Why It’s Important to Open the Doors of Your Heart to Jesus

I used to have a recurring dream of wandering a hall full of locked doors. Then God explained to me what it had to do with the doors of my heart... #Dreams #Godlovesyou #Jesus #Blessings

There were more than 60 of us . . . 13-year-olds making a statement of faith and joining the church. Our pastor, following a long tradition, prayerfully chose a Bible verse for every person in the class.

My friends received verses like Romans 8:28, John 3:16, Isaiah 41:10, and Jeremiah 29:11.

And then he came to me, placed his hand on my head, and told me the verse he had chosen for me…

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”
Revelation 3:20

Why? Did he doubt my faith?

I was a good kid. My family was at church every time the doors were open. We were personal friends with the pastor’s family. Then I went home and looked up the context of my given verse.

“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!

I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.”
Revelation 3:15–16, 19

Well, that didn’t make me feel any better.

Later as an adult, I started having a recurring dream about living in a large home that had long hallways lined with doors . . . many of which were locked.

One morning, I awakened and in my half-asleep state I heard the Lord whisper, “that’s what your heart looks like to me.” The doors of my heart were closed and locked. I had a room that held fear, another with worry, one with regrets, and another with hurts.

And Jesus was at the door knocking inviting me to flip the locks and invite Him in. He wanted full access to free me from worry, fear, and regrets. He wants to heal my heart of pain.

Through tears, I gave it all to Him. And I’ve never had that dream again.

Sometimes we can be so distracted by the things that are right in front of us that we fail to recognize the blessings God wants to give us when we fling wide the doors of our hearts. May we open our lives to the Lord and let Him fill us with His presence, power, and peace.

I believe the Holy Spirit gave that verse to my pastor specifically for me. He knew I’d need it.

A Prayer to Fling Wide the Doors of My Heart to Jesus

Lord, You have already given me so much, I don’t know how I could ever begin to thank you sufficiently. I admit that it can be hard to release things like fear, worry, regret, and pain. The enemy continues to taunt me with “what ifs” and “how could.” But You promise that when I open all the doors of my heart to You, You will help me carry my burdens (Matthew 11:28) You will give me peace (John 14:27). You forgive my confessed regrets (1 John 1:9) And You will heal my broken heart and relieve my pain (Psalm 147:3).

I come to You professing, “Lord, I believe. Help me overcome my unbelief.” Forgive my doubt. Help me surrender my all to You. Help me realize the freedom and joy of living in Your presence forever. Please give me everything I need to fling wide the doors of my heart to Your unfailing everlasting love. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Jesus asked John to write the following to the church in Philadelphia:

I have opened a door for you that no one can close.
Revelation 3:8

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for us to go through the open door of forgiveness into the Father’s presence. He made it possible for us to fall before Him in faith with fully open hearts trusting that because of His perfect love, He will today, tomorrow, and always give us everything we need to live in the power of His Spirit.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7

I want that! I want to invite the Lord to clean out my rooms of fear and timidity, worry, regrets, and pain. And I want Him to replace those unwanted burdens with the power, love, and self-discipline of Jesus. I want to fling wide all the doors of my heart and surrender my all to Jesus!

Will you join me?

On today’s note write:

Today, I will open all the doors of my heart to Jesus!

May you be blessed and encouraged and filled with His peace and you surrender yourself to the Lord.

Click here to read the rest of Revelation 3.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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Why It’s Important to Know that Jesus is Aware Of Everything

12 / 3 / 2112 / 3 / 21

Jesus is aware of everything that goes on in our lives and He had a word for seven churches in Revelation that all of us can apply to our faith and lives. #Revelation #Church #Jesus #Blessings

The next two chapters in the Book of Revelation are specific messages from Jesus to seven individual churches.

Some people imagine God on some heavenly throne simply watching human beings go round and round on this big blue orb. But God’s Word is very clear that He is not far away. He is right here with us and He knows everything about us. He sees the good and the bad. He’s aware of every heart and every ministry. He knows and cares about specific people, places, and events.

He cares about our churches and in these letters, Jesus paused to praise their obedience and correct their shortcomings. Jesus was and is aware of all that happens in our churches and in each of us.

To the church in Ephesus, He said:

I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance.
Revelation 2:2

But then He added:

I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.
Revelations 2:4–5

The LAB Notes add:

For Jesus to “remove your lampstand from its place” would mean the church would cease to be an effective church.

To the church in Smyrna, He said:

I know about your suffering and your poverty—but you are rich!

Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer . . . if you remain faithful even when facing death. I will give you the crown of life.
Revelation 2:9a, 10

Suffering is never easy but Jesus wants us to know that we can trust His promises. Even when we suffer He is with us and He promises that those who love and trust Him will be with Him forever and always.

To the church in Pergamum, He said:

I know that you live in the city where satan has his throne, yet you have remain loyal to me.
Revelation 2:13

Yet:

You tolerate some among you who teach things that turn people to sexual sin and the sin of idolatry. (Revelation 2:14–15, paraphrased in my own words.)

And to the church in Thyatira, He said:

“I know all the things you do. I have seen your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things.
Revelations 2:19

But…

I have this complaint against you. You are permitting that woman . . . who calls herself a prophet—to lead my servants astray. She teaches them to commit sexual sin and to eat food offered to idols.
Revelation 2:20

There are many individual points we could talk about from these messages of Jesus. But today, I want to simply focus on this one truth…

Jesus is aware! He is with us.

The Lord of lords and King of kings knew each of these churches . . . He knew their exact situations and precise circumstances. He knew their hearts and heard their words and saw their actions.

The writer to the Hebrews wrote:

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.
Hebrews 4:13

A Prayer to Know and Trust Jesus
is Aware of Everything

Lord Jesus, this is a hard teaching. It’s easy to think of You as being with me when I’m doing well but it’s harder to realize that You are also aware of my shortcomings and failures. I want you close when I need Your help but then I foolishly want You to look the other way when I don’t . . . when I want to do things my own way. When I want my will not Yours to be done.

I am so very sorry. Please forgive me. I do repent of my sin and ask You to give me everything I need to work hard with patient endurance, to be willing to suffer if necessary, to serve You in faith with loyalty and love. You have given Your all for me . . . I pray that You will give me what I need each day to fully give myself to You. Amen.

We want Jesus to be aware much of the time but I think if we’re really being honest . . . there are times when we just want to put Him on a shelf and do what we want.

But when we remember that He gave His all for us just because He loves us that much, we are reminded that He is worthy of all our gratitude and praise. He is worthy of all glory and honor. He is worthy of all our love—heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Jesus paid the ultimate price to save us . . . and He is the One to whom we are accountable.

Jesus is aware!

On today’s note write:

Jesus is aware of my good and bad and He still gave Himself for me. Today, I give myself to Him.

May God be with you and bless you today as you focus on His presence and love.

Click here to read the rest of Revelation 2.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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How You Can Find Hope and Assurance in the Book of Revelation

12 / 2 / 2112 / 2 / 21

Many find the Book of Revelation frightening and confusing but it is full of promises that give us the hope and assurance of God's love and ultimate victory. #Revelation #Hope #GodsWord #Blessings

Well friends, here we are starting the last book of the New Testament.

The book of Revelation is God’s Word to us about the future but also about the present.

John began it with these words:

This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place.
Revelation 1:1

Many find the words in Revelations confusing and some consider them frightening. Between the images of heaven and the passages about the dragon, the beast, the tribulation, and Armageddon . . . it’s easy to understand how our mortal minds have trouble grasping the symbolic imagery.

But we can focus on the main purpose of its words—to reveal the identity of Christ, to show us His infinite love, power, and justice . . . to give us both a warning and hope for our eternal futures.

John wrote:

This is his report of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 1:2b

You and I can read the Book of Revelation knowing it is full of hope and encouragement. No matter how frightening things are or are becoming, we can trust the One who declared…

“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.”
Revelation 1:8

God is eternal . . . Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. God is sovereign over the past, the present, and the future. He is infinite and unchanging love, wisdom, and power. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords yesterday, today, tomorrow, and always.

No matter what happens around us or to us, we can know there is nothing beyond His reach. No matter what happens today or tomorrow, we are safe and saved in Jesus . . . the One who of whom John wrote:

He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world. All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us.
Revelations 1:5

The One who gave His life for you and me wants us to be assured that we are secure in Him!

A Prayer to Be Filled with Hope and Assurance
Through the Book of Revelation

Father, Your promises are full of hope and assurance. Please help me to find it in the words of Your Book of Revelation as well. Please give me Your peace as I read of images and events that are beyond my understanding. Please help me focus my heart and mind on You.

You are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. You are the Triune—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You love us and made it possible for us to be freed from sin through Jesus’ death and resurrection. You are the Almighty One.

I humbly lay my life before You. I give You my fears and anxious thoughts. I offer myself to You in faith trusting that You will give me everything I need one moment at a time . . . even when world events and my circumstances are hard to understand. I know You understand. I know this is all part of Your eternal plan. I know that I am safe and secure in Your love. Thank you, Lord. You are the “king of peace” now and always. (Hebrews 7:2) Amen.

You and I are familiar with Jesus as we’ve seen him portrayed in pictures and presentations . . . the teacher who gently walked with people two thousand years ago.

In the days ahead we are going to look more closely at the glorified Son of God, the One before whom every knee will bow. He won the victory over sin, death, and the power of satan once and forever. He is our hope and assurance.

I’m looking forward to our time in the Book of Revelation.

I’m excited! It makes me think about the words of Rev. Billy Graham…

‘I’ve read the last page of the Bible, it’s all going to turn out all right.’

On today’s note write:

Jesus is the hope and assurance of the Book of Revelation.

May God bless you and give you everything you need to trust His promises.

Click here to read the rest of Revelation 1.

I’d also like to share another resource with you for your study of time…

Rachel Schmoyer wrote Take It To Heart – 30 Days Through Revelation. I was part of her launch team and believe her book will bless and encourage you.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

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Why Living a Moral Life is Important for People Who Follow Jesus

11 / 30 / 2111 / 30 / 21

I love the way Jude began his letter:

This letter is from Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ and a brother of James.

I am writing to all who have been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ.
Jude 1:1

The brother of James and half-brother of Jesus who went from big-time doubter to the life-changing truth that he had grown up with with the Son of God.

He wrote that…

God loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ!

Whatever you are going through, whatever is weighing you down, whatever is hurting your heart or making you anxious . . . God loves you and He keeps you safe in His Son, Jesus.

But then, once Jude has assured his readers of God’s great love, he jumps right into the reason for his letter.

I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people. I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives.
Jude 1:3b–4a

Followers of Jesus have come to expect attacks on the church from unbelievers, but Jude warns us that there were then and now attacks from people and teachers within the church.

Anyone who says that God allows immoral behavior as Jude states:

They have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Jude 1:4b

And the LAB Notes add the following:

Even today, some Christians minimize the sinfulness of sin, believing that how they live has little to do with their faith. But what a person truly believes will show up in how he or she acts.

True faith shows itself through humble and deep respect for the Lord and a longing desire to live according to God’s will as He reveals it in His Word. It honors God by living a moral life that represents His love.

God has given us His love letter because He knows that trusting and obeying His command to live a moral life of love will bless and keep us safe. He has given us one another to, as Jude states:

You, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit^,and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.
Jude 1:20–21

Those of us who love the Lord much stay connected to God’s Word and to one another so we can stand strong on and for His truth. And we must be prepared to speak Scriptural truths with mercy, grace, and love.

A Prayer to Trust God’s Love and Live a Moral Life of Faith

Father, Thank you for loving us so much that You promise to keep us safe in Jesus’ care. Thank you for sending Him to suffer my punishment and making it possible for me to have a restored relationship with you.

Your Word says You hate sin. You are righteous. Everything You do is right and good and sin cannot exist in Your perfect presence. But You are gracious and merciful. Those who trust in Jesus can be forgiven and set free from sin. I thank and praise You!

Since the early church, there have always been people who said that because of grace you look the other way and allow Your children to live immoral lives. That is a lie from the enemy. You want, You command, Your children to trust and obey Your will because You know 1. it will make their lives better and 2. it witnesses to those who don’t know and love You. You told Your children to, “Be holy, because I am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2) And Jesus commanded His followers to, “Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12) Trusting and obeying Your will keeps me from living an immoral life. Please help us. Please help me. I want to trust Your Love and obey Your command to love with all I am every day of my life. Please give me everything I need to live a moral life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

It’s true, false teaching about the lie that living a moral life isn’t important is around but we don’t need to be afraid or hopeless because God is greater. His truth has been shared for thousands of years and He promises that if we remain faithful to His truth we will experience the lasting joy of living in His presence eternally.

Hold these words of Paul close to your heart:

Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
Ephesians 4:29b–30

On today’s note write:

With God’s help, I will trust His love and live a moral life of faith.

May God bless you today encouraging you with His Word and His love.

Click here to read the rest of Jude 1.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

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Important Reasons Why We Need to Live With Each Other in Community

11 / 30 / 2112 / 5 / 21

God created people to live with each other. He does not want us to isolate ourselves alone. Here are some of the important reasons why... #Church #Family #Neighbors #Blessings #Truth

After a year and a half of being told to “social distance” and stay away from each other, it’s a blessing to see people deciding to actually “live” with each other again.

I don’t think we were created to hide behind masks inside our own homes.

We recently learned that Facebook is developing the Metaverse. A place where people can isolate themselves physically and spend their lives in a created virtual world.

God created us to live in community. He said:

“It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”
Genesis 2:18

And…

“Be fruitful and multiply.”
Genesis 1:28

John doubled down on the reasons why living with each other in community is so important in 3 John.

[Traveling teachers] have told the church here of your loving friendship. Please continue providing for such teachers in a manner that pleases God.
3 John 1:6

He began by praising the church for the hospitality they had shown to traveling teachers. They had physically housed and fed them as a way of showing them love.

That’s encouragement!

One reason we need to physically spend time together is to encourage each other . . . to build each other up in faith.

When I hear and see how God is encouraging a friend it blesses and encourages me!

Next, John called out someone who was refusing to have anything to do with other spiritual leaders.

Diotrephes, who loves to be the leader, refuses to have anything to do with us . . . don’t let this bad example influence you.
3 John 1:9

We’re all sinners in need of God’s forgiveness and transforming grace in our lives. Sometimes church discipline is part of the transformational process.

That’s unifying church discipline!

I know, it often doesn’t seem unifying. But when we speak the truth in love by addressing divisive lies we can, with prayer and God’s help, strengthen and unify the body of faith.

Friends, we were made to live with each other.

Why? So we can:

Inspire each other to stay in God’s Word.
Pray for each other.
Hold each other accountable.
Encourage each other with God’s love.

So, let’s pray that God will open the doors for us to faithfully live together . . . and build each other up in the Lord.

A Prayer to Live with Each Other in Faith and Community

Father, thank you so much for creating us for relationships. You created us to need You and to need one another. You said, “it is not good for man to be alone.” You made us that we might inspire each other, pray for each other, hold each other accountable, and encourage each other. You created us to live together under the blessing of Your love.

Please forgive us for our selfishness and pride. Forgive us for being willing to take more than we give. Forgive us for failing to love the way You want us to love.

Please fill us with Your love. Give us courage and strength, patience and kindness. Make us compassionate and hospitable. By Your grace, unite us by Your truth as we SEEK to know Your will and follow Your ways. Thank you for loving us. Thank you for Jesus. Thank you for His example of how to live with one another in community.

I give myself to You. Help me to boldly live Your truth and Your love. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

It’s possible we all started to feel less vulnerable to the outside world through our social distancing. And coming together may seem a little scary but we don’t have to start with big events and gatherings.

We can start with family get-togethers, small groups, and lunch with friends.

Let’s simply start living together in Jesus sharing His love and our faith!

On today’s note write:

Today I will think of ways I can live with others in community.

May you be blessed today with friends and family who encourage you with God’s love.

Click here to read the rest of 3 John 1.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

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How You Can Know the Truth and Live with Love Every Day

11 / 29 / 2111 / 29 / 21

God commands people to live with love but the enemy of our souls is working overtime, lying to us to keep us divided and afraid. Is there anything we can do? #BibleStudy #Love #Faith #Blessings

How would you like to know the truth and live with love?

It sounds awesome, doesn’t it?

When you and I know the truth, doubt is removed . . . and when we live loved, we feel safe and secure. Everyone thrives under those conditions.

So, I guess we really shouldn’t be surprised that the enemy of our souls is at work trying to keep us from living lives filled with truth and love.

He promotes the following lies to accomplish his goals…

There is no such thing as absolute truth.

He has filled our culture with the belief that “your truth is your truth and my truth is my truth.” But John walked with the One who is TRUTH. And in his short second letter, he declared that . . . “God is true!” His words are true and His ways are true!” (LAB Notes)

2. People who don’t look like you and think like you are evil.

But God commanded us to love one another no matter how we differ.

You and I show God’s love by refusing to be influenced by the lies of prejudice and discrimination. We take the time to listen, to help, and we refuse to judge.

People tend to think of love as a feeling but the love that God wants for us begins with actions. It may certainly end with feelings as well . . . but it doesn’t have to start there. It starts with doing. It starts with obeying God’s command.

Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another.
2 John 1:6a

God loved us perfectly when we didn’t deserve it.

This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
1 John 4:10

And by His grace, He gives us everything we need to love others.

Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32

Although you and I have been loved perfectly, we love imperfectly. But we don’t give up and we don’t give in. We continue to make it our goal to love with patience, kindness, and humility, forgiving one another again and again because we trust the One who loves us and promises to be with us and help us love as He commands.

With His help, we can reject the enemy’s lies and we can live with truth and love every day.

A Prayer to Know the Truth and Live with Love

Father, Thank you for Your perfect love. I am so imperfect, yet You love me perfectly. Thank you for Jesus who taught us the truth and showed us how to live with love. I want to obey Your command to love. I love You and I want to show my love for You by trusting and following Your will.

You promise to always be with me. You promise that Your grace is sufficient. You promise that I don’t have to do this on my own . . . that Your Spirit is with me to help and guide me. You promise that when I SEEK You first, You will give me every thing I need.

Thank you, Father. I give myself to You. Please help me fight the enemy’s lies with Your Word of Truth. With Your help, I will know the truth and live with love. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

You and I have God’s Word to teach us the truth.

And the truth about love is that with God’s help we can look beyond our selfish feelings and love like Jesus.

With God’s help, we can show people that…

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
1 Corinthians 13:4–7

May God fill you with His Spirit, give you a heart for His Word, and help you love like Jesus.

On today’s note write:

With God’s help, I will reject the enemy’s lies. I will know the truth and I will live with love.

God bless you and fill you with faith, help, and love today, tomorrow, and always!

Click here to read the rest o f 2 John 1.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

How Would You Like to Live a Life of Victory Every Day?

11 / 26 / 2111 / 26 / 21

Are you tired of living overwhelmed and underperforming? Are you ready to live in victory every day for the rest of your life? With God's help, it's possible. #VictoriousLiving #Faith #Blessings

How would you like to live in victory every day?

The enemy of our souls wants us to believe we are victims, that we can’t change our circumstances . . . that it “is what it is.”

But that’s just another one of his favorite lies.

Here’s the truth…

For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.
1 John 5:4

It doesn’t say some or most . . . the Holy Spirit inspired John to write “every child of God.” Every single one of God’s children is able to defeat the enemy and live in victory when we surrender ourselves in faith and trust the Lord to give us what we need to follow Him.

This is lived out in the lives of people who fully surrender themselves in faith. People who trust the Lord to give them everything they need to live out the victory He wants for them.

Victory in Jesus!

And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
1 John 5:5

The wonderful blessing is that this means every child of God can have a rich and satisfying life now and forever!

God has testified about his Son. All who believe in the Son of God know in their hearts that this testimony is true . . . And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.
1 John 5:9b–10, 12

When you and I open our hearts to Jesus and allow Him to replace the enemy’s lies with His truth . . . we begin the transformation that leads towards victorious living.

This transformation doesn’t happen overnight, it’s a process. But I promise you, it’s a wonderful process.

One that leads to victorious living . . . making it possible for us to live with more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

And who doesn’t want more of those things in their lives?

So, let me ask you again . . . how would you like to live in victory every day?

Let’s pause and surrender our lives to the One who makes everyday victorious living possible!

A Prayer to Surrender All to Jesus and Live in Victory

Father, You want all people to live in victory . . . so much so, that You sent Jesus to defeat evil and make victorious living possible. I give myself to You. Please continue to work in me, transforming into the person You created me to be. Increase my faith. Help me grow in wisdom. Guide me by Your grace and surround me with Your love.

Please forgive me for the times I resist Your transforming hand. Forgive me for listening to the noise of the world when I could be resting in peace, love, and joy with patience. Forgive me for the times I’ve believed myself helpless when You want to give me everything I need to live with the victory that lasts forever.

I thank and praise You for Your promises. Thank you for promising everlasting life through Your Son, Jesus. Thank you for Your Spirit, who makes it possible for us to win the battle against the world. I surrender my all to You. Help me live this day in victory that I might glorify You in all I do and say. I pray in the name of Jesus’ who makes victorious living possible. Amen.

Whatever is weighing on you today . . . remember:

The Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!’
Deuteronomy 20:4

We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you . . .each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously.
Paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 10:13 (TPT)

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?

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
Romans 8:35, 37

Are you excited? Today is the perfect day to start living in Victory!

On today’s note write:

Thanks be to God, because of Jesus I can live in victory every day!

May you be blessed today and you surrender your life to God’s loving touch of transformation.

Click here to read the rest of 1 John 5.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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5 Reasons to Thank God that Never Change and Last Forever

11 / 25 / 2110 / 28 / 21

You and I have so many reasons to thank God, and maybe the greatest reason of all is His perfect love that never changes and lasts forever and always. #GodLovesYou #Thanksgiving #Blessings

To all my friends in the U.S.— HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

The last couple of years have been full of challenges but when we pause and really think about it . . . we have so many reasons to thank God.

I was so excited when I realized that our chapter today was 1 John 4. It is another one of my favorites and gives us a list of things for which we can be thankful even when the present is challenging and the future uncertain.

Because some things never change. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) We can trust John’s testimony about the One to whom he had surrendered his life.

We are God’s chosen children. Jesus won the victory over sin, death, and the devil. His Spirit lives in us and gives us victory over the things of this world.

♥ 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.
1 John 4:4

2. God loves us with perfect love that lasts forever.

♥ God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.
1 John 4:8b–9

3. God’s Spirit in us is proof that we really belong to Him forever and always.

♥ God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us.
1 John 4:13

4. God’s love is perfect and just . . . through His love we have everything we need to love each other.

♥ God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.
1 John 4:16b

5. We don’t have to be afraid of anything this life can offer because we have His promise to give us everything we need each day and the promise of a future with Him in heaven forever.

♥ 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.
1 John 4:17–18a

Whatever happens in our lives those five truths about God that never change and last forever give us all the reasons we need to be thankful today and always.

Thank God!

A Prayer Thanking God for His Forever Blessings

Father, You create because You love. You care for us because You love. You sent Jesus to save us because You love. You enable us to love each other well because You fill us with Your love. And You promise all who come to You through faith in Jesus a forever future with You in heaven because You love.

Thank you for making me Your child. Thank for giving me people to love . . . for my family, friends, and the countless people who encourage me. Thank you for home. Thank you for giving me something to do. Thank you for the beauty of creation. And thank you for covering it all with love that lasts forever. I thank and praise You, God, with my whole heart for my whole life. Amen.

I’m asking God to bless you today and give you countless reasons to thank Him and celebrate His love.

On today’s note write:

The best reason for thanksgiving is thanking God for His love.

May God bless you today and every day. May He surround you with His unchanging forever love.

Click here to read the rest of 1 John 4.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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Some Really Good News for You! How to Live Today Free of Guilt

11 / 24 / 2111 / 24 / 21

I can be guilty of wearing guilt like a sweater. If you struggle with guilt and you're ready to live free of guilt you need to read this Good News! #Jesus #BibleStudy #Blessings

My family loves to tease me about my ever-ready willingness to accept the blame and bear the guilt for just about anything that has ever gone wrong.

Occasionally, when Rev and my daughter know that I couldn’t possibly have been at fault, they will grin and blame me anyway.

How bad is it? My daughter told me that once when talking with her friends about my inclination to accept responsibility they all giggled and said, “Yay, that’s really great to know. From now on, when I mess up I’m just going to blame Deb!”

Deep inside, we all know the truth . . . guilt is something that is always owned personally.

Guilt can feel like anything from the sense that we’re just not doing all we can like mommy-guilt; to deep sorrow over something we’ve done that had an impact on us and on others. There are even times when it can be deep-seated and haunting.

John has a word of hope and encouragement . . . a word to remind us that even when we feel guilty over our failures to love the way Christ wants us to:

Let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything.
1 John 3:18–20

Satan is the “accuser.” He wants us to live overwhelmed and shut down because of guilt. But God…

God’s love is so deep and His forgiveness so complete that we can live free of guilt and be at peace through His love and forgiveness. When you and I go to Him asking for Him to forgive us, He looks at our hearts and He sees Jesus!

So, let’s humbly carry the burden of our guilt and shame to the foot of the cross and leave it there. Let’s make it the desire of our hearts to love God and love others because this is God’s will for us. (Romans 12:2)

A Prayer to Live Free of Guilt Through Jesus

Father, I fail You so often. I fail the people I love. I fail to love in ways that glorify You. And the enemy taunts me every day about these failures. I am so very sorry. Please forgive me.

Thank you for your promises that I can be forgiven because Jesus suffered my punishment (1 John 2:2). Thank you for promising that You forgive those who come to You through confession and repentance (1 John 1:9). Your Word promises that through forgiveness my sins are blotted out (Acts 3:19) and removed as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12).

You promise that Your grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9), that You are rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4), and that Your love lasts forever (Psalm 136). Because of who You are and because You have forgiven me in and through Jesus, I can live free of guilt (Psalm 32:5).

I thank and praise You! I come to You and humbly give myself to You. Please help me. Fill me with Your love until it overflows through me to everyone around me. I ask that You will help me live in ways that everyone I meet can see Your love in me. Please help me through the power of Your Spirit, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Friend, take your guilt to the foot of the cross and leave it there. By God’s grace, through Jesus, you can be completely forgiven. You don’t have to feel guilty anymore.

God in His grace and mercy removed your guilt and ‘sin’ label and replaced it with words like…

Chosen. Child. Friend. Masterpiece. Treasure. Beloved.

Live with joy – you are free in Jesus!

On today’s note write:

Praise God for Jesus who frees me of guilt!

May God bless you today as you celebrate God’s grace, mercy, and love that sets you free of guilt because of Jesus.

Click here to read the rest of 1 John 3.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

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How You Can Finally Look Beyond Worldliness and Get Satisfied

11 / 23 / 2111 / 23 / 21

Everyone has been created with a place for longing . . . a place that needs to look beyond worldliness to faith in the only One who can truly satisfy them. #Faith #Satisfaction #Worldliness #Blessings

It’s a familiar story…

‘If only I could accomplish this, do that, go there, or get what I want . . . then I will be happy.”

Yet, when the desire is met or the goal achieved . . . the individual is not satisfied. They end up saying they feel disappointed, lacking, and the next “if only” gets put in place.

There’s an important reason for that…

Our Creator has “hard-wired” everyone (believer or not) with a place in their souls that can only be satisfied by Him. Nothing this world offers will ever fulfill us completely.

The Apostle John wrote:

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
1 John 2:15–17

The enemy has always tempted with worldliness. He even told Jesus he would give Him all the kingdoms of the world and all their glory if He would only bow down and worship him. (Matthew 4:8–9)

And Jesus fought back with the Word of God…

“You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.” (Matthew 4:10/Deuteronomy 6:13)

Love for God is the only thing that can truly satisfy us. The enemy will always try to persuade us with materialism and power.

But God…

God wants to satisfy our hearts and souls . . . our desires . . . our longings . . . our lives.

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Psalm 37:4

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.
Psalm 107:9 (ESV)

Are you ready to look beyond worldliness and finally get satisfied?

A Prayer to Set My Heart Beyond Worldliness
to SEEK God’s Love

Father, You created every person on earth with a longing to be complete and satisfied. You also created us because You wanted to fill that longing with Yourself. When we sinned, You immediately shared Your plan to send Jesus to defeat the enemy and his lure of power, popularity, and possessions. Yet we are still tempted by his tauntings. We listen to the lies and we’re enticed by what the world offers. Please forgive us. Please forgive me.

Help me, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to look beyond worldliness. Help me fix my eyes on Jesus, the One who initiates and perfects my faith (Hebrews 12:2). May I open my heart that His love might come alive in me. (Galatians 2:20) Satisfy me with Your grace, mercy, and love.

I surrender myself to You. Make it my heart’s desire to SEEK You above all else. Help me trust You in all things and follow Your will as You reveal it to me. I lift up the words of Moses, “Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.” (Psalm 90:14) Please give me an eternal perspective and help me live each day on the firm foundation of Your promises. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Worldliness looks at life from a ME perspective. And the truth is . . . the more we focus on ourselves the more miserable we will be.

Why?

Because we have been created to love God and love others. We will never be satisfied until we find our satisfaction in the Lord.

Joni Eareckson Tada wrote:

Real satisfaction comes not in understanding God’s motives, but in understanding His character, in trusting in His promises, and in leaning on Him and resting in Him as the Sovereign who knows what He is doing and does all things well.

I would add that real satisfaction is His love.

On today’s quote write:

With God’s help, I will look beyond worldliness and focus my heart and mind on Jesus.

May God be with you and bless you with a heart that is fully satisfied in Him.

Click here to read the rest of 1 John 2.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

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How to Live with Joy Every Day Knowing You are Forgiven and Loved

11 / 22 / 2111 / 22 / 21

When you and I are tired of carrying burdens of guilt, we can take them all to Jesus and know that we are forgiven and loved . . . we can live with joy. #Joy #Forgiven #Jesus #Blessings

John is called the Apostle of love.

When he wrote this letter “many believers were conforming to the world’s standards, failing to stand up for Christ and compromising their faith.” (LAB Notes)

Sound familiar?

He wanted to point people back to the truth . . . reminding readers of God’s love for them, he wanted people to grow in their love for Him and for each other.

We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning,whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us.
1 John 1:1–2

He had walked with the One who had shown them the Father’s love. He had been at the cross watching His outpouring of love. He had been with the risen Christ observing the fulfillment of the promise of God’s love. And he he wants people to live with joy.

We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy.
1 John 1:4

A joy that comes from knowing we are loved and forgiven.

Rev and I once had a new Christian tell us, “I have stopped sinning.”

While it was absolutely true that the Holy Spirit was at work in him, guiding him to become a very devoted follower of Jesus. Sin is a struggle you and I will continue to have in this life.

John took the direct approach with false teachers who were trying to ignore or deny the issue of sin.

If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.
1 John 1:8

If you’re like me, you’re painfully aware of your ongoing struggle with sin. My thoughts, words, attitudes . . . whew!

I can completely relate to Paul’s frustration when he wrote…

I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.
Romans 7:18b–19

Thank God . . . through John, we have good news:

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
1 John 1:9

God’s love takes our confession and repentance and covers it with grace, mercy, and love. And I think that’s an awesome reason for us to live with joy!

A Prayer to Celebrate God’s Forgiveness and Love
and Live with Joy

Father, thank you for Your Word and the writers who faithfully remind me of Your gracious love. Thank you for people like John who were able to give us first-hand accounts of Jesus, the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Thank you for showing us Your LOVE through Him.

I want to show my love for You by following Your will and obeying your commands but I think things and I say things I shouldn’t. I fail to say things I should, I do things I shouldn’t and I fail to do the things I should. And I don’t love the way You want . . . I don’t love like Jesus. Please forgive me.

Your Word says that when I confess my sins in the name of Jesus, You forgive and cleanse me (1 John 1:9), that You remove them as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12), and that You remember them no more (Hebrews 10:17) And those are the perfect reasons for me to live with joy every day. Through Jesus, You have promised me a future filled with hope . . . a future with You in heaven forever. Through Your love, I have everything I need for every moment of my life. Thank you! Please help me grow in grace and love that I might humbly serve and glorify You. Amen.

Whatever you are struggling with today. Whatever burden is weighing you down. Whatever guilt you’re carrying . . . give it to Jesus, who said:

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28

Jesus has promised to replace our burdens with love, freedom, peace, and purpose. He calls you beloved, redeemed, chosen, masterpiece, friend, and free.

Those are some pretty awesome reasons for you (and me) to live with joy every day.

On today’s note write:

Because of Jesus, I can live with joy every day. I am loved, forgiven, and free!

May God bless you today as He encourages you with His love.

Click here to read the rest of 1 John 1.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

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And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

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Jesus Will Return Soon! Truth You Need to Know While You Wait

11 / 19 / 2111 / 19 / 21

Some people doubt the Bible's promises that Jesus will return because He hasn't come back yet. But the Bible has so much more to say about this. #JesusisComing #GodsPromises #Blessings

I had two great aunts growing up who believed that Jesus’ return was imminent. As I look around, I believe we can make the case that we should be watching the sky and listening for the trumpet blast.

Throughout history, Christians have shared this belief. Yet, year after year the world continues, and because it does there will always be those who will mock the idea that Jesus will return and the world will end.

Peter wrote that scoffers and doubters will themselves be a sign of the end times.

Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.”
2 Peter 3:3–4

That was thousands of years ago and still, we wait.

Thankfully, we know through Peter something important the Lord wants all of us to know…

You must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
2 Peter 3:8–9

Yet, even as we are thankful for God’s love and patience . . . we are to be fully alert and ready.

But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.
2 Peter 3:10

It sounds terrifying!

But not for those who KNOW, TRUST, and FOLLOW CHRIST JESUS! For those of us who LOVE the LORD…

But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.
2 Peter 3:13

A Prayer to Live with Faith While You Wait for Jesus to Return

Father, You created all things. You made us and gave us free will. We wasted your beautiful gift by failing to love You as we were created to do. We wasted our freedom on sin. But You sent Jesus that we might be redeemed and set free once again. And You have promised that Jesus will return to restore all things to glorious perfection.

Now, we wait. Because You are gracious and loving, You want everyone to repent and personally experience all that You have for those who trust and follow Your Son, Jesus. You want everyone to fully live right now with joy and anticipation trusting Jesus promises:

That He is preparing a place for those who trust, and follow Him. (John 3:16, John 14:2)
That He will return for those who trust and follow Him. (John 14:3)
That the life He promises will never end. (John 6:47)
That He will come again to judge the world. (Matthew 25)
That He will bring a new heaven and new earth. (2 Peter 2:13)

Lord, increase my faith. Give me everything I need to live for Your glory. Help me live with love while I wait and watch for Your promises for Jesus’ return to be fulfilled. I believe You keep Your promises. I believe You. Amen.

My two aunts, as well as many others that I know and love, have been with the Lord surrounded by His righteousness and glory for years. By God’s grace through Jesus . . . I will join them. It may be on a day when the trumpet will sound and we will all meet Jesus in the sky or on a day when He will come quietly to take me by the hand and take me to my new home.

Either way . . . I will watch and wait and make it my heart’s desire to…

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.
2 Peter 3:18

On today’s note write:

With God’s help, I will grow in grace and faith while I wait for Jesus to return.

May God bless you today and fill you with His peace as you wait on His promises.

Click here to read the rest of 2 Peter 3.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!