To get the essence of what the Lord is saying in this passage, we all need to go visit a Kindergarten class. While there, we will see every kind of emotion freely expressed by children who have yet learned to “stuff” feelings. They will have absolute trust in their teacher, and will look to her/him for help in every problem that arises. They will freely show love, acceptance, and enthusiasm towards others without reproach or bias. Ah, to have child-like faith…the world would be a much better place if it was one big kindergarten class with Jesus as our loving teacher!
Tag: god s love
Acts 17:24 ” The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples buildt by hands.”
It has to be totally presumptuous to think we could somehow contain God in a temple. The Creator of heaven and earth and everything in it, the God who gives us breath and life can not be contained in a building. His magnificence would far overshadow any building that could possibly be imagined by any feeble human mind. But there is one temple He fits in beautifully, there is one temple He desires to dwell in…it’s you, for I Corinthians 3:16 says, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” You are that magnificently sacred temple where He choses to live.
II Corinthians 9:6 ” Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
Most people who read this scripture think it has to do entirely with money. But showing benevolence towards others has so many varying facets. Several of the Proverbs talk about a generous man prospering and being blessed not just monetarily, but with abundant joy. But the opposite is also true…if you are lacking in certain areas of your life, if you sow it into others, you yourself will it reap back…for it says in Galatians that a man reaps what he sows. In other words, if you are lacking, pour into others, and you will receive back lavishly.
I John 4:18 ” There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.”
Fear, panic, anxiety…these are all negative emotions that can stem from something that happened to us a long time ago, but when triggered, can cause the same feelings as when the original event happened. We know in our head that we’re safe, but our emotions are telling us something completely different. The Lord doesn’t want us to live in fear. The Bible states that God is Love, and this perfect Agape love of God’s will drive all fear from our lives if we allow Him. His powerful love will break through all negative emotions and bring us peace. I pray that if you are battling negative emotions today,ask the Lord to fill you with His Agape Love.
Psalm 31: 1-2 ” In you O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.”
The hard fact is that people will hurt, disappoint, and betray you…even those that tell you they love you. You trust someone, and they stab you in the back. You reach out to someone, only to have them reject you. At those times, you need to look to this scripture to help bring balance back into your life. Seek spiritual refuge in the Lord. He knows, and hears your prayers, and will deliver you…for when everything and everyone is taken away from the equation….it’s just You and God.
Psalm 34:18 ” The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
There are times in our lives when life is very cruel…we’re discouraged, broken down, and emotionally numb. We might, like Jonah, be asking God to take away our lives. But we need to remember that the Lord is near, and He not only hears us,but will heal our shattered lives and bandage up our crushed spirits. He is near to all who summon His aide to rescue them.
Exodus 33:13 ” If You are pleased with me, teach me Your ways so I may know You and continue to find favor with You.”
If I have found favor in Your eyes Lord, guide me on this path of life…this journey You’ve set before me. Show me how You want me to act and behave in all situations, because I desire Your guidance in my life. Lord, You know me by name, and are constantly showing me Your mercy and kindness …help me to know You better day by day.
Ecclesiastes 1:9 ” What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.”
We humans think the same…whatever is happening in our lives is totally unique and has never happened to anyone else…ever! By thinking this way, we can self-isolate from fear, embarrassment, or shame of what others may say or do. Anxiety and dread may be alleviated by simply speaking up. Telling someone, seeking medical attention, or getting help will allow you to see that you are not alone, you’re not abnormal, and like Solomon wrote- there is nothing new under the sun- thus whatever is happening in your life has happened to thousands of people also… so Speak up!
II Corinthians 1:4 “…who comforst us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
When distress, grief, or affliction are crushing down, you long for someone to tell you that they’ve not only been where you are, but about the journey back to wholeness. The Lord encourages us during those dark times, so we in turn can impart that same compassion and mercy to others. The time spent in the valley of the shadow of death is difficult to be sure, but when we’ve made it out, we can reach back to help others with the same encouragement the Lord has given us.
Isaiah 1:18 “…Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…”
Snow. We get lots of it here in Idaho, and there’s nothing as beautiful as the sun shining on a new snowfall. Everything is covered with a pristine, white blanket..the dull, drab landscape is transformed into a glorious magnificence. Isaiah wrote that ‘though our sins were like scarlet, they will be white as snow.’ Our sinful life can be transformed by God’s love and mercy. His love can cover our grubby, dirty past with a perfect blanket of white. When snow falls it covers everything…it doesn’t pick and choose where it lands…the same with our Lord…His love and mercy is for everyone, forever changing our lives with a beautiful white blanket of forgiveness.
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