Category: God is good

Posted in Devotion, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time, Spirit, Wisdom

Wisdom & Understanding

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“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.” Colossians 1:9

God is good. He has gifted us with prayer and His Spirit. Jesus taught His disciples that the Holy Spirit was an advocate whom the Father would send in His name, He would teach them all things and remind them of everything that Christ had told them. Here, Paul prays for the believers in Colossae to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will -through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives. According to the writer of ourdailyverse.com, “filled with the knowledge of His will,” is a phrase that transcends mere understanding. It suggests a filling so complete that it overflows into every corner of our lives – guiding our actions, decisions, and interactions.

May the Spirit help us to not just know God’s will, but faithfully seek it – that we may “be so filled with His will that our lives become a testament to God’s wisdom and grace.” This daily walk of faith – this journey through life on earth is only possible with the Spirit – the One who empowers, guides, teaches, reminds, and makes known the will of God.

“Dear Lord, In the quiet of this morning, my heart seeks the depth of understanding that comes form You alone. Inspired by the wisdom of Colossians, I pray for an infusion of your spiritual insight into my life. May your will be the lens through which I view the world, guiding my steps in love and truth. — Teach me, Father, to navigate this day with a spirit attuned to Your voice. Help me to embody the grace and compassion that Jesus demonstrated, making each decision a reflection of Your love. In moments of uncertainty, grant me the clarity of Your wisdom, so that I may act with confidence in Your divine plan. — Strengthen my reslove to serve those around me to be a beacon of Your light in their lives. Let my words and actions today sow seeds of Your kingdom, cultivating a harvest of righteousness and peace. In the precious name of Jesus, I commit this day to You. – Amen.” (borrowed from Ourdailyverse.com / 2.12.24)

Posted in From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, Quiet Time

The Eternal Thread

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I love all of Paul’s writings, but boy, this one gets me every time! His questions make us think and his answers are riveting illustrations of the matchless love of God that is ours through Christ Jesus. Read the questions and soak in the answers and I believe there will be a resounding hallelujah when you reach the climatic end.

31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? 33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 34 Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:31-39

Verse thirty-five popped up in an email devo that I received today. Oh, how I love the timing and the compassion of our God. Regardless of what I am facing in this life, now or in the days to come, nothing – not the hardship that comes with my mom’s dementia, or fears that come with the pressing decisions or the unknown trouble that may ensue – nor anything else in all of life can separate me from the love of Christ! What a promise of hope and strength! It is a wonderful thing to be reminded that the presence of trouble and hardship in our lives does not diminish His love in any way – nor does it indicate that God has forgotten us. For, as Paul writes: “Despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us.”

I am His and He is mine – forever and always. Knowing that God’s love runs so deep that He gave His only Son is my strength and hope in these challenging days of dementia and decisions – were it not for His love and faithfulness my perspective would be one of doom and gloom – instead it is one of hope and confidence that come from believing – and having experienced the truth that “nothing – absolutely nothing – is too difficult for God; and perhaps even better is the knowledge that nothing and no one can separate me from Christ Jesus my Lord and Savior and His enduring love

The following is the devotion that was shared by Ourdailyverse.com on 2/8/24

In the fabric of our lives, each thread represents a moment, a choice, a trial, or a triumph. At first glance, some threads may seem frayed or out of place, especially when we encounter hardships that test our faith and resolve. Romans 8:35 challenges us to see our lives not as isolated threads but as part of a magnificent tapestry woven by God’s hand, where His love is the thread that binds everything together in perfect harmony.

-This verse asks a profound question that invites us to consider the strength and resilience of our faith. It reminds us that nothing absolutely nothing in this world – can sever the threads of God’s love for us. These threads are not visible to the eye but felt deeply in the heart, especially in moments when we feel most vulnerable.

Let’s take a moment today to appreciate the intricate weaving of our lives, recognizing that each experience, no matter how difficult, is held firmly in place by the grace of God. His love for us is the eternal thread that not only connects our moments but gives them meaning and purpose.

Posted in From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Wait for the LORD

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… Apart from Me you can do nothing (John 14:5b)

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

God is good to comfort and sustain His people day after day. I learned many years ago that I cannot do this life without Him, and I am reminded of this truth daily. This making of life-altering decisions for my mom when I know she doesn’t want to do it … this selling of her house – when I can’t see the end of the road … this walking by faith and not by sight demands fixing my eyes on God, His promises, the comfort and hope we find in His Word, and the life-giving strength we find in Christ our Savior.

I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in His words I put my hope. Psalm 130:5 ESV

When I remember Paul’s words to the Corinthians, I am encouraged that even when we are pressed in on every side by troubles – we are not crushed or when we are perplexed – we don’t have to be driven to despair. There is also great hope in knowing that when we are hunted down by the enemy or the fears that pursue us – we are never abandoned by God, and there is strength in knowing that while we may get knocked down, we are not destroyed – for God is on our side. – and when God is with us, nothing and no one can stand against us!

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NLT

Whether it is a day of life-altering decisions – like moving your parent out of their home or simply getting up and going to work … whether you’ve just lost your job or received a devastating diagnosis from your doctor … whatever your day holds, remember to watch in HOPE for the LORD and wait expectantly for God your Savior – for He is always with us, strengthening – comforting – guiding – providing – loving – and holding us up with His victorious right hand.

As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.

Micah 7:7 NLT

May we say with the Psalmist:

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Psalm 27:13-14 CSB

Father, thank You for the faithfulness of Your Word – I truly find blessed assurance in knowing that Your promises are yes and amen in Jesus Christ, my Savior, who conquered the powers of sin and the “dark and dread of this world”! The dread of aging and health problems that render us or our loved ones in difficult and troublesome situations – the fear of the unknown bids me to cry out for Your mercies, Your strength, and joy and abiding peace that Christ came to give. I trust in You – may I overflow with the peace and power of Your Holy Spirit – Amen, in Jesus’ name – amen! Whether it is a day of life-altering decisions – like moving your parent out of their home or simply getting up and going to work … whether you’ve just lost your job or received a devastating diagnosis from your doctor … whatever your day holds, remember to watch in HOPE for the LORD and wait expectantly for God your Savior – for He is always with us, strengthening – comforting – guiding – providing – loving – and holding us up with His victorious right hand.

Posted in From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Trusting In His Goodness and Help

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My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of Heaven and earth. Psalm121:2

There is a bend in the river at the end of the road where I live. It is a beautiful and calming sight to me when I leave home for the day and again when I return. However, when such a bend appears in my life – and I cannot see around it or through its murky waters there is not calm but doubt and fear that meet my eyes and plague my mind.

On yet another morning of realizing my need of the Father’s comfort, peace, and clarity – He met me early with these words of King David, perfect comfort and encouragement for the life choice before me now about where mom will live, a choice weighed down with its fears and doubts. One minute the path seems clear and certain and the next I’m trying to see around the river’s bend – and when I can’t – doubts come and the storm waters surge and rise around me. The ebb and flow are tiring – I’m growing frustrated with myself – but I keep moving forward believing that God opened this door, that for nearly a year I prayed He would open – “if it was His will and when it was His perfect time for my mom”.

When I think I’m going under
Part the waters, Lord
When I feel the waves around me
Calm the sea
When I cry for help, oh, hear me Lord
And hold out Your hand
Touch my life
Still the raging storm in me

Selah / Part the Waters Lord

I remember not just the prayer that I prayed -but the assurance or our faith and prayers in Jesus’ name that we find in 1 John 5:14-15,… “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.  And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him..” Believing God answers the prayers of His people – I fight the “what if” questions and I press forward through the open door. I seek His face, His strength, His guidance and His peace. I seek God’s help in every way – for I know as the Psalmist did: “My help comes from God, the Maker of Heaven and earth – the One who sees and knows and cares and stays forever with me. He is the God who loves not just me but my mother. He alone sees around the river’s bend, the beginning and the end, and He alone is my trustworthy provider and protecter, my reliable wisdom and guide. He is my hope in the surging waters of doubts and fears.

For I have tasted and seen the goodness of my God and I choose to trust in Him – today and always! 🦋

Posted in Bible study, Christmas, From the Insideout, God is good, Know These Truths, Quiet Time

The 12th Day of Christmas … 

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Originally posted January 2019

Day 12: Scripture – 1 John 4:14-15 / Name of Jesus – Savior / Ornament – The Cross

The Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.  —

1 John 4:14-15

When the day is over, just before I crawl into bed, I write in my prayer journal. I write in it of the mornings as well, but the day’s end is reserved for Thank you prayers … Prayers that flow from reflection on the good and bad and mundane things of the day … Reflections that bring realization of God’s presence, protection, correction, provision and most often an awareness of His LOVE. It’s easy to thank God for all the good things He’s done or ways that I’ve witnessed His goodness; the challenge comes in seeing His goodness in the bad and mundane things of the day – but even then – when my focus is on Him thanksgiving flows free and pure. 

Occasionally, however, these bedtime prayers are not from the reflections of the day but reflections of a passage of Scripture or a lesson learned … Tonight’s prayer was an overflow of the 12th day of Christmas. On this final day the symbol we focus on is the CROSS and the name of Jesus is SAVIOR. 

On the 12th day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE gave to me … A Savior who is Christ the Lord. 

So, from tonight’s page in my journal, on this 12th and final day of Christmas, may you be encouraged to thank God for His LOVE …

Father, Thank You for LOVE even when I fail You. In love you sent YOUR ONLY Begotten Son to be my Savior – the Savior of all who believe and confess that Jesus is YOUR SON. Your’s is a love that hung on a cross that I might KNOW forgiveness and freedom. It is a love that sent YOUR SPIRIT to abide in me that I might abide in/with You. It is a love that redeems and pardons — and shows mercy and grace — a LOVE that never leaves. It is  a LOVE that comforts and heals and encourages and hears my prayers even when they are whispered from my bed or spoken in a car or thought in my mind and not journaled here on these pages. Thank you for Your LOVE Father — I LOVE YOU TOO! ❤️

MefromtheNsideout

*Christ, no longer on the cross –
yet, dare I never picture Him there
I may forget the cost
of this most treasured gift of God –
my Savior, Christ The Lord!

Me – from the Inside-Out 🦋
The More You Know

The Bible says, “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9-10) If you do not know Jesus as your Savior I would love to introduce you to Him. Check out the following link and/or message me – we aren’t promised tomorrow, so why not today?

https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths/
Posted in Bible study, Christmas, From the Insideout, God is good, Know These Truths, Quiet Time

The 11th-Day of Christmas

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Day 11: Scripture – John 6:35 / Name of Jesus – Bread of Life / Ornament: Loaf of Bread

Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

John 6:35

On this 11th-day of Christmas, I am reminded how God in His goodness provides not just for our physical needs but even greater – He has provided the Spiritual Bread of Life – Jesus Christ! The Manna from Heaven that feeds our souls and gives us life. The bread of God that comes down out of Heaven and gives life to the world. So today I celebrate this Eternal – Life-Giving – GIFT who has secured my Spiritual Health with His blood. “Regular food is only good until we become hungry again – But His Word truly satisfies our deepest needs.” It satisfies like nothing else can when we are craving peace or comfort, and It fills us up when our strength is gone. It enriches us when we need wisdom and direction, and It overflows with goodness when we need to be reminded of God’s love. God’s Word is alive and active and It GIVES Light to our path – illuminating the darkness around us. May we be reminded of It often throughout the days of our lives; and may It flow through us that others might taste and see Its goodness!

The More You Know

If you would like to know more about The Bread of Life please visit Know These Truths

Posted in Bible study, Christmas, From the Insideout, God is good, Know These Truths, Quiet Time

On The Ninth Day of Christmas

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Originally posted January 3, 2023

Scripture – John 10:11; Name of Jesus – The Good Shepherd; Ornament – Shepherd Staff

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Matthew 9:36

I love this picture that Scripture paints of our Savior. He saw me among the multitudes – and felt compassion for me – because I was distressed and downcast like a sheep without a shepherd. God in His goodness gave me Jesus, a shepherd to care for me and who willingly laid His life down for His sheep. I am so thankful for His rod and staff, they truly do comfort me. By them, I have known His protection and when I have strayed He has pulled me back to His path of righteousness. – Father, I am forever totally dependent on You and ever grateful for Your Gift of the Savior, my Good Shepherd.

Me – from the Insideout

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.

John 10:11
Posted in Bible study, Christmas, From the Insideout, God is good, Know These Truths, Quiet Time

On the Eighth-Day of Christmas

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Originally posted January 2, 2021

Jesus, the Lamb of God
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

John 1:29

On the Eighth-Day of Christmas, my ‘True Love’ gave to me … A Lamb to take away my sins. That’s right, in God’s goodness He provided the Perfect Lamb, the Spotless Lamb – Jesus Christ. He did this so that my sins and those of the world might be forgiven. A lamb isn’t powerful like a lion, but this Lamb had all the power of heaven – for His blood was pure. He was the perfect and complete sacrifice – sent by the Father as a free gift of salvation to a lost and dying people whom He loved.

Me – from the Insideout

For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

For the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Romans 6:23

Father, I celebrate Your Gift of Jesus Christ as the Lamb sacrificed for my sins. I praise You for the gift of His blood that cleanses me and makes me white as snow.

The More You Know

The only hope we have of Heaven is Jesus. If you don’t know Him or have questions about salvation I would love to help you. I invite you to visit my link, Know These Truths or email me at mryelnb@aol.com and reference “know these truths”.

Posted in From the Insideout, God is good, Know These Truths, Quiet Time

The New Has Come!

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This is my life verse and a great reminder of TRUTH to start the first day of the New Year with! How wonderful is it to know that as believers, we can purpose to live every day of 2024 with the awareness that we belong to God – and are made new in Christ! The baggage of the past is gone … and while we may not know what 2024 holds – God does and He has given us everything we need to live a godly life regardless of what each day brings. His mercies will be new every morning … His grace will be all-sufficient … we will see that His power is made perfect in weakness … His love will never fail … His forgiveness is guaranteed … His peace will pass all understanding … His comfort will be present in troubles … when we listen we will hear His “still-small-voice”, and when we look – we will see His finger-prints … when we commit our words and thoughts to Him – He will make them pleasing and acceptable to Him – and He will use them and us as salt and light in this unsavory and dark world. May 2024 be a year blessed with an awareness of Him and of the New Creations we are in Him!

Posted in Bible study, Christmas, From the Insideout, God is good, Know These Truths, Quiet Time

The 6th-Day of Christmas

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Originally posted December 31, 2020

Scripture – Revelation 22:16; Name of Jesus – The Bright Morning Star; Ornament – Star

Today, on this 6th-Day of Christmas I have unwrapped the “STAR”, an ornament that symbolizes God’s Gift of Jesus, The Bright Morning Star. He is God’s son, my Savior – begotten of God – not created – God in flesh – greater than any created being. He is more powerful than Satan or any ruler on earth – The Prince of Peace and the Giver of all true LIGHT. As the wise men followed the star to find the Baby Jesus, when I follow Christ, The Bright Morning Star, I will find the awe and “excitement, and the LIGHT of that perfect day when He will raise us up to live with Him in heaven to worship Him forever.”

Father, Thank You for Your Gift of The Bright Morning Star, who is Christ the Lord! Spirit, help me to keep my eyes on Him from here to eternity – where, like the wise men, I will bow down in worship of Him who no longer lies in a manger, or hangs on a cross, or remains in the tomb – but who sits at the right hand of Your throne in Heaven!

Me – from the Insideout