Presence of the LORD

DEAR GOD: I Live For YOU & You Live In Me~

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Christ Lives In Me Galatians 2:20 - Quotes

Commentary on Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

This verse encapsulates the essence of the Christian life—a profound transformation where the old self is crucified with Christ, and a new life begins with Him at the center. Paul’s declaration reveals a deep, personal identification with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He speaks of a radical shift from living for self to living by faith in the Son of God.

Heartfelt Christian Views: Then and Now

Then: In the early days of Christianity, this verse served as a revolutionary concept. The early Christians faced persecution and hardships, and Paul’s words encouraged them to find strength and identity in Christ. The idea of being crucified with Christ meant that their old lives, with all their sins and failures, were put to death. It was a call to live a new life empowered by the presence of Christ within them.

Now: Today, this verse continues to inspire Christians to live a life surrendered to Christ. In a world filled with distractions and temptations, Galatians 2:20 reminds us that our true identity and purpose are found in Christ. It calls us to let go of our ego and self-centeredness and to embrace a life of faith and devotion to Jesus. This transformation is not just a one-time event but a daily walk of faith, continually allowing Christ to live through us.

Moral Takeaways

Identity in Christ: Our identity is rooted in Christ, not in our achievements or failures. We are new creations in Him.

Self-Surrender: True Christian living involves surrendering our will and desires to Christ, allowing Him to guide our actions and decisions.

Faith in Action: Living by faith means trusting in Jesus’ love and sacrifice, letting His love motivate and direct our lives.

  • Reflective Questions
    In what areas of my life do I need to surrender more fully to Christ?
  • How can I daily remind myself of my identity in Christ and live out that reality?
  • What actions can I take to demonstrate my faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me?

Supporting Scriptures (NKJV)

2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Romans 6:6: “Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.”

Philippians 1:21: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the transformative power of Your Word and the life-changing sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Help us to truly understand and embrace our identity in Him. May we live by faith, allowing Christ to live through us, guiding our thoughts, words, and actions. Strengthen us to surrender our lives to Your will and to trust in Your love and grace. Fill us with Your Spirit, that we may reflect Your love to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture to Ponder
John 15:5 (NKJV): “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

Blessing
May the presence of Christ fill your heart with peace and guide you in every step. Trust in His love and live each day for His glory –

God Bless You All~

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DEAR GOD: Today In This Moment -My Faith Abounds~

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“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” – Proverbs 27:1 (ESV)

Reflection on Proverbs 27:1

This verse from Proverbs reminds us of the uncertainty of life and the importance of humility. It speaks to the human tendency to make grand plans and boast about future achievements, forgetting that our lives are ultimately in God’s hands. As Christians, we are called to live in the present, trusting in God’s provision and guidance for each day. Trust in the LORD! He is in control – no need to worry about tomorrow- live for the day – and do ALL unto the LORD in each task, each deed, and all that you endeavor!

Duties of a Christian

As followers of Christ, we are called to live according to His commandments and teachings. This includes:

  1. Trusting in God’s Plan: We must trust that God knows what is best for us, even when our plans do not unfold as expected. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) says, “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. Living Humbly: We should approach each day with humility, recognizing that we do not control the future. James 4:13-15 (ESV) echoes this sentiment: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’”
  3. Being Present: Jesus taught us to focus on today and not to worry about tomorrow. Matthew 6:34 (ESV) states, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

Moral Takeaways

  • Humility: Recognize that our knowledge and control are limited. We should not boast about our plans but rather submit them to God’s will.
  • Trust: Place our trust in God, knowing that He holds our future and has a plan for our lives.
  • Presence: Live fully in the present, making the most of each day and trusting God for tomorrow.

Reflective Questions

  1. How often do I find myself making plans without considering God’s will?
  2. In what ways can I practice humility and trust in my daily life?
  3. How can I focus more on the present and less on the uncertainties of the future?

Prayer

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that our lives are in Your hands. Help us to live each day with humility, trusting in Your plan and provision. Teach us to focus on the present and to seek Your will in all that we do. May we not boast about tomorrow but instead, place our confidence in You. Guide us, Lord, and help us to follow Your commandments faithfully. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Scripture to Ponder

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)

Blessing

May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. May you find comfort and strength in His presence, trusting Him with your future and living each day to its fullest.

Blessings to you, dear reader, as you walk in faith and humility.

 

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DEAR GOD: I Am Quieted By Your Love~

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“The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJV)

This passage from Zephaniah is a profound reminder of God’s intimate presence and unwavering love for His people. It paints a picture of a God who is not distant or detached but is actively involved in our lives. The imagery of God rejoicing over us with gladness and singing is both comforting and awe-inspiring. It speaks to the depth of His affection and the joy He finds in His relationship with us.

In moments of anxiety and uncertainty, this verse brings peace to our hearts. Knowing that the Mighty One is in our midst, ready to save and quiet us with His love, provides a sense of security and reassurance. It reminds us that we are not alone; God is with us, celebrating our victories and comforting us in our struggles.

Supporting Scriptures

  1. Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
  2. Psalm 23:4 – “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
  3. Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

These scriptures reinforce the message of God’s presence and love. They remind us that no matter what we face, God is with us, providing strength, comfort, and unwavering love.

Reflective Questions

  1. How does knowing that God rejoices over you with gladness change your perspective on your relationship with Him?
  2. In what ways have you experienced God’s love quieting your fears and anxieties?
  3. How can you share the message of God’s intimate love and presence with others in your life?

Moral Thoughts and Takeaways

  • God’s Presence: Recognize and cherish the fact that God is always with us, in every situation and circumstance.
  • God’s Love: Embrace the depth of God’s love, which is not just a passive feeling but an active, rejoicing, and comforting presence.
  • God’s Joy: Understand that God finds joy in us, His creation, and let that knowledge bring joy and peace to our hearts.

Powerful Closing Unified Prayer

“LORD, we come before You with grateful hearts, thanking You for Your constant Presence and unwavering love. We are in awe of the fact that You, the Mighty One, rejoice over us with gladness and singing. In moments of fear and uncertainty, quiet our hearts with Your love. Help us to feel Your comforting Presence and to trust in Your saving power. May we always remember that nothing can separate us from Your love. Guide us to share this message of hope and love with others, so they too may experience the peace and joy that comes from knowing You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Scripture to Ponder for the Day

Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

May this verse remind you to find moments of stillness in your day, to reflect on God’s loving and continuous Presence and His exalted place in your life.

And above all else – look up and give Him thanks and all the glory!

God Bless you~

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DEAR GOD: Is One Thousand Years Truly One Day with You?~

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2 Peter 3:8 – But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

 

 

I overheard a man recently telling another man in the parking lot, “boy, when I’m around my wife’s family, a couple of hours feels like one thousand years!”  To which the other man roared with laughter and replied, “I have to remember that- that’s great!”

Somewhat bemused at the exchange, I thought immediately about 2 Peter 3:8, and realized that is kind of on topic for that verse. Well, sort of…

What I personally take away from this particular passage is that “God’s timing” is not ours. I take this verse to mean that God is not bound by time as humans are. Because what might seem like an extremely long tedious time to us, in actuality is but a moment to God.

I have often heard this verse used to encourage and uplift others to trust in God’s perfect timing, and not to give any thought or worry about time itself. That is to say, how long things take in this lifetime of which is paradoxically, fleeting.

For sure it’s entirely different when we get to our permanent home. Things won’t be the same as they are while we are in our flesh bodies, or so it is told throughout God’s Word. And of course, when we subscribe and surrender to His will, and His purpose, and trust in Him…we know that what we read is inspired by Him, through His prophets, and so…Heaven is real, and not as it is here on earth.

Of course, this verse is part of a larger passage pertaining to the coming day of our LORD, when the world will be judged and renewed.  God is merciful and fulfills His promises and wants everyone to repent and to spend eternity with Him. His timing, not ours. His will, not ours. His purpose, not ours. His, and His alone.

I have to tell you, if I’m being honest…there are some individuals I know who can spin a story that never ends, and it truly can seem like a thousand years!  I smile to myself and say, now in the eternity with the LORD, this story would elapse quickly!  LOL!

Trust that He is everywhere at all times, and the next time you are with someone who is going on and on, and time is dragging. Remember Christ dwells within us, and His Presence is with you everywhere. Try to concentrate on that aspect then perhaps the time will go a “little faster!”

“Father, I embrace You always and realize that my time is not as Yours, and my timing is not as Your timing, which is perfect, I thank You for Your promises, and love, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. ~ Proverbs 15:3