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DEAR GOD: Thank You For Your Spirit In Your Believers~

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Holy Mass images...: HOLY SPIRIT

 

  1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV)
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

These powerful verses, penned by the Apostle Paul, remind us of the profound truth that our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit. This concept was revolutionary to the Corinthians, who lived in a society where the body was often misused and defiled. Paul emphasizes that as believers, we are not our own; we have been bought with a price—the precious blood of Jesus Christ. This truth calls us to live lives of holiness, honoring God with our bodies and spirits.

Meaning Then and Now
Then: In the first-century Corinthian context, these verses were a stark reminder of the need for sexual purity and respect for one’s body. Corinth was known for its immorality, and the concept of the body being a temple of the Holy Spirit was a radical shift in thinking. Paul wanted the Corinthians to understand that their bodies were not their own to misuse but were sacred, set apart for God’s purposes. They had been redeemed at a great cost, and this redemption called for a life that reflected God’s holiness.

Today: For Christians today, these verses continue to resonate deeply. In a world where the body is often objectified and misused, the call to honor our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit is a timely reminder. It challenges us to live with integrity, purity, and a sense of responsibility toward our bodies. Recognizing that we are bought with a price, we are urged to glorify God in all aspects of our lives—physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Moral Takeaways
Holiness and Purity: Our bodies are sacred and should be treated with respect and purity, reflecting the holiness of God.

Stewardship: We are stewards of our bodies, called to care for them and use them in ways that honor God.

Identity in Christ: Our worth and identity come from being God’s temple, redeemed by the sacrifice of Jesus.

Reflective Questions
How can I honor God with my body and spirit in my daily life?

In what ways can I be a better steward of the body God has entrusted to me?

How does understanding that I am bought with a price change my perspective on my actions and decisions?

Supporting Scriptures (NKJV)
Romans 12:1 (NKJV): “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

Galatians 2:20 (NKJV): “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

1 Peter 1:18-19 (NKJV): “Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”

Prayer
“LORD -Heavenly Father, we thank You for the incredible gift of Your Holy Spirit dwelling within us. Help us to honor our bodies as Your temples, living lives of holiness and purity. Remind us daily of the great price paid for our redemption and guide us to glorify You in all that we do. Strengthen our commitment to live as faithful stewards of the bodies and lives You have entrusted to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Scripture to Ponder
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV): “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Blessing
May the Lord’s presence fill your heart with peace and His Spirit guide you in every step. Trust in His love and live each day honoring Him in body and spirit.

God Bless You All~

DEAR GOD: My Heart Is Steadfast In You & Christ~

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Hebrews 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the ...

 

May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:5 ESV

 

The Steadfastness of Christ

Christ’s steadfastness is another cornerstone of our faith. His unwavering commitment to God’s will, even in the face of immense suffering and sacrifice, serves as a model for us. Steadfastness in Christ is about perseverance, faithfulness, and enduring hope. It calls us to remain faithful to our calling, even when the journey is difficult, and to trust in God’s promises.

In our contemporary world, where instant gratification and fleeting commitments are the norms, the steadfastness of Christ offers a powerful counter-narrative. It invites us to cultivate resilience, patience, and an enduring trust in God’s faithfulness.

Reflective Questions
How can I allow God’s love to shape my daily interactions and decisions?

In what ways can I cultivate the steadfastness of Christ in my own life, especially during challenging times?

How do I balance the love of God and the steadfastness of Christ in my spiritual journey?

Moral Takeaways
Deepening Relationship with God: Prioritize your relationship with God, allowing His love and Christ’s steadfastness to guide your actions.

Embodying Divine Love: Reflect God’s unconditional love in your relationships, showing grace and compassion to others.

Perseverance in Faith: Emulate Christ’s steadfastness, remaining faithful to God’s calling even in the face of adversity.

Supporting Scriptures (ESV)
Romans 8:38-39: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Hebrews 12:1-2: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

John 15:9-10: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.”

Prayer
“LORD-we thank You for Your boundless love and the steadfast example of Jesus Christ. Direct our hearts to dwell deeply in Your love and to follow Christ’s unwavering commitment to Your will. Help us to embody Your love in our daily lives and to remain steadfast in our faith, even in challenging times. Strengthen us to be reflections of Your grace and truth in the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Scripture to Ponder
Philippians 1:6 (ESV): “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Blessing
May the Lord’s love and steadfastness guide your heart, enriching your faith and strengthening your walk with Him. Trust in His promises and find peace in His unending grace…

God Bless You All~

1 Peter 5:2-25, Steadfast - Toward a Sane Faith - Kevin Ruffcorn Ministries

 

DEAR GOD: Your Promises & Presence Is My Salvation~

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Secured in the Promise of Salvation | by Dennis Lastimoso | Anchored In ...

 

  “Cleanse me, Lord, and I shall be clean; heal me, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved.”
Jeremiah 17:14 (ESV)

 

This verse encapsulates a powerful and personal cry for God’s intervention. It acknowledges
God’s ultimate power and authority in our lives, recognizing that true healing, cleansing, and
salvation come only from Him. This plea is deeply personal, a direct conversation with the Lord,
expressing trust and dependence on His divine ability to restore us in every way.

In our daily lives, we encounter numerous challenges that require us to seek God’s cleansing,
healing, and saving power. Whether it is physical illness, spiritual struggles, or emotional
turmoil, this verse reminds us to turn to God first and foremost. It reflects a profound
understanding that our human efforts are insufficient without divine intervention.
By seeking God’s help, we acknowledge His sovereignty and our need for His grace.

Reflective Questions:

How often do we turn to God first when faced with challenges,
seeking His healing and cleansing?

In what ways can we cultivate a deeper trust in God’s power to save and restore us?

How does recognizing God’s authority over our healing and salvation change our approach to
life’s difficulties?

Moral Takeaways:

Dependence on God: Recognize that true healing and salvation come from God alone.
Trust in His power to cleanse, heal, and save you.

Sincere Prayer: Cultivate a habit of sincere, heartfelt prayer, turning to God with your deepest
needs and trusting Him to provide.

Praise and Gratitude: Always remember to praise and thank God for His intervention in your life, acknowledging His role as your healer and savior.

Supporting Scriptures:

Psalm 103:23 (ESV): “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,”

Emphasizes God’s ability to heal and forgive, reminding us to be grateful for His benefits.

Isaiah 53:5 (ESV): “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our 
iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are 
healed.”

Highlights the healing power of Christ’s sacrifice, affirming our faith in His ability to heal.

Prayer:

“Heavenly Father, we come before you with hearts full of trust and hope. Cleanse us, Lord, and
we shall be clean. Heal us, and we shall be healed. Save us, and we shall be saved. We acknowledge your power and grace, and we turn to you for all our needs. Help us to rely on you completely and to seek your intervention in every aspect of our lives. Fill us with your peace and
strength, and guide us in your ways. Thank you for being our healer and savior.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”

Scripture to Ponder:

Psalm 46:1 (ESV): “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Blessing:

May the Lord’s cleansing, healing, and saving power be upon you today and always. May you find strength and comfort in His presence, and may His grace fill your heart with peace. Trust in His unfailing love and walk confidently in His light, knowing He is your ever-present help.

God Bless You All~

 

DEAR GOD: I Trust You Fully And Completely~

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Free Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart! eCard - eMail Free ...

Trusting God Fully

 Trusting God fully is a journey of faith that requires us to surrender our fears, doubts, and uncertainties to Him. It is about believing in His promises and relying on His wisdom, even when we cannot see the path ahead. The Bible provides us with numerous scriptures that encourage us to place our trust in God and lean on His understanding.

Moral Takeaways

  1. God’s Faithfulness: God is always faithful to His promises. He never fails us, even when circumstances seem dire.
  2. Surrendering Control: Trusting God means letting go of our need to control every aspect of our lives and allowing Him to guide us.
  3. Peace in Uncertainty: When we trust God, we can find peace even in the midst of uncertainty and chaos.
  4. Strength in Weakness: God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. When we trust Him, we can overcome any challenge.

Reflective Questions

  1. What areas of my life am I struggling to trust God with?
  2. How can I remind myself of God’s faithfulness in difficult times?
  3. What steps can I take to surrender control and rely more on God’s guidance?
  4. How has trusting God brought peace to my life in the past?

Supportive Scriptures

  1. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
  2. Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
  3. Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV): “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
  4. Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Prayer

“LORD-Help us to trust You fully, even when we cannot see the way forward. Teach us to surrender our fears and doubts to You, knowing that You have a perfect plan for our lives. Grant us peace in the midst of uncertainty and strength in our moments of weakness. May we always remember that Your ways are higher than our ways and Your thoughts higher than our thoughts. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Thought to Ponder

As you go about your day, reflect on this thought: “Trusting God means believing that He is good, even when life is not.”

How can you apply this truth to your current circumstances?

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DEAR GOD: How Do We Stay Focused on You?~

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Stay Focused on Jesus - St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Cobourg

Hebrews 12:2 –

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith

How can we stay focused on God? There are many reasons to want to do so and all are beneficial to us, spiritually, physically mentally.

When we engage daily in prayer, meditation and reading verses in the Bible, we are activating a closer bond with the LORD in many ways. First of all, we are showing Him reverence by being in His Word, and when we obey His commandments, we are doing according to His Word.

Staying focused on God and His Word is relevant to all we endeavor to do or hope to do. Being in the Word brings wisdom and insight and it equips us with the ability to ascertain things we normally would not be able to do without His guidance.

So, how do we stay focused on Him?

  1. By being in the Word.
  2. By being faithful to His commandments.
  3. By spending time with Him alone in prayer.
  4. By showing His love to others.
  5. By being an example of His light and truth.
  6. By doing all things that are right and aligning with His Word.
  7. Seeking His face in all we do and attempt to do.
  8. Loving Him totally with all our hearts, minds, body, and soul.
  9. Putting Him first before anything or anyone else.
  10. And by asking for His will to be done in your life. 

As we focus on His love, His Word, His will we are inherently drawing closer to Him. When we ask for His will to be done in our life, we are placing our trust in Him, knowing He wants what is best for all of us.

Spending time with the LORD is probably the most valuable and important thing you can possibly do in this lifetime. Loving Him is probably the most pleasant thing you can do in this lifetime. And obeying Him is the most rewarding thing you can do in this lifetime, and the life to come in Eternity.

Colossians 3:2 

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

 

“Father, may I stay focused on You and Your commandments, love and Word today and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”