love one another

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: In Awe Of Your Grace & Omnipotence~

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God Is Omnipresent – Grace Evangelical Society

 “God’s Grace and Omnipotence: A Reflection on Faith and Responsibility”

Introduction

God’s grace and omnipotence are foundational aspects of Christian belief. The Bible reveals God’s boundless love, mercy, and power. Together beloved let’s explore these themes, consider their relevance in today’s world, and discuss our responsibilities as Christians.

God’s Omnipotence: Scripture and Reflection

“For with God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37, ESV)
God’s omnipotence transcends human limitations. He created the universe, sustains it, and governs all things. Reflect on the awe-inspiring power that upholds existence itself. Consider His strength and love and how it encircles you every single day of your life.

God’s Grace: Scripture and Moral Takeaways

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4-5, ESV)

God’s grace is unearned favor. We, too, should extend grace to others, forgiving as we’ve been forgiven. Amid chaos and division, God’s grace remains our anchor. Share this hope with a hurting world. Reflect on the goodness of God and being in the safety of His sanctuary. Be a witness to His glory by holding on to our faith and representing Christ in all we do.

Our Responsibilities as Christians

 “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.” (John 13:34, ESV)

Our responsibility is to love sacrificially, reflecting God’s character in all practical matters in which we live. He is commanding us in John 13:24, He is not asking – He is saying “you are to love one another” no questions asked. Just do it and obey His Word.

 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

We’re called to serve others, meeting practical needs. We have an inherent responsibility as followers of Christ and His Gospel. Adhering to the Word should be an overall “map” in which we travel, while aligning with His Word in all of our action, speech and daily interactions with others. While staying true to ourselves in the spirit of Christ.

“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.” (Matthew 28:19, ESV)

Share the Gospel boldly. Be open with your love for the LORD. Express it without shame and without hesitation. Be open about your feelings for the God and He will be open with you in return.

Reflective Questions

  1. How can we better demonstrate God’s grace in our interactions with others?
  2. What practical steps can we take to serve our communities?
  3. How does God’s omnipotence impact your faith during challenging times?

Unity Prayer

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace and omnipotence. Help us extend grace to those around us, serving with love and compassion. May our lives reflect Your power and mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Meditative Thoughts & Scripture

“The eternal God is a dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” (Deuteronomy 33:27, ESV)

“Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock.” (Isaiah 26:4, ESV)
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Our unshakable foundation is God Himself- May the Word and scriptures in the Holy Bible deepen your understanding of God’s grace and inspire you to live out your faith with purpose…

 

Living Water: God’s Awesome Grace

DEAR GOD: Guide Me In All Things Everyday Of My Life~

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Psalm 5:8 Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer ...

The verses Colossians 3:16-17 present a blueprint for Christian living, emphasizing the role of Christ’s word in guiding believers’ lives and the importance of doing everything in His name. These verses encapsulate the essence of Christian doctrine—love, wisdom, and gratitude.

The Word of Christ in Us

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16) This verse underscores the significance of Christ’s teachings as the foundation of wisdom. It encourages believers to internalize the Gospel so that it may enrich their lives and relationships with others. The use of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs suggests a community united in worship and mutual edification.

Acting in the Name of Jesus

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17) Here, the Apostle Paul extends the principle of living by Christ’s word to all aspects of life. Every action and word should be an offering to Jesus, reflecting His love and sacrifice. The call to give thanks to God through Jesus reinforces the centrality of gratitude in the Christian faith.

Scriptural Support

The original message of these verses is supported by numerous other scriptures:

  • “So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
  • “In him we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28) These passages echo the call to live a life that glorifies God and acknowledges His pervasive presence.

Moral and Reflective Questions

The moral of these verses is the call to intentional living—every action, no matter how small, should be done with purpose and in alignment with Christ’s teachings.

  • How can I ensure that Christ’s word dwells richly within me?
  • In what ways can I incorporate gratitude into my daily life?

Conclusion

Colossians 3:16-17 serve as a reminder that the Christian life is one of continuous worship and thanksgiving. By allowing Christ’s teachings to permeate our lives, we can live out our faith authentically and impactfully.

“Dear Lord, we seek to embody the wisdom of Your word as instructed in Colossians 3:16-17. May our hearts be filled with Your teachings, and may our actions reflect Your love. Guide us to live in gratitude and to do everything in the name of Jesus. Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Help Us To Forgive Each Other~

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David Platt Quote: “Forgiveness is God’s greatest gift because it meets ...

Forgiveness is a divine attribute, often emphasized in the teachings of Christianity as a pathway to spiritual liberation and eternal life. The Bible offers profound insights into the nature of forgiveness and its indispensable role in our spiritual journey.

The Essence of Forgiveness- Forgiveness is not merely an act but a state of heart and mind that reflects the grace of God. Ephesians 4:32 implores us to be “kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” This truly sets the stage for what we are supposed to do as Christians, this verse encapsulates the essence of Christian forgiveness: a reflection of His Divine and intimate and unmerited mercy.

The Mandate to Forgive- In Mark 11:25, we are instructed, “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” This directive makes it crystal clear that our forgiveness is ultimately intertwined with God’s forgiveness. To receive, we must give. And it is commanded, not asked – it is from Jesus’ lips to those in attendance all those years ago, and right up to this very second in time – throughout the generations.

The Consequence of Unforgiveness- Matthew 6:15 starkly warns, “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” This particular implication is starkly profound; our salvation hinges on our capacity to forgive. It is a prerequisite for entering heaven, as unforgiveness is a barrier between the soul and God. The barrier of unforgiveness is easy to break down. All we have to do is FORGIVE others, as God will forgive us. If we don’t there is going to be an impasse in Heaven come judgement day. There are several passages in the Bible that ascribe to that message. Have you read them lately?

The Power of Forgiveness -Forgiveness has the power to transform lives. It liberates the forgiver from the chains of bitterness and grants the forgiven a chance for redemption. Colossians 3:13 encourages us to “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” It is a call to emulate Christ’s boundless forgiveness. It is a call and His voice of reason reaching out to us – offering us the opportunity to be with Him forever in the Eternity. It is the branch that will connect us to Christ forever when we are called home one day. Repentance and forgiveness and embracing our Savior Jesus Christ – that is our golden ticket into the realm of Heaven and eternity.

Conclusion -In conclusion, forgiveness is not optional but essential for those who seek Heaven. It is a divine and direct command, a moral imperative, and a spiritual necessity. As we forgive, we mirror the love of Christ and open the doors to God’s Kingdom. The door are thrown wide open for us to step inside, once we listen to and fulfill His commandments.

Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door to Eternal peace and communion with our Divine Father of mercy and love. Let us hold fast to this truth and walk the path of forgiveness, for it is the way to Heaven, and a securing a seat at the Lamb’s banquet!

Prayer for Forgiveness –

“Dear Father, we come before You seeking the strength to forgive, as You have forgiven us. Grant us tender hearts that readily release any grudges and embrace Your command to love. May our forgiveness be a testament to Your mercy, leading us closer to You and the promise of heaven. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”