loving god always

DEAR GOD: Your Mercy & Love Is Life Sustaining~

by // // No Comments

Image result for Royalty Free Image Sites gods mercy

Embracing God’s Love Through Mercy and Forgiveness

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:12-13 (NLT)

 

In Colossians 3:12-13, we are reminded of the profound love God has for us and the virtues we are called to embody as His chosen people. This passage encourages us to clothe ourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. It also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, mirroring the forgiveness we have received from the Lord.

Supportive Scriptures

  • Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
  • Matthew 6:14-15: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
  • 1 Peter 3:8: “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”

Moral Takeaways

  1. Tenderhearted Mercy: We are called to show compassion and empathy towards others, understanding their struggles and offering support.
  2. Kindness: Acts of kindness, no matter how small, reflect God’s love and can have a profound impact on those around us.
  3. Humility: Recognizing our own imperfections helps us to be more forgiving and less judgmental.
  4. Gentleness and Patience: These virtues help us to navigate conflicts and misunderstandings with grace and understanding.
  5. Forgiveness: Forgiving others is not just a suggestion but a command that reflects the forgiveness we have received from God.

Scenarios in Today’s World

  • Workplace Conflicts: Imagine a colleague who consistently undermines your efforts. Instead of harboring resentment, approach them with kindness and seek to understand their perspective. This can lead to a more harmonious work environment.
  • Family Disputes: Family gatherings can sometimes bring up old wounds. Choosing to forgive and let go of past grievances can heal relationships and bring peace.
  • Social Media Interactions: In the age of digital communication, misunderstandings are common. Responding with gentleness and patience rather than anger can defuse potential conflicts.

What God Expects from Christians

God expects us to be reflections of His love and grace in the world. By embodying these virtues, we become living testimonies of His transformative power. Our actions and attitudes should draw others towards the love of Christ.

Reflective Questions

  1. Are there areas in my life where I struggle to show mercy and kindness?
  2. How can I practice humility in my daily interactions?
  3. Is there someone I need to forgive, and what steps can I take towards forgiveness?
  4. How can I cultivate patience and gentleness in challenging situations?

Prayer

“Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing us to be Your holy people. Help us to clothe ourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Teach us to forgive others as You have forgiven us. May our lives be a reflection of Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Meditative Thought and Scripture

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15

 May the Lord bless you
    and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
    and be gracious to you.
 May the Lord show you His favor
    and give you His peace.’

Image result for Royalty Free Image Sites gods mercy

 

DEAR GOD: You Are My Healer~

by // // No Comments

THE HEALING POWER OF GOD’S GIFT OF RIGHTOUSNESS | Pure Grace Ministries

“LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.”
Psalm 30:2:

Reflective Thoughts

Psalm 30:2 is a powerful testament to God’s ability to heal and restore. This verse encapsulates the essence of faith and the transformative power of divine intervention. When we call upon God in our times of distress, He listens and responds with healing. This healing can be physical, emotional, or spiritual, reflecting God’s comprehensive care for our well-being.

Moral Takeaways

  1. Faith in God’s Healing Power: This verse encourages us to have unwavering faith in God’s ability to heal us. It reminds us that no matter how dire our circumstances, God’s power is greater.
  2. The Importance of Prayer: Calling out to God in prayer is a crucial step in seeking His help. It signifies our dependence on Him and our trust in His divine intervention.
  3. Gratitude for Healing: When we experience God’s healing, it is essential to express our gratitude. This acknowledgment not only honors God but also strengthens our faith.

People’s Hope and Ability for God to Heal Them Instantly

The hope for instant healing is a common desire among believers. Psalm 30:2 reassures us that God is capable of providing immediate relief and restoration. This hope is not just wishful thinking but is grounded in the numerous instances of miraculous healings recorded in the Bible. Believers can find solace in knowing that God’s timing is perfect, and His healing, whether instant or gradual, is always for our ultimate good.

Reflective Questions

  1. When was the last time you called out to God for help? How did He respond?
  2. How has your faith been strengthened through experiences of God’s healing?
  3. In what ways can you express gratitude for the healing you have received?
  4. How can you support others who are seeking God’s healing in their lives?

Supportive Scriptures on Healing

  • Jeremiah 17:14: “Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.”
  • Isaiah 53:5: “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
  • James 5:15: “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”

“Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of faith and gratitude. We thank You for Your unfailing love and the healing power that flows from Your throne. Lord, we call upon You today, just as the psalmist did, seeking Your divine intervention in our lives. Heal us, O Lord, in body, mind, and spirit. Restore us to wholeness and fill us with Your peace.

We pray for those who are suffering and in need of Your healing touch. May they feel Your presence and experience Your miraculous power. Unite us in faith, Lord, as we stand together, believing in Your promises. Strengthen our hearts and renew our spirits, so we may continue to serve You with joy and gratitude.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen”

God's Healing Power - Get Well Soon Card

DEAR GOD: Your Righteousness Through Christ In Us~

by // // No Comments

The Righteousness of God (1), By Femi Aribisala - Premium Times Opinion

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God – Philippians 1:9-11 (ESV)

 The Apostle Paul’s prayer for the Philippians, found in Philippians 1:9-11, is a profound expression of his desire for their spiritual growth and maturity. He prays that their love may abound more and more, coupled with knowledge and discernment, so that they may live pure and blameless lives, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ. This passage offers rich insights into the Christian journey, emphasizing the importance of love, wisdom, and righteousness.

  The Journey of Grace

In a small village nestled among rolling hills, lived a young woman named Grace. Grace was known for her kind heart and willingness to help others. However, she often felt overwhelmed by the complexities of life and the decisions she had to make.

One day, Grace came across Philippians 1:9-11 during her morning devotion. The words resonated deeply within her. She realized that while she had love, she needed to grow in knowledge and discernment to navigate life’s challenges effectively.

Grace began to pray earnestly for wisdom and understanding. She sought counsel from her pastor and started studying the Bible more diligently. Over time, she noticed a transformation in her life. Her decisions became more aligned with God’s will, and she felt a deeper sense of peace and purpose.

One evening, Grace encountered a difficult situation. A close friend had wronged her, and she struggled with feelings of hurt and betrayal. Remembering Paul’s prayer, she chose to respond with love and forgiveness, guided by discernment. This act of grace not only restored her friendship but also brought glory to God.

Morals and Takeaways

  1. Abounding Love: True Christian love is not static; it grows and abounds, influencing every aspect of our lives.
  2. Knowledge and Discernment: Love must be accompanied by wisdom and discernment to make righteous decisions.
  3. Purity and Blamelessness: Striving for purity and blamelessness prepares us for the day of Christ.
  4. Fruit of Righteousness: Our actions should reflect the righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, bringing glory to God.

Reflective Questions

  1. How can you cultivate a love that abounds more and more in your daily life?
  2. In what areas do you need to seek greater knowledge and discernment?
  3. How can you strive to live a pure and blameless life in preparation for the day of Christ?
  4. What fruits of righteousness are evident in your life, and how do they bring glory to God?

Meditative Thoughts

Reflect on the ways God’s love has transformed your life. Consider how you can grow in knowledge and discernment to better reflect His love to others. Meditate on the fruits of righteousness and how they manifest in your actions and decisions.

Supporting Scriptures

  • 1 Corinthians 13:1-3: “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.”
  • James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
  • Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

Closing Prayer

“Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Word and the wisdom it imparts. We pray that our love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment. Help us to approve what is excellent and to live pure and blameless lives, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ. May our lives bring glory and praise to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

I pray that this post will resonate with you and provide meaningful reflections on Philippians 1:9-11 – In Christ’ name – Amen.