commandments of God

DEAR GOD: Your Mercy & Love Is Life Sustaining~

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Embracing God’s Love Through Mercy and Forgiveness

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:12-13 (NLT)

 

In Colossians 3:12-13, we are reminded of the profound love God has for us and the virtues we are called to embody as His chosen people. This passage encourages us to clothe ourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. It also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, mirroring the forgiveness we have received from the Lord.

Supportive Scriptures

  • Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
  • Matthew 6:14-15: “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.”
  • 1 Peter 3:8: “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”

Moral Takeaways

  1. Tenderhearted Mercy: We are called to show compassion and empathy towards others, understanding their struggles and offering support.
  2. Kindness: Acts of kindness, no matter how small, reflect God’s love and can have a profound impact on those around us.
  3. Humility: Recognizing our own imperfections helps us to be more forgiving and less judgmental.
  4. Gentleness and Patience: These virtues help us to navigate conflicts and misunderstandings with grace and understanding.
  5. Forgiveness: Forgiving others is not just a suggestion but a command that reflects the forgiveness we have received from God.

Scenarios in Today’s World

  • Workplace Conflicts: Imagine a colleague who consistently undermines your efforts. Instead of harboring resentment, approach them with kindness and seek to understand their perspective. This can lead to a more harmonious work environment.
  • Family Disputes: Family gatherings can sometimes bring up old wounds. Choosing to forgive and let go of past grievances can heal relationships and bring peace.
  • Social Media Interactions: In the age of digital communication, misunderstandings are common. Responding with gentleness and patience rather than anger can defuse potential conflicts.

What God Expects from Christians

God expects us to be reflections of His love and grace in the world. By embodying these virtues, we become living testimonies of His transformative power. Our actions and attitudes should draw others towards the love of Christ.

Reflective Questions

  1. Are there areas in my life where I struggle to show mercy and kindness?
  2. How can I practice humility in my daily interactions?
  3. Is there someone I need to forgive, and what steps can I take towards forgiveness?
  4. How can I cultivate patience and gentleness in challenging situations?

Prayer

“Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing us to be Your holy people. Help us to clothe ourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Teach us to forgive others as You have forgiven us. May our lives be a reflection of Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Meditative Thought and Scripture

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15

 May the Lord bless you
    and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
    and be gracious to you.
 May the Lord show you His favor
    and give you His peace.’

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DEAR GOD: I Love To Dwell In Your Place My LORD~

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I Will Dwell In The House Of The Lord Forever, Beginning Now

 

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!” – Psalm 84:1

The opening verse of Psalm 84 invites us into a sacred space—a place where our souls find solace, our hearts resonate with joy, and our spirits commune with the living God. As we delve into this beautiful psalm, let us explore its rich layers, drawing inspiration for our Christian journey today.

Moral Thoughts:

  1. Longing for God’s Presence: The psalmist’s soul longs for the courts of the Lord. This longing reflects our innate desire for communion with God. In our busy lives, do we carve out moments to seek His presence? How can we cultivate a deeper hunger for God?
  2. The Beauty of Holiness: The psalmist describes God’s dwelling place as “lovely.” It’s not merely a physical structure but a realm of holiness. How can we honor the sacredness of our own hearts, recognizing that we are vessels for God’s presence?
  3. Blessed Are Those Who Dwell: The psalmist declares blessings upon those who dwell in God’s house. What does it mean to dwell in His presence daily? How can we create spiritual habits that draw us closer to Him?

Christian Living Today:

  1. Our Spiritual Home: Just as the psalmist yearned for the temple, we have a spiritual home—the body of Christ. Our churches, small groups, and fellowship gatherings become dwelling places where we encounter God. How can we actively engage in our spiritual communities?
  2. Joyful Worship: Our hearts and flesh sing for joy when we worship the living God. Worship isn’t confined to Sunday mornings; it’s a lifestyle. How can we infuse our daily routines with worship, expressing gratitude and awe?
  3. The Journey Matters: The psalmist speaks of the pilgrimage to Zion. Our faith journey is also a pilgrimage—a process of growth, valleys, and mountaintops. How do we navigate life’s journey with faith, knowing that God is our constant companion?

Reflective Questions:

  1. What does God’s dwelling place mean to you personally? How do you experience His presence?
  2. Are there areas in your life where you long for God more intensely? How can you invite Him into those spaces?
  3. How can you make your home, workplace, and relationships places where God’s presence is felt?

Meditative Exercises:

  1. Silent Prayer: Find a quiet spot and meditate on Psalm 84:1. Allow the words to sink in, inviting God’s Divine Presence.
  2. Nature Walk: Take a walk outdoors, appreciating the beauty of creation. Reflect on how God’s dwelling place extends beyond walls.
  3. Journaling: Write down your longings, joys, and reflections. Pour out your heart to the Lord.

Applying Our Love Today:

  1. Love God Wholeheartedly: Let our love for God permeate every aspect of our lives. Whether at work, with family, or in our hobbies, may our actions reflect our love for Him.
  2. Love Others: As we dwell in God’s love, let’s extend it to others. Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving. Love is our greatest witness.

 Unity Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your dwelling place—the courts of the Lord. Fill our hearts with longing for You. May our lives be a fragrant offering, a temple where Your Spirit resides. Teach us to love You wholeheartedly and to love our neighbors as ourselves. As we journey toward Zion, guide our steps, and may our worship be a symphony of joy. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

____________________________________________________________

Takeaway Thoughts:

  • God’s Presence is our true home.
  • Worship is a lifestyle, not an event.
  • Our pilgrimage is marked by His grace.

May you find rest and joy in the dwelling place of the Lord.

 

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DEAR GOD: Your Commandments We Humbly Follow~

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See related image detail. John 14:21 He that has my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that ...

Love One Another

 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-5 (ESV)

 Reflection: Love transcends mere sentiment; it is an active choice. When we love as Christ loved—selflessly, sacrificially, and unconditionally—we bear witness to our discipleship. How can we better express love in our daily interactions?

Takeaway: Our love for others reflects our love for God. Let us seek opportunities to serve, forgive, and uplift those around us.

Pray for Your Enemies

But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. – Matthew 5:44-45 (ESV)

Reflection: Praying for enemies transforms our hearts. It softens bitterness, fosters empathy, and aligns us with God’s mercy. How can we extend grace even to those who oppose us?

Takeaway: Our prayers for others reveal our commitment to Christ’s teachings. Let us intercede for those who challenge us, seeking their well-being.

Repentance and the Kingdom of Heaven

Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. – Matthew 4:17 (ESV)

 Reflection: Repentance is not a burden but a gateway to divine grace. Acknowledging our imperfections, we turn toward God, seeking forgiveness and transformation. How can we cultivate a repentant heart?

Takeaway: Repentance opens the door to God’s Presence. Let us humbly seek His forgiveness and strive for holiness in humble and gracious servitude in all we do.

Believing in Jesus

Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. John 14:11 (ESV)

 Reflection: Faith in Jesus transcends intellectual assent. It involves trust, surrender, and a personal relationship. How can we deepen our faith in Him?

Takeaway: Believing in Jesus connects us to the Father. Let us anchor our lives in His redemptive work. Let’s be a reflective magnet in terms of His light and His ways in all we encounter in our daily lives, and in communing with the Holy Father in prayer and song.

Taking Up Our Cross

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. –Matthew 24:25 (ESV)

Reflection: Taking up our cross means embracing sacrifice, humility, and obedience. It is the path to true discipleship. How can we live out this radical commitment?

Takeaway: Our willingness to bear our cross demonstrates our devotion to Christ. Let us follow Him wholeheartedly.

Making Disciples

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” –Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)

Reflection: We are called to share the Gospel. Discipleship involves not only personal growth but also leading others to Christ. How can we fulfill this commission?

Takeaway: Making disciples expands God’s kingdom. Let us boldly share our faith and nurture spiritual growth in others.

Praying Always

But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:36 (ESV).

Reflection: Persistent prayer keeps us spiritually alert. It sustains us during trials and prepares us for Christ’s return. How can we cultivate a habit of constant prayer?

Takeaway: Prayer connects us to God’s presence. Let us seek His strength and guidance through unceasing communication.

Closing Unity Prayer:

“Dear Loving Father, we thank You for the commandments that lead us to You. May our lives reflect the depth of Your love, and may we walk faithfully in Christ’s footsteps. Grant us strength, wisdom, and compassion as we journey toward Your eternal presence. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

 

May these verses be hidden in your hearts as you go forward in your journey today outwardly reflecting the light of the LORD, and may the Word and ‘voice’ of Christ be at the center of all you do, this day and always…

 

John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, That you love one another ...

 

DEAR GOD: How May I Please You?~

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Colossians 1:10 

“…so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;”

 

Pleasing our Father should be the goal of all believers, and all who call upon the name of Christ for salvation.

For all those who want to please God walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. Meaning, walk with the spiritual frame of mind and not by the body mind.

Walking in the Spirit and not in the flesh summed up means, “walking worthy of our calling and surrendering to God’s will. And being obedient in His commandments.

It may seem utterly unattainable and truly impossible to do. But God wants us to please Him, and He will supply the strength to do so, when we are contrite in heart and sincere in our desire to do so.

After all it’s His Spirit who lives in our hearts, and that is how we can manage to live by the Spirit.  In Romans 8:8

Paul reminds us that, “whoever walks in the flesh cannot possibly please God.” That alone is reason enough to want to walk worthy and put on the Spirit of God. We do this by our faith, because without it, we are not going to please God.

We must truly believe in Christ, as our Savior. We must believe He exists. He also will reward those who earnestly seek Him. ((Hebrews 11:6).

Those who are still in their sin have their minds sent on sinful desires. Whereas those who have been transformed and regenerated by Christ, are new creatures in Him. The old self is gone, and in its place a new one.2 Corinthians 5:17

Meaning we have a completely new mind that is fully controlled by the Spirit. And when we have that mind-set, we have a desire to live in accordance with Him in all we do and speak.

The mind of a sinful person is death. Ostensibly, the mind controlled by the Spirit is Life and peace. But the sinful mind is hostile and unmoving and set in their ways, not wanting to please God. The flesh does not want to acquiesce to God’s law or submit to it. Nor can it do so, without Christ’ Spirit and strength.(Romans 8:6-7).

Finally, pleasing God truly comes down to this: “Living according to His commandments, living according to His precepts, and doing it with reverence and complete submission and unconditional love.

We always want to please those we love right?

The Bible is full of exhortations to righteous living and loving Christ. Jesus says it quite clearly, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15). 

The Epistles are God’s plan for believers. This book shows and tells what to display throughout our lives, concerning our behavior that is most pleasing and satisfying to God:

“For the rest, then, my brothers, we beseech you and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as you have received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more” (1Thessalonians 4:1).

 

“Father, may I always be pleasing in Your eyes, may I walk in the Spirit and follow your precepts, commandments, and laws, and may I glorify You all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Walking In The Spirit - Part 1 - CrossBridge Community Church