humility

DEAR GOD: You Are Still My Everything~

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Jesus Christ is the same Yesterday Today and Forever vinyl decal, Wall ...

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved-
Acts 4:12

Lord, the more things change, the more they stay the same.  The words of Jesus came into my head today concerning the rich man and the camel- in Matthew 19:24-“And again I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”

It was true then, and even more so today in our “iniquitous secular world.”  The words of Jesus Christ, our Savior were ringing in my ears throughout the day.  It was glaringly obvious that the world is not in obedience to the LORD, as I was listening to several different individuals speak about “materialistic gains” and how vitally important it was in their world, and it truly made my soul ache.  I wanted to shout – “Wait a minute! Money and possessions are more important than God?”  My mind then turned to the people in the Old Testament who had their idols that they bowed down to.  Different time, same theme, same mind set! Yikes! Here we go again!

Things have changed, but not really- God’s children are still into their lofty goods, and their prize possessions. Their cars, their homes, and who they are going to “impress” with their accomplishments.  The only ones that will be impressed are those who are spiritually bankrupt and have lost their connection to God.

Like the children in the desert in Exodus. When Moses was away for 40 days and nights they built their big fat golden calf to worship!  After witnessing the miracle of the Red Sea parting; and Pharaohs’ army being swallowed up by the Sea, after the children of Israel safely passed through to the other side. Those people couldn’t’ see who the LORD was.

They saw numerous plagues that were placed on Pharoah, and yet they were unharmed and totally safe.  While in the desert, they were being fed manna (John 6:31) and given water. God provided a cloud during the day and a fire at night, yet they still didn’t believe and built a golden calf the first chance they had.  While Moses was on Mount Sinai getting the law from God, they built their idol to worship.  A golden calf a complete and blatant abomination in the eyes of the Lord. But they built it, even after witnessing all the miracles of the Lord’s hand who delivered them out of Egypt. Imagine the Father’s pain at seeing His children dancing around and bowing to this golden calf! (Exodus 32:2-4)

Do you have a golden calf in your life today?   Is there something that is keeping your attention away from God?  Is there a preoccupation of sorts that is in your life today, that is preventing your full and complete dedication to God?  Think long and hard about it, God knows you and your heart so you cannot hide. He already knows if you do, even if you don’t know about it yet, He does.

It can pertain to anything that is keeping your attention and devotion from God-that is in fact, a modern-day golden calf.  So, therefore the same as it was in the OT, so it is the same today.

God is the same, He has not changed.  Times have changed, but God stands true and full of wisdom, and love and devotion to us, the ones He created.  He is not walking around texting and sitting in front of a computer diverting His attention from us. So, why therefore are people today doing that to Him?

There is a certain amount of technology that is welcomed, and of course anything in moderation is okay. I am talking about the extremes, the obsessive behavior, the modern-day golden calf, the modern-day idols – the absurdity and peculiarities that encroach upon our souls. The type of dangerous preoccupation insipid nonsense that is corrupting our minds, body heart and soul. We need to stop it before it’s too late.

Success is wonderful when it is God given, and He blesses your obedience with certain advantages that may allow you to have an abundance of things.  However, to boast about accomplishments- or how much money- or worth you might have- is excessive and vulgar in God’s eyes. When an individual is inclined to toot their own horn to the point of excess, this “my friend” is akin to being in love with yourself- and your golden calf!

My God is my rock, and my Eternal Lighthouse.  He is the one I exalt- and the one I thank.  He is the one I call upon throughout my days and nights.  He is the one I rely on for all things.  He is the one I want to please, the one I want to bow down to. He is the one I adore.  He is my God.  He is my all. Life is LIFE because of Him. And there is no LIFE without HIM!

So, when I hear the shallow voices of the ones lost in their world of idols and listen to the exaltation of “self” and not of “GOD” – it makes me overly sad.  I pray silently for these people to wake up and see where their priorities should be.  I feel sorry and I feel pain for these individuals who live in a flurry of materialistic gains; and think of their “golden calves” as their gate to respectability, and essential happiness.  It is all hollow and empty.  It is not substantial and full of worth.

God is the one true Lighthouse and Rock of salvation.  He is the means of happiness and self-fulfillment, and the outlet from which all good things flow. He is the way, He is the truth, He is the one and only GOD.

“And again, I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” 

O’ sweet Jesus my Savior, how true those words are when you said them, and how true they are today.

We should all aspire and ascribe to His ways, and His commandments. Our words should be from the heart straight to His heart. He is waiting for us to say “Lord, I lay down all of what I own and follow you, now and always-I love you.” Are you willing to give up your golden calf for God?

“Dear LORD, thank You for Your continuous guidance and miracles, You are the same as You were from the beginning, and there is no shadow in Your light, may we always glorify You, the One true God, and may we be in obedience to Your Word, and  serve You alone, all the days of our lives, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Think about the “golden calf” in your life today? Do you have any that need to be tossed aside, and wiped out of your life? Do you put the LORD first and foremost above all?

As you go through this day, think about how you might put the LORD first in all you do – and how you can push aside things of no importance of no value, and how you can give your love to the One that matters and is above all else – the LORD our Savior and King! 

Jesus is the same as yesterday, today and forever! Amen!! | Christian ...

DEAR GOD: Your Children Need YOU and YOU Alone!~

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The Lord's Prayer Is Meant to Be Lived | Flipboard

Chronicles 7:14 –

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

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Reflecting on 2 Chronicles 7:14 in Today’s World

 In a world often marked by division, conflict, and moral decay, the words of 2 Chronicles 7:14 resonate with profound urgency. This verse calls us to humility, prayer, and repentance, promising divine forgiveness and healing. It is a beacon of hope, reminding us that transformation begins with each of us turning towards God.

 The Call to Humility and Prayer

2 Chronicles 7:14 is a timeless reminder of God’s willingness to forgive and heal. It begins with a call to humility, a virtue that seems increasingly rare in our self-centered society. Humility requires us to acknowledge our limitations and our need for God’s guidance. It is the first step towards genuine repentance and transformation.

In today’s world, where pride and self-reliance are often celebrated, this call to humility is countercultural. Yet, it is precisely this humility that can lead to healing. When we humble ourselves, we open our hearts to God’s grace and wisdom, allowing Him to work through us to bring about change.

Seeking God’s Face

The verse also urges us to “seek my face,” which means to earnestly pursue a relationship with God. In a time when distractions abound and our attention is constantly pulled in different directions, seeking God’s face requires intentionality. It means setting aside time for prayer, meditation, and reading Scripture. It means prioritizing our spiritual growth over worldly pursuits.

For Christians today, seeking God’s face is a call to deepen our faith and trust in Him. It is an invitation to experience His presence and guidance in our lives. As we seek Him, we become more attuned to His will and more capable of living out His love and justice in the world.

Turning from Wicked Ways

Repentance is a central theme in this verse. It calls us to turn away from our sins and embrace a life of righteousness. This turning away is not just about avoiding wrongdoing but actively pursuing what is good and just. It is about aligning our lives with God’s commandments and values.

In a world filled with injustice, violence, and moral confusion, this call to repentance is crucial. It challenges us to examine our actions and attitudes, to seek forgiveness, and to make amends. It reminds us that true healing and restoration come from living in accordance with God’s will, and that HE is the One ultimately who is in CONTROL at all times!

The Promise of Forgiveness and Healing

The promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14 is both comforting and empowering. God assures us that if we humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways, He will hear us, forgive our sins, and heal our land. This promise is a testament to God’s boundless mercy and love.

In today’s vitriolic world, this promise offers hope. It reminds us that no matter how dire the situation, God’s healing power is available to us. It encourages us to persevere in our faith and to trust in His ability to bring about change.

Reflective Questions:

  1. In what areas of my life do I need to practice more humility?
  2. How can I make seeking God’s face a daily priority?
  3. What sins or harmful behaviors do I need to turn away from?
  4. How can I contribute to the healing of my community and nation?

Takeaway:

2 Chronicles 7:14 is a powerful call to action for Christians today. It challenges us to humble ourselves, seek God earnestly, repent of our sins, and trust in His promise of forgiveness and healing. In a world that often feels broken and divided, this verse offers a path to restoration and peace.

Meditative Takeaway on 2 Chronicles 7:14

In the stillness of our hearts, let us reflect on the profound message of 2 Chronicles 7:14. This verse is not just a call to action but an invitation to transformation. It beckons us to humble ourselves, to seek God’s presence earnestly, and to turn away from our sins. As we meditate on these words, let us consider the following:

  1. Humility: True humility is recognizing our dependence on God. It is the foundation of our spiritual journey, reminding us that we are not self-sufficient. In a world that often glorifies pride and self-reliance, let us embrace humility as a path to divine grace.
  2. Prayer: Prayer is our direct line to God. It is through prayer that we communicate our deepest desires, fears, and hopes. Let us commit to a life of prayer, knowing that God hears us and responds with love and wisdom.
  3. Seeking God’s Face: To seek God’s face is to desire His presence above all else. It requires us to prioritize our relationship with Him, setting aside time each day to connect with our Creator. In the busyness of life, let us find moments of quiet to seek His guidance and peace.
  4. Repentance: Turning from our wicked ways is a continuous process of self-examination and growth. It is about recognizing our faults, seeking forgiveness, and striving to live in alignment with God’s will. Let us be vigilant in our efforts to live righteously, knowing that true healing comes from repentance.

Let us remember that God’s promise of forgiveness and healing is ever-present. He is ready to restore our hearts and our land if we turn to Him with sincerity and faith and trust HIM in all we do and speak. He is in CONTROL – He is OUR everything and in control of all things big and small!

May this verse inspire us to live with humility, to pray fervently, to seek God’s presence, and to repent earnestly. In doing so, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God’s love and grace.

Closing Prayer:

“Dear LORD, we come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging our need for Your grace and guidance. We seek Your face, longing to know You more deeply and to align our lives with Your will. Forgive us for our sins and help us to turn away from all that is wicked. Heal our land, Lord, and bring unity and peace to our nation and people. Guide our leaders with Your wisdom and fill them with a spirit of justice and compassion. May Your love and truth prevail in our hearts and in our world. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: I Love To Serve You Daily~

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God Is Love

God’s Righteous Anger & His Unfailing Love

Introduction

The concept of God’s righteous anger is deeply embedded in Christian theology, reflecting His perfect justice and holiness. Unlike human anger, which is often tainted by selfishness and sin, God’s anger is always justified, pure, and directed towards evil and injustice.

And Yet His Love is the other side of the coin – and it is a LOVE above all the rest!

The Boundless Love of God

God’s love for us is an unending ocean, a boundless sky that stretches beyond the horizons of our understanding. It is a love that is deep, wide, and all-encompassing, a love that embraces us in our entirety—flaws and all.

Scriptural Foundations

  • Eternal Love: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you” (Jeremiah 31:3). God’s love is not transient or conditional; it is eternal and unwavering.
  • Sacrificial Love: “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). The ultimate expression of God’s love was the sacrifice of His only Son for our redemption.
  • Victorious Love: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37-39). In God’s love, we find the victory over every trial and tribulation.
  • Adoptive Love: “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are” (1 John 3:1). We are not just creations or subjects, but children of the Most High, adopted into His family through love.
  • Abiding Love: “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him” (1 John 4:16). To dwell in love is to dwell in God Himself, for He is the very essence of love.

Reflective Thoughts

  • How does the knowledge of God’s eternal love shape our identity and purpose?
  • What does it mean to live as conquerors through God’s love in our daily lives?
  • How can we reflect God’s adoptive love in our relationships with others?

 The Nature of God’s Anger

In the Scriptures, God’s anger is not a capricious or irrational burst of emotion, but a consistent response to sin and rebellion. For instance, in Romans 1:18, it is written, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.”

Reflective Questions

  • How does understanding God’s righteous anger change our view of sin?
  • In what ways can we align our own sense of justice with God’s?

God’s Anger in Action Throughout the Bible, there are numerous instances where God’s anger leads to action. The flood in the time of Noah (Genesis 6-8), the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19), and the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-11) are all examples of God’s righteous judgment against sin.

Supportive Scripture

  • Nahum 1:2: “The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord is avenging and wrathful; the Lord takes vengeance on His adversaries and keeps wrath for His enemies.”

 Thoughts to Take Away About His Anger

God’s anger reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the importance of living righteously. It also assures us that God is just and will ultimately right all wrongs.

Takeaway About His Love

The love of God is not just a theological concept; it is a living, breathing reality that sustains, empowers, and transforms us. It is the foundation upon which we stand and the force that propels us forward. Let us rest in the assurance of His love and extend that love to the world around us.

Conclusion

God’s righteous anger is not something to be feared by those who are in Christ, for “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Instead, it is a reminder of God’s perfect holiness and the ultimate victory over sin and death.

And His Love is a balm for our souls, and an umbrella that deflects all evil and harm from those who follow Him. For those who trust in Him, for those who love Him, and for those who accept Him as LORD and Savior over their lives.

A United Prayer

“Dear Heavenly Father, we acknowledge Your holy and righteous anger towards sin. Teach us to hate evil as You do and to seek Your righteousness in our lives. May we be instruments of Your justice and love in this world, today and all the days of our lives, may we be humble servants in Your righteous army, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

The Bible offers us a glimpse into the complex yet perfect nature of God’s righteous anger, and His uncompromised love encouraging believers to reflect on their own lives and align with God’s will. May it serve as a guide to understanding the depth of God’s justice and love.

DEAR GOD: How Do We Handle Snapping People?

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How To Stop Gossiping About People: 7 No Nonsense Tips!

Ephesians 4:29“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

I saw a snapping turtle on the road while driving through the woods. My husband and I smiled at the huge fellow!  This ancient reptile turned to look at us and snapped in the air, as if to say, “get moving there if you know what’s good for you all.”  Well, needless to say we respect nature and wildlife, and we were on our way in seconds. “Snap.”  It reminded me of some individuals I’ve encountered in my lifetime.

You may know some of these mortals yourselves. The type that loves to “snip” and “snap” about others. Or are apt to “snap “at someone with a veracity that can only be described as “vicious.” Just downright mean! Mindless cruel gossiping is how I’d describe it.

As children of God…How do we handle these situations? How do we handle mortals with such an immoral standard of ethics? What do we do? What does God want us to do?

Well, God wants us to gently guide and admonish in a way that is constructive, without being critically impertinent. We are to be humble about it. Think fairly and go to the Word for advice, and where you will always find “sage wisdom” and full written out instructions.

Humility –Along with humility correct Biblical knowledge must ensue. We need to admonish others based solely on God’s Word. Encourage one another based on God’s Word. If something is said without Biblical truths, it will be worthless. An exercise in fertility.  Because when we know the Word, if someone tries to say or do something that is not aligned with His Word, standards, or truths; we will automatically know it’s “wrong.”

2 Tim 3:14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it…

Patience- is an important virtue of the Spirit. We need to instruct others with respect and a manner of peace. No fighting, nor divisions. It is impossible to teach while convincing anyone of mistakes. They won’t know any better and thing that the dialogue they’re using, and the “snapping” they’re doing in natural in their minds eye.

Also do be mindful and overly cautious about not having an “ego” and using it in a way that is bragging about “how much you know” and “how little” they know!

Approach in meekness and endurance of a Christian on a mission. Not an ego stating loudly, “I’m better than you!”

Ephesians 4:2-3 “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;”

It bears mentioned here that we shouldn’t force anyone to “believe” or to do as “we say.”  It is not about us. It’s about God and His mission, His reasons for using us as His servants. We can only gently guide through the Spirit and pave the way. It’s not our job to mold the individual, that is up to God. He is the potter; we are the clay. (Isaiah 64:8)

Respecting others and having an appropriate demeanor when addressing an issue, especially a nasty tongue or a gossiping intruder that speaks of controversial subjects.  It is important to come from an area of repose and respect and honor in the LORD’s name. But if after a time the individual is not responsive, then it’s wise to take leave and move on.

Titus 3:9- But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. (10) Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. (11) You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

Based on all this. We understand that a good friend, or Christian admonishes and helps to adjust Christ’s body. We hope to lead them to understand that if they only would align themselves with the Word and God’s will, life could be very different.  This can only be done with love, humility peace, meekness, and a vast amount of Biblical wisdom.

Proverbs 15:31-33- Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. (32) Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. (33) Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.

Whatever we do we must adhere to a manner in which we assume Christ’s position and commandments. We are human and of course we will all fall short, no one is perfect. Only ONE is perfect, and that is our Heavenly Father who is pure and Holy.

 Matthew 5:48-Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

We can try our best, help to shine His light where we can. And apply corrective measures in a way that can at times, be uncomfortable, but when it is done in the spirit and in a manner of Biblical standards, it will be easier to uphold.

Father, God – I thank You for Your Word, Your truth, and Your guidance, may I follow all that You purpose for my life, now and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.