following His Word

DEAR GOD: I Have   Confidence in You and Your Divine Discipline

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What does god’s discipline look like – Socialest

 “I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is.” – Galatians 5:10 (ESV) –

Context and Background:

The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Galatians to address a serious issue: false teachers were infiltrating the church, promoting legalism, and undermining the gospel of grace. These Judaizers insisted that Gentile believers must follow Jewish customs and laws to be truly saved. Paul’s response was passionate and urgent, emphasizing salvation by faith in Christ alone.

 Confidence in the Lord:

Paul begins with a bold statement: “I have confidence in the Lord.” His trust is not in human abilities but in God’s work within the Galatian believers.

As Christians, we can also have confidence in God’s faithfulness. He who began a good work in us will carry it to completion (Philippians 1:6).

Unity and Sound Doctrine:

Paul expects the Galatians to remain steadfast in their faith and not be swayed by false teachings.

We, too, should hold fast to sound doctrine and avoid being led astray by deceptive ideas or worldly philosophies.

Divine Discipline:

The phrase “the one who is troubling you” refers to those promoting legalism and undermining grace.

God’s discipline is not necessarily punitive but corrective. False teachers will face consequences for their actions.

Reflective Questions:

  • Where do we place our confidence? Are we relying on our abilities or trusting in God’s faithfulness?
  • How do we discern false teachings? What safeguards can we put in place to avoid being led astray?
  • Have we experienced God’s corrective discipline? How has it shaped our faith and understanding?

Meditative Thoughts:

  • Confidence in God: Our confidence rests not in ourselves but in the Lord who sustains us. May we walk in His truth and grace.
  • Spiritual Vigilance: Let us be vigilant against false teachings, seeking wisdom from the Holy Spirit to discern truth from error.
  • God’s Corrective Love: Divine discipline is an expression of God’s love. It redirects us toward His perfect will.

A Moral Story: “The Gardener’s Pruning”:

Once, in a beautiful garden, a skilled gardener tended to a young fruit tree. The tree grew lush and green, but its branches tangled and twisted. The gardener knew that without pruning, the tree would bear little fruit.

One day, the gardener approached the tree with shears in hand. The tree trembled, fearing the pain of the cut. But the gardener spoke gently, “Trust me, little tree. This pruning is for your good.”

As the shears snipped away dead branches and unruly growth, the tree winced. Yet, with each cut, it felt lighter, freer. The gardener whispered, “I am shaping you for abundance.”

In time, the tree blossomed. Its branches stretched toward the sun, laden with sweet fruit. The gardener smiled, knowing that the pruning had borne fruitfulness.

Such is our lives today. At times we need the “Master’s” hands to shape us and prune us of issues and circumstances that might be inhibiting our growth in Him which-ultimately- may be rotting our roots in Christianity. So at times our growth may be “painful” but in the overall picture and aftermath, it will be worth it as we develop higher into the realm of our faith and love for the LORD!

How Can We Apply This Today:

  • Unity: Let us stand united in the gospel of grace, rejecting legalism and embracing Christ’s finished work.
  • Discernment: May we discern false teachings and hold fast to sound doctrine.
  • Trust: Like the pruned tree, trust God’s loving discipline—even when it hurts—knowing it leads to abundant life.

Unified Prayer:

“My Dear Lord, grant us unwavering faith and confidence in You. Help us discern truth from error, and may we remain anchored in Your Word. Strengthen us to resist troubling influences and uphold sound doctrine. Help us in the growth of our spirituality, help us to get closer to You in all we do and say, all the days of our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

“May this encourage us to walk confidently in the LORD’s truth, and offer us encouragement in a dark world, as we follow His Light, and embrace His love, while we love Him in return!”

PPT - God’s Discipline PowerPoint Presentation, free download - ID:3115518

DEAR GOD: Loving You – Always~

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God Is Love

Psalm 26:1, a verse from the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament, is a profound expression of faith and integrity. It reads, “Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.” This verse encapsulates King David’s plea for divine judgment based on his unwavering faith and righteous living.

The Context of the Psalm

David, the attributed author of Psalm 26, is often depicted as a man after God’s own heart, despite his human flaws and sins. This particular psalm is a declaration of his innocence and a testament to his trust in God’s righteousness.

It is believed to have been composed during a period of trial, possibly when he was unjustly accused or when he sought to distinguish himself from the wicked.

The Essence of Integrity

Integrity is the cornerstone of Psalm 26:1. David asserts his integrity not as a claim to perfection but as a reflection of his commitment to God’s laws and principles. He has led a blameless life in the sense that he has striven to uphold justice, truth, and righteousness, even when faced with adversity.

Unwavering Trust in the LORD

The second part of the verse speaks of an unwavering trust in the LORD. Trust here is not a passive state but an active choice to rely on God’s character and promises. David’s trust is not shaken by circumstances; it is a steadfast confidence that God will act justly.

Reflective Questions and Morals

  • How can we emulate David’s example of integrity in our daily lives?
  • What does it mean to trust in the LORD without wavering, especially in difficult times?
  • Can we seek vindication from God while acknowledging our imperfections?

Takeaway Thoughts

  • Integrity is not about being perfect but about striving for righteousness and truth.
  • Trusting in the LORD involves a deep-seated belief in His goodness and justice, regardless of our situations.
  • Seeking God’s vindication is a humble acknowledgment of His ultimate authority over our lives.

Unity Prayer

“Heavenly Father, we come before You, seeking Your truth and righteousness. Like David, we desire to lead lives of integrity, guided by Your Word. We trust in You, Lord, without wavering, for we know that Your promises are true, and Your justice is perfect. “Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies—make straight Your way before me.” (Psalm 5:8) May we walk in Your truth and be a reflection of Your love. Protect us from the snares of the wicked and guide us in the path of righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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Meditative Thought for the Day

Today, let’s meditate on the unwavering trust in the LORD that David exemplified. May we seek to live with integrity, not as a claim to our righteousness but as a testament to God’s transformative power in our lives. Let Psalm 26:1 be a reminder to trust in the LORD’s perfect judgment and to walk in His truth each and every day all the days of our lives.

 

Loving God is Knowing God - Zeteo 3:16

DEAR GOD: You Command- I Gladly Listen~

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Seventy Commandments of Jesus - faithworks

There are many verses in the Bible that talk about the importance and benefits of listening to God’s commandments and being blessed. Here are some prime examples in the importance and relevance in listening, obeying and loving the LORD. There are always consequences to one’s behavior. Repercussions that can be devastating to our “soul and salvation” should we cross lines and alter our lifestyle to that which is polar opposite of God and His Word.  So let’s look at the following verses to see some of the components of being in His Word at all times, and why we should stay there!

These verses and others teach us that listening to God’s commandments is a sign of reverence, love, and faithfulness to God, and that it leads to blessings in this life and the next. Herewith is my conclusion that summarizes this idea.

Listening to God’s commandments is more than just hearing His words, it is opening our hearts and minds to His truth and grace. It is a way of honoring Him, loving Him, and serving Him. It is a way of aligning our lives with His purpose and plan. It is a way of receiving His blessings and sharing them with others. Listening to God’s commandments should be the main source of our joy and peace. It should be the very reason we exist; in many ways it is the ONLY reason we exist. We live and breathe because of Him. He gave us LIFE– and Eternal LIFE, when we subscribe to His commandments and His love, it is an obvious choice.

Have you listened to His commandments today? Are you following His Word and precepts and applying it to your life today? His grace and love invite you all to open His book and get acquainted with His Word. But not only is His book “open” so are His “arms.”  So the question is, “what are you waiting for?”

“Father, thank You for Your Word, may I always avail myself to You as Your humble servant, and oblige You in all I do, may I cover myself with Your precepts and apply them to my life and therefore infuse my soul with Your love, which shall sustain me all the days of my life, and beyond, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”