Children of God

DEAR GOD: You Protect Us Always~

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Jesus helping us. Little boy with blue umbrella walking with Jesus ...

Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing;
    speak a word, but it will not stand,
    for God is with us.
Isaiah 8:10 (ESV)

 

 God Is With Us: Strength in Immanuel”

 Isaiah 8:10 –presents a powerful declaration: “Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; speak a word, but it will not stand, for God is with us.” This verse encapsulates both a warning and a promise. Let us delve into its depths, drawing insights from other Scriptures, reflecting on its relevance today, and finding strength in the presence of Immanuel!

The Context and Meaning

In Isaiah’s time, Judah faced external threats from Israel and Syria. The prophet challenged these enemies, asserting that their plans would fail because God was with His people.  The name Immanuel – God with us – symbolizes Divine protection and assurance.

The verse emphasizes that human schemes, no matter how cunning, cannot prevail against God’s providence. Nothing can stand against God’s power or magnificence or authority!

Moral Takeaways

  1. Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Isaiah’s confidence rested in Immanuel. Likewise, we must recognize that God’s presence transcends our circumstances. When we fear man more than God, we lose sight of His Power and Sovereignty. Trusting in Him dispels anxiety
  2. Fear of God vs. Fear of Man: The believing fear of God preserves us from the disquieting fear of man. when we prioritize God’s opinion over human approval, we find courage to stand firm.

Christian Views Today

  1. Spiritual Warfare: Our battles are not merely physical; they involve spiritual forces. In a world filled with ideologies, temptations, evil and a collective mass of uniquities and distractions, we need the assurance that God fights for us.
  2. Unity Amid Diversity: As Christians, we face diverse opinions and conflicts. Yet, the promise of Immanuel unites us. We can counsel together, but our unity lies in God’s presence, and HIM ALONE!

Reflective Questions

  1. What Plans Am I Making? Reflect on your current plans. Are they aligned with God’s will? Seek His guidance.
  2. Whose Approval Matters Most? Whose opinion shapes your decisions? Remember that God’s approval surpasses all.

Meditative Thoughts

  1. Immanuel’s Nearness: Picture God’s Presence beside you. Feel His strength and peace.
  2. Broken Schemes: Imagine human plans crumbling before God’s Sovereignty.

Powerful Unity Prayer

“Dear Heavenly Father, we gather as Your people, knowing that You are with us. Our plans may falter, but Your purpose stands. Bind us together in unity, transcending our differences. May our hearts echo Isaiah’s trust in Immanuel. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Message for the Day Ahead

As you step into this day, remember: God is with you. No scheme can thwart His purpose. Trust Him, fear Him, and find strength in Immanuel.

May this reflection on Isaiah 8:10 remind us that God’s presence transforms our battles. Immanuel is our anchor, and His promises endure.

 

~I am protected by God~ Isaiah 43:2 NLT 2 When you go through deep ...

DEAR GOD: We Are Yours In Unity Forever~

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God's Love for Us Meaning & How He Expresses It

“I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them.”
John 17:9-10 (NKJV)

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  “Glorified in Unity”

In this poignant passage, Jesus offers a heartfelt prayer to the Father. His words resonate across time, touching our hearts and inviting us to explore the depths of His Divine love, unity, and purpose. Let’s together as children of the Light and the LORD -embark on a reflective journey through these verses.

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Morals and Reflective Questions

Divine Focus: Jesus prays specifically for His disciples, emphasizing their unique relationship with God. How can we cultivate such intimacy in our own lives?

Worldly vs. Kingdom Perspective: Why does Jesus refrain from praying for the world? What does this reveal about His mission and priorities?

Ownership and Unity: The profound exchange of “Yours” and “Mine” underscores unity. How can we apply this principle to our relationships within the body of Christ?

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Christianity Today: A Lens on John 17:9-10

In our modern context, these verses illuminate several aspects of Christian living:

Intercession: Jesus models intercessory prayer. As believers, we are called to intercede for one another, lifting each other up before God. Praying for others is a powerful action for Christians. It is the action and belief that a higher power, Christ can intercede – and is listening to our requests, at all times.

Selective Prayer: Jesus’ focus on His disciples teaches us discernment. We pray not only for ourselves but also for those entrusted to our care. When we pray for others, we represent Christ and His light. His Spirit guides us through the process and the unction from the Spirit provokes us to respond accordingly. We take responsibility in the name of CHRIST and let our requests be known, and if according to His will – it shall be done.

Glorification: Our unity with Christ brings glory to Him. When we live in harmony, reflecting His love, we magnify His name. When we purport to live according to His commandments and His Gospel, we are magnifying His glory to not only ourselves, but to others as a witness to His Magnificence and Omnipotent power and Presence.

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Ethical Implications

Inclusivity: Jesus’ prayer extends beyond His immediate circle. It went to ALL individuals, no exceptions. He loved mightily and freely. He extended that mercy upon all who were willing to receive it. How can we broaden our prayers to include others?

Stewardship: Recognizing that all are God’s, we become stewards of His grace. We accept that role readily and without hesitation respond in a loving and sincere fashion in all we do and speak.

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God’s Love: The Heart of John 17:9-10

God’s love permeates every word. Jesus prays for His own, affirming their belongingness. His love transcends boundaries, embracing us as His children. We, too, are recipients of this Divine affection, it extends to ALL generations, has in the past, currently, and into the future generations – until the end of the age. His love knows no boundaries – He loves unconditionally- and He waits with open arms for us to accept Him as our LORD and Savior, our Redeemer, the one true Son of the only living God!  Have you accepted Him?

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Meditative Takeaway

Consider the intertwining threads of ownership, unity, and love. Ponder how your life glorifies God. As you pray, remember that you are part of a grand tapestry—a beloved child of the Father, and as Christians we are called to respond as children of the LORD, in all ways acknowledge the LORD, follow His voice, and love Him with all our might, heart, mind, and soul!

United Prayer

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of unity. May we cherish our fellow believers, recognizing that we are Yours, and that You are our LORD and Savior.  Guide us and help us continue to glorify You through our lives, help us to intercede fervently and love unconditionally, and see and hear as Your Son does, this day and all the days of our lives, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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May John 17:9-10 continue to inspire and transform while drawing us closer to the heart of Christ.

 

Bible Verses About God's Love | GospelChops

 

DEAR GOD: Your Presence Is Here With Me~

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The Presence of Jesus - United Faith Church

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. –
John 14:18 (ESV)

Jesus speaks to His disciples during the Last Supper. He assures them that despite His impending departure, they will not be left alone. Instead, He promises to return to them. This verse encapsulates both the hope and comfort that Jesus offers to His followers.

The Greek word translated as “orphans” (or “comfortless “as stated in the KJV) conveys the idea of being bereaved, abandoned, or left desolate. Jesus assures His disciples that they won’t be left in this state. His promise extends beyond mere physical presence; it encompasses His ongoing spiritual presence through the Holy Spirit.

Supporting Scriptures

To understand the depth of Jesus’ promise, let’s consider related passages:

  1. John 14:15-17: Jesus introduces the concept of the Holy Spirit as the Advocate (Paraclete) who will come after His departure. The Spirit will guide, comfort, and empower the disciples.
  2. John 14:19: Jesus acknowledges that the world will no longer see Him physically, but the disciples will see Him because He lives. His resurrection ensures their eternal connection.
  3. John 14:20: In that day (after Jesus’ resurrection), the disciples will know that Jesus is in the Father, they are in Him, and He is in them.

Moral Reflection

Jesus’ promise transcends time and circumstance. As believers, we can draw several moral reflections:

  1. Assurance: Just as Jesus assured His disciples, we can trust that He remains with us. We are not spiritual orphans; His abiding presence sustains us.
  2. Hope: Even when circumstances seem bleak, Jesus’ promise reminds us of hope beyond the visible. His return and ongoing presence bring comfort.
  3. Community: Jesus’ promise extends to all believers. We are part of a global family, connected by His Spirit.

Reflective Questions

  1. How does the promise of Jesus’ ongoing presence impact your faith journey?
  2. Have you ever felt spiritually “orphaned”? How did you experience His comfort?

“In Christ, we find our eternal home—a place where spiritual orphanhood gives way to the abiding presence of our Savior.”

Closing Unity Prayer

“Dear Lord, thank You for the promise that You will never leave us as orphans. Your presence sustains us, even when life feels desolate. Fill our hearts with hope and remind us of the eternal connection we have through Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Video: Presence of Jesus - First Baptist Church

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May this reflection on John 14:18 encourage and strengthen our faith. 🙏

 

DEAR GOD: May I Be Childlike In My Faith~

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Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 18:2-5 (NLT)

 

Jesus is instructing His disciples when He tells them they need to “transform into childlike qualities” or it’d be impossible to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

Childlike qualities include humility and a sense of compassion and kindness and openness that are characteristics of a little child. In other words, entering into the Kingdom of the LORD in Heaven won’t be accomplished by defeating all opponents’ and gaining boastful achievements that express a selfish desire to get ahead in a ruthless fashion, or sense.

Instead, we must be humble and walk in compliance and in alignment with His Word and commandments. We must have the “mind” of Christ, and have a heart filled with love of God in all things we endeavor to do in our lives.

Those who enter must be humble in recognizing like little children, we are powerless over the circumstances in our lives. That like little children who are dependent on their parents, we are to understand we are “completely dependent on God” to provide for us and protect us from harm.

Only through this kind of mind-set and actions can we attain the grace from God. And by accepting His Son and following Him in spirit, and belief.

Have you “embraced the inner child” from within to accomplish and attain the goal of His Kingdom?

Are you walking in humility and trust?

Jesus’ words are infallible and His promises are real.

“Father God, thank You for instructing us in preparation for Your Kingdom, may I walk in complete humility and trust, may I hold true to the characteristics of children, and may I embrace You daily, today and always, and know that Your Spirit still guides me every day, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: Dreary Outside – Joyful Inside~

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God is Faithful Forever - Chino Valley Bible Church

I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.

Genesis 9:13

 

 

Yikes!  It seems it hasn’t stopped raining for months!  I almost expect Noah’s Ark to sail by at this point in time.

Since spring began, the Northeast has been hit hard with rain. Yes, we need rain to replenish and irrigate, and fill our reservoirs, etc. However, there is a limit before “flooding” begins to unravel creating havoc, and dangerous situations for those in the vicinity in which the rain has fallen! And on the news, this is the case right now. So many people have encountered dangerous waters rising. Flooding is rampant, and there is still rain in the forecast.

Even though it’s dreary outside, I always have a reason to be cheery inside. Because that’s where my spirit and the Spirit of Christ live side by side!

You know the flooding and havoc is akin to the enemy.  He “floods” God’s children with lies and misery.  That’s his job, and he excels at it. Making people unsure, grappling at their insecurities, tampering with their very lives. He tries to create havoc until it overflows!

Isaiah 59:19 —So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.

This is what we have to be diligent about, watching and sensing the enemy’s next move.  He seeks to destroy us all!

1 Peter 5:8—Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

We are under the protection of the Highest Royal God, and the enemy has nothing on us!  When we follow God, and know Christ gave us the authority in His name to send that old serpent packing, slithering away like the rotten snake he is!

Luke 10:19-–Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

As I gaze outside it is getting extremely dark. An ominous cloud is hanging over my home, set to unleash another round of pelting rain. But all I see is the cloud with the silver lining. Christ!  And I know that at the end of this storm…a beautiful rainbow is set to come out full force.

With Christ giving me the authority in His name over the enemy, and the silver lining being my LORD and Savior, do you get why I’m cheerful inside?

How do you handle the dark days of your life?

Do you handle it like a child of Royalty?

You better!

 

 

“Father thank You for giving me the authority in Your name to handle the enemy, and for recognizing that with You, the sun and rainbow are never far from your children, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”