love of the lord

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Wiping Out Our Transgressions~

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Sowing The Seeds Of Truth: Sin Blotted Out

“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” (Isaiah 43:25, ESV)

This powerful verse from Isaiah 43:25 speaks of God’s incredible grace and mercy. Here, God declares that He is the one who forgives our sins, not for our sake, but for His own. This highlights His divine nature and His desire to restore and redeem us. It emphasizes that God’s forgiveness is an act of His own volition, motivated by His love and purpose for us.

Moral Takeaways

Divine Grace: God’s forgiveness is a gift of grace, not something we earn or deserve. It is an expression of His boundless love for us.

Transformation: When God forgives, He not only wipes the slate clean but also transforms our lives, enabling us to move forward without the burden of past sins.

New Beginnings: This verse reassures us that our past mistakes do not define us. In Christ, we have the opportunity for a fresh start.

  • Reflective Questions
    How can I embrace God’s forgiveness and let go of my past sins?
  • In what ways can I reflect God’s grace and forgiveness in my own life?
  • How can I support others who are seeking forgiveness and a fresh start?

Story of Harry C.

Harry C. was once a man deeply entrenched in a life of addiction and reckless partying. His days were consumed by alcohol, and his nights were filled with the empty pursuit of pleasure. Harry’s life was a blur of bars and parties, where he sought solace in the bottom of a bottle and the thrill of the next high. Despite the fleeting moments of euphoria, he was trapped in a cycle of self-destruction that left him feeling empty and lost.

One night, after a particularly chaotic party, Harry found himself at a crossroads. His health was deteriorating, and his relationships were in shambles. In his despair, he remembered his grandmother’s words about Jesus and the hope He offers. Desperation drove Harry to his knees, and he cried out to God for help. That night marked the beginning of a profound transformation.

Harry began attending a local church, where he found a supportive community that embraced him with open arms. Through prayer and the study of God’s Word, Harry discovered the depth of God’s love and forgiveness. He learned that his past mistakes were blotted out by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This realization filled him with hope and a renewed sense of purpose.

Today, Harry is sober and has been for 15 years. His life is a testament to God’s redeeming power. He now dedicates his time to helping others who struggle with addiction, sharing his story and the message of God’s grace. Harry is grateful every day for the new life he has found in Christ, and he lives with the assurance that his past no longer defines him.

Supporting Scriptures (ESV)
2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

Psalm 103:12: “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.”

Hebrews 8:12: “For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”

Prayer
“LORD- we thank You for Your incredible grace and mercy, for blotting out our transgressions and giving us a fresh start. Help us to embrace Your forgiveness and to live in the freedom it brings. May we be instruments of Your grace, sharing Your love and hope with those around us. Strengthen us to support those who are struggling and guide them towards Your light. Thank You for transforming lives and giving us a new purpose in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Scripture to Ponder
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Blessing
May the Lord’s grace and mercy fill your heart, guiding you in forgiveness and new beginnings. Trust in His unfailing love and let His presence transform your life.

God Bless You All

 

Acts‬ ‭3:19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins ...

DEAR LORD: Service And Faithful Acts In Your Name~

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Susan’s Heartfelt Journey of Faith and Service

Susan was a woman whose love for God radiated through every aspect of her life. She lived in a small town, where she was known for her unwavering faith and her dedication to helping others. Her days were spent at the local nursing home, where she brought comfort and joy to the elderly residents.

A Heart Full of Love

Susan’s love for God was evident in her actions. She often reflected on the words of Jesus in Matthew 22:37 (ESV): “And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’” This verse was the cornerstone of her faith, guiding her every step.

Every morning, Susan would pray for strength and wisdom to serve others. She believed that by loving and serving those around her, she was honoring God. Her favorite scripture, James 1:27 (ESV), reminded her of her mission: “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”

Acts of Kindness

At the nursing home, Susan’s presence was a beacon of hope. She would read the Bible to the residents, sing hymns, and listen to their stories. Her compassion knew no bounds, and she treated each person with dignity and respect. One resident, Mrs. Thompson, often said, “Susan’s visits are like a breath of fresh air. She brings God’s love into this place.”

Susan’s actions were a living testament to 1 John 4:19 (ESV): “We love because he first loved us.” She understood that her love for others was a reflection of God’s love for her. Her selflessness and dedication inspired those around her to also seek ways to serve and love others.

Reflective Questions

  1. How can we show our love for God through our actions?
  2. In what ways can we serve those in need in our communities?
  3. How does loving others help us grow in our faith?

Moral Takeaways

  • True love for God is demonstrated through our actions and service to others.
  • Compassion and kindness can have a profound impact on those around us.
  • Serving others is a way to honor God and reflect His love.

Ponder Thoughts

In today’s world, it can be easy to become consumed with our own lives and forget about the needs of others. Susan’s story reminds us of the importance of selflessness and service. As Christians, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing His love to those who need it most.

Scripture for the Day

“Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV)

Unified Prayer

“Dear LORD- we thank You for the example of Susan and her unwavering love for You. Help us to love You with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to show that love through our actions. Give us the strength and wisdom to serve others with compassion and kindness. May our lives be a reflection of Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Are My Warrior & King~

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“The Lord is a warrior; Yahweh is his name!” – Exodus 15:3 (NLT)

This powerful verse from the book of Exodus paints a vivid picture of God as a mighty warrior. It is a declaration of His strength, His power, and His unwavering commitment to protect and deliver His people. This verse is part of the Song of Moses, a hymn of praise sung by the Israelites after their miraculous escape from Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea. It serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and His ability to triumph over any adversary.

Supporting Scriptures

  1. Psalm 24:8 (NLT): “Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty; the Lord, invincible in battle.”
  2. Isaiah 42:13 (NLT): “The Lord will march forth like a mighty hero; he will come out like a warrior, full of fury. He will shout his battle cry and crush all his enemies.”
  3. Revelation 19:11 (NLT): “Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war.”

These scriptures collectively emphasize God’s role as a divine warrior, fighting for justice and righteousness. They remind us that God is not passive but actively involved in the battles we face, both seen and unseen.

Reflective Questions

  1. In what areas of your life do you need to see God as a warrior fighting on your behalf?
  2. How can you trust in God’s strength and power when facing your own battles?
  3. What does it mean to you personally that Yahweh is His name, and how does this impact your relationship with Him?

Moral Takeaways

  1. God’s Strength: We can rely on God’s strength in times of trouble. He is our defender and protector.
  2. Divine Intervention: God intervenes in our lives, often in ways we cannot see or understand, to bring about His purposes.
  3. Faith and Trust: Our faith in God as a warrior encourages us to trust Him more deeply, knowing that He is always fighting for us.

Meditative Thoughts

  • Reflect on the times God has fought battles for you, whether you were aware of it or not.
  • Meditate on the name “Yahweh” and what it signifies about God’s eternal presence and unchanging nature.
  • Consider how you can embody the strength and courage of God in your daily life.

 Prayer

“Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You and recognize that You are our mighty warrior, Yahweh, the One who fights for us and delivers us from all harm. We thank You for Your unwavering love and protection. Lord, help us to lean on You in every battle we face. May we always remember that You are with us, guiding us, and fighting for us. Fill our hearts with courage and faith, knowing that with You, we are never alone. We honor You, Christ, and we thank You for Your sacrificial love that has given us victory over sin and death. In Your precious name, we pray. Amen.”

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:57 (KJV)

Jesus is the Saviour and He is the Warrior King – World Wide Christian ...

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 ...