loving god fully

DEAR GOD: Focusing & Meditating On Your Word Daily~

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10 Bible Verses About Pentecost - Holy Spirit Scriptures

Proverbs 4:20-22 (KJV)

“My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.”

 Focusing On His Word

Then: In the context of ancient Israel, Proverbs 4:21-22 is part of a larger passage where Solomon, the wise king, is imparting wisdom to his son. The “them” in these verses refers to the words of wisdom and instruction that Solomon is sharing. He emphasizes the importance of keeping these teachings constantly in sight and deeply embedded in one’s heart. The promise attached to this adherence is profound: these words bring life and health to those who embrace them.

Today: In contemporary times, these verses still hold significant relevance. They remind us of the timeless value of wisdom and understanding. In a world filled with distractions and conflicting messages, keeping God’s wisdom at the forefront of our minds and hearts can guide us through life’s challenges. The promise of life and health can be seen as both spiritual and physical well-being, emphasizing the holistic benefits of living a life grounded in divine wisdom.

Moral Thoughts

  • Value of Wisdom: The verses highlight the intrinsic value of wisdom and understanding. In a world where information is abundant but wisdom is scarce, these verses remind us to seek and cherish true wisdom.
  • Holistic Health: The promise of health to all flesh suggests a holistic approach to well-being. True wisdom not only nourishes the mind and spirit but also has tangible benefits for our physical health.
  • Consistency: The call to keep wisdom constantly in sight and heart underscores the importance of consistency in our spiritual practices. It’s not enough to seek wisdom sporadically; it must be a continuous pursuit.

Reflective Questions

  1. What are the sources of wisdom in my life, and how do I prioritize them?
  2. How can I ensure that I keep God’s teachings at the forefront of my daily life?
  3. In what ways have I experienced the holistic benefits of living according to divine wisdom?
  4. How can I cultivate a consistent practice of seeking and applying wisdom in my life?

Meditative Takeaways

  • Daily Reflection: Take a few moments each day to reflect on a piece of wisdom from the Bible or another trusted source. Meditate on its meaning and how it applies to your life.
  • Heart and Mind Alignment: Strive to align your thoughts and actions with the wisdom you hold dear. Let it guide your decisions and interactions.
  • Holistic Health: Consider how your spiritual practices contribute to your overall well-being. Seek a balance that nurtures your mind, body, and spirit.

Prayer

“Dear LORD, our Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your wisdom. Help us to keep Your teachings ever before our eyes and deeply rooted in our hearts. May Your words be life and health to us, guiding us through every challenge and blessing us with holistic well-being. Grant us the consistency to seek Your wisdom daily and the discernment to apply it in all areas of our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Supportive Scriptures

  • James 1:5 (KJV): “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
  • Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV): “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
  • Psalm 119:105 (KJV): “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

I hope this reflection brings you the peace of the LORD our God, and an abundance of inspiration and encouragement.

 

verses about god's power | power of god s word heaven and earth was ...

DEAR GOD: We Are Here To Glorify You In One Body~

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The Body of Christ – Gospel Light Bible Baptist Church, Auckland, New ...

 

 “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one member one of another.” Romans 12:4-5

This verse beautifully illustrates the unity and diversity within the body of Christ, emphasizing the importance of each member’s unique role and contribution.

Supportive Scriptures

  1. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14: “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit, we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many.”
  2. Ephesians 4:16: “From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

Moral Reflections

The metaphor of the body teaches us several moral lessons:

  1. Unity in Diversity: Just as a body has different parts with different functions, the church is composed of individuals with diverse gifts and roles. This diversity should be celebrated, not cause for division.
  2. Interdependence: Each member of the body relies on the others. No one part can function effectively in isolation. This interdependence fosters a sense of community and mutual support.
  3. Value of Every Member: Every part of the body, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is essential. Similarly, every person in the church has value and a purpose.

Spiritual Questions

  1. How can I better appreciate the unique gifts and roles of others in my community?
  2. In what ways can I contribute to the unity and growth of the body of Christ?
  3. Do I recognize and value my own role within the body, no matter how small it may seem?

Meditative Takeaways

  • Reflect on the ways you can support and uplift others in your community.
  • Consider how your unique gifts can be used to serve others and glorify God.
  • Meditate on the interconnectedness of the body of Christ and how each member’s well-being affects the whole.

Powerful Prayer

“LORD, we thank You for the beautiful diversity within the body of Christ. Help us to recognize and appreciate the unique gifts and roles You have given each of us. Teach us to work together in unity, supporting and uplifting one another. May we always remember that we are one body in Christ, and that each member is valuable and essential. Guide us to use our gifts for Your glory and the growth of Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Thought for the Day

“Just as each part of the body is essential for its proper functioning, so too is each member of the body of Christ indispensable. Embrace your unique role(s) that the good LORD has gifted you with and celebrate the diversity within the community of believers all to the glory and witness to our LORD God Almighty.”

Blessings to all of you~

 

One Body in Christ | Romans 12:4-5 - Tricia Goyer | Christ quotes ...

DEAR GOD: Early I Seek You As My Soul Thirsts For You~

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Psalm 42:1. As the deer pants for water, so my soul pants for You, my ...

 so panteth my soul after Thee, O God. –
Psalm 42:1 (KJV) 

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  “Desiring & Needing God” 

Introduction: In Psalm 42:1, the psalmist beautifully expresses a longing for God akin to a deer thirsting for water. This metaphor captures the intensity of our desire for a deeper connection with the Divine. Let us explore this theme through scripture, reflection, and prayer.

 The psalmist’s thirst for God mirrors the deer’s desperate need for refreshing streams. Our souls ache for communion with the living God.  This metaphor transcends time, still strongly resonating with us today as Christians. Let us delve deeper into this feeling and longing for His Word, exploring how our hearts should yearn for God’s presence. The psalmist’s thirst mirrors our own spiritual hunger.

Reflection: The Intensity of Spiritual Longing

Consider moments when your soul yearned for God’s presence. What circumstances intensified this longing? Reflect on how spiritual thirst drives us to seek God earnestly. How can we cultivate this hunger in our daily lives?

Meditative Takeaway: Quenching Our Thirst

Just as a deer seeks water to survive, our souls need God’s presence for sustenance. Meditate on the idea that God alone satisfies our deepest longings. How can we prioritize seeking Him?

Like the deer, we must seek God diligently. Prayer, worship, and Scripture nourish our souls. Meditate on Psalm 63: “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land.”

How can we prioritize seeking God daily, even amidst life’s challenges?

Relevance Today: A Heart Set on God

In our fast-paced lives, distractions abound. Yet, our hearts should remain fixed on God, especially with the added distractions of the world. We need to block out the “ugly sounds of the world” and commune with the peaceful loving “calm voice” of the LORD.  How can we cultivate this unwavering desire for Him?

Moral Takeaway:

Consider how our longing for God impacts our choices, priorities, and relationships in the modern world.

  1. Thirst for God: The psalmist’s soul thirsts for God, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from seeking Him. In our own lives, we should cultivate a deep longing for God’s presence, knowing that He satisfies our spiritual thirst.
  2. Loving kindness Over Life: The psalmist declares that God’s lovingkindness is better than life itself. This perspective challenges us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. His love sustains us even in the driest seasons of life.
  3. Praise and Worship: Despite challenging circumstances (the “dry and thirsty land”), the psalmist’s lips praise God. We, too, should offer heartfelt worship, acknowledging His power and glory.
  4. Seeking God Early: The psalm begins with “early will I seek thee.” This encourages us to prioritize seeking God at the start of each day. When we seek Him first, everything else falls into place.

Unity Closing Prayer:

“Heavenly Father, like the deer pants for water, our souls’ thirst for You. We confess our need for Your presence, guidance, and love. Quench our spiritual thirst, O God. Help us seek You diligently, knowing that in You, we find true fulfillment. Unite us as one body, longing for You. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

May our hearts echo the psalmist’s cry, desiring God with an intensity that draws us ever closer to His abundant grace all the days of our lives, and beyond-

The Living... — Psalm 42:1 (NIV) - As the deer pants for streams... 

DEAR GOD: I Have   Confidence in You and Your Divine Discipline

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What does god’s discipline look like – Socialest

 “I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is.” – Galatians 5:10 (ESV) –

Context and Background:

The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Galatians to address a serious issue: false teachers were infiltrating the church, promoting legalism, and undermining the gospel of grace. These Judaizers insisted that Gentile believers must follow Jewish customs and laws to be truly saved. Paul’s response was passionate and urgent, emphasizing salvation by faith in Christ alone.

 Confidence in the Lord:

Paul begins with a bold statement: “I have confidence in the Lord.” His trust is not in human abilities but in God’s work within the Galatian believers.

As Christians, we can also have confidence in God’s faithfulness. He who began a good work in us will carry it to completion (Philippians 1:6).

Unity and Sound Doctrine:

Paul expects the Galatians to remain steadfast in their faith and not be swayed by false teachings.

We, too, should hold fast to sound doctrine and avoid being led astray by deceptive ideas or worldly philosophies.

Divine Discipline:

The phrase “the one who is troubling you” refers to those promoting legalism and undermining grace.

God’s discipline is not necessarily punitive but corrective. False teachers will face consequences for their actions.

Reflective Questions:

  • Where do we place our confidence? Are we relying on our abilities or trusting in God’s faithfulness?
  • How do we discern false teachings? What safeguards can we put in place to avoid being led astray?
  • Have we experienced God’s corrective discipline? How has it shaped our faith and understanding?

Meditative Thoughts:

  • Confidence in God: Our confidence rests not in ourselves but in the Lord who sustains us. May we walk in His truth and grace.
  • Spiritual Vigilance: Let us be vigilant against false teachings, seeking wisdom from the Holy Spirit to discern truth from error.
  • God’s Corrective Love: Divine discipline is an expression of God’s love. It redirects us toward His perfect will.

A Moral Story: “The Gardener’s Pruning”:

Once, in a beautiful garden, a skilled gardener tended to a young fruit tree. The tree grew lush and green, but its branches tangled and twisted. The gardener knew that without pruning, the tree would bear little fruit.

One day, the gardener approached the tree with shears in hand. The tree trembled, fearing the pain of the cut. But the gardener spoke gently, “Trust me, little tree. This pruning is for your good.”

As the shears snipped away dead branches and unruly growth, the tree winced. Yet, with each cut, it felt lighter, freer. The gardener whispered, “I am shaping you for abundance.”

In time, the tree blossomed. Its branches stretched toward the sun, laden with sweet fruit. The gardener smiled, knowing that the pruning had borne fruitfulness.

Such is our lives today. At times we need the “Master’s” hands to shape us and prune us of issues and circumstances that might be inhibiting our growth in Him which-ultimately- may be rotting our roots in Christianity. So at times our growth may be “painful” but in the overall picture and aftermath, it will be worth it as we develop higher into the realm of our faith and love for the LORD!

How Can We Apply This Today:

  • Unity: Let us stand united in the gospel of grace, rejecting legalism and embracing Christ’s finished work.
  • Discernment: May we discern false teachings and hold fast to sound doctrine.
  • Trust: Like the pruned tree, trust God’s loving discipline—even when it hurts—knowing it leads to abundant life.

Unified Prayer:

“My Dear Lord, grant us unwavering faith and confidence in You. Help us discern truth from error, and may we remain anchored in Your Word. Strengthen us to resist troubling influences and uphold sound doctrine. Help us in the growth of our spirituality, help us to get closer to You in all we do and say, all the days of our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

“May this encourage us to walk confidently in the LORD’s truth, and offer us encouragement in a dark world, as we follow His Light, and embrace His love, while we love Him in return!”

PPT - God’s Discipline PowerPoint Presentation, free download - ID:3115518

DEAR GOD: Your Mercy Endures Forever~

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20++ For The Lord Is Good And His Mercy Endures Forever Download - Free ...So, David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die- 
2 Samuel 12:13 (NKJV)

 

Bathsheba 

In the annals of biblical history, Bathsheba emerges as a multifaceted character—a woman whose life was marked by both tragedy and resilience. Her story unfolds in the pages of the Old Testament, primarily in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Kings. Let us delve into the depths of her life, exploring her loyalty to God, drawing lessons from her experiences, and seeking inspiration for our own faith journeys.

The Tragedy

Bathsheba’s tale begins with a fateful encounter. She was bathing on her rooftop when King David, from his palace, caught sight of her. Despite her marital status (she was married to Uriah the Hittite), David succumbed to temptation and committed adultery with her. The consequences were dire: Bathsheba became pregnant, and David orchestrated Uriah’s death in battle to cover up their sin.

The Resilience

Bathsheba’s resilience shines through in the aftermath of tragedy. She mourned Uriah’s death but accepted her new reality. When David took her as his wife, she bore him a son named Solomon. Despite the painful circumstances of their union, Bathsheba’s loyalty to God remained steadfast.

Lessons from Bathsheba

Sin’s Consequences: Bathsheba’s story reminds us that even secret sins have repercussions. Our actions affect not only ourselves but also those around us. We must be vigilant and seek forgiveness when we stumble.

God’s Forgiveness: Bathsheba’s life demonstrates God’s willingness to forgive. When David repented, God forgave him, and Bathsheba’s son Solomon became a pivotal figure in Israel’s history. No matter our past, God extends grace to those who turn to Him.

Enduring Consequences: Even after forgiveness, Bathsheba faced ongoing challenges. Her son Solomon’s ascent to the throne was marred by power struggles and family strife. Loyalty to God doesn’t shield us from life’s difficulties, but it sustains us through them.

Thoughtful Reflections

Empathy: Consider Bathsheba’s emotions—her grief over Uriah’s death, her vulnerability, and her eventual acceptance of her role in God’s plan. How can we empathize with others in their struggles?

Integrity: Bathsheba’s loyalty to God remained unwavering. How can we cultivate integrity in our lives, even when circumstances are challenging.

God’s mercy endures forever. He will always forgive and welcome you back into the fold, if you have a true repentant heart, and have turned from your sin. As Jesus said to Mary Magalene, “Go and sin no more-” God’s forgiveness is as deep and boundless as the sea and stars in the sky.

Takeaways

  • Loyalty: Our loyalty to God transcends circumstances.
  • Forgiveness: God’s grace covers our mistakes.
  • Resilience: Even in trials, we can find strength in Him.
Prayer In Unity

“Dearest Heavenly Father, like Bathsheba, we acknowledge our imperfections. Grant us forgiveness and resilience. May our loyalty to You be unwavering, even in the face of adversity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

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Let Bathsheba’s story inspire all of us to walk faithfully with God, trusting His plan even when life takes unexpected turns. Let us pray for strength, forgiveness, and wisdom. May we seek God’s guidance in our decisions, just as Bathsheba did, all the days of our lives –