seeking his face

DEAR GOD: We Are Fully Delivered From All Fears- Amen!~

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Delivered From All My Fears - Psalm 34:4 - A Clay Jar

Psalm 34:4 (ESV)

“I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”

Psalm 34:4 is a beautiful testament to God’s faithfulness and His readiness to respond to those
who earnestly seek Him. This verse reflects a profound personal experience with the Lord,
an intimate encounter that transforms fear into peace. Seeking the Lord is not just a one-time event but a daily journey of placing our trust in Him and recognizing His presence in every aspect of our lives.

To seek the Lord daily is to embark on a spiritual journey that encompasses prayer, meditation,
reading Scripture, and worship. It’s about allowing God into the very fabric of our existence and acknowledging His sovereignty over all our concerns.

The promise in this verse is clear: when we seek God earnestly, He responds. 

He doesn’t just listen; He acts, delivering us from the fears that seek to paralyze us.

In Christianity, seeking the Lord is a practice rooted in faith and love.

It’s an acknowledgment of our dependence on Him and a demonstration of our trust in
His wisdom and power.

Seeking is active, not passive; it involves pursuing God’s presence with a heart full of love and
reverence.

This seeking transforms our relationship with Him from one of distant
acknowledgement to intimate communion.

Reflective Questions

  • How am I actively seeking the Lord in my daily life?

  • What fears do I need to bring before God, trusting in His deliverance?

  • How has God answered me in the past when I sought Him earnestly?

Supporting Scriptures

  • Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV): “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all
    your heart.”

    • Emphasizes the promise of finding God when we seek Him with sincerity.

  • Matthew 7:7 (ESV): “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find;
    knock, and it will be opened to you.”

    • Encourages persistent seeking and the assurance of God’s response.

  • 1 Chronicles 16:11 (ESV): “Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence
    continually!”

    • Calls us to a continual, ongoing pursuit of God’s presence and strength.

Moral Takeaways

  • Active Seeking: Cultivate a daily habit of seeking God’s presence through prayer,
    Scripture, and worship.

  • Trust in God’s Deliverance: Place your fears and concerns before the Lord, trusting in His power to deliver and provide peace.

  • Intimate Relationship: Deepen your relationship with God by making Him a central
    part of your daily life, acknowledging His presence and guidance.

Prayer

“LORD -Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts eager to seek Your Presence. Help us to actively pursue You daily, to bring our fears and concerns before You, trusting in Your deliverance. Thank You for Your faithfulness in answering us and providing peace that surpasses all understanding. Guide us in our journey of faith, deepening our relationship with You and transforming our lives with Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Scripture to Ponder

Isaiah 55:6 (ESV): “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near.”

Blessing

May your heart be filled with the joy and peace that comes from seeking the Lord daily.
As you pursue Him with all your heart, may He answer you and deliver you from all your fears,
filling your life with His presence and grace.

Stay strong in your faith, and always remember, God is with you every step of the way.

DEAR GOD: Your Children Need YOU and YOU Alone!~

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The Lord's Prayer Is Meant to Be Lived | Flipboard

Chronicles 7:14 –

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

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Reflecting on 2 Chronicles 7:14 in Today’s World

 In a world often marked by division, conflict, and moral decay, the words of 2 Chronicles 7:14 resonate with profound urgency. This verse calls us to humility, prayer, and repentance, promising divine forgiveness and healing. It is a beacon of hope, reminding us that transformation begins with each of us turning towards God.

 The Call to Humility and Prayer

2 Chronicles 7:14 is a timeless reminder of God’s willingness to forgive and heal. It begins with a call to humility, a virtue that seems increasingly rare in our self-centered society. Humility requires us to acknowledge our limitations and our need for God’s guidance. It is the first step towards genuine repentance and transformation.

In today’s world, where pride and self-reliance are often celebrated, this call to humility is countercultural. Yet, it is precisely this humility that can lead to healing. When we humble ourselves, we open our hearts to God’s grace and wisdom, allowing Him to work through us to bring about change.

Seeking God’s Face

The verse also urges us to “seek my face,” which means to earnestly pursue a relationship with God. In a time when distractions abound and our attention is constantly pulled in different directions, seeking God’s face requires intentionality. It means setting aside time for prayer, meditation, and reading Scripture. It means prioritizing our spiritual growth over worldly pursuits.

For Christians today, seeking God’s face is a call to deepen our faith and trust in Him. It is an invitation to experience His presence and guidance in our lives. As we seek Him, we become more attuned to His will and more capable of living out His love and justice in the world.

Turning from Wicked Ways

Repentance is a central theme in this verse. It calls us to turn away from our sins and embrace a life of righteousness. This turning away is not just about avoiding wrongdoing but actively pursuing what is good and just. It is about aligning our lives with God’s commandments and values.

In a world filled with injustice, violence, and moral confusion, this call to repentance is crucial. It challenges us to examine our actions and attitudes, to seek forgiveness, and to make amends. It reminds us that true healing and restoration come from living in accordance with God’s will, and that HE is the One ultimately who is in CONTROL at all times!

The Promise of Forgiveness and Healing

The promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14 is both comforting and empowering. God assures us that if we humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways, He will hear us, forgive our sins, and heal our land. This promise is a testament to God’s boundless mercy and love.

In today’s vitriolic world, this promise offers hope. It reminds us that no matter how dire the situation, God’s healing power is available to us. It encourages us to persevere in our faith and to trust in His ability to bring about change.

Reflective Questions:

  1. In what areas of my life do I need to practice more humility?
  2. How can I make seeking God’s face a daily priority?
  3. What sins or harmful behaviors do I need to turn away from?
  4. How can I contribute to the healing of my community and nation?

Takeaway:

2 Chronicles 7:14 is a powerful call to action for Christians today. It challenges us to humble ourselves, seek God earnestly, repent of our sins, and trust in His promise of forgiveness and healing. In a world that often feels broken and divided, this verse offers a path to restoration and peace.

Meditative Takeaway on 2 Chronicles 7:14

In the stillness of our hearts, let us reflect on the profound message of 2 Chronicles 7:14. This verse is not just a call to action but an invitation to transformation. It beckons us to humble ourselves, to seek God’s presence earnestly, and to turn away from our sins. As we meditate on these words, let us consider the following:

  1. Humility: True humility is recognizing our dependence on God. It is the foundation of our spiritual journey, reminding us that we are not self-sufficient. In a world that often glorifies pride and self-reliance, let us embrace humility as a path to divine grace.
  2. Prayer: Prayer is our direct line to God. It is through prayer that we communicate our deepest desires, fears, and hopes. Let us commit to a life of prayer, knowing that God hears us and responds with love and wisdom.
  3. Seeking God’s Face: To seek God’s face is to desire His presence above all else. It requires us to prioritize our relationship with Him, setting aside time each day to connect with our Creator. In the busyness of life, let us find moments of quiet to seek His guidance and peace.
  4. Repentance: Turning from our wicked ways is a continuous process of self-examination and growth. It is about recognizing our faults, seeking forgiveness, and striving to live in alignment with God’s will. Let us be vigilant in our efforts to live righteously, knowing that true healing comes from repentance.

Let us remember that God’s promise of forgiveness and healing is ever-present. He is ready to restore our hearts and our land if we turn to Him with sincerity and faith and trust HIM in all we do and speak. He is in CONTROL – He is OUR everything and in control of all things big and small!

May this verse inspire us to live with humility, to pray fervently, to seek God’s presence, and to repent earnestly. In doing so, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God’s love and grace.

Closing Prayer:

“Dear LORD, we come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging our need for Your grace and guidance. We seek Your face, longing to know You more deeply and to align our lives with Your will. Forgive us for our sins and help us to turn away from all that is wicked. Heal our land, Lord, and bring unity and peace to our nation and people. Guide our leaders with Your wisdom and fill them with a spirit of justice and compassion. May Your love and truth prevail in our hearts and in our world. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: There is Goodness In Waiting For You~

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Waiting For God | Dr. Michelle Bengtson

“The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.”
Lamentations 3:25 (ESV) 

The Goodness of Waiting: 

 In the midst of life’s trials and uncertainties, we often find ourselves waiting—for answers, for healing, for restoration. The book of Lamentations, attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, captures the raw emotions of a people devastated by loss, yet it also reveals profound truths about God’s character. Let us delve into Lamentations 3:25 and explore its timeless message.

The Verse

“The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.” Lamentations 3:25 (ESV) 

Takeaway Thoughts

  1. Hope Anchored in God: Jeremiah’s words remind us that our hope should be firmly anchored in the Lord. When we face adversity, our trust in Him sustains us. God’s goodness extends to those who wait with expectant hearts.
  2. Active Seeking: The verse emphasizes seeking God actively. It’s not mere passivity; it’s a deliberate pursuit. When we seek Him earnestly, we experience His goodness and grace.
  3. Unwavering Goodness: Despite our circumstances, God’s goodness remains unwavering. He delights in blessing those who seek Him. Whether in joy or sorrow, His character remains constant.

Reflective Questions

  1. How do you define hope? How does your hope in God impact your perspective during challenging times?
  2. What practical steps can you take to actively seek God in your daily life?
  3. Reflect on moments when you’ve experienced God’s goodness. How did it strengthen your faith?

Moral View

Jeremiah’s life exemplified unwavering faith. Despite ridicule and persecution, he clung to God’s promises. Our moral view aligns with Jeremiah’s: Trusting God’s goodness even when circumstances seem bleak leads to resilience and spiritual growth.

Powerful Prayer

“Dear LORD -Thank You for Your unconditional love, Your goodness, and Your loving-kindness. Great is Your faithfulness, and we praise You, for You alone are worthy. Help us patiently wait for You, submitting to Your Holy Spirit, even when we don’t understand. May we seek You with all our hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

May this prayer resonate in our hearts as we wait, seek, and trust in the goodness of our faithful God. 

Waiting For God | Dr. Michelle Bengtson

 

 

DEAR GOD: Your Everlasting Embrace I Embrace~

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God's Love is Everlasting! | Gods love, God prayer, Believe in god

The Everlasting Embrace

In the quiet corridors of history, where whispers of the past echo with timeless truths, we find the words of Jeremiah 31:3, a beacon of divine love and assurance. “The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” These words, spoken to the prophet Jeremiah, resonate through the ages, reaching out to us with a message of an eternal love that transcends time and circumstance.

The Nature of Everlasting Love

What is this everlasting love that the Lord speaks of? It is a love that is unchanging, unfailing, and unending. It is a love that does not waver in the face of adversity or diminish with the passing of time. This love is not earned by deeds nor diminished by failures. It is a love freely given, a gift from the Divine to the creation He so cherishes.

Reflective Questions

As we ponder the depth of such love, we might ask ourselves:

  • How does the knowledge of God’s everlasting love influence our daily lives?
  • In what ways can we reflect this divine love in our interactions with others?
  • Can we truly comprehend the magnitude of a love that knows no bounds?

The Moral of The LORD’s Love

The moral of this everlasting love is clear: we are called to love as we have been loved. Just as the Lord draws us with lovingkindness, we too are invited to extend kindness and compassion to those around us. In a world where love often comes with conditions and expectations, the challenge is to love unconditionally, to offer grace as freely as we have received it.

Scriptural Support

As we seek to embody this love, let us remember the words of 1 John 4:19, “We love because He first loved us.” It is this first love, this initiating love of the Lord, that empowers us to love in return. It is the foundation upon which all acts of kindness and expressions of compassion are built.

In conclusion, the everlasting love of the Lord is not just a promise from the past; it is a living, breathing reality that calls us to action. It invites us to become vessels and reflections of His love, to share the lovingkindness that has been so generously poured upon us. May we rise to this calling, and in doing so, find the true meaning of love.

A Heartfelt Prayer

As we close this reflection on the everlasting love of the Lord let’s share this heartfelt prayer:

“Dear Heavenly Father, Your love is like the vast expanse of the sky, boundless and beautiful. You have drawn us close with cords of kindness, wrapping us in the warmth of Your eternal embrace. Help us to grasp the depth of Your love, to feel its power and its peace. May we walk in the light of Your love, reflecting its brilliance in the dark corners of this world. Guide our steps, that we may love as You love, without reservation or hesitation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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I pray this resonates with you and provides spiritual enrichment from the LORD’s Word and His Bible. 

DEAR GOD: Your Will Be Done

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Seek God's will in all that you do and He will show you the path to ...

 

Galatians 6:2- Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

While in attendance at a gathering a person was complaining non-stop about all the things wrong in her life. Going on and on, that we thought she’d never stop! We couldn’t understand the negativity with this individual- her life looked as if it were a “bed of roses” along with feel-good scenarios laced in at once.

Eventually she did stop, and we went on to speak about other issues. But I couldn’t help but notice the sadness in the person who was lamenting for ten minutes straight. But she came to an abrupt halt, as if embarrassed and then nothing but silence from her during the entire gathering.

I leaned towards her and asked “is there anything I could help you with? Seems like there is something weighing heavily on your mind and heart.”  It was as if a light went off as she nodded and smiled.

We went off to a little corner outdoors, and she began to tell me that her husband was very controlling, and emotionally abusive, and at times – he pulled her hair. But she was quick to say, “only a couple of times he pulled my hair.” He also cheated on her. And on top of all of this – she was upset to find out her youngest son smacked his girlfriend around a couple of times.

I was overwhelmed and saddened by what this poor lady was going through and felt awful that the others were rolling their eyes at her complaints. I must confess – I too was wondering why she was murmuring so much, but I felt the spirit within me saying, something is wrong here. More than meets the eye.

After a very long detailed talk I gave her a number to call. There was a person who was experienced with “trauma at homes” and she was an expert at helping woman with the exact kind of situation “Sherry” was going through. I also said, “Do you know Christ?” And although she did, she said sadly that she didn’t know Him well, or the Bible.  I had an extra Bible in my car, for such times. And I gave it to her. “Read it! Start with John 3:16 – of how much God loves us. Jesus is the only One who can help you- He will give you the strength and direct your paths.” She took the Bible and hugged me, “thank you” were the last words she said before she walked away.

Weeks after that encounter – “Sherry” reached out to thank me. Her life was getting on track. She excitedly explained that she opened her Bible as I’d suggested and read John 3:16 – Then read the entire Gospel of John and was reading the epistles of John at the moment. She gave testimony of how different she felt almost immediately when she cried out to God that night, after our initial meeting. She said – the counselor helped her- but God was the One that really was helping. She started to cry, “Thank you for helping me…thank you!”

This story is inspiring and had a good outcome. Sadly, not all stories end happy or hopeful. We as Christians need to “tune in” to others and see past the fluff and stuff that sometimes go hand-in-hand pertaining to people and what they’re actually saying.

There is a difference from “the verbal voice” versus the “inner true voice.” The outer appearance sometimes will mask the inner appearance, and I am talking about one’s soul!

I have no doubt that “Sherry” will gain even more introspection and courage as she gets into the Word and continues seeing the woman expert in domestic abuse and emotional abuse. But – God will do the majority of “healing” for her heart and soul. “Sherry” was willing to do the work-God will do the rest.

Have you ever been around someone who is complaining and think -gee I wish they’d just be quiet?

On the other side of the spectrum, have you ever heard someone going on and on about what a great life they have-and you want them to be quiet?

Truth is – both scenarios can be masked by the true voice of their soul. Overcompensating can be a sign of inner sadness too. This is where we come in as Christians and look to God for strength, wisdom and answers.

Speak to them – ask with sincerity “what’s really happening here?” Then seek the person and talk with them. God wants us to help others. Sometimes it’s not just “physical sickness” that hurts. Emotional pain is awful too!  It can tear up a person and chew them up in the process. There is never any excuse for anyone to be abused in any way – emotionally or physically. And there is never a good reason for a husband to pull hair.

Sadly, abused individuals always think it’s their fault and make excuses. This happens all the time. But help is available. Especially when we reach out to them. Give them the tools and provide loving Christian counsel.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”

Reach out to them. Help them seek God. Offer a friendly tone or ear and see where God leads you. He will always guide your paths when you ask for His help.

“Sherry” is happier these days, and it shows. Her husband is also attending classes about anger issues, along with her son. So, there is so much hope for this family going forward. Amen.

What about the others out there? Do you know any “Sherry’s?” If so, have you helped? If not – why not?

“Dear God, thank You for Your input and wisdom, for imparting the words and actions in order to help Your children, may I be Your vessel and servant all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

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Emotional abuse can include verbal assault, dominance, control, isolation, ridicule, or the use of intimate knowledge for degradation (). It targets the emotional and psychological well-being of the victim, and it is often a precursor to physical abuse. There is a high correlation between physical abuse and emotional abuse in batterer populations (), and verbal abuse early in a relationship predicts subsequent physical spousal abuse ().

If you suspect or know anyone who is going through an abusive relationship – please reach out to them. Let them know there is always help available for them.

National Domestic Violence Hotline | The Administration for Children and Families (hhs.gov)