Tag: God

Posted in LGG Study

“Know Love”: Week 2 – Thursday

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To encourage others and help us grow in our faith and understanding please be sure to read and/or share comments about today’s passage below.

Today’s Scripture: 1 John 4:1-6 (S.O.A.P 1 John 4:4-5)

1Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. 2This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a propheta acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God. 3But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here.

4But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 5Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to them. 6But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception.

Today’s LGG Devotional
Memory Verse Review
Posted in LGG Study

“Know Love”: Week 2 – Wednesday

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To encourage others and help us grow in our faith and understanding please be sure to post/share your comments about today’s passage in the reply bar at the bottom of the page.

Don’t forget this week’s CHALLENGE: Take extra time this week to observe and interpret 1 John 3:19-20. How does our conscience condemn us? What does Romans 8:1-4 say about this? How do these truths affect what you believe about grace?

Today’s Scripture: 1 John 3:18-24 (S.O.A.P 1 John3:19-20)

18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 19 Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. 20 Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and He knows everything.

21 Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. 22 And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey Him and do the things that please Him.

23 And this is His commandment: We must believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. 24 Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with Him, and He with them. And we know He lives in us because the Spirit He gave us lives in us.

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Today’s Lgg Devotional

Posted in From the Insideout, God is good

Nothing Can Separate Me

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August 22, 2020

Father, You are Good and I am thankful. Thankful that I do not work on Saturday so that I am able to awake later and STAY in bed or sit at my desk – in the quiet – undisturbed – unscheduled day and hear Your voice and read Your Word and glean and write and encourage and be encouraged … where I can hide Your Word in my heart and rehearse it … where my body finds rest and my heart and mind restoration. You meet me on Saturdays with Your healing balm and I am eternally blessed.

This morning’s Scripture(s) came as I was rehearsing Your Word that has been hidden in my heart – specifically, Isaiah 59:2 that says our sin separates us from You – that they hide Your face from us so that You will not hear! Immediately, before I could finish the last word, Your Spirit reminded me of Paul’s words in Roman 8:38-39 where he says he is convinced that “NOTHING can separate me from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus, our Lord.” So, I’ve spent some time chasing down what at first – and even second – glance can seem like an antithesis. The bottom line is this – Isaiah’s words are right – sin does separate us from You God because You are holy and cannot and will not tolerate sin. However, Paul is also right – in that “Nothing can separate us from the LOVE OF GOD that is in Christ Jesus, our Lord.” While sin can/does put a “wedge” between us and You, Father, it cannot and will not separate us/me from Your Love! I know this is true because the depth of Your love propelled You to give Your only Son so that all who believe in Him will have “everlasting” life. I know this because Your Spirit lives in me and is a sign and a seal that I am Yours eternally! If we do not believe surely we will die and forever be separated from You! But, for all those who believe You have given the rights to become Your children – and this, through Christ’s atoning blood and righteousness – so that when You look on us – on me – You do not see the wretched sinner that I was but the NEW CREATION that I am in Christ Jesus, my Lord and Savior! So, the two passages are not antithesis at all but rather – one – a warning to be heeded and the other – a beautiful LIFE GIVING PROMISE to claim.

It is with great pleasure that in the middle of this morning’s lesson I noticed Your fingerprints on my morning. As I saw how lovely You had highlighted and tied together these [random] Scriptures with the Scriptures and lessons in my current study – “Know Love”. Only You God, only You could orchestrate and carry out this timing so perfectly! Is it any wonder that I love You and proclaim morning after morning that You are Good!?

Journey through The Word
Posted in God is good

My Trust and Hope

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Father, You are good. In You I have put my trust. Show me Your ways LORD, teach me Your ways for they are right and good like You. Guide me in Your truth and teach me for You are my God and Savior and Your Spirit lives in me for this reason đź’™ My hope is in You all day long! Oh how I love and depend on You. (Psalm 25:1-5 and John 14:26)

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Good Reminders

Posted on by MaryEllen

Do you ever wake to thoughts of the past that stir up regrets or to thoughts of the future that stir up fears? This morning was one of those mornings for me.

As I lay there, struggling with the ‘if onlys’ of the past and the ‘what ifs’ of the future – God, in His goodness, prodded me with His Spirit – reminding me (speaking words right into my very soul, it seemed) to fix my thoughts on Him. He was specific, reminding me that this is the day that the Lord has made and I should rejoice and be glad in it. He whispered, Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. I quickly rose in the strength of the reminders – knowing they were words of life and victory over the enemy’s attempt to steal and kill and destroy – but found myself still trying to shake off the regrets and fears that had been stirred up – unfortunately, they didn’t shake off like sand but stuck like caked-on dirt. He rescued me though with one final word – PEACE – reminding me that those who trust in Him and fix their thoughts on Him are kept in perfect peace. With that I was able to move forward free from the debris of fears and regrets and finding myself in worship and awe of God’s goodness. 

As I spent time in the wonder and worship of what had just transpired I looked up the reference He had whispered about Jesus being the author and finisher of my faith – curious as to why that one for this situation and I found these words preceding those: 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down (i.e. Fears and regrets) especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us fixing our eyes on Jesus … Hebrews 12:1-2

Familiar words for sure, hidden away but not thought of or quoted for a while now – but certainly putting into deeper perspective the beauty of how God uses His Spirit and His Word in our lives. 

…the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:26

My child pay attention to what I say, listen carefully to My words. Don’t lose sight of them, for they are life to those who find them and healing to their whole body. Proverbs 4:20-22

Prayer: Father, You are good and in Your goodness You have won the battle over the thoughts of regrets and fear that plagued my mind. When You are for us what can stand against us? So, it is in gladness I have risen up to meet this day and it is with thanksgiving that I fix my eyes on Christ, the author and finisher of my faith, and through whom I find forgiveness and renewed strength. It is with steadfast HOPE that I entrust – not just this day – but all the days of my future, whether here on earth or in heaven with You. Yes God, You are good and I praise You for Your Presence in my life and for the work of Your Spirit to remind me of everything You have said. You are a good good Father! It’s who You are and You are mine because of my faith in Jesus Christ. I know You are working all things together for the good of those who love You and are called according to Your purpose – and in this TRUTH I find PEACE. Thank you for intimately knowing every detail of my life, for knowing the words I needed to hear this morning and for speaking them into me. Is it any wonder that I love and trust You? For surely I have tasted and seen that You are Good! 

Blessings – from the Inside Out đź’•

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How Do We Choose?

Posted on by MaryEllen

I am currently doing the Love God Greatly study on Joshua. This morning’s scripture was from Joshua 13:1-8 and Isaiah 66:3-4 and lead me to these thoughts …

  • Our choices matter to Him
  • We put ourselves and our relationship with Him in great jeopardy when we choose our own ways over His
  • The same is true when we attempt to align His will with ours or come up with a combination of the two instead of fully aligning our will with His
  • When He calls He wants us to answer
  • When He speaks He wants us to listen

My child pay attention to what I say, listen carefully to My words. Don’t lose sight of them for they bring life to those who find them … Proverbs 4:20-22

In this world we will face situations everyday where we must choose our way or His. The question is how do we consistently make the right choice?

As children of God and joint-heirs with Christ we must be careful and intentional with our choices. We must strive to faithfully make God – His Word and Spirit – our guide and priority over what we see and feel and desire.

His will, His pleasure, His ways … should be our utmost criteria.

cri·te·ri·on

noun

plural noun: criteria – a principle or standard by which something may be judged or decided.

From the InsideOut đź’•

Borderline Believers

Posted in Bible study, Joshua

Do Not Be Afraid! The Freedom of God’s Promises and Presence

Posted on by MaryEllen

We read in Joshua 10:42 that Joshua and his army had defeated all the kings and their lands in one campaign because the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel. It’s a beautiful and awe-inspiring story that plays out through the entirety of chapter 10, a sequel to the preceding chapters of the book and a set-up for what happens in chapter 11. 

All these kings and their lands Joshua conquered in one campaign, because the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.  Joshua 10:42

Chapter 11 opens with King Jabin hearing of this and sending word to the kings throughout the land.  It tells of all the Kings joining forces, of their troops and a large number of horses and chariots – describing them as a huge army, as numerous as the sand on the seashore. Joshua gets wind of this and is once again reminded by God to not be afraid.

“Do not be afraid of them because by this time tomorrow I will hand them over to Israel, slain.” Joshua 11:6

Joshua trusted the LORD and called his army into battle once again. 

And the LORD gave them into the hands of Israel. Joshua 11:8

There is truly one amazing story after another in these chapters of Joshua where we read of God continually calling His people to not be afraid. Though they had plenty of reasons to fear He had commanded them to be strong and courageous. He also Infused them with the very courage He had commanded by promising His presence with them and often telling them what He would do for them.  

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Complying with the command meant trusting and obeying, but their obedience led to success in their battles and victory over their enemies just as God had promised. 

His call and promised victories are the same for us today. As His children, we are to be strong and courageous as we live in obedience to Him, infused with the promise that He is with us we are to stand firm in the battle,  and claim the victory promised in Jesus’ Name. 

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through Jesus Christ . 1 Corinthians 15:57

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. 2 Corinthians 2:14

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

As He told Joshua, He also tells us in Ephesians to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. He infuses us with courage by allowing and calling us to put on His full armor so that we can take our stand against the schemes of our enemy. He reminds us that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

I’m guessing He knew how terrifying that would sound because He follows it up with another reminder to put on His full armor, so that when the day of evil comes, we will be able to stand our ground. In addition to this promise He prepares us for the battle by teaching us about the armor: 

  • the belt of truth – buckled around your waist
  • the breastplate of righteousness – in place
  • feet fitted with the readiness – that comes from the gospel of peace
  • the shield of faith – with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one
  • the helmet of salvation
  • the sword of the Spirit – which is the word of God
  • and prayer in the Spirit – on all occasions with all kinds of prayers

There will be times that the battles and the enemy seems more than we can bear – perhaps – as with Joshua and his enemy, even “more numerous than the grains of sand on the seashore” – but we are assured that He is with us wherever we go.

 “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. … You know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17

 This world is full of evil and it will call to us and seek to overcome us – for the enemy seeks to steel, kill and destroy – but we can live free of its fear because Christ has already won the battle – and God has given us the victory through Him!

You dear children are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is living in you is greater than the one who is living in the world. 1 John 4:4

As God spoke to Joshua, He speaks to us through the the words of Christ … 

“… In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Me – from the Insideoutđź’•

Posted in Uncategorized

The Importance of Remembering

Posted on by MaryEllen

“We all struggle to remember what God has done for us, and that spiritual memory loss often shows itself in complaining. Complaining reveals a heart that has forgotten what God saved you from and where He is taking you.

We need to get back to remembering.” Love God Greatly https://lovegodgreatly.com/

In Joshua 4 God instituted a tangible, visible, conversation -inducing memorial with a God-given purpose. He wanted them not just to remember for themselves but He wanted others (specifically here – their children) to know what He had done for them.

God wanted Joshua and those who crossed the Jordan with him to be able to tell how God had worked in their lives.

He wants the same for His children today. God wants those who live around us and come behind us – our children, neighbors, friends and even strangers – to see and to hear about the things He has done for us, in us, and through us. So that they will know and understand Who He Is.

We must remember what He’s done from the time of our salvation to now. We must look for His fingerprints and remember them – it’s a game changer! We will look different, sound different and live different and when we are asked we will be ready with an answer for the Hope that is us.

Me- From the Inside Out đź’•

Posted in From the Insideout

Life-Lifting Words

Posted on by MaryEllen

I typically share something from the heart of me (and may later), but this morning I was catching up on blogs from my favorite author and blogger, Ann VosKamp, and decided to share her words instead of my own. I pray they are as big a blessing to you as they have been to me. Ann beautifully interlaces her words with her captivating pictures and things dear to her heart – scroll through them or stop and enjoy them – but don’t miss the life-lifting words – from the beginning to the end – shared from her heart ❤️ May they encourage and bless you – From the Inside Out đź’•

https://annvoskamp.com/2019/05/this-is-what-you-want-what-every-woman-really-wants-this-year/

Posted in Devotion, From the Insideout, From the Vault, God is good, Love, Quiet Time

You are Good

Posted on by MaryEllen

Father, You are Good – To define it is sometimes difficult – because it is simply and yet profoundly who You are – GOOD! Teach me to know Your goodness – to see it, and hear it, and sense it, and to walk in it, and share it all of my days. For You desire it in me and by Your Spirit have equipped me for it.

Even as I asked this of You – to teach me to know Your Goodness – I lay down my pen and begin to read from my “One Thousand Gifts” devotional and you meet me there on the page revealing Your goodness in Your intimacy with me – for there on the page I read: “Augustine had asked two questions of the world: ‘If there is no God, why is there so much good? If there is a God, why is there so much evil?'” … I continue to read, and line upon line alludes to Your goodness. I asked, and You begin to answer – and even Your beginning – it is Good. “All this good makes me grateful, and my own heart needs this – A filling of His great-fullness. Gratefulness is always to someone, and when I am grateful, isn’t it always evidence of God? – A filling of awe of His goodness.” I turned the page, and there it was – the ultimate expression – just what I began this prayer with – Your answer to me – “There are things that need no words. HIS LOVE clearly manifest in the everywhere problem of GOOD.”

WOW God! and I echo the prayer Ann pens at the bottom of the page – “… in a world that faces the very real problem of evil, may I face it everywhere today – the very real proof of good.” And Father, may I – in seeing it and hearing it and sensing it – may I then be given words that are fitting to proclaim it! Your goodness begs to be proclaimed!

As I drove to work, You continued to answer by opening my senses to the bulging river, green trees, the fresh air, the donkey and the kid (goat) – I love seeing them – it is the simple things that make me smile. And again, my soul echoes – You are Good!

A text from a loved one, desperate for peace – and in Your infinite goodness, you whisper a line from an old hymn – “Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children, In His arms He carries them all day long.”

[the above blog was originally posted on July 16, 2015, on https://mefromthensideout.wordpress.com/]

(quotes from “One Thousand Gifts” by Ann Voskamp)

Reflection and application:

What are your thoughts on the goodness of God?

  • How have you seen it play out in your life?
    • If you struggle to define it, consider CeCe Winans’ song, Goodness of God, (one of my favorites) … “His mercies never fail us … He leads us through the fire … He is both Father and Friend ...”

I love You, Lord
For Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

‘Cause all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In darkest night You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a Father
I’ve known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God1 ~

  1. Source: LyricFind
    Songwriters: Ben Fielding / Brian Johnson / Edward Martin Cash / Jason Ingram / Jenn Johnson
    Goodness of God lyrics © Audiam, Inc, Bethel Music Publishing, Capitol CMG Publishing ↩︎