christ and His light

DEAR GOD: Your Love Is Unsurpassed: Thank You For Your Eternal Promises~

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I Am the Light of the World - Intown Lutheran Church

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” –John 11:25

 

Reflecting on John 11:25, where Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live,” we are invited to delve deeply into the profound truths and promises that lie within His words. His promises which are eternal and have no end. His love which is unsurpassed and His protection that is beyond comprehension. Loving Him and following Him in this temporary resident (earth/flesh bodies) is consequentially the most important aspect of our existence. For to follow Him and align with His truth, Word and His ways, is the building of our future home, which lies in His Kingdom and therefore our “eternal bliss” and rewards fulfilled.

Reflective Questions:

  1. How does the promise of eternal life through Jesus shape the way I live my daily life?
  2. In what ways can I share the hope of resurrection and life with others who might be struggling?
  3. How can I embrace the presence of Jesus in my life, allowing His Spirit to guide and comfort me?

Moral Takeaway:

The promise of Jesus as the resurrection and the life is not just a future hope but a present reality. It calls us to live with a sense of purpose and assurance, knowing that our lives are anchored in His eternal love and power. We are reminded that, through faith, we are partakers of a divine promise that transcends our earthly existence, inviting us to a life of trust, love, and hope. Live in His light, walk in His light, believe in His Word, and coexist with others in the realm of Christ’s Spirit and ways.

Loving Paragraphs:

In the context of biblical times, Jesus spoke these words to Martha, offering her comfort and hope amid the grief of losing her brother, Lazarus. His declaration was a revelation of His divine nature and the power He holds over life and death. This promise was not just for Martha but for all who believe in Him, offering a profound assurance of life beyond physical death.

Today, His words continue to resonate with a similar chord of love and hope. In a world often marked by uncertainty and suffering, the promise of resurrection and life brings a beacon of light. We are reminded that, no matter the challenges we face, our lives are held in the eternal embrace of a Savior who conquered death and offers us new life. His love is unchanging, steadfast, and ever-present, guiding us through every trial and triumph.

Prayer:

“Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is our resurrection and life. In moments of doubt and despair, help us to hold onto this promise, knowing that through faith in Him, we have eternal life. May Your Spirit guide us, comfort us, and fill us with hope and joy. Strengthen our faith and help us to live in a way that reflects Your love to those around us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Scripture to Ponder:

Romans 8:38-39: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Blessing:

May the peace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ fill your heart and soul. May His promise of resurrection and life bring you hope and assurance. May you walk in His grace, knowing that His Spirit resides in you, guiding and sustaining you through all of life’s journeys. Be blessed in His eternal love.

God Bless You All~

 

 

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Your Protection~

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Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit ...Christ’s Protection of His Children

In the Christian faith, the protection of Christ over His children is a fundamental belief that offers comfort and assurance to believers. The Bible is replete with passages that affirm this divine safeguarding, portraying Christ as a shepherd who watches over His flock with unwavering vigilance and care. He is the constant source of comfort and His promises and love cover us all with an assurance that brings an inner peace.

When we aspire to do all according to His will and purpose in our lives, we are able to navigate life and the highways of both good and bad, all the days we are here on earth.

We are able to find the wisdom in cirucmstances that we ordinarily wouldn’t find if we didn’t have Christ as our foundation.

When we follow Him, and all that entails – such as being in the Word daily, praying, meditating on His Word, reflecting on His will, and displaying a Christian countenance from within allowing His Spirit to shine, we are assured safe passage in our lives here, and into the eternity!

The Nature of Christ’s Protection

Christ’s protection is not merely a physical safeguard but encompasses spiritual, emotional, and psychological dimensions. It is a holistic shield that guards the soul from the perils of sin and the despair of life’s tribulations. This protection is vividly illustrated in Psalm 23, where David acknowledges the Lord as his shepherd, leading him beside still waters and restoring his soul, even as he walks through the valley of the shadow of death. This is such a comforting Psalm.

Most people associate Psalm 23 with death, when in fact it is an affirmation of LIFE and the promises of Christ and His love for His children!

The Assurance of Safety

Believers find solace in the promise that nothing can separate them from the love of Christ (Romans 8:38-39). This assurance is not a guarantee against hardship but a testament to the enduring presence of Christ in the midst of life’s storms. It is the conviction that, come what may, Christ’s love remains a bulwark against the forces that seek to harm His children.

That Christ is with us at the helm of the ship in the battered storms at sea. That He is with us through the fires of tribulations and battles in life. That He will guide us and bring us through it all without fail!

Reflection Questions:

  1. How have you experienced Christ’s protection in your own life?
  2. In what ways can we become more aware of Christ’s presence during difficult times?
  3. What role does faith play in feeling protected by Christ?

 “Heavenly Father, we thank You for the protection that Your Son, Christ, extends over us. May we always feel the comfort of His watchful eye and the strength of His loving arms. Help us to trust in His guidance and to rest in the assurance of His care. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: I Am Yours – I Surrender~

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Surrendering To God - YouTube

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:7 NLT

 

Surrendering to God fully is a challenging but rewarding decision that every Christian should make. It means giving up our own will, plans, and preferences, and letting God have His way in every aspect of our lives.

It means trusting that God knows what is best for us, and that He will work all things together for our good. It means obeying His commands, following His guidance, and seeking His glory.

It means relying on His grace, power, and love, and not on our own strength, wisdom, or resources. It means living for Him, and not for ourselves.

One of the reasons we should surrender to God fully is that He is our Creator and He knows us better than we know ourselves. He has a perfect plan for our lives, and He wants to bless us and give us hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 139:13-16, Isaiah 55:8-9)

Another reason we should surrender to God fully is that He loves us unconditionally and He sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins. He offers us forgiveness, grace, and salvation through faith in Christ. He also gives us the Holy Spirit to guide us, comfort us, and empower us. (John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 8:1-2, John 14:26)

A third reason we should surrender to God fully is that He is faithful and trustworthy. He never changes, He never lies, and He never fails. He keeps His promises and He works all things together for our good. He is our refuge, our strength, and our help in times of trouble. (Hebrews 13:8, Numbers 23:19, Romans 8:28, Psalm 46:1-3)

A fourth reason we should surrender to God fully is that He is worthy of our worship and obedience. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He is holy, righteous, and majestic. He deserves our praise, our gratitude, and our service. He commands us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. (Revelation 19:16, Isaiah 6:3, Psalm 145:3, Mark 12:30-31)

These are just some very strong examples of the verses that support the idea of surrendering to God fully. There are so many more in the Bible – if you take the time to read it, and get to know the Father and His love.

I hope they help you understand and appreciate the benefits and blessings of living a surrendered life. 😊

When we surrender to the One and only Master and King of kings and LORD of lords – our lives can be rewarding and fulfilling on every level, inside and out.

God is our weapon of defense in this ugly world of darkness. His light will extinguish the fiery darts the enemy throws our way. His ways and His love are a constant guiding force and sanctuary for us and all we do.

Have you picked up your Bible today? Have you spoken with the LORD today? Remember this, “He is always there and always waiting for YOU!”

“Father, thank You for this day in time, for Your love and guidance, for Your unwavering love and faith in me, I am Yours fully, forever and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”