in all things, and recognize that You are there holding me up through all things, and all circumstances, you are guiding me fully at all times, and my provisions and soul are fulfilled by Your love, Word and promises, in Christ’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: THANK YOU FOR PSALM 91 & MORE~

by // // No Comments

Open Heaven for Today 22 December 2019 – Divine Protection

I’d just like to put the entire Psalm 91 on the site today as a reminder for all of us in just how spectacularly special and amazing our LORD is! It is the quintessential character of who He is, with His provisions, actions, and promises. It reinforces His Omnipotence and His unsurpassable love for all of His children. We are His children and we’ve been redeemed by His blood and His love, and it is not retractable but reinforced by who He is and what He does each day of our life here on earth. And it will continue to be throughout eternity.

So here is Psalm 91 in its entirety, and I’ve chosen King James Version, should any of you prefer another version, please go to it.  I only suggest as you read this beautiful comforting Psalm, you take in the enormous scope of what it truly represents. And know and trust and believe in His Word as you proclaim His great glory and magnificence.

Have a Blessed day in the LORD, Amen.

 

Psalm 91 (KJV)

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

“Father, we thank You for Your providence over our lives, and for Your promises and Presence in our lives, we are under Your wings and safe within the confines of Your love, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: I Want to Serve You Even on Quiet Days ~

by // // Comments off

Google images of quiet voices clipart 2 - WikiClipArt

Psalm 46:10 -Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

In moments of quiet solitude, I seem to seek the LORD more. During the chaotic moments, which encompasses things happening in my siblings’ lives, friends’ lives and the world overall, I do seek the LORD as well.  However, it is especially during the quiet seconds that I fully envelop my being with His Being; and become overlapped in His Presence in a way I normally wouldn’t in chaos.

Now, this may be true for all those of faith. Or not.  But I do know we all have different ways of reaching out to Him. And of course, different ways of honoring Him while persistently glorifying Him.  Consequently, the end result is more or less, “we love the LORD” and are following Him the best we can. Doing all we can to assure our inherent rights as a child of God and a child of light.

There are times where I will just sit and don’t move, due to physical pain or emotional issues I’ve encountered. I wonder if others feel the same way when sitting. Do they hear the verse, from Psalm 40:6?  Do they feel the subtle nudging of the Holy Spirit pulling guiding them? Do they hear His booming voice in the quietest fashion? His whisper is deafening in terms of realization and comprehension.

Through the course of the day, every second, minute, hour and moment that has gone by, doesn’t go unnoticed by God. For it is He alone that hears my thoughts, and I subsist on His love and His grace. He alone is the tower of strength, that unfolds in my weakest hour. He alone is the ladder I climb, when I’m on the last rung.  He is the mountain I scale when I am crawling in a valley. And He alone is the One that carries me through all of my darkest times, all the while shining His light unto the path in front of me.  Psalm 119:105 – “His Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

It is unfathomable to think that right this moment, there are those who don’t know the immense joy and pleasure of His love. There are those who don’t hear or read the sweet Words in His book. There are those who are enshrouded by a cover of darkness, not realizing there is a brilliant light waiting to shine, if they’d only accept Him.

To deny Christ, is to deny breath. To deny Christ, is to deny life. To deny Christ, is to deny eternity. And to deny Christ is to deny a path of assurance in His promises and His gift of salvation.

For those of you wondering who our LORD is. Open His book and read all about Him!  I guarantee you that an enrichment, coupled with jubilation and peace will burst forth, when you accept Him as LORD and Savior.

The Spirit of Christ will dwell in you, and your existence will become a life worth living, irrespective of your financial situation, health, emotional upheavals, or broken hearts.  He is the healer of all things. The One who is capable of binding you up, healing you while offering His unconditional and unsurpassable love.

Living Water will be with you, and you shall never thirst again.  It will flow from you the waters of life. ( John 7:38)

Do you want a life that is filled by His Peace and Presence? Do you long for love that will never let you down? Seek Him while He can be found. Then sit down with Him and pour out your heart, He listens and understands, everything!  And He will love you no matter what. Now, I ask you this— isn’t that the kind of relationship we all want? Amen!

“Father God, thank You for the moments in my life, thank You for holding me in the good times and bad, and thanks for loving me no matter what, I am Yours and Yours alone, and I surrender to You in all I do, may I follow You will and plan for my life, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”