his Presence

DEAR GOD: May I Heed Your Word In All I Do & Say~

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MCF Life Church: God is in control

Commentary on Anger

Anger is an intense emotion that can sometimes feel overpowering, leading us to act in ways we might later regret. For Christians, harboring and expressing anger inappropriately can be particularly damaging to our spiritual well-being and our relationships with others and with God.

Scripture reminds us of the dangers of anger:

  • Ephesians 4:26-27: “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.” This passage acknowledges that while anger itself is a natural emotion, allowing it to fester can open the door to sin and discord.
  • James 1:19-20: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” These verses emphasize the importance of patience and self-control, highlighting that human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

Anger, if not managed properly, can poison our hearts and minds. It can lead to bitterness, resentment, and a breakdown in relationships. In the context of Christian faith, anger can distance us from God’s love and hinder our ability to reflect His grace and compassion to others.

Why Anger is Harmful to Christian Souls:

  1. It Disrupts Peace: Anger disrupts the peace within us and in our relationships. It creates an environment where forgiveness and reconciliation become difficult.
  2. It Blocks Spiritual Growth: Holding onto anger can create a barrier between us and God, preventing us from experiencing His fullness and growing in our faith.
  3. It Misrepresents Christ: As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His love and patience. Allowing anger to control us misrepresents His teachings and character.

Reflective Questions

  1. How do I typically respond when I feel anger rising within me?
  2. In what ways can I seek God’s help to manage my anger more effectively?
  3. How can I use moments of anger as opportunities for spiritual growth and reflection?

Moral Takeaways

  • Seek Peace: Strive to resolve conflicts peacefully and quickly, avoiding the trap of holding onto anger.
  • Practice Patience: Develop patience and self-control, remembering that anger can cloud judgment and hinder righteous actions.
  • Embrace Forgiveness: Embrace forgiveness as a means to release anger and restore harmony in relationships.

Supportive Scriptures (KJV)

  • Proverbs 14:29: “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.”
  • Colossians 3:8: “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.”
  • Psalm 37:8: “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.”

Prayer

 “LORD-We come before You with hearts that seek peace and understanding. Help us to manage our anger and turn to You for guidance in moments of frustration. Grant us the patience and wisdom to respond with love and grace, reflecting Your character in all that we do. Teach us to forgive quickly and wholeheartedly, just as You have forgiven us. May Your peace fill our hearts and minds, guiding us in every interaction. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Blessing for the Reader

May the Lord bless you with a heart of peace and understanding, freeing you from the chains of anger. May His love guide your actions and thoughts, leading you to live in harmony with others. May you experience the fullness of His grace and the joy of His presence in your life. Amen.

God Bless You All~

DEAR GOD: I Am Quieted By Your Love~

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“The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJV)

This passage from Zephaniah is a profound reminder of God’s intimate presence and unwavering love for His people. It paints a picture of a God who is not distant or detached but is actively involved in our lives. The imagery of God rejoicing over us with gladness and singing is both comforting and awe-inspiring. It speaks to the depth of His affection and the joy He finds in His relationship with us.

In moments of anxiety and uncertainty, this verse brings peace to our hearts. Knowing that the Mighty One is in our midst, ready to save and quiet us with His love, provides a sense of security and reassurance. It reminds us that we are not alone; God is with us, celebrating our victories and comforting us in our struggles.

Supporting Scriptures

  1. Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
  2. Psalm 23:4 – “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
  3. Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

These scriptures reinforce the message of God’s presence and love. They remind us that no matter what we face, God is with us, providing strength, comfort, and unwavering love.

Reflective Questions

  1. How does knowing that God rejoices over you with gladness change your perspective on your relationship with Him?
  2. In what ways have you experienced God’s love quieting your fears and anxieties?
  3. How can you share the message of God’s intimate love and presence with others in your life?

Moral Thoughts and Takeaways

  • God’s Presence: Recognize and cherish the fact that God is always with us, in every situation and circumstance.
  • God’s Love: Embrace the depth of God’s love, which is not just a passive feeling but an active, rejoicing, and comforting presence.
  • God’s Joy: Understand that God finds joy in us, His creation, and let that knowledge bring joy and peace to our hearts.

Powerful Closing Unified Prayer

“LORD, we come before You with grateful hearts, thanking You for Your constant Presence and unwavering love. We are in awe of the fact that You, the Mighty One, rejoice over us with gladness and singing. In moments of fear and uncertainty, quiet our hearts with Your love. Help us to feel Your comforting Presence and to trust in Your saving power. May we always remember that nothing can separate us from Your love. Guide us to share this message of hope and love with others, so they too may experience the peace and joy that comes from knowing You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Scripture to Ponder for the Day

Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

May this verse remind you to find moments of stillness in your day, to reflect on God’s loving and continuous Presence and His exalted place in your life.

And above all else – look up and give Him thanks and all the glory!

God Bless you~

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DEAR GOD: Thank You For Carrying Me Always~

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[Genesis 09] God's Promises

 Isaiah 46:4 is a powerful verse that speaks to the enduring presence and care of God throughout our lives. It reads: “And even to your old age I am He; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.”

This verse reassures us of God’s unwavering commitment to His children, promising His support and deliverance from the beginning to the end of our lives.

Supportive Scriptures

  1. 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.”
  2. Psalm 71:18– “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.”
  3. Matthew 28:20 – “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

These scriptures reinforce the message of Isaiah 46:4, emphasizing God’s eternal presence and support.

Moral Thoughts

The moral lesson from Isaiah 46:4 is the assurance of God’s perpetual care and faithfulness. Regardless of our age or circumstances, God remains with us, guiding and supporting us through every stage of life. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s plan and His ability to carry us through life’s challenges.

Reflective Questions

  1. How does knowing that God is with you from birth to old age affect your daily life?
  2. In what ways have you experienced God’s support and deliverance in your life?
  3. How can you share the message of God’s enduring presence with others?

Takeaway Thoughts to Ponder

  • God’s commitment to us is unwavering and eternal.
  • We are never alone; God’s presence is a constant source of comfort and strength.
  • Trusting in God’s plan allows us to face life’s challenges with confidence and peace.

Heartfelt Message for a Christian Today

As Christians, we can find immense comfort in knowing that God is with us always, even unto our last breath and beyond. This assurance allows us to live our lives with confidence, knowing that we are never alone. God’s promise to carry and deliver us is a testament to His boundless love and faithfulness. Let us hold onto this promise and find solace in His eternal Presence, knowing that His love and promises will never end, and will guide us unto the true existence of our lives – in the Eternity. Amen!

Closing Prayer

“My LORD- we thank You for Your unwavering Presence and support throughout our lives. We are grateful for Your promise to carry and deliver us, even in our old age. Help us to trust in Your plan and find comfort in Your eternal Presence. May we share this message of hope and assurance with others, so they too may experience Your boundless love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Scripture to Ponder for the Day

Psalm 23:4 – “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

May this verse remind you of God’s constant presence and comfort, no matter the circumstances you face today.

Bible Moment – God’s PROMISE – Diocese of Jamaica & The Cayman Islands