joy

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: We Are Fully Delivered From All Fears- Amen!~

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Delivered From All My Fears - Psalm 34:4 - A Clay Jar

Psalm 34:4 (ESV)

“I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”

Psalm 34:4 is a beautiful testament to God’s faithfulness and His readiness to respond to those
who earnestly seek Him. This verse reflects a profound personal experience with the Lord,
an intimate encounter that transforms fear into peace. Seeking the Lord is not just a one-time event but a daily journey of placing our trust in Him and recognizing His presence in every aspect of our lives.

To seek the Lord daily is to embark on a spiritual journey that encompasses prayer, meditation,
reading Scripture, and worship. It’s about allowing God into the very fabric of our existence and acknowledging His sovereignty over all our concerns.

The promise in this verse is clear: when we seek God earnestly, He responds. 

He doesn’t just listen; He acts, delivering us from the fears that seek to paralyze us.

In Christianity, seeking the Lord is a practice rooted in faith and love.

It’s an acknowledgment of our dependence on Him and a demonstration of our trust in
His wisdom and power.

Seeking is active, not passive; it involves pursuing God’s presence with a heart full of love and
reverence.

This seeking transforms our relationship with Him from one of distant
acknowledgement to intimate communion.

Reflective Questions

  • How am I actively seeking the Lord in my daily life?

  • What fears do I need to bring before God, trusting in His deliverance?

  • How has God answered me in the past when I sought Him earnestly?

Supporting Scriptures

  • Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV): “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all
    your heart.”

    • Emphasizes the promise of finding God when we seek Him with sincerity.

  • Matthew 7:7 (ESV): “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find;
    knock, and it will be opened to you.”

    • Encourages persistent seeking and the assurance of God’s response.

  • 1 Chronicles 16:11 (ESV): “Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence
    continually!”

    • Calls us to a continual, ongoing pursuit of God’s presence and strength.

Moral Takeaways

  • Active Seeking: Cultivate a daily habit of seeking God’s presence through prayer,
    Scripture, and worship.

  • Trust in God’s Deliverance: Place your fears and concerns before the Lord, trusting in His power to deliver and provide peace.

  • Intimate Relationship: Deepen your relationship with God by making Him a central
    part of your daily life, acknowledging His presence and guidance.

Prayer

“LORD -Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts eager to seek Your Presence. Help us to actively pursue You daily, to bring our fears and concerns before You, trusting in Your deliverance. Thank You for Your faithfulness in answering us and providing peace that surpasses all understanding. Guide us in our journey of faith, deepening our relationship with You and transforming our lives with Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Scripture to Ponder

Isaiah 55:6 (ESV): “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near.”

Blessing

May your heart be filled with the joy and peace that comes from seeking the Lord daily.
As you pursue Him with all your heart, may He answer you and deliver you from all your fears,
filling your life with His presence and grace.

Stay strong in your faith, and always remember, God is with you every step of the way.

DEAR GOD: You Are My Delight All The Day Long~

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The Lord's Delight

  Psalm 37:4 (KJV)

“Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of
thine heart.”

This verse is a beautiful invitation to find our deepest joy and satisfaction in our relationship
with the Lord. When we truly delight in God, we align our hearts with His will. Delighting in the Lord means finding pleasure, joy, and fulfillment in His presence, His Word, and His ways. It
means prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else and letting our hearts be transformed by His love and grace.

The promise that follows is profound: “He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” This doesn’t mean that God becomes a wish granting entity for our every whim. Rather, it suggests that when we delight in Him, our desires become shaped by His. Our hearts begin to yearn for what pleases Him, and our prayers align with His perfect will. In this divine alignment, our desires are fulfilled because they resonate with God’s plans and purposes for our lives.

Supportive Scriptures

  • Matthew 6:33 (ESV): “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all
    these things will be added to you.”

    • Emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God and
      His kingdom.

  • John 15:7 (ESV): “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you
    wish, and it will be done for you.”

    • Highlights the connection between abiding in Christ and receiving answered prayers.

  • Psalm 16:11 (ESV): “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

    • Reflects the joy and fulfillment found in God’s presence.

Reflective Questions

  • How do I currently delight in the Lord? Are there ways I can deepen my relationship
    with Him?

  • What desires do I have that may need to be aligned with God’s will?

  • How has God fulfilled the desires of my heart when I have sought Him first?

Moral Takeaway

The essence of Psalm 37:4 encourages us to find our deepest joy in the Lord. As we delight in
Him, our desires become aligned with His will, and we experience the fulfillment of those
desires. It teaches us to prioritize our relationship with God, trusting that He
knows what is best for us and will provide accordingly.

Closing Prayer

“Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts open to delight in Your presence. Help us to
find our joy and fulfillment in You above all else. Align our desires with Your will, and may our
hearts yearn for what pleases You. Thank You for the promise that as we delight in You, You will grant us the desires of our hearts. Guide us in our journey of faith, and let Your love transform us daily. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Scripture to Ponder

Isaiah 26:3 (ESV): “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he
trusts in you.”

Blessing

May your heart be filled with the joy and peace that comes from delighting in the Lord. As you
seek Him with all your heart, may He grant you the desires that align with His perfect will. Trust in His goodness and be blessed by His abundant love and grace. 

God Bless You All~

DEAR GOD: You Are My True JOY! ~

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The Real Thing: Joy in the Lord – Meditations on God's WordThe Joy of the Lord

The joy of the Lord is a profound and enduring source of strength for Christians. It transcends circumstances and fills our hearts with peace and contentment. This joy is not merely an emotion but a deep-seated assurance rooted in our relationship with God. As we explore this joy, let us reflect on its significance in our daily lives and how it empowers us to honor God in all we do.

The Source of Joy

The joy of the Lord is a gift from God, bestowed upon us through the Holy Spirit. As Galatians 5:22 reminds us, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” This joy is not dependent on external factors but is anchored in the unchanging nature of God. Reflect on how this joy has sustained you in difficult times. How has your faith in God brought you peace and contentment?

Joy in Trials

James 1:2-3 encourages us to “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.” This scripture challenges us to find joy even in adversity. It is through these trials that our faith is strengthened, and we draw closer to God. Think about a challenging time in your life. How did you experience God’s joy amidst the struggle?

Joy in Worship

Worship is a powerful expression of our joy in the Lord. Psalm 100:1-2 says, “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” When we worship, we acknowledge God’s greatness and express our gratitude for His blessings. How does worship enhance your sense of joy? In what ways can you incorporate more worship into your daily routine?

Joy in Service

Serving others is a tangible way to experience and share the joy of the Lord. Acts 20:35 reminds us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” When we serve, we reflect God’s love and bring joy to those around us. Consider how you can serve others in your community. How does serving others bring you joy and fulfillment?

Meditative Thoughts

  • Reflect on the moments when you felt the joy of the Lord the most. What were the circumstances, and how did you respond?
  • Consider the ways in which you can cultivate joy in your daily life. What practices or habits can you adopt to remain joyful in the Lord?

Takeaway Thoughts

  • The joy of the Lord is a constant source of strength and peace, regardless of our circumstances.
  • By focusing on our relationship with God, we can experience true joy that transcends worldly challenges.
  • Worship and service are powerful ways to express and deepen our joy in the Lord.

Closing Prayer

“Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of joy that You have placed in our hearts. Help us to remain steadfast in our faith, finding joy in every circumstance. May our lives be a reflection of Your love and grace, bringing joy to those around us. Guide us in our worship and service, that we may honor You in all we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Joy Of The Lord - Church of Pentecost

DEAR GOD: Embracing Trials With Joy~

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Message: “Finding Joy in Trials” from Joe Bolduc | East Brandywine ...Count it all joy, my brothers,[a] when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.  James 1:2-4

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Embracing Trials with Joy

 In the book of James, we find a profound and challenging exhortation: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4). This passage invites us to adopt a counterintuitive perspective on life’s difficulties, encouraging us to see trials not as burdens, but as opportunities for growth and spiritual maturity.

Moral Views and Takeaways

  1. Joy in Adversity: The primary message of this verse is to find joy in the midst of trials. This joy is not a superficial happiness but a deep-seated contentment that comes from trusting in God’s purpose. It challenges us to shift our focus from the pain of the present to the potential for growth and transformation.
  2. Testing and Growth: Trials are described as tests of faith that produce steadfastness. This steadfastness, or perseverance, is essential for spiritual maturity. Just as physical exercise strengthens our bodies, spiritual trials strengthen our faith, making us more resilient and steadfast in our walk with God.
  3. Completeness in Christ: The ultimate goal of enduring trials is to become “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” This does not imply a state of flawlessness but rather a wholeness and maturity in Christ. It is through enduring and overcoming challenges that we become more like Christ, fully equipped for every good work.

Reflective Questions

  1. How do I typically respond to trials and difficulties in my life? Do I see them as opportunities for growth or merely as obstacles?
  2. In what ways can I cultivate a deeper sense of joy and contentment, even in the midst of challenging circumstances?
  3. How can I support others who are going through trials, helping them to see the potential for growth and transformation?

Supportive Scriptures

  • Romans 5:3-4: “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”
  • 1 Peter 1:6-7: “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
  • Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”

 “Dear Heavenly Father- we come before You with hearts open to Your wisdom and guidance. We thank You for the trials and challenges that come our way, knowing that they are opportunities for growth and transformation. Help us to find joy in the midst of adversity, trusting in Your perfect plan for our lives. Strengthen our faith and perseverance, that we may become mature and complete in Christ. Grant us the grace to support and encourage one another, reflecting Your love and compassion. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Handling Issues Today

As Christians, we are called to handle life’s issues with faith, hope, and love. In today’s world, this means:

  1. Trusting in God’s Sovereignty: Believing that God is in control and has a purpose for every trial we face.
  2. Seeking Community: Leaning on the support of fellow believers, sharing our burdens, and encouraging one another.
  3. Practicing Gratitude: Focusing on the blessings in our lives and maintaining a thankful heart, even in difficult times.
  4. Living Out Our Faith: Demonstrating our trust in God through our actions, showing love and compassion to those around us.

By embracing these principles, we can navigate the challenges of life with grace and steadfastness, growing ever closer to the image of Christ.

The Joy of Trials – Read the Bible

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: My Joy Is You My Sweet LORD!~

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Pin on The Word of GodIn the book of Nehemiah, we find a powerful moment when the people of Israel gathered to hear the Law of Moses. Ezra, the priest, stood before them, reading and explaining the sacred text. Amidst this assembly, Nehemiah delivered a profound message: “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” Nehemiah 8:10 (NKJV).

This verse resonates across time and space, inviting us to explore its depths. Let’s together see if we can reveal its meaning, while drawing inspiration and practical wisdom for our lives today as Christians, in a world of “darkness.”

Understanding the Context

The scene unfolds in Jerusalem, during the Feast of Tabernacles. The people had returned from exile, and their hearts were tender as they listened to the Law and the Word of the LORD. Nehemiah, their governor, recognized the significance of this moment. He encouraged them not to mourn but to celebrate. Why? Because the joy of the Lord would be their strength. Our LORD is always a fortress of strength and refuge for us, His children. When we listen to His Word and follow His commandments – we have not only the position of being His “child” but one that has the overlaying protection and wisdom coming from above. It is “our joy” and we are inherently equipped with our ‘weapons’ of defense in all earthly encounters – making us “victorious” through Christ! Now that is what I count as “joy!” Amen.

The Joy of the Lord

  1. Physical Nourishment: “Eat the fat, drink the sweet.” Nehemiah’s words remind us that God cares about our well-being. He invites us to enjoy life’s blessings—both physical and spiritual. As Christians, we can savor the richness of God’s provision without guilt. Our joy is not separate from our faith; it is an integral part of it, and one in which the LORD encourages us to partake in.
  2. Generosity: “Send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared.” True joy overflows into acts of kindness. When we share our blessings with others, we participate in God’s joy. Whether it’s a meal, a kind word, or a helping hand, our generosity reflects His heart. Our compassion and our actions will invariably reflect Christ’ spirit and love.

Meditative Thoughts

  1. Contentment: In a world filled with striving and comparison, the joy of the Lord reminds us to find contentment in Him. We don’t need to chase after fleeting pleasures; our strength lies in His presence alone!
  2. Gratitude: Pause and reflect on the sweet moments—the laughter, the warmth of relationships, the simple pleasures. Gratitude transforms ordinary days into holy ones, and memorable comforting moments!
  3. Community: The call to share portions emphasizes community. We are not isolated individuals; we belong to a family of believers. Our joy multiplies when we celebrate together. We are One Body in CHRIST!

Supporting Scriptures

  1. Psalm 16:11: “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
  2. Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!”
  3. Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

A Unified Prayer

 “Dear LORD -We come before You, grateful for the joy that sustains us. May Your presence fill our hearts, dispelling sorrow and fear. Teach us to share our blessings generously, remembering those in need. Strengthen us, Lord, that we may walk in joy and be a shining bright beacon of hope to others, while reflecting Your characteristics in all we do, all the days of our lives-In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Thought for the Day

“Today, I choose joy—not as a fleeting emotion, but as an anchor for my soul. And that joy and anchor is found in YOU alone my LORD!”

The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10. #Nehemiah8:10 #joy ...

 

DEAR GOD: Always Running To Your Arms~

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I am a “Daddy’s girl” always have been, always will be. As a little girl, I always ran straight into my “daddy’s arms.” He’s been gone for many years, due to an untimely medical mistake that cost him his life, but I still miss him, and will always love him. And I was blessed to have him in my life, so thank You LORD!

That being said, I am a “Daddy’s girl” for my Daddy in heaven, my LORD!  I run straight to him no matter what, and even in good times I race right to his arms.

When things are happening or I’m experiencing turmoil in circumstances surrounding me – either be it family or friends-I only think to “run straight to Him!”

For He is the key for that ignites deeply within my soul to keep me going through it all.

I run on His love, His Wisdom, and His Word.

Without that I’d be “stalled on the highway of life” and I couldn’t function.

Much like a car being “dead” without the key to the ignition!

My LORD is the KEY! 

  • Jesus is the key to all things in life because he is the source of life itself. He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
  • Jesus is the key to all things in life because he is the ultimate example of how to live. He said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) He also said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)

  • Jesus is the key to all things in life because he is the giver of grace and hope. He said, “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.” (John 3:16)
    He also said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” (John 11:25)

Jesus, being the key in life means that He is the only way to have a relationship with God and to receive eternal life.  He also said, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” (John 10:9)

Jesus is the key to life because He died on the cross for our sins and rose again from the dead. He paid the price for our forgiveness and opened the way for us to enter God’s presence.

Jesus is the key to life because He loves us unconditionally and invites us to follow Him. He is our Lord, our Savior, our Friend, and our King. He is the one who gives us purpose, joy, peace, and hope.

He is the one who transforms us into His image and prepares us for His glory. Jesus said, “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 16:24-25)

If you want to know more about Jesus being the key to life, you can read the Bible, which is God’s word and reveals His plan and love for us. You can also talk to other Christians, who can share their testimonies and experiences of following Jesus.

You can also pray to God and ask Him to show you His truth and grace. Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)

Do you run to Him for all things? Do you feel comfort by His Spirit? Do you love Him fully and with all of your heart and soul? And finally, and most important of all – have you accepted Him as LORD and Savior in your life? He’s waiting, so then–what are you waiting for?

“Dear Father, I know that I will always find comfort in Your arms and in all You are, I will always run to You first in all of my circumstances, and believe that You are the Messiah, and my LORD and Savior, and I will never ever stray from You or Your Word, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: You Bring Me Comfort and Joy~

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Psalm 16:11 – Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Believing and living for Christ and embracing His Spirit, there is pleasures and promises that are assured and renewed by His breath of life that lives within and dwells within.

Being filled with the power of the Holy Spirit is akin to being connected to a reservoir. The Spirit refreshes and the harmony of His Presence flows in symmetry according to all things for His purpose and will.

When filled with His Spirit your countenance becomes enshrouded in peace, and when you trust Him fully, there is a directness and openness that counteracts any aversive circumstance you encounter.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

When we are willing participants in His doctrine and commandments, and we surrender to all that He is—We can not only survive but get through any scenario or circumstance we run into.

When we pray to Him and give ourselves fully to Him, we don’t have to worry about anything. His peace will fill us completely. His protection covers us.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

Our lives are not just about the tangibles, but about the intangibles. It’s about believing in things that are not seen. It’s not about ‘what will I eat, drink or do? ‘ It’s about seeking the Kingdom of God in all we do.  It’s about gaining knowledge and wisdom in His Word and love. It’s about letting the Spirit rule.

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 14:17

It’s about giving Him glory, honor and respect. It’s about knowing that He is the reason we are, and the reason we live. It’s about feeling His love and responding to it by loving Him back unconditionally.

We can never fully comprehend the extent and capacity and depth of His love for us, but we can willingly hold onto Him and love Him for all we are and do.

When we aspire to be all we can be for Him, we will purpose our lives by being in alignment with His Word all the days of our lives. And when we come into His Holy Presence when we are called home and live in Eternal joy we will have attained and retain all the rewards in which He alone can give and will employ.

“Father, thank You for filling me with Joy, and the love of Your peace, in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”