Originally posted by ourdailyverse.com / Feb 11, 2025
What a beautiful truth to know that we can rely on the love God has for us. It is a gift to know that the God who created us and adopted us as His own – is Himself – LOVE and has invited us to abide in Him … click the devotional button for encouragement and inspiration about the life-changing power of God’s love.
Today’s verse is a powerful reminder of the impact we can make when love guides everything we say and do.
borrowed and shared from ourdailyverse.com (A free daily verse app)/originally posted on 2/9/2025
based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation / w6d1
All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.
1 Corinthians 12:27.
God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. 23 And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.
Ephesians 1:22-23
Throughout this particular journey, centered around building a firm foundation on the truths of God’s Word, we have been searching for the key elements of our faith. Today’s treasure is the core belief that we are not only individual members of the body of Christ but together as a group as well. To not understand this is to put ourselves and the whole of the church in jeopardy.
When we work together as the body of Christ, we can have a greater impact. Each member, functioning in their God-given role, contributes to the health and effectiveness of the whole body. This collaborative effort, not only brings glory to God but also demonstrates His love and truth to the world.
LGG Journal: Firm Foundation, p171
This is what Paul is striving to help the Corinthians understand. He teaches them that while they have all been given spiritual gifts, not everyone’s gift is the same – and just as the various parts of our body aren’t meant to function alone – neither are our spiritual gifts. As the LGG Journal puts it: “We aren’t called to do it all, but we are all called to contribute in the ways He has equipped us.”God has a purpose not only for every believer but for every spiritual gift He gives. For this reason, as well as for His glory, believers must work together in order for the gifts God has given to work well and be effective for the cause of Christ.
If believers are willing to set aside their discontent about the role God has given to them in the church, and their arrogance about not needing other members of the body of Christ, they have the opportunity to thrive together to become what God
Bibleref.com/1 Corinthians 12:27
intended for the church to be.
As Paul taught the Corinthians, we are to set aside any discontent we have with the role God has given to us and others. We are to put away the idea that we don’t need the other members to succeed or that we don’t need to be a part of a local body of believers. We must understand that only together can we truly be what God intends for us to be – which is the Church, or the ‘body of Christ,’ “working together to reflect Him to the world.”1
The Love God Greatly team said it best in today’s journal entry:
When we come to faith in Jesus, we are not meant to live life in isolation or with a “Jesus-and-me” mentality. Instead, we are ushered into the family of God. Though this family is made up of all believers who have been saved by faith through all times, we also have access to the family of God here and now through the church.
LGG Journal: Firm Foundation, p171
God, I am so glad to be part of the body of Christ, both as an individual believer and as a member of the local church. It is easy for me to get caught up with the day to day and fail to function or see/remember the need to function within the body. So thank you for reminders from Your Word of the importance of the “body of Christ,” and the importance of each member being active and engaged with the others. Teach me to work in unity with others so that I can have a greater impact for Your kingdom.2 – In the name of Jesus, Who is the head of the body – Amen!
based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation w5d5
Scripture: Read: 2 Timothy 3:14-15 and James 1:21-25 / SOAP 2 Timothy 3:15 and James 1:21
15 and how from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:15
So put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the message implanted within you, which is able to save your souls.
James 1:21
I grew up in a home where the Word was read, studied, and talked about, and we were taught to live it out. My dad and mom encouraged, equipped, and empowered us to know and follow Jesus So, it’s hard for me to imagine that not everyone’s home life was like this. Thinking about the reality of it always brings a deeper, fuller appreciation for the upbringing I had. Don’t get me wrong, we weren’t perfect – we all made our ‘mistakes,’ – but it was one of faith and family. So, as I read today’s passage on Timothy, my heart was moved by Paul’s reminder that “From infancy you have known the holy writings…” and filled with gratitude that my dad and mom faithfully took us to church where the Word – “which is able to save souls,” as James wrote – was read and taught and then incorporated into our daily lives.
So, I had two other paragraphs written but then read today’s journal entry and decided to leave the first and share what I believe is the best follow-up to the memory God prodded in my mind – and a beautiful lesson on the sufficiency of the Word of God. – I pray it is a blessing and one that you will share as God leads. 🦋
Into The Text and a prayer/by Love God Greatly
From a young age, we understand the importance of having a loving mentor. For Timothy, this mentor was the Bible, taught to him by his mother and grandmother. Through Timothy’s example, as recorded by the Apostle Paul, we see how the Scriptures can lead us to salvation, help us walk in faithfulness, and shape our faith.
The Bible is the living and active Word of God that provides wisdom and direction for every aspect of our lives. James 1:21 reminds us that when received with humility, the Word of God has the power to transform our lives and save our souls. It’s not just about reading the words but allowing God’s Word to take root in our hearts and change us from within.
The Bible serves as a mirror in our daily lives, highlighting areas where we need His grace. It’s through engaging with Scripture that we understand God’s character, His promises, and His instructions for living a life that honors Him.
The Bible is our steadfast anchor when we face life’s challenges and uncertainties. It offers comfort in times of sorrow, wisdom in moments of confusion, and strength when we feel weak. The Bible reminds us of God’s unchanging love and His faithful presence in our lives. As we immerse ourselves in the Word, we find that it equips, encourages, and transforms us, helping us grow and live out our faith boldly.
PRAYER
Dear Jesus, thank you for the completeness of your Word. Help me to depend entirely on the Bible for guidance, wisdom, and truth. Let your Word dwell abundantly in my heart, shaping me to be more like you. May I walk with confidence and peace, knowing that your Word provides everything I need for life and godliness. In your name, Amen.
based on the Love God Greatly Study, Firm Foundation, w4d5
Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.
Acts 3:19
The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
2 Peter 3:9
When we truly understand the weight and effect of our sins, there are no sweeter words than knowing that through repentance and turning to God, they are all wiped away. God doesn’t just push them aside; He throws them into the depths of the sea and remembers them against us no more! That’s worthy of some shouting and celebration! – Friend, in the quiet of the night or early morning light, or when you drive by a place or see a face that reminds you of some sin of your past – cast it down and remember this faithful and loving action of our God – Your sins have been wiped away. – they have been blotted out as though they never happened.1
Once again you will have compassion on us.
Micah 7:19
You will trample our sins under your feet
and throw them into the depths of the ocean!
We could stop here, and it would be a powerful message, but let’s make sure that we truly understand the definition of ‘repentance.’ “Repent does not mean to apologize – it means to acknowledge your way is wrong and God’s way is right.” As Peter goes on to say, it involves turning back (or away from their sin); in other words, “It is a complete change in Your view of the world.” To fully appreciate the weight of Peter’s words here, it helps to understand that he is speaking to the people of Israel concerning their sin of turning Jesus over to be killed, a sin he said was of ignorance but a sin nonetheless and yet one that God would wipe away by their repentance.2
Repentance is a major theme in Jesus’ ministry, even now. In order to be saved, we must accept that our sins are wrong and that God provides the way we should live. This isn’t just an intellectual exercise; we need to allow the belief to change us, inside and out. That doesn’t mean we’ll never sin again. It means our goal is to hate sin as much as God does. True repentance is connected to a “godly grief” that we have rebelled against God (2 Corinthians 7:9).
Bibleref.com/Acts 3:19
Surely, I am not the only one who prays more and more frequently – “Come, Lord Jesus, come!” So today’s second passage was another sweet reminder that – He hasn’t forgotten us, nor is He being slow – He is simply yet profoundly patient, giving more time to the unsaved to come to repentance. It is all part of His plan and desire to “allow more people to place their trust in Christ and to enter into a relationship with Him.”
Repentance saves lives … changes everything … makes right … blots out/takes away … 🦋\
Father, thank You for the reminder of the depth and utter importance of repentance, both its meaning and it’s blessing. As Isaiah wrote, I know my sins Lord, they are always before me – they taunt me at times and the enemy seeks to undo me with the memory of them – but You Lord, You continually remind me of Your promise that they have been thrown into the depths of the sea – they are as far away as the east is from the west – they have no power over me and I bless Your name for this truth of Your grace and mercy and loving kindness toward me, Your daughter. – Amen – in Jesus’ Name❤
For more insight on today’s journey read the LGG Blog Post w3d5
based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation, W4D4
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.
Hebrews 11:1
If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.
Romans 10:9-10
As we have already seen in this week’s journey, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is essential to our faith. He not only helps us understand God’s Word, but He empowers us to obey (live out) God’s Word. John emphasizes this in 1 John 3:24, where he taught: “The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.“
Day three of this week’s journey revealed a beautiful and powerful picture of God’s grace that was poured out at the cross so that we might be made right with God, be adopted as His own, made joint heirs with Christ, be empowered with His Spirit, and have a relationship with the Father by means of faith in the Son – it is a gift of God not by works. Nothing good we do can earn it, and nothing bad we do can render the gift invalid.
So, how do we live out a faith that requires no work?
Paul addresses the issue of living out our faith with the Philippians when he tells them to “Work hard to show the results of your salvation, [obeying God] with deep reverence and fear. For God (is working in you, giving you the desire and the power) to do what pleases him.1” That desire and power are from His Holy Spirit in us. Please note: Paul is not calling them to work for their salvation but rather to live it out, in other words, to put it into practice – or as James wrote.“being doers of the Word and not hearers only,”2 In other words the result of our faith and subsequent relationship with God should lead us to want obey/please God. We should want others to know that we belong to Him.
For the record, if salvation were granted according to our goodness, there would be no salvation. 🦋
I used to think I could right my wrongs (sins) – somehow securing my salvation – by being better/doing better or praying more. Somehow, I had come to think if I were good ‘enough,’ God would love me and keep loving me. It’s a story for another day – but I will tell you this – I was very relieved and overcome with joy to hear the truth that God never loved me because I was good – there was no amount of goodness that would have earned His love, there was nothing I could do to keep His love – He simply – yet profoundly loved me because He is love and because He is good. – John made this clear in his declaration that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes (note: not behaves) will be saved. We’re forgiven and made right before God – not because we obey or behave according to His Word – but simply because we have placed our faith in His Son. Hallelujah! – For the record, if salvation were granted according to our goodness, there would be no salvation – for as Paul wrote: “There is no one good – not even one!”3
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
(Romans 5:8)
Father, thank You for Your invitation for us to place our faith in Jesus. Help us to live out the call of Christ and make Him and His ways the most important priority of our lives. May we live and love like Him, and may we be found serving and honoring You by laying down our earthly desires for Your pleasure and glory. Thank You for revealing the truth and Your love for me. May my love for You be seen in my faith and obedience – Amen!
But either Christ is our most important priority, above even our lives, or we’re putting something above God in our hearts
Bibleref.com/Luke 9:23
based on the LGG study, Firm Foundation w3d5
Read/SOAP: Isaiah 25:8-9 and Revelation 1:7
He will swallow up death forever!
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears.
He will remove forever all insults and mockery
against his land and people.
The Lord has spoken!9 In that day the people will proclaim,
Isaiah 25:8-9
“This is our God!
We trusted in him, and he saved us!
This is the Lord, in whom we trusted.
Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!”
I find Isaiah’s words to be dramatically beautiful. However, they led me to search for some commentaries as I wanted to make sure that I understood all the references, such as “He” and “Sovereign Lord.” When I checked out bibleref.com, I found another treasure of words to explain the words of Isaiah. The author writes:
This passage portrays an amazing moment of ultimate grace performed by the King Messiah. This moment occurs at the banquet which launches the Lord’s reign over all the earth. On Mount Zion, Isaiah describes the Lord as “swallowing up death,” the shroud that has been cast over all people since Adam sinned for the first time (Isaiah 25:6–7; Genesis 3:19).
Bible ref.com/Isa 25:8
I particularly love knowing that Jesus, “the King Messiah,” in an act of “ultimate grace,” swallows up death!” Friends, Jesus is coming again, which means death will not have the final say! Sickness, sadness, hurt, and sorrows will no longer be a part of our lives, for “All will be made new and right as we live in God’s perfect kingdom.1“
The LGG Journal entry for today, p 109, describes the Second Coming of Christ as a “beacon of hope for believers, lighting the way through the trials and tribulations of this world.” Isaiah’s prophecy points us to a time when we will forever be with our Savior. Surely, this is something we should wait for and look forward to with excitement and ‘readiness,’ not just to the kingdom Christ will establish but to be with Jesus, our Savior, “King Messiah.”
The foundation of our faith should be firmly rooted in the glorious truth that Jesus is coming again!🦋
Actually, the LGG Journal suggests that “Anticipating Christ’s return should influence our daily lives. Every moment carries eternal significance.” Why/how? Because “Our prayers, kingdom work, and evangelism are integral to God’s plan for that glorious day. As we yearn for His return, our actions and faithfulness are crucial in developing our perseverance until His coming.2“
Is your hope firmly rooted in the certainty of Jesus’ return?
Jesus, thank You for your promise to return for us and to swallow up death!, Thank You for the hope of the new Kingdom, where sorrow and sickness will be no more and tears will be wiped away. Help us to be ready and eagerly anticipating that wonderful day! May we make every moment count for Your kingdom. As we wait, Lord, strengthen our faith and fill us with hope. – All of this for Your glory and our good –
For more insight, be sure to check out today’s LGG Blog
Based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation, w3d3
Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 and Romans 6:9-10; SOAP: 1 Cor 15:3-4/Rom 6:9
I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him.
Romans 6:9
Our focus or question of the week is: “What Did Jesus Do?” – So far, we have answered the question with … He never sinned, He was crucified for our sins, and today’s answer/focus is: He was resurrected from the grave … and appeared to more than 500 of the brothers and sisters at one time. He also appeared to James and to all of the apostles, including Paul.
It would be easy to read these truths, celebrate the resurrection, and move on, but God’s call and my hope/goal of journeying through His Word (and taking others along with me on the journey) is more than just reading the words on the pages of Scripture. My hope is to understand the importance and meaning of the words. I believe that we are to learn how they apply to life and godliness and be able to share them correctly with others in everyday life*, both in conversation and in living and loving like Jesus, who is – as we have seen in recent journeys – the very Word of God.
Paul taught Timothy the importance of this in 2 Timothy 2:15, when he told him, and by extension all believers, to *Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
This is why we need to understand the importance of Jesus’ resurrection and His appearing before so many witnesses: let’s break it down …
“Apparently, the truthfulness of the resurrection, or at least the resurrection of Christians, was being challenged or misunderstood by some in Corinth. Paul wants them to understand not only that the resurrection really took place, but that faith in that truth is essential in order to be saved.”
Bibleref.com/1 Corinthians 15;5
*2 Timothy 2:15
Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.1
So, the question begs to be asked: “Why is the resurrection important to our faith?” Again, it is Paul who answers this most clearly – when he addresses the Corinthians about the matter in 1 Corinthians 15:12-23, saying:
But tell me this—since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead? 13 For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. 15 And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. 16 And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless, and you are still guilty of your sins. 18 In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! 19 And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.
20 But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.
21 So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. 22 Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. 23 But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back.
1 Corinthians 15:12-23
Father, We believe in Jesus Christ, that He was given over to death for the sins of many and was raised to life so that those who believe might be born again and made right with You. We believe that on the third day, He rose again, triumphing over sin and death so that we would no longer be slaves to sin but live and walk in freedom with/for You here on this earth and with You forever when You return to take us home. As Paul taught the Corinthians, we believe the truth of His resurrection is of the utmost importance. As Paul shared this message in his travels and writings, may we both celebrate the truth and faithfully pass it on to those in our circles of influence.
The Gospel is the Truth that, according to Scripture we receive and believe; it is the faith on which we stand, the power of God unto salvation, and the message we have been entrusted with and called to share throughout the world. May it be of utmost importance to us, and may we faithfully and boldly pass it on to the world around us. 🦋
In recent days, we’ve walked through Scriptures that have pointed us to the importance of Jesus being sinless and of His death by crucifixion, and have, hopefully, come to understand that we are all sinners in need of a Savior who is blameless of any sin and willing to lay down His life for humanity- so that those who believe might have eternal life.2 If you missed any or all of the journey to this point please visit Firm Foundation
based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation/w2d5
As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:
23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
Matthew 1:20-23
She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel,
which means ‘God is with us.’”
Fresh out of the Christmas season, it might be easy to breeze right over/through this passage. However, this portion of the “Jesus story” should not be relegated to Christmas alone. For it is the long-awaited promise of God in action. The gift of God’s salvation is an everyday story of love – and hope – and life.
She will give birth to son
Matthew 1:21
and you will name him Jesus
because he will save his people from their sins.
As I read through this today, letting it sink in like fresh water for my soul, several thoughts flowed through my mind – but this one was at the center: the miracle wasn’t just in His immaculate conception but in what He would do and who He would do it for! The son of God – Jesus, incarnate – God in the flesh came to save the enemies of God from their sins1. He came to offer us a real and lasting relationship with the God of Heaven so that we might live with Him forever.
It occurs to me that the miracle gift we’ve been given is meant to be embraced. I believe we are to make the most of the opportunity to know His forgiveness … the power of His Spirit in us … the blessing of being a child of God instead of an enemy …, boldly embracing the relationship with God … and following the examples of Jesus’ life so that we honor You – wherever we are.
Father, how great Your love is for us that You would give us Your only son to save us from our sins, to make us new creations in Christ Jesus, the one who came to save His people from their sins. Thank You for keeping Your promises and for opening the door for us, Your “enemies,” to believe and be called the ‘children of God.’ Help us to live and love like Jesus, telling His story with our lives and words wherever we go so that others will know Him also.- Amen!
For more insight into today’s journey be sure and read today’s LGG Blog –
based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation, w2d1
Read: Romans 6:21-23 / SOAP v23 (It is most helpful to read the entire chapter)
So, what benefit did you then reap from those things that you are now ashamed of? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now, freed from sin and enslaved to God, you have your benefit leading to sanctification, and the end is eternal life. 23 For the payoff of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
WOW! Talk about. a truth that changed everything and is essential to our firm foundation. We could stop here with the reading of these three verses, soak them in and move on – but we would do ourselves an injustice. You see – the question asked in verse 21 requires us to look back to the previous verse(s) to see what Paul is talking about. I found reading the whole chapter to be most helpful, but even going back a few verses revealed that he is referring to slavery to sin, which had resulted in impurity and lawlessness.
Before believing in Christ, the people had been free from the obligation to do/live righteously, and the result of that freedom led to sin and shame. However, and a mighty HALLELUJAH! The result of believing in Christ brought freedom from sin and shame and a life with God, which leads to eternal life!
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23 NLT
If you haven’t placed your faith and hope in Jesus Christ – I plead with you to do that today. – The Bible tells us the way to this salvation, this hope, and freedom from slavery to sin, and the shame sin brings is to “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.”1 – If you have believed – rejoice in the freedom from sin and shame and live the holy life He has called us to by giving yourselves as slaves to righteousness, through the power of Christ and His Spirit in us. 2
I am so thankful for the freedom from sin and truly rejoice in the freedom from shame. That’s right – God didn’t just free us from the law of sin and death – He poured His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit whom He gave to us, and because of that hope, we do not stand in shame but rejoice in the righteousness of Christ and His blood that covers us! (please tell me this brought a hallelujah!) Friend, because of this hope: “There is now no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus! Scripture makes it clear that …
“Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
(Romans 5:5)
Father, You are worthy of more praise than we can give – for You have saved us not only from our sins but from the stain and shame those sins marked us with. You have removed their power over us, and You have covered us with the righteousness of Christ and poured the love of Your Spirit out into our hearts! We are most blessed to stand before You, forgiven and cleansed – not because of anything we have done or ever could do but because of what Christ did for us on the cross. He took our sins and their shame upon Himself that we might be made right with You, have peace with You, and have our sins be put out of Your sight! Ah! Lord God – Hallelujah! How very loving and merciful You are! – May we, in turn, give ourselves fully to You, living as slaves to righteous living… being holy as You are holy, hating sin and all that is wrong, and clinging to what is good. This is my prayer in the name of Jesus who bore my sin and shame – Amen and amen!
Last week’s journey led us through a lesson on the holiness of God and His instruction for His children to be holy as He is Holy. In backing up and reading the passage that led to our verses today, I found this nugget of gold. If we want to become/live the holy life, “we must give ourselves to be slaves to righteous living.3“
Now you must give yourselves to be slaves to righteous living so that you will become holy.
Romans 6:19
Me From the Inside Out 