It’s really that simple. The Lord wants to give you good things, and believes in your potential.
Ephesians 2: 8-10 reminds us that “we are Gods’ workmanship created in Christ Jesus for things before we were even born”, That’s my paraphrase.
So when we try to do life without God and attempt our plans over the best of plans from God, we’re taking a big risk.
It’s amazing to think that our heavenly father knows we are impulsive human people, and when we’re willing to let him plan our lives King Jesus will always be victorious.
Post this image of Jeremiah 29:11 somewhere so daily you can be reminded. God will never disappoint us. Our impulsiveness will limit our lives. Look to the future with excitement and know your destiny awaits..
Psalm 116:2 (nlt): “Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!”
This is a beautiful picture of how the Lord bends down to listen when we talk. 💜
God knows:
Romans 8:26-28 NLT “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
God blesses but does not tempt us:
James 1:12-16 NLT “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters.”
God is love and trustworthy:
1 John 4:16-19 NLT “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first.”
God gave us all:
John 3:16 NLT “For this is how 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.”
God gave us free will to choose Him over anything in this world. If you haven’t chosen Him yet now is the time. He extends His nail scarred hand to each one of His children. Regardless of what you may have done, and when we repent for the sins when we have fallen short, when we ask in humility He forgives our sins. What an amazing love for all of us.
Everyday is a new day full of hope and promise. God opposes the proud but is graceful to the humble.
John 4:6-10 “And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.”
God is good and faithful always.
Consider what Jesus did for us in humility? His Name is the Name above all names! Jesus!!
“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11 NLT
We can’t walk in humility on our own, we need the help of Jesus to have the mind of Christ. Our transformed mind with Him leads to freedom and a greater life of love, grace, peace and destiny.
“As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person.” Proverbs 27:19 NLT
I found this particular scripture, fascinating, and yet convicting in a way. When we look at ourselves in the reflection of water, do we see a person who reflects the love of Jesus or do we see a furrowed brow, a stern expression, perhaps even steam coming out of our head because we’re so angry.
Self examination is not a bad thing. But asking the Lord to search our heart and show us if there’s any way and things that we need to change is the best way to do self examination. Because it’s actually not on our own that we’re coming to conclusions, its our human nature. We can choose,instead, to be lead by the direction of the Holy Spirit. When we let Him lead us we are able to have more self control and peace.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Psalms 139:23-24 NLT
So does your facial expression reflect the love of Jesus, especially at times when you have a conflicted view with another? Does your facial expression soften and reminding you of how much God loves you and knows that you’ll make mistakes? God knows everyone makes mistakes and with our free will can live a bumpy life. What do others see in your face?
When you look at your reflection in water or in a mirror, do you see forgiveness? If we can’t forgive others for being human, impulsive, insecure, and raging with anger, how can our Father in heaven forgive us?
Luke 11 tells us how the disciples wanted to know how to pray. Jesus shared the well known “Our Father” prayer. It is a powerful prayer for every day and moment, use it daily to reflect the importance of love and forgiveness.
“Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” Jesus said, “This is how you should pray: “Father, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. Give us each day the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation. ”” Luke 11:1-4 NLT
There’s so many scriptures that describe how God understands our feeling of anger, and yet he also wants us not to allow our anger to tumble into being a horrible example to others of unforgiveness, bitterness, and raging sin.
“And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26-27 NLT
We must not let the devil win, seeking God and His responses is the answer. I’m working on this Godly principle, also.
I’m growing in my knowledge of the need for conviction by the Holy Spirit. There’s a difference between being convicted by God to consider His responses over our responses especially when we are in conflict.
Condemnation comes from the devil and is meant to keep us in a guilt- shame cycle. However, conviction by the Holy Spirit gives us an opportunity to learn from the One who created us. We must love God and love others the way He wants us to love.
Sometimes in love, it means sharing our frustration with another, but it doesn’t mean we condemn them for their sin. It means we love the sinner and pray for them to realize how much God loves them and wants the best for them.
Father God, please help our faces reflect the love of Jesus to others. God let our hearts be in tuned to Yours, especially when we feel offended or in conflict with another. Father God help us to love others and the best way possible as you guide us. You are holy Lord! When we walk with you, we reflect your holiness. You are good and when we choose the best responses others see a reflection of You in us. Thank you for second chances and thank you, Lord for the grace and mercy of our Savior, In Jesus name, amen!
Photo credit by pexels.com
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT
A single arrow can be easily snapped in two, but a tight little bundle of arrows can withstand the strongest pressures. Anonymous
“The Lord will appear above his people; his arrows will fly like lightning! The Sovereign Lord will sound the ram’s horn and attack like a whirlwind from the southern desert.” Zechariah 9:14 NLT
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.” Psalms 127:3-5 NLT
Isaiah felt so insecure to speak to the people around him about the Lord and His instructions. Yet he was called by God to speak to others in his life. The hard part is many did not want to hear the truth of God. Most despised him because they needed to know God and His commandments for their benefit. They were disobedient though. Isaiah still spoke.
This is Isaiah’s words: “Listen to me, all you in distant lands! Pay attention, you who are far away! The Lord called me before my birth; from within the womb he called me by name. He made my words of judgment as sharp as a sword. He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand. I am like a sharp arrow in his quiver. He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, and you will bring me glory.” I replied, “But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.” And now the Lord speaks— the one who formed me in my mother’s womb to be his servant, who commissioned me to bring Israel back to him. The Lord has honored me, and my God has given me strength. He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” The Lord, the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel, says to the one who is despised and rejected by the nations, to the one who is the servant of rulers: “Kings will stand at attention when you pass by. Princes will also bow low because of the Lord, the faithful one, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”” Isaiah 49:1-7 NLT
We are chosen also, to speak to others about the promises of God. We must ask God for the wisdom, and be still with Him. Then sometimes we are to speak and sometimes not.
I loved the anonymous quote at the beginning of this post. I am an arrow. You can be an arrow! The quote reminded me of how blessed I am to be around people that are my bundle of arrows. We are called to sharpen each other with God as our connection because we can do more together than we can do alone. We must have friends that speak truth so we can all make a difference for the kingdom of God.
The Lord is our redeemer, our strength, our guide. There is no One that can take His place. Let the fire of God burn in you, and bring His words of hope to others as an arrow of truth. This world needs to hear it!!
Don’t be afraid to be like Isaiah, willing to be used as Gods’ mouthpiece. Time is now to share the love, grace, mercy, wisdom and righteousness of God. Love God and love His people!
The One who created you, who knows you from the beginning of your conception, your Creator God waits for you!
Psalm 139 is one of my favorite books of the Bible. It describes the love of a father for his creation. It describes how God knows us from the beginning of conception.
Science supports the fact that there’s a splash of light when the egg and sperm connect at conception. The light is God and he knows you from conception.
Psalm 139:1-24 NLT O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. [2] You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. [3] You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. [4] You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. [5] You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. [6] Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! [7] I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! [8] If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. [9] If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, [10] even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. [11] I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night- [12] but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you. [13] You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. [14] Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it. [15] You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. [16] You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. [17] How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! [18] I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me! [19] O God, if only you would destroy the wicked! Get out of my life, you murderers! [20] They blaspheme you; your enemies misuse your name. [21] O LORD, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you? Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you? [22] Yes, I hate them with total hatred, for your enemies are my enemies. [23] Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. [24] Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Psalm 139 it reminds us how He sees us, and it reminds us to search our hearts and to communicate with him.
It reminds us that He knows the steps we’re going to take.
It reminds us of our worth wonderfully created powerfully known by God.
Sadly, the world‘s message is exactly the opposite. You see the world’s messages that you’re unworthy, unlovable, but you need to fit into a mold that is not of God‘s description. Those are lies from the pit of hell. Those are lies that if we believe those will take us down a crazy train Track.
The enemy knows if he can keep your mind fixed on what is not true and distracted that our minds will be too busy with the lies and not open to the truth of God.
Psalm 139 can reset the truth and promises and God‘s word in our mind. Memorize it. Posted on a card in your bathroom recited. Declare it. So when you have those times of distracted minds, you can remember what the truth of God says about you. A beautifully created Child of God. Your identity must be in Christ your purposes have been ordained from your conception.
Ephesians 2: 8 -10 reminds us were God’s workmen shift created in Christ Jesus for great things he planned before we were born.
Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. [9] Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. [10] For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
This song when I meet my maker by Tenille Townes really describes perfectly the precious love of God and how he waits for you. Don’t forget that.
We have all been in the place where we wonder what will happen in the future, be it personally, for family members, or in life.
Many nights I may be awake until the early morning hours. I am realizing the stillness of the night or early morning hours is a great time for me to remember God doesn’t sleep.
He is the Alpha and Omega. He knows all things present, past and future. We plant seeds of faith as parents, siblings, friends, with strangers regarding Jesus but the Holy Spirit waters them.
I am becoming less frustrated when awake at 2a, instead realizing this is a gift from God. I am more open to listening to His instructions. Can you relate?
His word is rich with a peace, giving encouragement that we need. Sometimes during the day too many distractions caused us not to hear his voice.
I don’t want my actions to be an obstacle to faith in God, personally or for those in our sphere of influence.
Romans 4:17 AMP (as it is written [in Scripture], “I HAVE MADE YOU A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS”) in the sight of Him in whom he believed, that is, God who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.
Just as Abraham was likely overwhelmed at times, his faith was tested and God brought life.
Yes, God gives life, and wisdom, believing this premise when we don’t see the end result brings our faith to another level. We aren’t ignoring the complicated circumstances we’re just allowing God to be the one to direct our steps and laying the circumstance at feet of Jesus.
We are all works in progress; I don’t want to be an obstacle to someone else’s amazing experience with Jesus who loves them more than I do.
“Faith recognizes the problem, the presents it to God, acknowledging Him in the face of the problem and declaring his truth and promises have a greater answer…. Authentic faith does not deny the obstacle but believes God is greater than the obstacle.” Roman’s 4:17 insight from the New Spirit Filled Bible
I am a recovering people pleaser, some call that codependency, it’s an obstacle for me at times. However, the more I spend time with God the more I realize I seek to please Him over others.
So let go and let God, trust Him even as you may be shaking in your boots, bit by bit you will grow your faith in Him over man. Bit by bit you will feel greater peace that passes human understanding.
Abraham chose to believe God would allow him to be a father at 100 years old, even though it seemed impossible. As a result of his trust in the power of God and His promises, he was not disappointed.
Romans 4:20-21 AMP But he did not doubt or waver in unbelief concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and empowered by faith, giving glory to God, [21] being fully convinced that God had the power to do what He had promised.
One step at a time we must trust God too! It will be worth it! God never sleeps! He wants you to have a clear path to freedom with Him and into the future. He wants to bless generations of your family. Glory to God!
Inspiring Light Through the Cracks 