Tag: Love

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Be About the Master’s Business

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Scripture for the Journey: Mark 13:32-37 / SOAP: 37

What I say to you I say to everyone: Stay alert!” Mark 13:37 NET

Observation and Application for the journey

Have you found yourself longing more and more for the return of Christ? Do local or social media about world events escalate anxious thoughts and heighten your desire for His return to be sooner rather than later? I know it has mine. Come, Lord Jesus, Come is certainly on my lips more frequently these days than ever before. Surprisingly, for me, the prayer isn’t provoked by fear of mounting dangers and disasters but by sorrow and weariness of what is the acceptable, if not expected and even demanded, ways of this world. But, to borrow a few words from the prophet Jeremiah: “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope” – this world is not my home, I’m only passing through. I’m a stranger and alien here with a message of hope to share with others who do not know The Way, so they may go where I am going; and so those who know The Way may be equipped and encouraged to keep going in the right direction.

This isn’t a task given only to me; it is the assignment Jesus has given to each of His disciples. Yes, everyone who has trusted Him as their Savior has been commissioned to “go and make disciples,” introducing the Messiah to the lost and dying world around us. However, we must also remember that we are to encourage one another, a.k.a. other believers, daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of us may be hardened by sin and turn away from God.

The New Testament is filled with letters written by Paul and others to the various churches/believers who were struggling with various aspects of the Christian faith, some of whom were starting to walk contrary to the faith. Their messages were meant to help the believers understand the faith and to walk faithfully with God. Friends, I can testify to the importance of both the one who shares the WAY of hope and the one who encourages a wayward or struggling believer with the TRUTH, which is able to guide us back to God. Without the first, I would still be lost and dying in my sins; and without the second, I would still be out of fellowship with God, struggling in the pit of sin and despair – naming His Name but living like the world.

You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God

Hebrews 3:13 NLT

We do not know the day or hour, but we do know the WAY and the TRUTH – so let’s let our lights shine out in this dark world as we wait, staying alert and eagerly anticipating the day of His return.

“Get busy with the work God has given us by reaching the world and our neighbors with the gospel. At the same time, we do not store up our treasures here on earth because we know that this world will not last. Our days are precious and time is short, so we keep our eyes heavenward as our hands stay busy. We share Christ and the reason for our hope with those in our lives. We stand firm in God’s Word even in the midst of persecutions. We remember that no matter how dark our world gets, Jesus promised that He will be with us to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). – the LGG Journal entry for Come, Lord Jesus, Come p148

Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, how good You have been to save us by Your grace1 and free us from the law of sin and death2; and to promise us an eternity with You in Heaven3. We are most blessed. So, help us to be about our Master’s business as we wait on His return, help us to stay alert – alert to those4 around us who have not placed their faith in You and will be condemned,5 and may we be ready with an answer for the hope that is within us. Help us also have eyes to see those believers who are struggling and lift them up both in prayer and through words of encouragement that lead them back to You. Remind them, Father, that they do not have to settle for just a place in Your heaven, but they have been given the gift of a relationship with You now. Mold us, make us, use us, Lord – as we wait. In Jesus’ name – Amen!

The More We Know

If you would like to know more about Heaven and how you can share in the hope of eternity please read Know These Truths.

https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths/

Be sure and check out today’s LGG Blog Post at https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

As We Wait

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based on the LGG Study: Come, Lord Jesus, Come / w4d2

Scripture/Today’s roadmap: Titus 2:11-15 / Soap: verse 13

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

15 You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say. – Titus 2:11-15. NLT

What a great passage of Scripture to not only study – but to keep in mind as we wait for Jesus’ much anticipated and desired return. Remember, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and ‘training’ in righteousness. So that, the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good deed.” This means that what Paul is teaching to Titus through this letter is also important to us – namely that – as we wait, we are to live as the ‘New Creations’ we have been created to be, and encourage others with the same message.

As we wait … we are to live as the new creations we have been created to be – free, godly, self-controlled, hope-filled, committed/eager to do good; pleasing Him and boldly encouraging others to do the same.

from the Insideout 🦋

According to Ephesians 2;8, we are saved by grace through faith and not by works. So, when we read Paul’s words to Titus, that the grace of God has appeared bring salvation to all people, we understand that “the grace” is referring to Christ. We find validity in this truth, when we remember John’s well known and powerful message, that says, “For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world should be saved through him.”

At the top of my life-verses list is 2 Corinthians 5:17, which teaches that when anyone comes to Christ through FAITH they become a new creation,🦋 or as I like to say – they are changed from the inside out. Paul says, the old has gone the NEW has come.🦋 I love knowing that God replaced the old sinful nature with a NEW one, through the gift and presence of His Spirt – who fills us up from the inside out – training/teaching and reminding us of all that Jesus taught.1 2 When we live by the Spirit we will begin to act, talk, and think differently. We will look, sound, and react less and less like ourselves and more and more like Jesus; we will remember that the purpose of His death was not for our pleasure but rather to set us free and purify us for Himself; and this, as in all things Christ did, was so that God might be glorified (made-known).

The More We Know: Side-trails of the Journey

Our chief end is to glorify God…

https://www.gotquestions.org/glorify-God.html

What does it mean to glorify God?

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Encouraging Words of Hope

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based on the LGG Study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come / w4d1 / Image by LGG

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 / SOAP: verse 16-18

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words. – 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

Observations and Applications of the Journey

I read and took this passage in as though it was my first time reading it. When in reality, I have read it and studied it and heard it taught many times; however, not with the same interest and understanding I found today. If you, or other you know, have any questions, concerns or possible misconceptions about the end times, then this is a great and helpful passage about what will happen when Christ returns to earth. My now colorful journal page from all of the highlights and markings and column notes is a story and a commentary in itself. I love when the Holy Spirit leads and prompts and excites my study time. I honestly felt as though I was a student of Paul, listening to his passion for the truth that he so urgently wanted his audience to hear and understand – and encourage others with.

This portion of Paul’s letter to the church (ie believers) at Thessalonica, as Bibleref.com explains, was meant to encourage those with concerns and misconceptions about the end times and what will happen when Christ returns to earth. For instance, he knew that some were (or at the very least – may have been concerned about those believers who had already died). He wanted them to understand that He wasn’t encouraging them to not grieve but rather to grieve with hope.

It also comforts our hearts, as some of us find ourselves grieving the passing of a loved one who was a believer in Christ. We cling to the promise that we will one day be reunited with them again. Our grieving isn’t forever’ it’s only temporary.

ComeLordJesusCome, p122

The HOPE he was talking about was no small thing. It is the same hope that we have as we wait for Christ to return – the HOPE of all who “are in Christ” – being caught up together – to meet the Lord in the air, and be with Him forever! Whoo! If that doesn’t excite you, I don’t know what will.

This incredible promise of Christ’s return helps us persevere in the trials we experience while we patiently long for His imminent return.

ComeLordJesusCome, p122

Today’s journey in Revelation, points us to the same conclusion of the entirety of the NT and for that matter of the Bible – we must encourage others with the TRUTH and HOPE of God’s Word. Today’s message from Paul is to encourage those in Christ that He is coming again and we will not only be taken up to be with Him, but we will be gathered together with those believers who have gone before us. – *While Paul’s is specifically writing this letter to believers, we must not neglect to reach the lost with the truth that they too can share in this hope by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ before He comes. 1

Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, as Paul encouraged the members of the church in Thessalonica in his day, help me/us to encourage those where we live and work or communicate with through social media. May we be faithful to speak the truth that Jesus is coming again. Thank You for the reminder that when He does return, our momentary struggles will end. Thank you for all that we have to look forward to, as Your children – but let us not forget the fate of those who do not know You. Help us be active and bold in making You and Your promises known. – In Jesus’ name – Amen

The More We Know: Scripture hunts of the Journey

Bibleref.com has much to offer in clarifying some of the verses, such as those who are asleep and those who alive in Christ.

Raptured

The difference between the second coming and the rapture

A Loud Command

Caught up together

Eternal Joy and Pleasure

https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths/
Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Witnesses

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Based on the LGG Study, Come, Lord Jesus, Com / w3d3
Scripture: Luke 24:44-53 / SOAP verse 51

Now during the blessing He departed and was taken up into heaven.

Gen. 24:51

“As Jesus was blessing and encouraging those around Him, He was taken into Heaven. What a powerful example to us. As we go about our days in the shadow of Jesus’ return, may we, too, be a blessing and encouragement to those around us until the very minute we see Jesus face-to-face.”

The LGG Journal, Come, Lord Jesus Come, p 96

Observations and Applications for the Journey

Well, one of my favorite verses is tucked in this chapter. While it isn’t our focus verse I believe it bears a lot of weight on any Bible reading we do. It is actually a prayer that I almost always pray before I begin to read God’s Word. The verse is verse 45, which says: “Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” So, naturally this one jumped out at me, Verse 48 was another one that stood out to me, “You are witnesses of these things.” In one sense it’s a verse filled with honor and is a distinguished blessing; yet, with the next breath it is a hefty responsibility. However, it is one He has equipped us for as we read in verse 49, where Jesus reminds them of the gift the Father had promised, which He describes as being clothed with power from on high – A.K.A. – the Holy Spirit.

It struck me as I was reading this that God has always called His people to work. From Adam and Eve in the garden, which Bibleref.com explains like this: “The Garden of Eden was a place of work and fulfillment. When God placed Adam in the garden, He gave the man a task: Adam was “to work [the garden] and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15). What God had planted, Adam was to maintain. This task was in addition to Adam’s mandate to “be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground” (Genesis 1:29). Mankind was blessed by God, given responsibility, and provided work that was meaningful, creative, and beneficial.” And the work assignments continue as we reach Jesus’ announcement to the disciples: “You are witnesses of these things.” Simply, yet profoundly stated by bibleref.com commentary: “Witnesses don’t just watch – they tell others the TRUTH.”

“Witnesses don’t just watch – they tell others the TRUTH.”

Bibleref.com

We may not have seen Him ascend into Heaven as the early disciples did – but surely as believers we know that He did. To do the work He has called us to requires that we keep in step with the Spirit, who will teach us all things and remind us of everything that that the Father and Son have said. Gal 5:22-26/John 14:26. Peter says that we have been equipped with everything we need for a godly life, and part of that life is the Savior’s call for His disciples to be witnesses. In our words, as well as in our lives/actions, I’m forever glad we haven’t been called to do it alone. Not only have we been filled with the Spirit but we have the examples of Jesus, the great disciple maker and the perfect evangelist.” –

Prayer – Our Heart’s Response to the journey

Father, may we live and love like Jesus – taking the message to all who will hear it, whether they are in our “backyard” or around the world. Help us to work, remembering the day is coming. Equip us with the TRUTH so that we are ready to witness – even as Your Son has called us to. In His name I pray – Amen!

MaryEllen 🦋

The More We Know: Side Trails for the Journey

Understanding the Scriptures

Witnesses

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, Devotion, From the Insideout, He Sees He Knows He Cares, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time, Spirit

By Faith

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based on the LGG Study: Come, Lord Jesus, Come / w3d1

Scripture: Genesis 5:21-24 and Hebrews 11:5 / SOAP: Hebrews 11:5

By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death, and he was not to be found because God took him up. For before his removal he had been commended as having pleased God. Hebrews 11:5 NET

Observations and Applications for the Journey

Several things caught my attention in our passages; not the least of which was the fact that Enoch1 was taken up so that he did not see death.2 I was also drawn in by the possibility that he was sixty-five when he began his walk with God, or at least started faithfully walking with God. Some translations, like the KJV and NET, record that “After he became the father of Methuselah at the age of 65, Enoch walked with God.” However, some, such as the NIV, do translate it as: “After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God -” Please note that my curiosity about this statement wasn’t doubting that older people can be saved, but that for some reason the Bible makes a distinction that “after” he became the father of Methuselah he walked (faithfully) with God. Whether Enoch was sixty-five or younger when he became a man of faith doesn’t really matter here, but knowing and having heard many say, ‘I’m too old to become a believer’ or ‘I’m too stuck in my ways…’, gives me/us hopeful encouragement to offer those who are older and have not yet received Christ.

The second thing that came to mind was the heartbreaking thought that God must look at our world and see the same thing (or worse) as He did in the days of Noah, who, by the way, was a descendant of Enoch. Consider for yourself the record in Genesis: “in the days of Noah, the Lord saw that the wickedness of humankind had become great on the earth. Every inclination of the thoughts of their minds was only evil all the time.” I don’t mean to change our focus from Enoch to Noah, but bear with me for a minute and consider not just what God saw but how it made Him feel, as the author of Genesis goes on to describe: “The Lord regretted that he had made humankind on the earth, and he was highly offended.” So offended was He that the Lord said, “I will wipe humankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—everything from humankind to animals, including creatures that move on the ground and birds of the air, for I regret that I have made them.” But please do not miss the next words because they will forever bring hope to us and our lost and dying world: “Noah found favor in the sight of the LORD.”

“Noah found favor in the sight of the LORD.”

Genesis 6:8

So here we are in this world, much like, if not worse than, Noah’s day. Surely, few, if any, would disagree that we live in a world filled with wickedness, where every inclination of the thoughts of man’s mind always seems evil. Leaving no room to wonder why we are encouraged to search the Scriptures for hope and cry out – Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

Friends, a strong and resilient faith, not just the faith that leads to salvation but the faith that keeps us standing in the midst of the storms and temptations of this life, is essential to our walk with God. This is especially true in a world filled with evil, like ours – enticing us toward ungodly living or striking fear in our hearts – and/or shaking our faith. This, at least in part, is the reason for Paul teaching the church of Ephesus and all other disciples who would read his letter to put on the armor of our faith, the armor of God.3 For we certainly do not have a chance of standing, let alone walking faithfully with God if we are not suited up with His armor – including, the shield of faith, with which we can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one who rules this dark world.4

Prayer – Our Heart’s Response to the journey

Father, Thank You for Your Word from beginning to end, from Genesis, where we read of Enoch and Noah and others of the faith, to Revelation, where we read of Your Son’s impending return. From beginning to end, it fills us with HOPE and imparts both saving and staying FAITH to our hearts and minds. Please help us live faithfully in this world of wickedness that is saturated with every evil inclination. Father, we can only stand firm with Your help and effectively do the work You have called us to do when we live and look like Jesus instead of the world. Help us, like Enoch, to walk faithfully with You, our God, until You call us home! – Amen! In the name of Jesus – the pioneer and example of our faith – so let it be!

Reflection on the Journey

How did Enoch’s life please God? What does this teach us about how we should live our lives?

The More We Know: Side trails for the Journey
Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, Devotion, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

His Reward

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based on the LGG Study – Come, Lord Jesus, Come / w2d4

Scripture: Revelation 22:12-13

Look! I am coming soon, and my reward is with me to pay each one according to what he has done! I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last , the beginning and the end!

True confessions … I am not one that has ever been comfortable with the topic of rewards in or for the Christian life, Don’t get me wrong, I know Jesus speaks of the rewards, and I do consider them an exciting part of what is to come, and let’s face it I would much rather be given His reward than the punishment unbelievers will face; however, I believe we must be careful to not focus on the reward and lose sight of the One who is bringing the reward with Him. Perhaps my aversion to the thought of earning rewards stems from my overly competitive personality. Board games, card games, sporting events, and nearly anything else that can be turned into a competition bring out the competitor in me … or at least it used to. At some point in the past several years (actually much further back than that), I realized just how obnoxious my overzealousness to win was – actually, I believe it was God who pointed it out to me, and He’s been working on me ever since. But, just in case you see me in overdrive in one of the aforementioned situations – please remember – God’s not finished with me yet. 😊💜

My point of sharing this less-than-flattering part of my testimony was simply meant to be a segue into the Love God Greatly devotion for today. However, when I read the Devo (after writing the segue), It let me know I’m not the only one who doesn’t like to talk about the idea of being rewarded for our good works/faithfulness. The devotion also helped me realize there might be more reason for my reluctance to dwell on the rewards to come. They suggest that because “we know we can never earn our salvation, a free gift from God, we tend to get nervous when the topic of rewards is brought up.” I don’t know that this truly applies to me as much as my competitive nature, but I do hope you’ll keep reading to see and be as encouraged as I was.

To be clear, our salvation is not a reward. It is a gift, not of works, so that no one can boast (Eph 2:8-9). You can read more about this in The More We Know section below.

Focusing on my future with Jesus helps me endure today.

LGG Journal: Come, Lord Jesus, Come / p 84

INTO THE WORD

In some of our Christian circles, we don’t talk much about this idea of being rewarded for our good works. I think it makes us feel uncomfortable. Since we know we can never earn our salvation, a free gift from God, we tend to get nervous when the topic of rewards is brought up.

But in Revelation 22:12–13, Jesus specifically says that when He returns, He will repay us according to how we lived our lives. What a comfort this promise is for those who have suffered greatly for the name of Jesus. It is encouraging to remember that nothing done for God is ever forgotten or wasted. Jesus sees the sacrifices made. He sees the injustices inflicted on those who have taken a stand in His name. He knows the things that have been taken from His people, and He has not forgotten. Because Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, He has seen it all, beginning and end, and nothing has escaped His notice. He will reward us according to our work.

When Jesus first came to earth, He came as a baby. When Christ comes again, He will come back as the roaring lion, ready to bring judgment upon the earth.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, thank You for being holy and good. Thank You for seeing it all. You never miss an injustice or heartbreak. Thank You for never wasting any hurt that I go through. Thank you for always bringing good and purpose out of my pain. Even though I pray my primary motivation for obedience will be my love for You, I thank You for the promise of Your heavenly rewards. I look forward to the day when I can lay them all down at Your holy feet. May I do everything for Your glory. Until the glorious day when I see You face to face, I will continue to pray come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.

The More We Know

Rewards for the faithful

The judgment seat of Christ does not determine our salvation; that matter was settled by Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf (1 John 2:2) and our faith in Him (John 3:16). All our sins are forgiven, and there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24, emphasis added).

More on Rev 22:12

More on Rev 22:13

The Crown of Life

Second Corinthians 5:10 states: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” This is often referred to as the “Bema seat,” and is not the same as the judgment given to those who reject Christ. Unbelievers will be judged at the great white throne and be sentenced to eternal suffering in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11–15).

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

He’s Coming Again!

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Based on the LGG Study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come / w2d3

Scripture: Revelation 3:10-11 (11)

 Because you have kept my admonition to endure steadfastly, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come on the whole world to test those who live on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have so that no one can take away your crown. – Rev 3:10-11. NET

Despite the fact that I frequently share the devotions from the study journal, I will not always do so. However, I do believe they are most helpful in gaining further insight. I find this to be especially true in this particular study since some passages, like today’s, deal with eschatological events; I’ve mentioned before that while I have heard many messages preached about the end times and have read through the book of Revelation, I have never delved into a study of Revelation and/or the end times. So, as it arises in this study and others, I lean even more heavily on trusted resources, friends, and Pastors to help me understand what I’m reading in order that I might correctly explain the Word of God. 1

This one thing I do know and cling to daily – Jesus is coming again!

Coming again coming again
Maybe morning maybe noon
Maybe evening and maybe soon
Coming again coming again
Oh what a wonderful day it will be
Jesus is coming again

Jesus is Coming Again / John W. Peterson

INTO THE WORD from p 64 of the Come, Lord Jesus, Come / an LGG study

Because you have kept my admonition to endure steadfastly, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come on the whole world to test those who live on the earth. Revelation 3:11

These verses, originally written to the church in Philadelphia, can be considered controversial depending on your view of the end times. Some scholars have read these verses and believe they are a promise that the church, as a whole, will be spared from experiencing the tribulation in the end times (1 Thessalonians 4:13—5:11). However, other scholars believe these verses apply to only the church in Philadelphia, regarding a specific hour of testing and persecution in their time and region.

Either way, we know Jesus is coming back. That is both a fact and a promise. So, whether God chooses to remove the church before His final testing, sometimes called the tribulation, like He did with Noah from the flood and Lot from Sodom, or He allows the church to go through the tribulation and protects her as He did with Israel in Egypt or with Daniel in Babylon, we know that God has made a provision for us. He has been providing the church with strength and courage in the midst of horrific persecution throughout the centuries and is doing so to this day.

Instead of allowing division to form around the interpretation of eschatological events, let’s remain united around the promise of Jesus’ return and our hope of eternity spent with Him.

PRAYER

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for the promise that You are always with us, to the end of the age. Help us not allow our hearts and minds to give in to fear, but give us supernatural courage to face the world without fear, knowing that You are fighting our battles. Help us remember our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world who are currently facing great difficulty for Your name. Thank You, Lord, for Your goodness in our lives and the blessed hope we can carry in our hearts as we look to our future spent with You in heaven for eternity! Until that glorious day, we will continue to pray come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.

The More You Know

Are you ready? If you have believed in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior then you are by the grace of God part of the family of God, and your eternity is secured forever in Heaven with God. However, if you have not believed, I plead with you to read Know These Truths and call upon the name of Jesus and be saved.

https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths/

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

The Goal of Peace

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Based on the LGG Study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come / w2d2

Scripture: John 14:15-31 / SOAP: 27-28

27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be distressed or lacking in courage. 1 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I am. 2 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it happens, you may believe. 3 30 I will not speak with you much longer, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me, 4 31 but I am doing just what the Father commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Get up, let us go from here.

Today’s devotional is borrowed and shared from the Love God Greatly Journal, p 64. I found it to be another wonderful reminder that we are meant to walk in peace and not despair. This peace isn’t one that we generate or gain from the world, it is a gift that comes only through and in Jesus Christ. It is available to all who believe in Him. In yesterday’s post, we looked at the difficulties and messes that challenge us in this world. Today, Jesus makes it clear that the world has no hope to offer us, for it is filled with lies, unfairness, and death. The good news and promise of hope is that He left His disciples/us with His peace. His is a peace that resides in us through the Holy Spirit. It is a peace that fills us with courage and overcomes the troubles that we face in this world. Jesus said that it was important for the disciples to know all of this because of what was about to happen, and the same is true for us as we watch the ‘ruler of this world’ stir up all kinds of evil around us. We need to remember that, the enemy has no power over those who belong to Christ, and – like Jesus – we need to press on in what God has called us to do – which is to live and love like Jesus so that the world may see and know God through us.

Once again, Jesus connects the ideas of love and obedience (John 14:15, 21). His submission to the will of God is evidence that His message is true (John 5:19).

Bibleref.com

INTO THE WORD is borrowed from the Come, Lord Jesus, Come journal / p64

Jesus’ peace is ours for the taking. He did not leave us to worry or fret over the decline we see happening in the world. That is not a burden we are meant to carry. Instead, Jesus has given us peace to carry us through our hard days and sleepless nights. Having Jesus’ peace does not mean we will not walk through hard times. It means we will not walk through them alone.

We can experience peace when it feels like our world is spiraling out of control because true peace is only found in Jesus, not in this world. The only long-term thing this world has to offer us is heartache and worry. Because we have peace that surpasses all understanding, we can confidently look forward to the days ahead, knowing Jesus is already there. We do not need to fear our present or future because we know Jesus is always with us.

Knowing we can find peace in our lives despite our circumstances, we can choose today to have courage. Now is the time to embrace Jesus’ peace. Now is the time to exhibit courage, even when we feel afraid. It’s okay to feel scared even as you choose to be brave. Why do you think Joshua spoke so much about being courageous right before he conquered the promised land? He, too, had to muster up courage as he headed into a new land. But Joshua didn’t let his fear stop him. He went anyway knowing that God was with him. Jesus is with you too, and because of Him, you can experience true peace no matter what is going on in your life.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, thank You for the peace You have so generously given me. Please help me embrace Your peace and put it into action in my life. Help me be courageous in the tasks You have given me as I look forward to Your return. Until that day, come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.

The More We Know

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

Off the Beaten Path

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Today’s devotional is borrowed and shared from ourdailyverse.com

If I were to list my favorite ‘breath prayers,’ this verse would be among the top ten. I think I learned it because of my anxiety but it is a perfect mantra for busy days, difficult sittuations, weariness, and simply all of life in this world we live in. Try it with me … taking a slow deep breath in, whisper or think the words – “Be still and know,” then.- as you slowly exhale, think or whisper – “that I am God.”

Today’s ‘off the beaten path devotion is a beautiful explanation of this verse and why we should hide it in our heart – ready to quiet any troubling or unexpected situation that arises. Be sure and click on the pic below –

https://www.ourdailyverse.com/p/verse-day-psalm-4610-a84c

🙏 Verse of the Day: Psalm 46:10
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Off The Beaten Path –

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Day 5 – Celebration of Life Prayer 2.0

I posted this little blog on my 57th birthday five years ago. It was actually a prayer and one of the first prayer posts I shared under the category of “God is Good.” I have updated it to reflect my most recent birthday and share it here with you as a segue to the guest post by Ann Voskamp.

Celebration of Life / an edited post of July 20, 2019

God, you are good! You have blessed me with 62 years of life🎉 This number represents more than years of life. For it is also a reminder that …

  • through FAITH in Jesus Christ, I have known you as my God for 56 years – and
  • 35 years ago, You brought me to a fuller understanding of Your marvelous grace, which profoundly and forever changed my life1 – and
  • Since then,  I have been GROWING in the knowledge of Your grace and of my Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ ❤️ in the nurture and admonition of Your amazing, never-failing LOVE!

So, while I celebrate my birthday and am deeply grateful for another year of life – my greater celebration is in You!

  • I bow in worship and celebrate who You are and that You made Yourself known to me!
  • I bless and celebrate Your Name – Name above all Names –
  • I celebrate being adopted into Your family and known as a child of God!
  • I praise and celebrate You for all that You have done for me throughout these 62 years – You’ve protected, provided, and shown me Your kindness, love, and compassion. You’ve rescued me from pits of destruction and walked with me through countless valleys, and not once have You left me on my own —so I celebrate You and the day of my salvation 56 years ago!
  • again and again I praise and celebrate You for Your mercy and pursuit of this wayward lamb
  • and I celebrate the fuller understanding You have given me of Your life-changing grace and Your faithfulness to grow me up in the nurture and admonition of Your Love over the past 35 years!

When I was writing this post five years ago – a song from decades ago started playing in my mind – And will be my song of celebration every year of my life – not just for my celebration of years but even more for my celebration of life in Christ! 🎶

Listen to my birthday song. Then, I invite (and encourage)you to visit the link to Ann Voskamp’s blog. It is a wonderful musing of ideas and encouragement about God’s grace and the change that comes from knowing and embracing Him, the God who doesn’t change and can do the impossible.

Change is possible, when you embrace the God who doesn’t change and can do the impossible.

Ann VosKamp

The post is long but well worth the read – even if you read some today and some tomorrow …. How to Have a Better Second Half of Your Life

photo credits/Ann Voskamp

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