Verse of the week Blogvotionals
John 10:14-15
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me – just as the Father knows me and I know the Father – and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
These two verses offer a beautiful picture of Christ’s love for us. We are His sheep, and He is our shepherd. This theme is found repeated throughout the Bible which means it’s an important message to get across.
Here, Jesus compares His relationship with us to that of His Father. He clearly has a close, intimate relationship with God, and He wants us to know that He feels the same about us. It’s not matter of fact nor distant and detached.
Jesus knows us each individually in detail. We are not merely just a number in a much bigger flock. He’s aware of all of our spots (our sins) and it doesn’t matter to Him that we have them. When even one of us wanders off, He will leave all the others to find us and bring us safely home.
The value Jesus places on us and His dedication are made abundantly clear by His actions. His love so pure and true that He laid down His life so we may live. We will not find that kind of love anywhere else.
Matthew 5:11-12
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.”
In this world – the hostile environment we live in – it is getting increasingly harder to stand up to truth. We are being bombarded with the idea that truth isn’t even true anymore.
But stand tall, speak truth and do not waiver. Be strong and courageous. People aren’t hating on you. They are hating on the light of the world – the One who reveals their sin. Lift up what is right with kindness, love, and gentleness. Great is your reward.
Pray always for those who don’t know truth (whether it be a friend or adversary) for they truly don’t know what they do. Be a blessing in their lives as God has graciously blessed you.
John 4:13-14
Jesus answered, ” Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
It’s human nature to see our physical needs first, then right behind them we focus on our desires. Everything else falls somewhere down the line. We have the allusion that once all these earthly needs and/or desires are met, we will feel complete. But that is not how God designed us. That feeling of completeness can only truly come when we are being filled spiritually by Him. No earthly “filler” can do that job. So, we spin our wheels trying hard to fill a void (that God designed to be filled with Him) with earthly fillers only to never quite get the job done. The longing to be filled still remains.
Focusing on God first rather than our physical needs or desires offers a different perspective. Yes, the physical needs may still need to be met but we’ll come at them from a place of hope and trust rather than need and desperation. Our old desires may still be there but their hold over us diminishes. And new desires my take their place entirely.
Our spiritual fullness is always the most important thing to God. All other needs are secondary. That is the water God offers so that we may never be thirsty again. We are complete in Him.
Esther 4:14
“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you will have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Esther found herself in a time and position where she had influence (even though she doubted the amount of that influence). Her cousin, Mordecai, appealed to her to use her position as queen to try to save the Jews from annihilation. Esther realized the truth in what Mordecai said – that it was a divine appointment. It wasn’t just happenstance that she, a Jewish girl, was chosen to be queen at this important juncture of time. God had given her a role to play. She summoned her courage and with God’s guidance, she saved her people.
Where are you today? What position do you find yourself in? Do you see attacks on Godly people going on around you? Is there something you can do within your scope of influence? Our world is so much different than Esther’s. We have the ability to speak out and make a positive difference around us – loving our neighbors, running for office, speaking against lies, and standing up to evil. Don’t doubt your influence. Maybe this is exactly the time you for which you were created.
James 1:19-20
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Anger is an odd emotion. On the surface we know it’s not an emotion we want to have ruling overus. The irony is that anger has a life of its own. Once we let a little bit in it needs to be fed. Anger needs a tremendous amount of time and energy just to exist in a viable form. It plays tricks with us so that we subconsciously believe it’s actually more pleasurable to be angry than to not.
Have you ever been in the situation where someone close to you did something you didn’t like? The next thing you know you’re making a mental list of all the ways this person has ever done you wrong. You’ve mentally chosen to feed your anger. What once was a little flame has turned into a full blown fire that’s not easily put out. As a result – it’s very difficult to let Christ’s example of love and forgiveness come into play at all.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing anger is rewarding – that it feels good. And as we can see from the passage above – anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Anger has a nasty habit of leading us into poor decisions with ugly consequences. Fortunately, there is a way for us to fight the power of anger. In simple terms, we must starve it. When we catch ourselves starting to go down a mental slippery slope, we must refuse to take the slide and ask God for help redirecting our thoughts. God’s will is for us to be righteous. We can’t do that if we’re consumed by something other than Him.
Encouragement of the day: When you catch yourself spending time and dwelling on the things that make you angry – recognize that you’re in a deceptive trap initiated by the evil one. Fight back. Let God help you. The first step is realizing it.
Hebrews 1:10-12
“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.”
This world we live in was created by God’s hands. We had nothing to do with it – the intricate complexities of creation down to the tiniest detail nor the absolute beauty surrounding us. Stop for a moment and reflect on the words “the work of your hands”. What does that conjure up in your mind? To me – it means God lovingly planned out and put detailed effort and care into forming this world we call home.
This verse, also, reminds us is that this world – this home we have – is all temporary. He, alone, has control of our timeline. This world will all fade away. For those that choose to accept Him, this “home” with all of its struggles will be replaced with something greater. No more pain. No more tears. No more wars.
Lastly, it’s important to remember that even when all of creation, as we know it, slips away, God remains. He can never be wiped out, destroyed or defeated. Those who aren’t deceived by the evil one know this truth and hold tight to the promise that will be fulfilled. By God’s graciousness, we will remain with Him. Victory is assured.
Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Have you ever felt like you haven’t fully reached your potential? The truth is – you haven’t. But that’s not a bad thing. Our whole lives are meant to be a growth process. If we ever get to the point where we feel we’ve reached the pinnacle, then what could possibly be next? Wouldn’t life become a little boring? There would be no more challenges – no more excitement – no more growth.
This week’s verse reminds us that we’re a work in progress. We were lovingly created by the One and Only True God. And since that time He continues to mold us and shape us day by day. This is exciting and comforting!! I know that He who began a work in me will not let me go until that work is done. Even though I may still be a little rough around the edges, I know He sees me as a beautiful vessel in progress.
God is a master artist who knows that each layer – each piece in the process is important. The end result is made more beautiful by all the work that has gone into it. So, never think your “faults” make you a failure. They may be the very things that He uses to turn you into a masterpiece.
Ezekiel 36:26
This week’s verse reminds us that when we accept Jesus as our Savior, God transforms us. He graciously gives us a new heart and a new spirit. It may not always be immediately evident to us or to those around us but rest assured we have been renewed.
Growth and change do take time but what this verse assures us is that we have the tools with which to work. God has given us a new heart and a new spirit. It’s our job to nurture them. The more we let love in – the more our heart grows and the more love will flow out of us. The more we use the spirit, namely the fruit of the spirit – the more they will expand and grow inside of us and flow out of us.
Without this wonderful transforming gift from God our hearts would remain as stone with no life or love flowing through them. But thankfully, by God’s love and grace, we are made new with a “spirit of power, of love and of discipline“
Proverbs 3:5-6
This week’s verse is close to my heart. It touches on two subjects I struggle with quite a bit in my faith walk. One is trust and the other is submission. It’s easy to say we trust God but harder to live out that trust when we’re faced with roadblocks and difficulties. When God doesn’t handle things the way we think He should, our trust in Him can waver. Why is it so easy for us to forget that He knows more than us – that He has a plan and is always in control?
As far as submitting goes, well…I’ve fought God long and hard over my plans and my dreams for many years. Even though I realize, in my head, that submitting leads me to a more peaceful life, I find, in my heart, I’m still fighting for control. It’s time to let go and let God lead. He will never lead us astray or down dead-end roads. There is always a way out and He will see us through to the other side. All we have to do is trust and submit!
I Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
This verse is an admonition for us to stand firm in our faith in God. We can’t let the lies or pressure from others move us off of our foundation. Doing so only moves us to a weaker position – a crumbly foundation.
We must also not give up in doing God’s work – spreading His good news, His love, and His desire to bring all His sheep home. It may appear sometimes that hope is lost – that others aren’t listening – aren’t turning toward Him. However, we only see the surface. God sees the inner workings. We keep fighting the good fight for the work in the Lord is not in vain.
Isaiah 40:31
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.
This week’s verse reminds us that when we put our hope in the Lord, there is a great reward – a continual renewing of our soul. No matter how weary we get God IS our strength. He will infuse us with His power, His strength, and His determination. When we face challenges and trials in our lives; when it feels like we’re at the end of our rope, God is there to breathe life and hope back into us. He’s there to keep us going. He IS the wind beneath our wings.
When those hard moments hit in life, dig down and remember the source of your strength. Call on the Lord and He will get you through to the other side of your trial. Rely on Him. Rest in Him. Your weariness will not defeat you. You WILL soar in victory on wings like eagles. The feeling will be freeing and the view will be spectacular!
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Peace is arguably one of the most sought after gifts of just about everyone in the world. The amazing thing is that it’s a rarity but doesn’t have to be. Peace is hard to find for most and yet so readily available. It’s a gift waiting to be tapped into.
And it is a gift! It can’t be bought. It can’t be created. It definitely can’t be taken. Yes, the world gives us many gifts – some of them present the illusion of peace but none of them can match the wonderful gift of God’s peace.
So how does one get this elusive gift of peace?It’s simple really – accept Jesus, get to know Him intimately – know His heart, His power, His will and peace will come. We cannot have peace without God in the equation. Without Him, peace doesn’t exist.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Peace is waiting for you in abundance. The closer you get to God, the safer and more secure you will feel. That feeling of being enveloped by His love and presence is peace.
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, with prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
This verse conveys the desire God has that we not get weighed down by life’s burdens. Many of us have a tendency to try to handle our own problems. Asking for help from other people is often hard to do. How much harder is it to ask God for help?
Are we conditioned to believe from childhood that God has bigger things to deal with – that our problems in life aren’t big enough for Him to care about? When we believe things like that, we strip away the caring, personal nature of God’s relationship with us. No, He may not sweep down and take away our problems but He always offers peace and comfort.
Don’t underestimate the power of peace when you’re facing trials. It’s that calming force that allows you to take a deep breath, step back and see things clearly (through a different, Godly perspective). It changes how we approach and deal with the things before us.
One more important bit of wisdom this verse mentions. We must come to God with thanksgiving and praise. When we recognize His gift to us far surpasses the pain of our earthly trial, we truly understand how blessed we are (despite our circumstances).
Ephesians 6:11
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
This verse reminds us that God has given us every tool we need as well as the protection we need in order to fight the devil’s schemes. The problem is that so few of us actually take the time to clothe ourselves in this protection and we fail to sharpen or even use our weapons.
Once we have clothed ourselves with God’s armor, we will be able to stand firm. We are guarded against any attack. The passage goes on to mention the shield of faith “with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” The devil is constantly throwing arrows at us in hopes of weakening our armor. God has given us a way to make these attacks inconsequential. Let’s use it.
The battle exists whether we acknowledge it or not. You may not see yourself as a fighter but at least put on the protection so generously offered to you.
Romans 10:17
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard from the word of Christ.
Today’s verse reminds us the importance the Word of God has in strengthening our faith. So many of us take this incomparable resource for granted. We skip through life with this idea that once we believe, we’re good to go. We can get through life just fine.
Believing in God is one thing. Having faith and growing that faith is another. If someone wants a strong body, they have to work out. If someone wants a strong faith they, also, have to put in the effort. God has given us the source and the tool to gain faith – His message – the Word of Christ. You cannot have a strong faith without it. You will always be missing a key element.
So dig into God’s word, listen to His message, and see how you grow. The size of your faith is your responsibility. It will mean the difference of “getting through life just fine” or having a peaceful, more grounded faith.
Psalm 9:9-10
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord have never forsaken those who seek you.
This verse encompasses a lot of thought and comfort. First of all, we are reminded that God is our refuge. He is the shelter from the storms we face in life. We can find no better place for cover than in His loving arms.
Next, we see that God is our stronghold – a fortified place that can defend against attack. The devil comes at us with persistence to weaken and destroy us. But in God’s stronghold we are defended and protected.
The last part of this passage is key…notice the importance of knowing God’s name. The more we know who God is and what His characteristics are – the easier it is to find ourselves dwelling in His peace – His refuge – His stronghold.
His promise to us is this – He will never forsake those who seek Him. To get you started here are the names of God. Seek, study and dwell in who He is.
Acts 2:40
With many other words He (Jesus) warned them; and He pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”
Now more than ever we can see the work the devil has managed to accomplish – that is – if we choose to see it. There are many things, we as Christians have decided to overlook.
But Jesus is clear – corruption is always at hand. It was around in His generation and it is in our generation. Thankfully, God gives us the tools we need in order to save ourselves from the evil that exists in the world.
Keep your eyes focused on Him and He will light the path of righteousness. He will help us stay true to Him as He has always stayed true to us. Resist the temptations of the easy path because what is easy isn’t always good for us. In line with Ninja Christian ideals – we must work at strengthening ourselves, sharpening our awareness of evil and hearing the truth of God.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
I think we sometimes take all the characteristics of this gift for granted. We simply throw them all together and label them “good behavior” traits. But they’re more than that. They’re not simply a way to act but a way to live.
We can all act out these traits from time to time. But acting them out and being filled by them so completely that they change our very nature are two different things. Without this gift, we couldn’t possibly exhibit them on our own.
We can’t, however, expect the gift to supernaturally change us. The gift is given. We must nurture it and allow it to grow. Things like anger, jealousy, and hatred will stunt the growth of our gift easier than just about anything. We must feed the one and eliminate the things that would suppress it. Only then will true transformation happen.
Have you noticed that each one of the traits listed are characteristics of God? He is so abundantly filled with them that He cannot behave in an opposing manner. How beautiful to know that He has given us a bit of Himself so that we may learn to exhibit the very nature of God.
Romans 8:31
If God is for us, who can be against us?
We’ve all heard this verse before. Reading it will probably even start you singing a popular tune. It’s an easy verse to remember. But – remembering it is the key. Plant this verse so deep in your heart that you’ll absolutely never forget it. When you’re down in the dumps, repeat this verse to yourself. When you feel sad and alone, repeat this verse. When you feel overwhelmed by the struggles of life, repeat this verse.
There will never be a time in your life when God is not “for” you. He is always on your side. He is always your biggest champion. He wants you to thrive more than you want to thrive. And we have seen through past verses that nothing can separate us from His love. Believe it! It’s true!
The verse also says “who can be against us?”. I’m sure you have no trouble conjuring up someone or something in your mind. When we look at things with human eyes, we see danger all around. But from God’s perspective all of those dangers are nothing but nuisances. Even the devil (as powerful as we think he is) is more akin to a powder puff than any real threat. There is no force, no evil, no one that can truly be against us with God on our side.
1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
Always be prepared to give an answer for the hope we have. It makes sense, doesn’t it, that when we revere God in our hearts, hope is a natural by-product. Revering Him means we have seen His truths – His promises and we believe in His almighty power and love. Revering someone also indicates we feel safe and protected. He will not let us down. Our hope, our trust, and our faith is in His hands.
It’s true – sometimes it can be difficult to share our faith. But this verse tries to simplify things for us. We shouldn’t try so hard to explain things logically (from our brain) in an effort to make others understand intellectually. All we have to do is share God from our hearts. How does He make you feel? How has He made a difference in your life? What would your life be like without Him?
The last part of this verse says to give an answer with gentleness and respect. Like I said – God works through people’s hearts more than He works through their minds. Trying to debate someone into believing in God will do much less good than building a heart connection. Don’t worry that you may sound crazy. Since when has love ever made sense?
Isaiah 43: 2-3a
When you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
The book of Isaiah is full of wonderful reminders of God’s power and love. This verse is one of the many that gives us a sense of His strength and at the same time shows His watchful, protective nature over us.
We know life has trials but God is with us and we will not be overcome by those trials. Yes, we will encounter rough waters but we will not drown. There will be times when we feel like we’re walking through the fire. We will not be burned. We will make it triumphantly to the other side with the Lord our God right by our side.
James 5:16b
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
This week’s verse is one I often use to remind myself that my prayers make a difference. I hope you will too. At first glance we might be tempted to think this verse only applies to someone who is “righteous”. Surely that can’t be me? I sin daily (whether I know it or not).
Thankfully, though, when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior He clothes us in His righteousness. Therefore we become righteous despite all our sins and failures.
It’s because of Jesus that we’re cleansed enough to approach God – to bring our prayers to Him personally. He wants to hear from us. He wants to hear our praises, our thanks, and our requests. When we’re in trouble He wants us to come to Him – to lay our burdens on His lap.
Our prayers connect us with God like nothing else can. They ARE powerful and effective. Let’s start treating them like they are.
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The verse has become one of my favorites in recent years. If you’ve read Romans, then you know the book is chalk full of great verses that speak to the soul. This verse is one of those little gems that seems to get lost in all of that greatness. One day I found it and like I hinted earlier – it gave me a warm fuzzy.
Do you remember reading examples in the Old Testament where a family patriarch bestows a blessing on each of his children? That’s what this verse reminds me of. It’s a promise of a blessing bestowed to us on our heavenly father’s behalf.
The God of hope will FILL us with joy and peace so that we may OVERFLOW with hope. I love those words “fill” and “overflow”. Can you imagine being so full of joy, peace and hope that they bubble up out of you?
All we have to do to receive the blessing is to trust in Him. Maybe that’s why I’m not filled to overflowing yet. I’m not always the best at trusting Him. But…I do believe in the promise. I do believe it’s possible. And one day…I am going to be one amazingly overflowing child of God.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
It may sound strange to some when we reference the Bible as the “Living Word of God”. How can written words be alive? I admit this use to confuse me. But the truth is once you really get into it – read it – study it – pray it and live it, you will notice without a doubt that those words transform you.
Have you ever noticed that even though you may have read something a gazillion times all of a sudden one day it reveals something new to you (just when you needed it most)?
The Bible is also described as being sharper than any double-edged sword. In Ephesians 6:17 we see this reference again when listing the armor of God. What does this tell us? It tells us that the Word of God is a significant weapon as well as one that can offer protection.
So many people think of the Bible as being just a book which shares great stories, historical events and even some good mantras to memorize. But the Bible is so much more than that. Well – let me clarify that. It’s more than that only if it’s actually used. A sword on a display in a museum has no power to hurt or defend anyone. In the same way, a Bible left on a shelf has no ability transform a soul.
Finally, there’s no better source to show us when our hearts and attitudes are out of sync with God’s will. The Bible helps keep our emotions in check and puts faith back in the lead.
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
For many of us fear is something that is sort of a nemesis. I’m not talking about the fear of the boogie man. I’m referring to the everyday standard stress. Stresses having to do with money, parenting, marriage, faith, self-worth, etc. are all in reality fear. When we fear (or stress) we aren’t living in the truth of God’s love and faithfulness. We aren’t trusting His love to cover our problems.
Some of you may find it hard to connect the dots between love and fear. Maybe this will help: Imagine being in a dark and scary underground tunnel with the all-powerful God. If we were with anybody else, we might have cause to be alarmed. After all – who knows what we will come up against. But since we’re there with the God of the universe who loves us beyond words are we really going to doubt He’s going to take care of us, protect us against approaching evils, and lead us through the passageway? I think it’s fair to say we all think God can handle anything.
The very nature of God’s love indicates He will cover us with, not only those feel-good emotions, but also with His protection and oversight. If we truly immerse ourselves in His love, we will drive out fear. Memorize this verse so it will serve as a reminder that you have no reason to fear. God is with you always!
2 Chronicles 16:9a
For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.
This week’s verse is a gem I found in the Old Testament. I really like it because it’s such a visual depiction of the effort God goes through on our behalf – to search us out, to find us and then to strengthen us.
He never leaves us to muddle through life on our own. He will search the ends of the earth for us. Even when we think we can’t be seen because of all the muck and chaos burying us, He will find us and nurture us.
All He asks from us is our full commitment (our whole heart and soul). He is the only One who has the power to bring us out of the depths and into a place where we can soar. And He is the only One dedicated enough to never stop looking.
Titus 3:4-5a
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.
It’s not often one quotes Titus. But this verse speaks volumes. It, personally, speaks to me on a couple of different levels. One) it reiterates the kindness and love God has for us and two) reminds me that I’m saved by His mercy and not the things I’ve done.
The verse says that God saved us because of His mercy. This stirs something in me. It’s the realization that I need His mercy. I make mistakes all the time. This verse reminds me that despite my deeds (my righteous deeds not being good enough…my unrighteous deeds not being bad enough) He’s willing to cover me with His mercy….over and over again.
There’s a love there I’m not sure I can fathom. But I accept it – thankfully.
Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
We should remember that even the most menial task can have a big impact (it’s called a ripple effect). Some of the things God asked His people to do in the Bible seemed insignificant. But in reality those tasks played an important role. And yes, sometimes that role is simple obedience. Trust God that what you’re doing has a purpose (even if no one seems to notice).
We all answer to the one true King (whether we recognize it or not). What our heavenly Boss wants from us is to be obedient to those in authority (except when that means being disobedient to Him). And He wants and expects us to give our best. If we can be trusted with little, we can be trusted with much. When we truly put our heart into the work, we have the satisfaction of knowing it’s a job well done and pleasing to God.
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.
This week’s verse is a little bit of tough love for most and one I, personally, need to plant firmly in my heart. It centers around being kind and forgiving to others. The kind part is much easier than the forgiving part. But here’s the hard truth: It doesn’t matter if we “know” we’re completely justified in our anger and unforgiveness. God requires obedience to Him not obedience to our emotions. The hard thing for us to remember is that forgiving is a requirement in order to be “right” with God. Without it – there is always a barrier between us and Him.
The last part of this small, powerful verse reminds us that God forgave us. Think about it. If anyone has a right to be justified in his anger and unforgiving, it would be God. We, His children, constantly sin. Sure – we may not be stealing from the poor or cheating on our spouse. But what about the sin in our hearts? God has released us from His anger and forgiven us through the blood of Christ. It wasn’t a one-time thing. It’s a daily (or constant) renewal of His love and grace.
Psalm 63:3-4
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you a long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
This verse starts out by saying “your love is better than life” – a statement we sometimes need to be reminded of. If all we have is God’s love, that’s all we need to sustain us. I know it sounds simple but it’s really not. God’s love has power. It offers renewal of energy. It fills our empty spaces. It hugs us. It comforts us. It makes us want to dance.
There are many more things God’s love does for us that can’t be put into words. But when you feel it – you feel it. And you never want to let it go. So how do we respond to that kind of love? The verse goes on to say: We will lift our hands in praise and we will glorify Him with our words as long as we live. How can we not? His love is better than life.
This week, make a concentrated effort to thank God for His love and to love Him back. There are many ways to show Him you love Him. We just have to take the time to do so.
2 Corinthians 12:9a
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”.
God’s grace and power are enough to get us through our weaknesses. Have you ever gone through a period in your life where you just didn’t feel very spiritual? Where you felt that maybe the ugly in you was overtaking the beauty God made you to be? Have you ever felt you were barely hanging on to your faith? The great thing that is reiterated by this verse is that no matter what – God’s grace is enough. His grace covers those moments of faith-struggle. He understands our struggles and is continuously gracious with us. Then He uses His power to pull us through the tough times and put us back on track.
And in those times when we feel we cannot possibly do what He asks of us, His power is made perfect in us. This means our weaknesses are not necessarily a bad thing. They allow God’s glory to shine brightly through us or through our situation so that others may see a glimpse of His greatness. We all have weaknesses but, take heart, God feels in the gaps. He makes us whole.
Galations 5:6b
The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
When self-righteous indignation gets the best of us, when anger gets the best of us, when we stop listening because we’re too busy yelling and trying to prove our point, when we stop seeing things through someone else’s eyes and perspective – these things indicate we’re definitely not focused on love. The devil has done his job – stirred the pot – and sometimes we’re the spoon.
When we stop loving our “neighbor” make no mistake – there’s something wrong with our faith. It’s not that complicated. God wants us to express our faith through love. If we love Him, we love
other people (even if we don’t agree with them).
If we love others and we express that love through our
actions, we show the world a glimpse of Jesus Christ. That’s what we’re here for – to show Christ to the world. That, and that alone, is supposed to be our main objective.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
This week’s verse reminds us that God’s word is divine. The Bible is not just a story book that we read every so often. It’s alive and contains words we need to hear – words that are useful – words that are uplifting, challenging, and affirming.
I would venture to say there isn’t a season in our lives where opening the Word of God isn’t helpful. When you or someone you know is down and depressed, it can lift you up. When you are angry, it can help calm you and put things in perspective. When you need courage to speak the truth, it will strengthen you. Those are just of few of the benefits of knowing God’s word. Today’s verse says scripture will equip you for every good work. Don’t go through life unprepared when God has given you an excellent training manual. Use it.
Deuteronomy 6:5
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
I find that I want God to love me this way – with all His heart, with all His soul and with all His strength. But if I’m honest, I have trouble loving Him this way. I’m not sure – actually, I’m pretty sure, I don’t give Him my ALL. I tend to hold back. Maybe it’s control or maybe it’s fear that keeps me from going “all in”. I don’t really know. But I do know that I want to give Him more. And the great thing is – He knows that too.
God continues to love me no matter what. He gently molds me and shapes me to let me know it’s okay to give Him more and more of me. I am safe with Him. He will not let me down nor will He hurt me. My goal is to become so completely wrapped up in loving Him that the trials of this world don’t really phase me. Will I get there? Can’t say for sure. But a goal is a goal – something to strive for. And God is the greatest coach!!
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
This week’s verse could be taken a couple of different ways. Either one is helpful I think.
First – I’ve heard it used as a lesson in patience. God always keeps His promises to us. Most people, me included, get impatient from time to time. We often tend to think God has forgotten us, His promises and/or He’s in no particular hurry (like we are). But as the verse says – we understand slowness in a different way than God does. This verse should give us encouragement that God will always deliver on His promises – no matter how long the wait. We must hold on to that truth.
Second – I see this verse as an overall message of God’s enduring love for all His children. Yes – God could come at any time, wipe out the earth and take His believers back up to heaven with Him. He will do this – His promise is real. But there are those who haven’t come to know Him yet. He is waiting for them to come to Him and He will wait for the very last one. (How awesome to be waited on instead of written off!) We will have our day in glory but His patience and desire for all to know Him outweighs His hurry to bring us home.
Job 38:4
Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me if you understand.
This verse is one that offers a good reminder from time to time.
You know those moments where you start to question God and even begin to doubt He knows what’s going on in your life? You’ve had them, right? Well, for me, God’s conversation with Job is the reminder I need that puts me back in my place and my thoughts back on track.
Job was in a “whiny” stage and I think God got a little tired of listening to his complaints. Basically, God said “Enough!! Where were you when I created the universe and all that is in it? Where were you when I brought forth life? I didn’t need your help then. Tell me if you understand – my plans are bigger than you – more complex than you could possibly imagine.”
We don’t have any right to question God? We are the creation not the creator. It is difficult but sometimes we just need to step back and let God do His thing. He’s well aware of all the nuances.
John 17:24
Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory.
This week’s verse comes from one of my all-time favorite passages in the Bible – John chapter 17. In this chapter Jesus is praying in the Garden of Gethsemane before being arrested.
He knows He’s about to die and prays that God will be glorified through His death. He prays for His disciples protection. Then He takes a moment to pray for us (yes – you and me).
His love for us shines through in the midst of His pain. He wants us to be with Him in Heaven – to share His home with us and for us to see His glory. What a beautiful gift for us to see the true desire of His heart is to be with us.
This belief we have, called Christianity, isn’t just some process we go through in our lives. It’s about love, relationships and the desire to be together. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being loved and wanted. And nobody loves and wants us more than Him.