God

June 19th – Matthew 5:9

Matthew 5:9

Actively pursuing peace is a characteristic of God’s children. Because they demonstrate the harmony and love that Jesus came to bring into the world. But being a peacemaker involves more than just avoiding conflict. It requires courage, empathy, and a deep commitment to understanding and resolving differences. We can be examples of the peace of Jesus by practicing forgiveness, extending grace, and seeking reconciliation in our relationships. This peace is not passive but active, pushing us to bridge gaps, mend broken bonds, and create environments where love and respect flourish. By advocating for peace throughout the world we become agents of God’s transformative power, showing that true peace stems from His love. As peacemakers, we align our actions with Jesus’ teachings, and mirror His heart. That’s why it’s a blessing to always strive for peace. For it aligns us with God’s divine purpose and reveals us as His children, committed to spreading the peace of Jesus wherever we go.

June 19th – Matthew 5:9 Read More »

June 15th – Hebrews 12:14

Hebrews 12:14

Hebrews 12:14 calls us to pursue peace with everyone, recognizing that without it we can’t truly see the Lord. This pursuit mirrors the fruit of the Spirit, joy, which flourishes in a heart committed to peace and holiness. This gives us a profound sense of fulfillment and contentment which arises from our alignment with God’s will. Striving for peace with others creates fertile ground for this joy to grow, as it fosters harmonious relationships and reduces conflicts. By living in peace and seeking holiness, we embody the Spirit’s transformative work in our lives. Resulting in a radiant joy that reflects God’s love and grace. This joy becomes evident to those around us, drawing others toward the source of our inner tranquility. In a world often marked by division and strife, the commitment to peace and holiness sets us apart, making our lives a testimony to the power of the Spirit’s work. Thus, the fruits of peace and joy are intertwined, each nurturing the other and leading us closer to God.

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June 14th – Isaiah 35:10

Isaiah 35:10

Isaiah 35:10 paints a powerful image where joy overtakes us like a raging flood, unstoppable and all-encompassing. A divine joy that doesn’t just fill us, but sweeps us up. It immerses us in its overwhelming force, purging all traces of sorrow and sighing. It crowns us with a glory of delight that shines brightly for all to see. And is a wonderful testament to the boundless grace and love bestowed upon us. This joy is not fleeting or conditional but an eternal gift, unwavering and steadfast. One that that eradicates the darkness of despair. As sorrow and sighing flee in the wake of this overwhelming joy we are left transformed, our spirits lifted, our hearts unburdened. This promised joy is a beacon of hope. It illuminates our path and guides us through life’s trials, anchoring us in a profound sense of peace and fulfillment. Everlasting joy celebrates our redemption, our return to a state of grace and wholeness, where pain and suffering have no hold. And is instead replaced by the enduring gladness that flows from God.

June 14th – Isaiah 35:10 Read More »

June 10th – Psalm 16:11

Psalm 16:11

A.W. Tozer once said, “Nothing in or of this world measures up to the simple pleasure of experiencing the presence of God.” There is great joy to be found in the Lord’s love and guidance, which renews our spirit and uplifts our hearts. To experience this joy we can engage in daily practices such as prayer, which allows us to communicate with God and draw near to Him. Worship, through singing and praise, connects our hearts to God’s greatness and goodness. Reading the Bible helps us understand His will and promises, bringing His presence into our lives. Fellowship with other believers can also enhance our sense of God’s presence, as we encourage and support each other in faith. Spending time in nature, admiring God’s creation, can remind us of His majesty and nearness. And practicing gratitude daily shifts our focus to God’s blessings, fostering a joyful heart. By incorporating these practices, we cultivate a continual awareness of God’s presence, allowing His joy to fill and sustain us through every circumstance.

June 10th – Psalm 16:11 Read More »

June 2nd – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

1 Corinthians 13: 4-7

If you ask people what love means, you’d get many different definitions. But the only one which is genuine and true, is the one the apostle Paul gives. He tells us love is patient and kind, not envious, boastful, or proud. Love does not dishonor others, nor is it self-seeking or easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs and does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. This teaches us that true love is enduring and resilient. It always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. Paul’s description of love serves as a guide for how we should treat others, and the importance of selflessness, humility, and forgiveness. It challenges us to be patient with those around us, showing kindness even when it’s difficult. To let go of grudges and to find joy in honesty and integrity. Love, as Paul describes it, is a commitment to the well-being of others, reflecting the love that Christ has for us. By embodying these characteristics, we not only strengthen our relationships but also bear witness to the transformative power of God’s love in our lives.

 

June 2nd – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Read More »

May 23rd – Matthew 24:6

Matthew 24:6

In Matthew we are reminded that in the last days, we will hear of wars and rumors of wars. This paints a picture of a world that often feels scary and dangerous. The current wars, threats of new wars, and the violence and hostility towards those with different beliefs, all contribute to this unsettling reality. Yet as believers, we understand that these events must occur to usher in the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And despite the chaos around us, we find solace in the knowledge that God is always in control. Nothing happens outside of His sovereign plan, and nothing takes Him by surprise. This assurance allows us to face the turmoil with a sense of peace, knowing that God’s purposes are being fulfilled. Our faith anchors us, reminding us that even in the darkest times, God’s light shines through. We are called to trust in His timing and to remain steadfast in our hope. As we navigate these turbulent days, let us hold onto the promise of Christ’s return. And find comfort in the certainty of His ultimate victory!

May 23rd – Matthew 24:6 Read More »

April 10th – Revelation22:12

Revelation 22:12

When Jesus returns, He won’t come empty-handed. He’ll bring with Him the glory of justice, rewarding each person according to their deeds. For the faithful, there are promises of heavenly rewards. Earned for their steadfastness in righteousness. Yet, for those who have turned away from God, there awaits a reckoning. For every action, good and bad, will face its consequence. The return of Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s justice, ensuring that no deed goes unnoticed or unrewarded. The apostle Paul, nearing his own execution, eagerly anticipated receiving the crown of righteousness from the Lord. Yet he humbly acknowledged that all who long for the Lord’s appearing share in this promise. As we journey through life, let us hold fast to the hope of our heavenly reward, living with faithfulness and integrity in every deed. And let us not forget that God’s justice ensures that every action, whether seen or unseen, will be met with its due payment, both for good and evil.

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April 28th – Matthew 6:28

Matthew 6:28

Oh to be like the lily of the field. Clothed in beauty by the Creator’s hand, and spending the day swaying in the spring breeze without a care in the world. Although we know we will face difficulty in this life, we never have to face them alone. God invites us to turn over our worry and burdens to Him. Trusting that His grace, which unfurls like the petals of a flower, will nurture our needs before they even arise. He wants us to stop wasting our time fretting over tomorrow, worrying who will provide for us. Because our Almighty God is in complete control, and orchestrates every dawn with tender precision. So just as spring surrenders to the rhythm of growth ordained by heaven, let us we surrender our cares. And instead embrace the promise that everything we need, like the morning dew upon the petals, will be abundantly provided. Where we will find the comfort of knowing that tomorrow’s worries are already cradled in the hands of the Eternal Gardener. And worry is replaced with serenity, anxiety overcome with peace.

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April 26th – Psalm 1:3

Psalm 1:3

As we behold the beauty of spring in all its splendor, let us also reflect on the beauty and splendor of rooting ourselves in God’s Word. For like the trees which draw nourishment from the flowing streams, so too are our souls nourished by the living water of scripture. We all want to be blessed by God. God wants that too. But that won’t happen if we’re rooted in the wickedness of the world, being fed by the sins of the flesh, and producing worthless, worldly, fruit. The way we live our lives, not the words we speak, are the true testimonies of our hearts. And every eye is watching; especially God’s. So to receive His very best, we need to be people after God’s own heart. This means uprooting ourselves from the sinful soil of this earth, being replanted on the riverbank of God’s living water. There we can be nourished day and night with His goodness and love. Our leaves will forever be lush and beautiful. And never will our tree be barren, but always produce sweet, bountiful fruit pleasing to the Lord.

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April 25th – Isaiah 35:1-2

Isaiah 35:1-2

In the dry, desolate expanse of the desert, life seems to wither away, leaving behind a barren landscape. But with the arrival of spring, a miraculous transformation takes place. And the once dreary scenery, becomes vibrant with blooming wildflowers of pink, purple, and yellow. Isaiah paints a vivid picture of the transformation that occurs when God’s restoration unfolds. Like the desert bursting forth with life and splendor, so too will our hearts burst forth with joy when we witness the fullness of God’s restoration. A restoration rooted in His mercy, and one that will take us from brokenness to wholeness, darkness to light. And the joy we experience from God’s promises fulfilled, will be greater than anything we’ve ever known. So as we anticipate this glorious renewal, let us prepare our hearts to receive it with open arms, trusting in God’s unfailing love and faithfulness. And when the day of restoration comes, may our happiness be uncontainable. Like streams bursting forth in the desert, flooding the parched land with life-giving water.

April 25th – Isaiah 35:1-2 Read More »