being with God

DEAR GOD: Wisdom’s Light & Gentle Might

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In the quiet dawn of morning light,
Where shadows fade and hearts take flight,
A call to live with honor bright,
To walk in wisdom’s gentle might.

If you are wise and understand,
God’s ways, His loving, guiding hand,
Prove it by the life you lead,
In every thought, in every deed.

With humility, let actions speak,
In service to the lost and weak,
For in the humble heart resides,
A strength that never falters, hides.

Do good works with a joyful heart,
In every role, in every part,
For wisdom’s path is paved with grace,
A journey to a holy place.

Let kindness be your guiding star,
In every moment, near and far,
For in the acts of love we find,
A mirror of the divine mind.

So live an honorable life each day,
In every word, in every way,
For in the humble, wise, and true,
God’s light will always shine through you.

Prayer:

‘LORD -we come before You with grateful hearts, seeking Your wisdom and guidance. Help us to live lives that honor You, filled with humility and good works. May our actions reflect Your love and grace, and may we always walk in the light of Your truth. Strengthen us to serve others with joy and compassion and grant us the wisdom to understand Your ways. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Scripture for the Day:

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” – James 3:17 (NIV)

 If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:17 (NLT)

DEAR GOD: We Love Walking in Your Light~

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God Is Light - LifePoint Church in Greenville, SC

Walking in the Light: A Journey of Fellowship and Cleansing

 

The verse from 1 John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin,” encapsulates profound truths about Christian life. It speaks to the essence of living in God’s truth, the importance of community, and the transformative power of Jesus’ sacrifice. This essay will explore these themes through a story, reflective questions, moral thoughts, meditative takeaways, a powerful unified prayer, and a takeaway thought for the day.

The Story of Sarah

Sarah was a young woman who had recently moved to a new city. She felt isolated and struggled to find her place in her new environment. One Sunday, she decided to attend a local church service. As she walked into the church, she was greeted warmly by the congregation. The pastor’s sermon that day was on 1 John 1:7. He spoke about walking in the light and the fellowship that comes from living in God’s truth.

Sarah felt a stirring in her heart. She realized that she had been living in the shadows of her fears and insecurities. She decided to take a step of faith and join a small group within the church. Over time, she found a community that supported and uplifted her. She experienced the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood as she confessed her sins and received forgiveness. Sarah’s life was transformed as she walked in the light and embraced the fellowship of believers.

Reflective Questions

  1. In what areas of your life do you feel you are not walking in the light?
  2. How can you foster deeper fellowship with other believers?
  3. What does the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood mean to you personally?
  4. How can you support others in their journey of faith?

Moral Thoughts

Walking in the light means living in truth and transparency. It involves acknowledging our sins and shortcomings and seeking God’s forgiveness. This verse reminds us that we are not alone in our journey. We are part of a community of believers who support and uplift each other. The blood of Jesus is a powerful symbol of cleansing and redemption. It assures us that no sin is too great to be forgiven.

Meditative Takeaways

  • Living in Truth: Reflect on the importance of living in truth and transparency. Consider how you can align your actions with God’s will.
  • Community and Fellowship: Meditate on the value of fellowship with other believers. Think about ways to strengthen your connections within your faith community.
  • Cleansing and Forgiveness: Contemplate the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and the cleansing power of His blood. Allow yourself to experience the freedom that comes from forgiveness.

Powerful Unified Prayer

“Dear LORD, my God – we come before You with grateful hearts, acknowledging the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We thank You for the cleansing power of His blood that washes away our sins. Help us to walk in the light, as You are in the light. Strengthen our fellowship with one another, that we may support and uplift each other in our journey of faith. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, guiding us in truth and love. May our lives reflect Your glory and bring honor to Your name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Takeaway Thought for the Day

“Walking in the light means living in truth and embracing the fellowship of believers. Let the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood transform your life and guide you in your journey of faith.”

Supporting Scripture

  • John 8:12: “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’”
  • Ephesians 5:8: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”
  • 1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

Conclusion

1 John 1:7 is a powerful reminder of the transformative journey of walking in the light. It calls us to live in truth, embrace fellowship, and experience the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood. As we reflect on this verse, let us commit to living in the light, supporting one another, and allowing God’s grace to guide us each day, every single day of our lives, and beyond…

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DEAR GOD: Your Hands and Love Comfort Us~

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O Comfort Me, O Lord; The Journey Is Too Hard! There’s a Reason for Hope! Our Unchanging God ...

God’s Comfort in both good Times: And times of Helplessness and Anxiety.

Introduction:

Life often presents us with moments of helplessness and anxiety. Whether due to external circumstances, personal struggles, or overwhelming challenges, we all experience these emotions. Being mortals we can’t help but feel emotions surging. Whether it’s good happy moments. Or sad ones, such as the death of a loved one. Although we find comfort in our faith…there will be moments when we face adversity and feel anxious. It’s not something to be ashamed of!  A lot of times- I will hear good intention Christians saying, “that anxiety isn’t from God – you are in a stronghold of the enemy.” That introduces guilt or has a tendency to bring riddling doubts of insecurity to the person experiencing the emotion. It’s not a “sin” to feel anxious – it is a natural emotion. God made us to “feel” all kinds of emotions. The problem is if “we choose to stay that way” and not run to the LORD for assurance.

As Christians we will find strength in God alone. It is He that will wipe away all of our “worries and troubles” and give us hope in times of sadness or dark moments in our lives.

And in such times, turning to God provides solace, guidance, and hope. Let’s together delve into this topic, examining moral views, meditative takeaways, reflective questions, and supportive scriptures. Let’s see how we might react the next time we may feel “helpless” or “anxious” – or someone we know, or someone we love feels that way. It is something we ALL experience at one time or another in our lifetime.

Moral Views:

Compassion: God’s heart overflows with compassion for His children. When we feel helpless or anxious, we can trust that He cares deeply for us. This is when we should immerse ourselves in His Word and all of His promises. He tells us continually “do not fear – for I am with You.”  He promises to “never leave us” and these are all promises that we should meditate daily, and especially in times of turmoil.

Empathy: Jesus, during His earthly ministry, empathized with human suffering. He understands our struggles and invites us to cast our burdens upon Him (Matthew 11:28-30). 

Meditative Thoughts:

Surrender: Acknowledge your limitations and surrender control to God. Surrender is not weakness; it’s an act of faith. Being helpless in terms of emotions or a situation is another human trait. It is the LORD we need at all times, but especially in anxious or sad moments.

Presence: God is with you even in the darkest moments. His presence brings comfort and strength. His Word and His “voice” is a powerfully soothing balm that eases our hurt and anxious soul. His commandments and His ways are the key to Life. His love brings Life. His love is unequalled. And there none like Him.

Reflective Questions:

What or whom do you fear?

Reflect on the specific fears or anxieties you face. Are they rooted in past experiences or future uncertainties?

Where do you find security?

Consider whether you seek security in God or rely solely on human solutions. Your answer to this question can be the “answer” for what is going on.

Relying on humans is usually futile and most times will not offer a solution. But relying upon the LORD – is a sure thing. His Word is unbreakable and so is His love for us!

Supportive Scriptures

Philippians 4:6-7:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Psalm 46:1:
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

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

 “Dear Heavenly Father, in moments of helplessness and anxiety, we turn to You and You alone, Grant us the peace that surpasses all of our understanding. Please -Strengthen our faith and remind us of Your unwavering love. May we find refuge in Your presence, all the days of our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Remember, you are not alone. God walks beside you, offering His hand to guide and uplift you. 

O Comfort Me, O Lord; The Journey Is Too Hard! There’s a Reason for Hope! Our Unchanging God ...

DEAR GOD: Waiting Quietly For You & Loving You~

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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: I Reflect On Your Gift Of Salvation~

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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: You Are My Choice Over Everything & Everyone~

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Prayer of Daniel

Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. I make a decree, that in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and steadfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. So, this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
Daniel 6:26-28 (KJV)-

Daniel understood God’s law prohibited eating foods that were being offered to idols. He was in Babylon in full captivity—a place that worshiped false gods—when he soon faced a difficult decision.  King Nebuchadnezzar demanded that only the finest foods be sent for Daniel’s consumption, but only after being presented to idols.

The question became for Daniel “was it better to merely obey the king—or disobey God to please the king? The underlying issues were about allegiance to God.  He could have reasoned that breaking the divine command was because he had no choice, that he was just a servant. That would have been an easy justification for disobedience. However, Daniel was filled with a driven desire to do what was right in the eyes of God—and so as a result, he resolved not to eat the royal food, and sought instead, for a way that would honor the Lord by keeping God’s laws.

Prayer and a reverent mind and heart helped Daniel, and only through God, was he fully strengthened, and able to pursue the righteous path instead of the thorny road.

It’s vital to realize that obeying God is clearly the right choice. No matter what the world is doing, or what your friends think is “cool” – outside of God’s will and laws, it’s like walking the tightrope without the protective net below. However, with God—should we fall, or slip -He is always there to catch us.

Prayers and daily dedication/worship is the preponderance of servitude in His eyes. To become like Daniel, it’s crucial to facilitate a wholehearted commitment to follow the Lord and consistently apply Scripture to circumstances and decisions. Then, when a challenge comes, we’ll have the courage and wisdom to obey God’s commands.

Which path will you choose?  For me -I will choose GOD each and every time!

“Father, I will choose You over everything and everyone each and every time in my life, may I be strengthened by Your love, and Your Spirit as I go through my daily tasks in life, may I be humble in my request to reflect Your light in all I do, and may I acquiesce to Your commandments and adhere to Your Word while honoring You, obeying You, worshiping You, and most especially loving You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”