Authority

May 30th – John 17:17

John 17:17

In a world that constantly tells us to “live your truth,” it’s easy to believe that truth is something we create for ourselves. But real truth isn’t found in opinions, feelings, or shifting trends. It’s found in the unchanging Word of God. Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” That means Scripture isn’t just a helpful guide. It’s the ultimate authority, the standard by which everything else is measured. It shapes corrects, and leads us into freedom.

While the world may blur the lines between right and wrong, God’s Word draws them with clarity and love. When we’re unsure, His truth gives us confidence. When culture screams its version of what’s acceptable, His Word whispers eternity. Truth doesn’t change with the times, it changes us. It anchors our identity, our purpose, and our future. In the noise of the world, God’s voice is the one we can trust. Don’t settle for truth that shifts. Hold on to the truth that sanctifies, saves, and stands forever.

May 30th – John 17:17 Read More »

September 1st – Proverbs 1:7

Week 1 – The Foundation of Wisdom (Proverbs 1:7)

Proverbs 1:7 tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Meaning true wisdom starts with a deep reverence for God. Now this fear isn’t about being terrified, but rather recognizing God’s holiness, power, and authority over all things. When we fear the Lord, we acknowledge that His ways are higher than ours, humbling ourselves to seek His guidance, instruction, and correction. Yet taking correction, even from God, can be hard for us. Because it challenges our pride and self-sufficiency. We often resist correction, because it exposes our flaws and forces us to confront our mistakes. It requires humility to admit that we don’t have all the answers and that we need God’s wisdom to navigate life. But when we embrace correction as a form of God’s loving discipline, we grow in understanding and maturity. The fear of the Lord then becomes the foundation upon which we build a life of wisdom. Where we learn to accept guidance, instruction, and correction as a necessary part of our spiritual growth.

Questions for Reflection –

  1. How can we cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord in our daily lives to ensure that our decisions and actions are guided by His wisdom rather than our own understanding?
  1. In what ways can we become more open to correction from God and others, and how can we view it as an essential part of growing in knowledge and spiritual maturity?

True wisdom starts with a humble heart that reveres the Lord. Fear God, and knowledge will follow. 🙏🏻❤️

September 1st – Proverbs 1:7 Read More »

August 20th – Colossians 3:9-10

Week 3 – Embracing Renewal (Colossians 3:9-10)

Bible teacher A.W. Pink once said,” An honest heart seeks to please God in all things and offend Him in none.” As Christians, we are now one big family, united by our faith in Christ. This means we should treat each other with the love, care, and respect that family deserves. And a key aspect of this is always speaking the truth to one another in love. In Colossians 3:9-10, Paul emphasizes that believers should not lie to each other. Why?  Because our new identity in Christ demands honesty. When we put our trust in Christ, we become new people who have died to sin and been made alive in Him. Our goal is to live a Christ-like life, reflecting His character in all we do. Lying to one another is inconsistent with this new identity. And it undermines the trust and unity that should define us as a family in Christ. Paul’s reasoning is grounded in the highest authority, Jesus Himself, who is truth. As members of God’s family, we are called to live out this truth in our relationships, building one another up with honesty, integrity, and love.

Questions For Reflection –

  1. How can we ensure that our interactions with fellow believers are marked by honesty and love, reflecting our new identity in Christ as described in Colossians 3:9-10?
  1. In what ways can we actively practice speaking the truth in love within our Christian community, fostering deeper trust and unity as members of God’s family?

In God’s family, honesty is our language and love is our heartbeat. 🙏🏻❤️

 

August 20th – Colossians 3:9-10 Read More »

August 7th – Mark 11:22-24

Week 1 – Understanding Faith (Mark 11:22-24)

Joni Earedkson Tada once said, “Faith isn’t the ability to believe long and far into the misty future. It’s simply taking God at His Word and taking the next step.” In Mark, Jesus underscores the immense power of having faith in God’s omnipotence. We are encouraged to approach prayer with boldness and unwavering belief, confident that God is capable of achieving the impossible. However, this faith must be rooted in a sincere desire for God’s will to prevail above all else. Our prayers should align with His divine plan, trusting that He knows what is best for us and the world around us. When we pray with this kind of faith, we acknowledge God’s supreme authority and wisdom, submitting our desires to His greater purpose. This alignment ensures that our prayers are not just wishful thinking but powerful declarations of trust in God’s perfect will. By embracing this mindset, we can pray with conviction and courage, knowing that our faith in God’s power will bring about His divine outcomes.

Questions for Reflection

  1. How can we develop and maintain a strong faith in God’s power, allowing us to pray boldly and confidently, trusting that He is capable of accomplishing the impossible?
  1. In what ways can we ensure our prayers align with God’s will, seeking His guidance and submitting our desires to His greater purpose, especially when faced with difficult situations?

With faith as strong as mountains, our prayers reach the heart of God’s will. 🙏🏻❤️

August 7th – Mark 11:22-24 Read More »

July 7th – 1 Peter 2:16

1 Peter 2:16

Peter warns us against misusing the freedom given to us by God to justify sinful behavior. For true freedom in Christ comes with the responsibility to live righteously. When we claim our liberty in Christ, it’s not a license to sin or to excuse actions that go against God’s commands. To do so means we don’t understand what it means to be a free servant of God. Instead of masking evil with the guise of freedom, we are called to live as slaves of God, demonstrating His righteousness and love through our actions. Similarly, submission to human authorities must be with our higher allegiance to God’s moral law. Just because a law permits or even mandates certain actions doesn’t mean they align with God’s will. True freedom involves discerning and obeying God’s principles above all, even when it contradicts societal or governmental demands. By living out our freedom in service to God, we reflect His character and uphold His standards, ensuring our choices honor Him rather than exploit His grace.

July 7th – 1 Peter 2:16 Read More »

June 7th – John 14:15

John 14:15

Our love for Jesus is not just an emotional response but is demonstrated through our actions and choices. Obedience to His commands reflects a deep commitment and respect for His authority and wisdom. It shows that we trust Him and believe that His instructions are for our ultimate good. By following His commands we align our lives with His will, allowing His principles to guide our decisions and behaviors. This obedience is not burdensome but a joyful expression of our devotion and gratitude for His sacrificial love. It also serves as a testament to others, showing the transformative power of a life lived in Christ. When we obey Jesus we grow in our relationship with Him, experiencing a deeper connection and intimacy. Our obedience is a tangible way to honor Him, reflecting His love to the world. And this obedience demonstrates our commitment to living a life that mirrors Jesus’ character, making the Fruit of the Spirit a visible testimony of our faith.

June 7th – John 14:15 Read More »

September 5th – Psalm24:7

Psalm 24:7

Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.”

When Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, it was the first Palm Sunday. The priests were praising God at the temple and reciting, “Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in!” Jesus is the King of Glory because through His life, death, and resurrection, He forever conquered sin, death, and darkness. As the Son of God, He left His heavenly throne to walk among humanity. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus conquered sin’s power, offering forgiveness and redemption to all who believe. His resurrection from the grave affirmed His victory over death, assuring us of eternal life. In ascending to heaven, Jesus returned to His rightful place of honor and majesty, seated at the right hand of God as the King of Glory. This title signifies His divine authority and dominion over all creation, reminding us that in Him, we find not only salvation but also the source of eternal hope and the embodiment of God’s glorious grace.

September 5th – Psalm24:7 Read More »

May 27th – Luke 10:19

Luke 10:19

I love the quote, “Give the devil his due, but don’t over pay him. ”Spiritual warfare is a serious business. But what many Christian’s fail to realize is that although the devil has power, he has no authority. As followers of Jesus, we have both power and authority over the enemy. That means the only dominion Satan has in our lives is what we give him. Oh he may throw opposition, adversity, and spiritual forces our way that seek to hinder our faith and well-being. However with the authority given by Jesus, we can stand firm and resist every attack. Think of how hard the Enemy pursued Jesus. Yet not once did the Lord give Satan victory. Not once did Christ fall for his lies. And we don’t have to either. Know who you belong to and who you are in Christ. Through Him we can do all things. Because He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4) And from the Lord’s greatness and authority, we can have peace, happiness, and joy, despite what the devil wants.

May 27th – Luke 10:19 Read More »

May 31st – Romans 13:1

Romans 13:1

With the midterm elections coming up, tragic mass shootings, inflation, and gas prices, our country is in political turmoil more than ever. So how are we as Christian’s to respond? When it comes to our leaders, the apostle Paul tells us we are to submit. Because those in power are put there by the power of God. And honoring the Lord means living in submission to the authority He has placed over us. Yet that doesn’t mean we are always to obey. When the apostles were commanded by the Council in Jerusalem to stop preaching the gospel they refused saying, “We must obey God rather than man,”  (Acts 5:27-29) The Bible is clear. We are to be law abiding citizens, unless those in authority want us to go against God’s will. And always be praying that our leaders make decisions based on the will of God.

May 31st – Romans 13:1 Read More »

May 27th – 1 Kings 18:39

1 Kings 18:39

Whenever we come before God in prayer, He wants us to pray from a position of authority and power. Look at the prophet Elijah. When he put the false idol Baal up against God Almighty he cried out, “Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that You, O Lord, are God.” (1 Kings 18:37) And God answered in a big way, sending fire from heaven. Through the blood of Jesus, we are seated at a place of authority. The privileged place of the right hand of God. So when we pray, and in the name of Jesus, we are claiming His power and asking the Father to act in the name of His Son. God wants us to be bold with our intercessions. To have faith that when we ask Him to move in ways that bring Him glory, He will respond mightily. So pray with braveness and persistence. And prepare yourself to be blown away by God’s power!

May 27th – 1 Kings 18:39 Read More »