obeying God

DEAR GOD: Your Mercy & Love Is Life Sustaining~

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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.’

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DEAR GOD: I Trust You Fully And Completely~

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Trusting God Fully

 Trusting God fully is a journey of faith that requires us to surrender our fears, doubts, and uncertainties to Him. It is about believing in His promises and relying on His wisdom, even when we cannot see the path ahead. The Bible provides us with numerous scriptures that encourage us to place our trust in God and lean on His understanding.

Moral Takeaways

  1. God’s Faithfulness: God is always faithful to His promises. He never fails us, even when circumstances seem dire.
  2. Surrendering Control: Trusting God means letting go of our need to control every aspect of our lives and allowing Him to guide us.
  3. Peace in Uncertainty: When we trust God, we can find peace even in the midst of uncertainty and chaos.
  4. Strength in Weakness: God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. When we trust Him, we can overcome any challenge.

Reflective Questions

  1. What areas of my life am I struggling to trust God with?
  2. How can I remind myself of God’s faithfulness in difficult times?
  3. What steps can I take to surrender control and rely more on God’s guidance?
  4. How has trusting God brought peace to my life in the past?

Supportive Scriptures

  1. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
  2. Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
  3. Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV): “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
  4. Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Prayer

“LORD-Help us to trust You fully, even when we cannot see the way forward. Teach us to surrender our fears and doubts to You, knowing that You have a perfect plan for our lives. Grant us peace in the midst of uncertainty and strength in our moments of weakness. May we always remember that Your ways are higher than our ways and Your thoughts higher than our thoughts. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Thought to Ponder

As you go about your day, reflect on this thought: “Trusting God means believing that He is good, even when life is not.”

How can you apply this truth to your current circumstances?

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DEAR GOD: Your Unfailing Love and Ever-Present Protection

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Quotes about God unfailing love (59 quotes)

“The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” –Psalm 121:7-8

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God’s Unfailing Love and Ever-Present Protection

God’s love is an unbreakable bond—a tapestry woven with threads of grace, compassion, and unwavering commitment. From the dawn of creation, His love has cradled humanity, embracing us in both our triumphs and our deepest sorrows. It is a love that transcends time, circumstance, and human frailty.

In Psalm 121:7-8, we glimpse the heart of our heavenly Father. He promises to preserve us from all evil, safeguarding our souls. His watchful eye never wavers; it follows us as we step out into the world and welcomes us back when we return. Imagine the Creator of galaxies bending low to watch over His children—the same hands that flung stars into existence now shielding us from harm.

God’s protection isn’t a distant concept; it’s an intimate reality. He doesn’t merely observe from afar; He walks beside us. When life’s storms rage, His love stands as an unyielding fortress. It shelters us from the tempests of doubt, fear, and despair. His love is a lighthouse guiding us through treacherous waters, illuminating our path even when darkness threatens to engulf us.

As parents watch over their children, God watches over us. His love isn’t passive; it’s active, vigilant, and fiercely protective. When danger lurks, His arms encircle us, whispering, “Fear not, for I am with you.” In moments of weakness, His strength becomes our refuge. When we stumble, His grace lifts us up. His love is both our anchor and our wings—a paradox that defies human comprehension.

The same God who breathed life into Adam’s lungs, who parted the Red Sea, and who sent His Son to redeem us—He is the One who preserves our going out and our coming in. His love isn’t bound by time or circumstance. It stretches across eternity, cradling us in its embrace.

In the hustle and bustle of life, we often find ourselves seeking refuge from the storms that surround us. In moments of uncertainty, we yearn for assurance, a steadfast promise that transcends our earthly struggles. Psalm 121:7-8 provides precisely that—a divine pledge of protection that resonates across generations. Let us delve into this powerful passage, exploring its implications, meditating on its wisdom, and inviting others to join us on this journey of faith.

Scriptural Foundation

 These verses in Psalm 121 – encapsulate God’s unwavering commitment to safeguard His children. The Word and verses assure us that His watchful eye never slumbers, and His protective shade shields us from harm. Let us unpack the layers of meaning within this promise, and take with us the knowledge of His Magnificence and His Omnipotence – and how His mercy endures forever!

Moral Consequences and Thoughts

  1. Trust in God’s Faithfulness: When we internalize these words, we recognize that our safety lies not in our own strength but in God’s Omnipotence. Our actions should reflect this trust—choosing faith over fear, surrendering our worries, and relying on His providence for all things in our lives, all the days of our lives.
  2. Responsibility and Obedience: God’s preservation doesn’t absolve us of responsibility. We must walk in alignment with His will, avoiding evil and pursuing righteousness. Our choices have consequences, and obedience leads to blessings. He is ever watchful and mindful of all we do each second of our lives.
  3. Community and Compassion: As Christians, we’re called to extend this promise to others. Our moral duty involves protecting and following the LORD’s example- and being a vessel for the LORD- through Him in spreading the Word, which helps the LORD in preserving the souls of those around us. Compassion, empathy, and love become our armor against evil in Jesus’ Christ name!

Reflective Questions

  1. How do you perceive God’s protection in your life? Can you recall moments when His intervention was evident?
  2. What steps can you take to align your actions with God’s promise of preservation?
  3. How can you extend this assurance to others—friends, family, and even strangers?

Meditative Thoughts

  1. In the darkest night, God’s light shines brightest.
  2. His preservation encompasses our every step—our going out and coming in.
  3. Fear dissipates when we rest in His sovereignty.

Takeaway

As we meditate on Psalm 121:7-8, let us:

  • Anchor our souls: Trust that God’s preservation transcends earthly limitations.
  • Walk circumspectly: Live in obedience, knowing that our choices matter.
  • Extend grace: Be vessels of His protection to those around us.

Invitation

Dear fellow believers, let us share this promise with others. Read and meditate on Psalm 121:7-8. Discuss it with friends, family, and fellow Christians. Let its truth permeate our lives, and may we find solace in the unwavering protection of our loving God.  In the shelter of His wings, we find rest.

Unity Prayer

“Dear LORD, We gather as one, bound by faith and love. We lift our hearts to You, knowing that Your promise stands firm. Preserve us, O Lord, from all evil. Guard our souls, our thoughts, and our actions. May our going out and coming in be under Your watchful gaze. Shield us from harm and grant us discernment. In Jesus Christ’ name we pray. Amen”

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May we carry this truth with us—the assurance that God’s love surrounds us, His protection enfolds us, and His faithfulness endures forever. Let us walk confidently, knowing that we are cherished, guarded, and never alone…

 

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DEAR GOD: You Are My Choice Over Everything & Everyone~

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Prayer of Daniel

Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. I make a decree, that in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and steadfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. So, this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
Daniel 6:26-28 (KJV)-

Daniel understood God’s law prohibited eating foods that were being offered to idols. He was in Babylon in full captivity—a place that worshiped false gods—when he soon faced a difficult decision.  King Nebuchadnezzar demanded that only the finest foods be sent for Daniel’s consumption, but only after being presented to idols.

The question became for Daniel “was it better to merely obey the king—or disobey God to please the king? The underlying issues were about allegiance to God.  He could have reasoned that breaking the divine command was because he had no choice, that he was just a servant. That would have been an easy justification for disobedience. However, Daniel was filled with a driven desire to do what was right in the eyes of God—and so as a result, he resolved not to eat the royal food, and sought instead, for a way that would honor the Lord by keeping God’s laws.

Prayer and a reverent mind and heart helped Daniel, and only through God, was he fully strengthened, and able to pursue the righteous path instead of the thorny road.

It’s vital to realize that obeying God is clearly the right choice. No matter what the world is doing, or what your friends think is “cool” – outside of God’s will and laws, it’s like walking the tightrope without the protective net below. However, with God—should we fall, or slip -He is always there to catch us.

Prayers and daily dedication/worship is the preponderance of servitude in His eyes. To become like Daniel, it’s crucial to facilitate a wholehearted commitment to follow the Lord and consistently apply Scripture to circumstances and decisions. Then, when a challenge comes, we’ll have the courage and wisdom to obey God’s commands.

Which path will you choose?  For me -I will choose GOD each and every time!

“Father, I will choose You over everything and everyone each and every time in my life, may I be strengthened by Your love, and Your Spirit as I go through my daily tasks in life, may I be humble in my request to reflect Your light in all I do, and may I acquiesce to Your commandments and adhere to Your Word while honoring You, obeying You, worshiping You, and most especially loving You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”