following His commandments

DEAR GOD: All For You – And You Alone – I Gladly Serve~

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The verse from Colossians 3:24, “Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ,” is a profound reminder of the eternal rewards that await those who faithfully serve Jesus Christ. This verse encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith and service, knowing that their efforts are not in vain but are recognized and rewarded by the Lord.

Supporting Scriptures

  1. Ephesians 6:7-8: “With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.”
  2. Matthew 25:21: “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
  3. Hebrews 6:10: “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

Moral Takeaways

  1. Faithfulness in Service: Serving the Lord with a sincere heart, regardless of recognition from others, is a testament to our faith. Our service should be motivated by love for Christ and the desire to honor Him.
  2. Eternal Perspective: This verse reminds us to maintain an eternal perspective. The rewards we seek are not earthly but heavenly. Our inheritance is eternal life with Christ, which surpasses any temporary gain.
  3. Encouragement in Trials: Knowing that the Lord sees and rewards our efforts can provide comfort and encouragement during difficult times. Our labor in the Lord is never in vain.

Reflective Questions

  1. How can I serve the Lord more faithfully in my daily life?
  2. Am I seeking recognition from others, or am I content with the Lord’s approval?
  3. How does the promise of eternal rewards influence my actions and decisions?

Closing Prayer

“Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the promise of eternal rewards for those who faithfully serve You. Help us to remain steadfast in our service, knowing that our efforts are not in vain. Give us the strength to persevere through trials and the humility to serve without seeking recognition from others. May our lives be a reflection of Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

 

Scripture to Ponder for the Day

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58

May the LORD provide encouragement in your walk all the days of your lives. Have a blessed day~

 

DEAR GOD: Focusing & Meditating On Your Word Daily~

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10 Bible Verses About Pentecost - Holy Spirit Scriptures

Proverbs 4:20-22 (KJV)

“My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.”

 Focusing On His Word

Then: In the context of ancient Israel, Proverbs 4:21-22 is part of a larger passage where Solomon, the wise king, is imparting wisdom to his son. The “them” in these verses refers to the words of wisdom and instruction that Solomon is sharing. He emphasizes the importance of keeping these teachings constantly in sight and deeply embedded in one’s heart. The promise attached to this adherence is profound: these words bring life and health to those who embrace them.

Today: In contemporary times, these verses still hold significant relevance. They remind us of the timeless value of wisdom and understanding. In a world filled with distractions and conflicting messages, keeping God’s wisdom at the forefront of our minds and hearts can guide us through life’s challenges. The promise of life and health can be seen as both spiritual and physical well-being, emphasizing the holistic benefits of living a life grounded in divine wisdom.

Moral Thoughts

  • Value of Wisdom: The verses highlight the intrinsic value of wisdom and understanding. In a world where information is abundant but wisdom is scarce, these verses remind us to seek and cherish true wisdom.
  • Holistic Health: The promise of health to all flesh suggests a holistic approach to well-being. True wisdom not only nourishes the mind and spirit but also has tangible benefits for our physical health.
  • Consistency: The call to keep wisdom constantly in sight and heart underscores the importance of consistency in our spiritual practices. It’s not enough to seek wisdom sporadically; it must be a continuous pursuit.

Reflective Questions

  1. What are the sources of wisdom in my life, and how do I prioritize them?
  2. How can I ensure that I keep God’s teachings at the forefront of my daily life?
  3. In what ways have I experienced the holistic benefits of living according to divine wisdom?
  4. How can I cultivate a consistent practice of seeking and applying wisdom in my life?

Meditative Takeaways

  • Daily Reflection: Take a few moments each day to reflect on a piece of wisdom from the Bible or another trusted source. Meditate on its meaning and how it applies to your life.
  • Heart and Mind Alignment: Strive to align your thoughts and actions with the wisdom you hold dear. Let it guide your decisions and interactions.
  • Holistic Health: Consider how your spiritual practices contribute to your overall well-being. Seek a balance that nurtures your mind, body, and spirit.

Prayer

“Dear LORD, our Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your wisdom. Help us to keep Your teachings ever before our eyes and deeply rooted in our hearts. May Your words be life and health to us, guiding us through every challenge and blessing us with holistic well-being. Grant us the consistency to seek Your wisdom daily and the discernment to apply it in all areas of our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Supportive Scriptures

  • James 1:5 (KJV): “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
  • Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV): “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
  • Psalm 119:105 (KJV): “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

I hope this reflection brings you the peace of the LORD our God, and an abundance of inspiration and encouragement.

 

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DEAR GOD: A King Beyond Earthly Royalty~

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My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.
Psalm 45:1 (ESV)

 

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Let’s delve into Psalm 45:1, a beautiful passage that stirs the heart and invites reflection. This verse is attributed to the Sons of Korah and is often considered a love song or a psalm celebrating a royal wedding. However, its spiritual significance extends beyond earthly kings and queens. It’s for the King of kings, and LORD of lords!  The One and only always and forever. He is amazing and we should be poised to love and honor and serve Him all the days of our lives, now and this moment – always!

The Noble Theme: A King Beyond Earthly Royalty

The Heart Stirred: The psalmist’s heart overflows with a noble theme. Imagine the emotions welling up within—a sense of awe, reverence, and inspiration. This theme transcends mere human affairs; it points to something greater.

The Skillful Writer: The psalmist likens their tongue to the pen of a skillful writer. This isn’t just about eloquence; it’s about Divine inspiration. The Holy Spirit moves them to express profound truths.

Historical Context: In its original context, this Psalm likely celebrated a royal wedding, perhaps that of Solomon. But let’s look beyond the earthly king. Christians see a deeper layer—the eternal King, Jesus Christ.

Christian Reflections:

Jesus, the Ultimate King: Our hearts should overflow with praise for Jesus, the King of kings. His life, death, and resurrection reveal a noble theme—the redemption of humanity. As we recite verses about Him, our tongues become pens, writing His story on our hearts.

Skillful Writers: We, too, are called to be skillful writers. Not with ink and parchment, but with our lives. Our words, actions, and deeds should reflect the beauty of Christ. We’re part of His ongoing narrative.

Unity and Love: Just as a wedding unites two souls, Christ unites us with Himself. We’re His bride. Our love for Him should overflow, inspiring unity among believers. Let our tongues speak love, grace, and encouragement.

Meditative Takeaways:

Contemplation: Take a moment to meditate on Jesus—the noble theme. Let your heart overflow with gratitude for His sacrifice.

Reflective Questions: How can you be a skillful writer in your daily life? What words and actions will honor the King?

Unity Prayer:

“Dear Lord Jesus, our eternal King, stir our hearts with Your noble theme. May our lives be skillful pens, writing love, truth, and grace. Unite us as Your body, reflecting Your glory. Amen.”

 

 

  Remember, Psalm 45:1 invites us to participate in the love and adulation of Christ in all we say and do. It is an exercise for us to participate in as Christians and as servants of a King that is worthy!

 

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DEAR GOD: Comfort Is Only Found In You~

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"The God of All Comfort" - April 28th, 2020 Live Stream Devotional ...

Let’s delve into the rich meaning of Philippians 4:19. This verse, penned by the apostle Paul, resonates across time and speaks to both the early Christians and us today, especially in these days which presents with chaos and turbulence throughout the world. We will find an amass amount of comfort knowing and believing in His Word, and His promises. When we focus on God’s great glory and love for us, it becomes a lot easier to navigate in a world of uncertainty – because the LORD is real and His love and mercy never waver. In a world of disappointments and harsh evil – the LIGHT of the LORD shines and brings elements of peace and certainty to our lives.

The Context:

Paul wrote these words while imprisoned, facing adversity and uncertainty. Despite his circumstances, he exudes joy and contentment. His confidence lies not in earthly abundance but in God’s unwavering provision. His countenance was always steady and confident in God’s love and provisions, even at the darkest moments in his life. He knew that the light and love of the LORD would bring him through everything he was going through. That no matter how bleak or hopeless the circumstances, he knew in his heart that the LORD would and could change the situation he was in by a wave of his hand and mercy. As it is proven and written so many times in the Holy Word of the LORD.

The Verse:

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, ESV)

What It Means to God’s Children:

  1. Divine Provision: Paul assures the Philippians that God will meet their needs. This extends beyond material necessities to spiritual guidance, comfort, and emotional sustenance.
  2. Generosity: The context reveals that the Philippians were generous in their giving. Paul’s confidence in God’s provision stems from their sacrificial hearts.

Relevance Today:

  1. Trust in God: Like the Philippians, we too will always face challenges. This verse reminds us to trust God’s faithfulness even when circumstances seem overwhelming and completely dreary. Trust in the LORD and He will always guide your path. (Proverbs 3:5-8)
  2. Contentment: Our needs may differ, but God’s promise remains. Contentment lies not in abundance but in knowing that God provides according to His riches. And all that He supplies and gives is according to His will and purpose for us in this lifetime.

Morals and Reflective Questions:

  • Generosity: How can we cultivate a spirit of generosity, knowing that God blesses those who give?
  • Priorities: Are we seeking God’s Kingdom first?
  • Belief: Are we trusting that our needs will follow?

Meditative Thoughts:

  • God’s Abundance: Picture His vast riches, flowing toward you.
  • Surrender: Release anxiety; God knows your needs intimately.

Supporting Scriptures:

  • Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
  • Psalm 23:1: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Closing Unified Prayer:

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promise to provide. Help us trust You, knowing that our needs are met in completely in and through Christ. May we live generously and seek Your kingdom above all else, today and all the days of our lives, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Final Moral Takeaway:

God’s provision transcends circumstances. Trust Him, live generously in His love, live by His commandments and doctrine as you go through this lifetime, honor Him and obey Him, and you will find contentment in His abundant grace all the days you remain here on earth. As you study His word and these verses, may they bring peace to you, and may you exalt and glorify Him daily…

All glory and honor and praise to You O’ LORD!

DEAR GOD: Help Me To Walk In Spirit~

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Walking In The Spirit - Part 1 - CrossBridge Community Church

Living life according to the Spirit is a process and a journey. There are so many great verses throughout the Bible that discuss being and walking in the Spirit, Romans 8 – may perhaps be one of the most insightful. Walking in the Spirit promotes general well-being. Even when things are bleak and you might be hindered by circumstances, situations, individuals, or events that transpired in your life-being led by the Holy Spirit will bring about ways in which you not only can and will cope, but will survive all things in life.

Walk in the Spirit (Romans 8:4)

There truly isn’t any shortcut to learning about “how to walk by the Spirit.” Life in the Spirit is trying to live according to God’s law and fundamentally do the right thing. But it’s much more than that. Walking in the Spirit is what it means to live as a Christian-some might say it’s like a light went off -and that light is Jesus Christ.

Set your minds on the things of the Spirit (Romans 8:5)
The question becomes sort of an old riddle: “How can someone extract all of the air out from a drinking glass? – The answer-fill it with something else!

So how do we overcome and pull away from our flesh and our mortal carnal ways, thoughts, actions? Well similar to the riddle, you need to “fill up on good things, godly things, clean things, an entirely different mindset that is strictly oriented toward the things of the Sprit-(Galatians 5:22–23)

We can’t extract thoughts that are displeasing to God from our minds. So, we have to “fill up on all good things.” When we put to the death the deeds of our body by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:13) Life becomes engaging in the most beautiful ways. We get to view, act upon and develop into who we are supposed to be, according to the LORD, and we are then able to serve Him in all kinds of capacities. We are then actively involved with being “one body in Christ.”

Pray in the Spirit.  (Romans 8:26–27)
We are unsure at times what we need or how to ask for help. We are shown that the Holy Spirit will make known by intercessory prayers to the Father, by groanings from within. Overall outcome and result is that our prayers will be answered according to the will of God, because the Spirit is moving us to pray thusly, and in fact presenting our prayer to the Father, and guiding us all the way through!

Eventually walking, acting and presenting in the Spirit to all those we encounter will become part of whom we are.In fact, it is who we are! We are one body in Christ. Believers have His Spirit within. And we can accomplish so much more when we do things in the Spirit, as we are intended to do. The Bible has so many more rich verses pertaining to this in both OT and NT. We just have to open His book and read and commune with Him.  And doing all this- will in fact, make our life a life worth LIVING!

“LORD, help guide and direct me along the highway of life, show me the paths in which I should walk, teach me the gentleness of Your Spirit, help me to walk elegantly and majestically in the Spirit as You have, open my eyes, ears heart and soul to be more like Jesus’ Spirit each day of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”