god’s love for us

DEAR GOD: My Prayers & Thoughts You’ve Heard~

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 Psalm 6:9 The LORD has heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my ...

 

Psalm 116:1 (KJV) says, “I love the LORD, because He hath heard my voice and my supplications.”

This verse, simple in its wording yet profound in its depth, resonates with the heartfelt gratitude and love that emanate from the psalmist’s soul. It encapsulates a personal relationship with the Divine, where prayer is not just a ritual, but a conversation with a loving, attentive God.

Reflective Commentary

Expression of Love: “I love the LORD,” begins the verse, setting a tone of deep affection and devotion. Love here is not an abstract concept but a lived experience born out of countless interactions with the Divine. It is a love that grows stronger with each answered prayer, each moment of divine intervention, and each experience of God’s faithfulness.

Divine Attention: “…because He hath heard my voice and my supplications.” The psalmist’s love is a response to God’s attentive listening. In a world where voices often go unheard, where pleas are ignored, the assurance that the Creator of the universe listens to our humble cries is profoundly comforting. This divine attentiveness assures us that our prayers do not fall into a void but reach the ears of a compassionate and loving God.

Personal Relationship: This verse also highlights the personal nature of the relationship between the psalmist and God. It’s not just the collective prayers of Israel that are heard, but the individual supplications of a single soul. This personal touch transforms the abstract deity into a loving Father who is intimately involved in the lives of His children.

Supportive Scriptures:

  • 1 John 5:14 (KJV): “And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us.”
  • Philippians 4:6 (KJV): “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
  • Psalm 34:4 (KJV): “I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”

Reflective Questions:

  1. How does knowing that God hears your prayers influence your relationship with Him?
  2. In what ways can you express your love for the Lord in your daily life?
  3. How have you experienced God’s attentiveness and faithfulness in your own journey?

Moral Takeaways:

This verse reminds us that our relationship with God is reciprocal. Our love for Him grows as we experience His faithfulness in hearing and responding to our prayers. It encourages us to be persistent in prayer, confident that God listens and cares deeply for our individual concerns.

Christianity Today vs. Years Ago:

While the modes of communication and the pace of life have changed dramatically over the centuries, the essence of our relationship with God remains unchanged. Just as the psalmist found solace and assurance in God’s attentive ear, so too can believers today find comfort in the unchanging nature of God’s love and faithfulness. In a fast-paced, often disconnected world, the constancy of God’s presence and His readiness to listen offers a profound anchor for our souls.

Scripture to Ponder:

Psalm 66:19-20 (KJV): “But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.”

Powerful Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your boundless love and Your attentive ear. We are humbled and grateful that You hear our voices and our supplications. Help us to love You more deeply with each passing day, to trust in Your faithfulness, and to find comfort in Your constant presence. May our lives reflect the gratitude we feel for Your mercy and grace. Strengthen our faith, O Lord, and draw us closer to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Final Blessing:

May the Lord’s unending love envelop you, His attentive ear listen to your every prayer, and His grace guide your steps each day.

God Bless You All~

Psalm 28:6 Blessed be the LORD, because he has heard the voice of my ...

DEAR GOD: Anna-A Truly Devoted Servant To You LORD~

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Devotion | Southside Pentecostal Assembly

One of the most devoted yet seemingly inconsequential characters in the Bible is Anna the Prophetess. Her story is brief but powerful, found in the Gospel of Luke.

Anna the Prophetess: A Devoted Servant

Scripture Reference:

  • Luke 2:36-38: “There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”

The Quiet Devotion of Anna

Anna the Prophetess is a remarkable example of unwavering faith and dedication. Despite her brief mention in the Bible, her life speaks volumes about the power of steadfast devotion. Anna was a widow who spent her days and nights in the temple, worshiping God through fasting and prayer. Her life was marked by a deep commitment to God, even in the face of personal loss and societal insignificance.

Anna’s encounter with Jesus occurred when Mary and Joseph brought Him to the temple. Recognizing Jesus as the promised Messiah, she gave thanks to God and spoke about Him to all who were awaiting redemption. Her role may seem minor, but her faithfulness and recognition of Jesus’ significance highlight her profound spiritual insight.

Reflective Questions

  1. What can we learn from Anna’s dedication to worship and prayer?
  2. How does Anna’s recognition of Jesus inspire us to seek Him in our daily lives?
  3. In what ways can we remain faithful to God, even when we feel insignificant or overlooked?

Story: Anna’s Encounter with the Messiah

Anna had spent decades in the temple, her heart and mind focused on God. Each day, she prayed and fasted, her spirit attuned to the divine. One day, as she was praying, she felt a stirring in her heart. She looked up and saw a young couple entering the temple with their infant son. Instantly, she knew this child was special.

Approaching them, Anna’s eyes filled with tears of joy. She lifted her hands in praise, her voice trembling with gratitude. “This child,” she proclaimed, “is the redemption we have been waiting for.” Her words resonated with those around her, and many came to see the child, their hearts filled with hope.

Anna’s encounter with Jesus was brief, but it was the culmination of a lifetime of devotion. Her story reminds us that no act of faithfulness is too small, and that God sees and honors our dedication.

Prayer

“Dear LORD- we thank You for the example of Anna, whose life of devotion and faithfulness inspires us to seek You with all our hearts. Help us to remain steadfast in our worship and prayer, even when we feel insignificant. May we recognize Your presence in our lives and proclaim Your goodness to those around us. Strengthen our faith and guide us in our journey, that we may live lives that honor You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

I hope this reflection on Anna the Prophetess inspires you to read the Word and delve into the context, meaning and heartfelt compassion of the LORD and His love for us…

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DEAR GOD: I Embrace the Joy Of You~

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JOY Because Of The God withIN! | Pure Grace Ministries

Embracing Joy, Prayer, and Gratitude: A Christian’s Journey

In the hustle and bustle of today’s world, where distractions are plenty and challenges abound, the words from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 resonate deeply: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” These verses offer a timeless blueprint for living a life anchored in faith, joy, and gratitude.

Reflections on Modern Christian Life

As Christians navigating the complexities of modern life, we often find ourselves overwhelmed by the demands of work, family, and societal expectations. The constant barrage of news and social media can leave us feeling anxious and disconnected. Yet, in the midst of this chaos, Paul’s exhortation to “rejoice always” serves as a powerful reminder to find joy in every moment, regardless of our circumstances.

Joy, in the Christian context, is not merely an emotion but a state of being rooted in our relationship with Christ. It is the assurance that, despite the trials we face, God’s love and grace are ever-present. This joy is echoed in Philippians 4:4, where Paul writes, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” By focusing on God’s goodness and promises, we can cultivate a heart of joy that transcends our external situations.

The Power of Unceasing Prayer

“Pray without ceasing” is an invitation to maintain a continuous dialogue with God. In today’s fast-paced world, setting aside dedicated time for prayer can be challenging. However, unceasing prayer is not confined to specific moments but is an ongoing conversation with our Creator. It is about inviting God into every aspect of our lives, seeking His guidance, and acknowledging His presence in both the mundane and the extraordinary.

Jesus Himself modeled this in Luke 5:16, where it is noted, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” By following His example, we can find solace and strength in our daily communion with God, allowing His peace to guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6-7).

God is Joy - YouTube

Gratitude in All Circumstances

“Give thanks in all circumstances” challenges us to adopt an attitude of gratitude, even when life is difficult. It is easy to be thankful when things are going well, but true gratitude shines brightest in adversity. This perspective shift is beautifully illustrated in James 1:2-3: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

By recognizing that every situation, whether good or bad, is an opportunity for growth and a testament to God’s faithfulness, we can develop a heart of gratitude. This gratitude not only honors God but also transforms our outlook on life, fostering resilience and hope.

Meditative Takeaways

  1. Joy as a Choice: Choose to find joy in the everyday moments, knowing that it is a reflection of God’s presence in your life.
  2. Continuous Prayer: Cultivate a habit of ongoing prayer, inviting God into every aspect of your day.
  3. Gratitude in Adversity: Embrace a spirit of thankfulness, recognizing that every circumstance is an opportunity to experience God’s grace and grow in faith.

A Unified Prayer

“Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude. Thank You for the gift of joy that transcends our circumstances, for the privilege of unceasing prayer, and for the ability to give thanks in all things. Help us to live out these truths daily, finding joy in Your presence, seeking You in every moment, and cultivating a heart of gratitude. May Your peace guard our hearts and minds, and may we be a reflection of Your love and grace to those around us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Uplifting Thought

As you go about your day, remember that joy, prayer, and gratitude are not just practices but a way of life. Embrace each moment with a heart full of joy, a spirit of continuous prayer, and an attitude of gratitude, knowing that this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Let this be your source of strength and encouragement, bringing light and hope to your journey.

I hope this reflection of God’s beautiful scripture brings you peace and inspiration.

How do you find ways to incorporate joy, prayer, and gratitude into your daily life?

JOY IS THE ECHO OF GOD'S LOVE IN US. | Joy quotes, Joy and happiness ...

 

DEAR GOD: Keep Talking To Me-I Hear You

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When God Speaks, Do We Listen? - P.I.C.C., Inc. - People In Charge of ...

The Bible is filled with captivating narratives, all depicting God’s unchanging faithfulness in upholding His promises. Let’s explore some of these comforting reassurances. I thought today I’d share some beautiful scripture and God’s Word to help those in need of encouragement in some situation they might be facing, or fighting – or for someone who needs to help a loved one who is in need of God’s love and promises at this very moment.  I know that whenever I open His Word, I hear His voice speaking to me.

D.L. Moody said – “When I pray, I talk to God. When I read the Bible, God talks to me…”  That is the truth, because I do Hear His voice speaking to me as I read. So – when reading the verses I’ve put here today – Listen to His Words – because He is speaking to you!

Promises of Salvation:

John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Romans 10:9: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Ephesians 2:8-9: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Promises of Eternal Life:

1 John 5:11: “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”

John 11:25-26: “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’”

John 6:47: “Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.”

Promises of Peace and Comfort:

Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.”

Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Promises of Guidance and Wisdom:

Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Psalm 32:8: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

Promises of God’s Presence:

Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Matthew 28:20: “…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Hebrews 13:5: “…God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”

May these verses remind you of God’s unwavering commitment and love, and that He is still speaking to you this very moment in time – Are you listening?

“Father, thank You for talking to me through Your Word, may I adhere to Your commandments, may I ease into Your way of direction and purpose, and may I always acknowledge You in all I do and say, each day of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”