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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.

 

verses about god's power | power of god s word heaven and earth was ...

DEAR GOD: Your Son Wept In Compassion For Us~

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Jesus Wept Digital Art by Jesus Daily

Jesus Wept” – An Exploration of Compassion and Humanity

The shortest verse in the Bible, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35), carries profound significance. Despite its brevity, it encapsulates the depth of Jesus’ compassion and humanity. This essay delves into the moral views, reflective questions, meditative takeaways, and supporting scripture surrounding this poignant moment.

Moral Views

The verse “Jesus wept” occurs in the context of the death of Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus. When Jesus arrives at Lazarus’ tomb and sees the mourning of Mary, Martha, and the other Jews, He is deeply moved and weeps. This moment reveals several moral insights:

  1. Empathy and Compassion: Jesus’ tears demonstrate His deep empathy for human suffering. Despite knowing He would raise Lazarus from the dead, He shares in the sorrow of those around Him. This teaches us the importance of being present and compassionate towards others in their times of grief.
  2. Humanity of Jesus: This verse underscores the humanity of Jesus. He experienced and expressed emotions just as we do. This connection makes His teachings and sacrifices more relatable and accessible to us.
  3. Value of Mourning: Mourning is a natural and necessary response to loss. Jesus’ weeping validates our own grief and shows that it is not a sign of weakness but a part of the healing process.

Reflective Questions

To deepen our understanding and personal connection to this verse, consider the following questions:

  1. How do I respond to the suffering of others? Reflect on your ability to empathize and offer support to those in pain. Are there ways you can be more present and compassionate?
  2. What does Jesus’ humanity mean to me? Contemplate how Jesus’ display of emotion impacts your relationship with Him. Does it make His teachings more relatable?
  3. How do I process my own grief? Think about your own experiences with loss and mourning. How can you find comfort in knowing that even Jesus wept?

Meditative Takeaway

In moments of meditation, focus on the image of Jesus weeping. Allow this image to remind you of His deep compassion and empathy for ALL of us!

Let it inspire you to be more compassionate towards others and to embrace your own humanity and emotions as Jesus would want us to. Consider thinking and meditating on the verse-“Jesus wept, and so can I,” to reinforce the acceptance of your own grief and the importance of empathy. Incorporate it into your course of action as you journey here in the flesh, maintaining His empathy and reflecting His light, as core foundations in every aspect of your life.

Supporting Scripture

To further explore the themes of compassion, humanity, and mourning, consider these additional scriptures:

  • Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” This verse reassures us of God’s presence in our times of sorrow.
  • Romans 12:15: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” This encourages us to share in the emotions of others, both joy and sorrow.
  • Hebrews 4:15: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” This highlights Jesus’ ability to empathize with our struggles.

Conclusion

“Jesus wept” is a powerful reminder of the depth of Jesus’ compassion and His shared humanity with us. It calls us to be empathetic, to embrace our own emotions, and to find comfort in the knowledge that our grief is understood and shared by Jesus Himself. Through reflection, meditation, and supporting scripture, we can draw closer to the heart of this profound verse and its implications for our lives.

“Dear LORD – We come before You with hearts full of gratitude and humility. Thank You for the profound reminder of Your compassion and empathy through the verse “Jesus wept.” As we reflect on this, we are reminded of Your deep love and understanding of our human experiences. Lord, we ask for Your presence to be felt by all who are grieving and in pain. May Your comforting arms surround them, bringing peace and solace.

Help us to be instruments of Your love, showing empathy and compassion to those around us. Guide us to embrace our own humanity, to acknowledge our emotions, and to find strength in our vulnerability. Just as Jesus wept, let us not shy away from our tears but see them as a pathway to healing and connection. Unite us, Lord, in our shared experiences and in our journey towards understanding and love.

May we support one another, rejoice with those who rejoice, and mourn with those who mourn, reflecting Your heart in all we do. We pray for Your wisdom and guidance in our daily lives. Help us to live out the teachings of Jesus, to be more like Him in our actions and words. Let our lives be a testament to Your grace and mercy. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

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May this verse, “Jesus, wept” bring you peace and a sense of unity with those around you, as we realize how truly and deeply His love for us is, and how He is with us on all levels of our emotions, every day all the days of our lives…
Jesus Wept - Christian Genesis - Daily Devotional

DEAR GOD: Your Commandments We Humbly Follow~

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See related image detail. John 14:21 He that has my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that ...

Love One Another

 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-5 (ESV)

 Reflection: Love transcends mere sentiment; it is an active choice. When we love as Christ loved—selflessly, sacrificially, and unconditionally—we bear witness to our discipleship. How can we better express love in our daily interactions?

Takeaway: Our love for others reflects our love for God. Let us seek opportunities to serve, forgive, and uplift those around us.

Pray for Your Enemies

But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. – Matthew 5:44-45 (ESV)

Reflection: Praying for enemies transforms our hearts. It softens bitterness, fosters empathy, and aligns us with God’s mercy. How can we extend grace even to those who oppose us?

Takeaway: Our prayers for others reveal our commitment to Christ’s teachings. Let us intercede for those who challenge us, seeking their well-being.

Repentance and the Kingdom of Heaven

Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. – Matthew 4:17 (ESV)

 Reflection: Repentance is not a burden but a gateway to divine grace. Acknowledging our imperfections, we turn toward God, seeking forgiveness and transformation. How can we cultivate a repentant heart?

Takeaway: Repentance opens the door to God’s Presence. Let us humbly seek His forgiveness and strive for holiness in humble and gracious servitude in all we do.

Believing in Jesus

Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. John 14:11 (ESV)

 Reflection: Faith in Jesus transcends intellectual assent. It involves trust, surrender, and a personal relationship. How can we deepen our faith in Him?

Takeaway: Believing in Jesus connects us to the Father. Let us anchor our lives in His redemptive work. Let’s be a reflective magnet in terms of His light and His ways in all we encounter in our daily lives, and in communing with the Holy Father in prayer and song.

Taking Up Our Cross

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. –Matthew 24:25 (ESV)

Reflection: Taking up our cross means embracing sacrifice, humility, and obedience. It is the path to true discipleship. How can we live out this radical commitment?

Takeaway: Our willingness to bear our cross demonstrates our devotion to Christ. Let us follow Him wholeheartedly.

Making Disciples

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” –Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)

Reflection: We are called to share the Gospel. Discipleship involves not only personal growth but also leading others to Christ. How can we fulfill this commission?

Takeaway: Making disciples expands God’s kingdom. Let us boldly share our faith and nurture spiritual growth in others.

Praying Always

But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:36 (ESV).

Reflection: Persistent prayer keeps us spiritually alert. It sustains us during trials and prepares us for Christ’s return. How can we cultivate a habit of constant prayer?

Takeaway: Prayer connects us to God’s presence. Let us seek His strength and guidance through unceasing communication.

Closing Unity Prayer:

“Dear Loving Father, we thank You for the commandments that lead us to You. May our lives reflect the depth of Your love, and may we walk faithfully in Christ’s footsteps. Grant us strength, wisdom, and compassion as we journey toward Your eternal presence. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

 

May these verses be hidden in your hearts as you go forward in your journey today outwardly reflecting the light of the LORD, and may the Word and ‘voice’ of Christ be at the center of all you do, this day and always…

 

John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, That you love one another ...

 

DEAR GOD: Your Wisdom Fills My Soul~

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God’s Wisdom and Understanding Bible Verses – Scriptures – Passages ...

Wisdom of the LORD

The book of Proverbs is a fountain of wisdom, offering guidance and insight for a life well-lived. Among its many pearls, Proverbs 1:7 shines brightly, illuminating the path to true knowledge. This verse serves as a cornerstone, not only for the book itself but for understanding the nature of wisdom and learning.

 Fear of the LORD – Reverence-Love

The phrase “the fear of the LORD” is a recurring theme in Biblical literature, encapsulating a profound respect and reverence for the Almighty. It is not a fear born of terror- but one of awe and wonder at the majesty and Holiness of God.

It is the starting point, the very beginning of knowledge, because it positions the heart to receive Divine Inspiring truths. To fear the LORD is to acknowledge His Sovereignty and to submit to His higher wisdom. And to love Him fully and unconditionally, while placing Him first in all we do!

The Beginning of Knowledge

Knowledge, as mentioned in Proverbs, is not merely the accumulation of facts or the mastery of skills. It is a comprehensive understanding of life’s principles as they relate to our Creator’s design. The “beginning” of this knowledge is akin to the foundation of a building; it is the essential and necessary base upon which all other learning is constructed. Without this rock-solid foundation, any structure of knowledge we build is unstable and prone to collapse. Such as illustrated by Jesus in the parable about the wise man builds his house upon a rock, the fool builds it on sand!

Matthew 7:24-27 –“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.  And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.  And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

Fools Despise Wisdom and Instruction

In stark contrast to those who fear the LORD, the verse speaks of “fools” who despise wisdom and instruction. The term “fool” in Proverbs does not refer to a lack of intelligence, but to a moral deficiency. It describes individuals who are obstinate and arrogant, rejecting the guidance and correction that wisdom offers. Their disdain for instruction leads them away from the path of knowledge and ultimately to their downfall.

The Value of Divine Wisdom

Divine wisdom, as revealed through the scriptures, is invaluable. It transcends the temporal and touches the eternal, offering insights that are not bound by time or culture. The wisdom that begins with the fear of the LORD is enduring, leading to a life marked by understanding, righteousness, and peace.

In conclusion-

Proverbs 1:7 encapsulates the essence of Biblical wisdom. It teaches us that the fear of the LORD is not only the beginning of knowledge, but also the foundation upon which a meaningful life is built.

 “Dear Father God, I come before You in reverence and humility, acknowledging Your infinite wisdom and majesty. I thank You for the gift of Your Word, which lights my path and guides all of my steps daily. Instill in me and your children a fear of the LORD, that is pure, leading to the knowledge and understanding that You desire for me/us. Help me/us to be seekers of Your wisdom, to cherish Your instruction, and to walk in the ways of righteousness. May my life reflect Your love and grace, and may I serve as a beacon of Your light in the darkness. I ask this in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.”