Why It’s Important to Know What You Believe About Jesus

What do you believe about Jesus?

He once asked His disciples, “who do you say I am?”

Who is Jesus to you?

Jesus’ birth more than 2,000 years ago fundamentally changed the world.

The majority of people believe that Jesus was a real person.
Many also consider Him a highly influential historical figure.
Some believe He was a wise scholar or even a prophet.
And others truly believe that He was and is the sinless Son of God.

The writer of the Book of Hebrews begins with a clear detailed statement to answer the question, “who is Jesus?”

Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.
Hebrews 1:1–3

♥ Jesus is the fulfillment of all of God’s promises and the words of the prophets.

♥ Jesus was one with the Father in the creation of the universe.

♥ Jesus shows people the very nature of God . . . His glory and His character.

♥ Jesus preserves and protects all that He created.

♥ Jesus is the One who saves us from our sins.

♥ Jesus is the Lord of lords and King of kings.

The Life Application Bible Notes adds:

If Jesus could create the universe, then no part of life is out of His control . . . no expert, professor, doctor, lawyer, or financial adviser knows more about your ultimate security and well-being than Jesus does.

Jesus doesn’t just represent God. Jesus is God.

The very majesty and power that created the universe and still preserves and protects it is our Lord and Savior, Jesus. When He entered history in a human body, He gave us the opportunity to have a clear personal view of God Himself.

You and I can believe Jesus is who He says He is. And He says, “The Father and I are one.” (John 10:30)

A Prayer to Know and Believe Jesus is the Son of God

Lord Jesus, “I believe. Please help me overcome my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24) I want to know You! I want to believe that You are who You say You are! I want to trust You with every part of my life.

Please forgive me for the times I look for answers in the shifting solutions the world offers. Forgive me for letting distractions and busyness keep me from spending time with You through Your Word and prayer. Forgive me for failing to invest in all the things that will help me know, love, and trust You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Forgive me for relying on the wisdom of men instead of opening my heart to the full leading of Your Spirit.

Please help me. I pray to set my heart and mind on You. I pray that You will be magnified in my life. You are Lord of All. You are my Savior. You are the One who gives me strength and courage, hope and peace. You have lifted me out of the pit of despair and I trust You to give me everything I need through Your all-sufficient grace. I give myself to You. I praise You. I thank You. I worship You. Forever and Always! Amen.

If you are overwhelmed by a changing world . . . run to Jesus, the One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His character never changes. His love never changes. His justice is always perfect. His grace and mercy will never end.

He wants a personal intimate relationship with you. He wants to be with you when you need His help and forgive you when you fail.

He already knows and loves you and me and more than anything He wants us to know and love Him.

On today’s note write:

I believe Jesus is God, my Savior. The One who was, who is, and who is to come!

God bless you today as you run to Jesus.

Click here to read the rest of Hebrews 1.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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How God’s Love & Forgiveness Can Tear Down Walls that Divide

10 / 14 / 219 / 16 / 21

Jesus lived died and rose again to tear down the walls that divide us from God and from each other. Through Him, we are loved and able to love each other. #Equality #LoveandForgiveness #Blessings

Have you ever run away?

Has someone close to you run away from you?

I think almost everyone has had a moment or several moments when they’ve wanted to run from the situation in which they find themselves.

Some follow through . . . some don’t.

In the last of Paul’s letters collected in Scripture, Paul reminds everyone then and now that the Gospel of Jesus has the power to heal what’s broken.

In this letter to Philemon, a wealthy member of the church in Colosse, Paul asks him to forgive Onesimus . . . a slave, who had both stolen and run away from Philemon.

He begins:

I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.

I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do. But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you.

It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever.He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.
Philemon v. 4–6, 8–9a, 15–16

This is a close-up and personal look at forgiveness.

Paul had seen the power of God’s love and the truth about Jesus change Onesimus’ life. In a culture where rigid lines were drawn along lines that divided . . . men and women, slave and free, rich and poor, Jews and Gentiles, religious and non-religious. Everyone had their place and knew it.

But Jesus came to tear down the walls that divide.

Paul wrote to the Galatians:

There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:28

So, Onesimus humbled himself and carried this letter back to his master, Philemon. He repented. And Philemon had the ability with God’s help, to tear down the dividing wall of the past.

We are never told how Philemon responded . . . but we can decide our own ending. You and I are forgiven runaways. Through Jesus, the barriers that divide us from God and from each other are torn down. We can humbly approach the throne of grace in repentance and receive merciful forgiveness every single time. AND we can receive everything we need to forgive one another.

That is the power of the grace, mercy, and love of God in Christ Jesus . . . the power that tears down walls.

A Prayer for God’s Forgiveness and Love to Tear Down Walls

Father, You are so very gracious and good. How can I begin to thank you for Your unfailing love and generous forgiveness? I am so undeserving. I can be prideful and stubborn, judgmental and foolish. I can be quick to accept cultural divisions and slow to forgive. I am so very sorry. Please forgive me.

Jesus came to tear down the walls of sin that separated us from You and divide our relationships here. He gave up everything for us . . . including laying down His life that we might be one with You and with each other. Please help me remember all that I have received. Help me freely give. Help me remember Your undeserved forgiveness. Help me forgive.

Please help me love as You love. Help me see everyone as someone who is deeply loved and treasured by You. Help me tear down the walls that divide. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

When you and I are tempted to run away or when we are hurt by someone who ran away with a piece of our hearts . . . we can follow the example of Onesimus and run to Jesus. He died to tear down the walls that divide us from God and from each other. He came to heal our relationships.

On today’s note write:

Jesus is the One who tears down walls and heals relationships. Praise God for His love and forgiveness.

May God bless you today and give you everything you need to live forgiven and forgiving.

Click here to read the rest of Philemon.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

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How You Can Bless Your Life by Focusing On the Truly Important

10 / 13 / 2110 / 13 / 21

How would you like to have more peace and stronger relationships? The best thing you can do is to focus on and talk about the things that are truly important. #Blessings #BibleStudy #Faith

I was on a Christian Site recently and noticed that after a beautiful and encouraging devotion about the importance of finding ways to strengthen and build relationships with one another . . . several of the commenters had turned their interactions with others into ugly debates about a current political issue.

I can’t help but wonder what the world thinks when the family of Christ behaves like that.

Now I’m not saying we shouldn’t have opinions or even share them. But I am saying that how we share them is truly important.

Paul closed his letter to Titus with a reminder to focus on what’s truly important.

Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other.
Titus 3:3

The enemy of our souls wants to divide us . . . but God has given us something better. The Good News about Jesus is important enough to unite us even when we’re surrounded by divisiveness.

But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love,he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.
Titus 3:4–6

By God’s grace, you and I are completely forgiven. All our sins are washed away. We have been given NEW LIFE and a new way to live.

I believe that is why Paul added…

Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them.
Titus 3:9–10

The LAB Notes add:

Paul is warning against petty quarrels, not honest discussions that lead to wisdom. If foolish arguments develop it is best to turn the discussion back in a helpful direction or politely excuse yourself.

The anonymity of online discussions and arguments makes it easy to lash out and leave. But we must remember we are always witnessing.

AND…

We have the BEST NEWS EVER to share . . . news about GOD’S LOVE. News about JESUS. News about LIFE—real and satisfying!

Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.
Titus 3:7

Why would we ever want to waste time on foolish divisive quarrels when we can focus on what’s truly important for life today and life forever . . . for you and me, and for everyone who trusts and loves the Lord Jesus.

A Prayer to Avoid Quarrels and Focus On the Truly Important

Father, once again, I come to you asking for forgiveness. It is so easy for me to become distracted by the noise of arguing differing opinions. And often, I can get sucked into those arguments thinking I need to share my thoughts as well.

But Lord, You ask me to focus on the things that matter for eternity. You ask me to focus on Jesus. Help us care more about our relationships than winning arguments. Help me focus on building up than on tearing down. Help me share Your Truth with gentleness and respect. Help me love like Jesus the One who is truly important. The One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The One who is my Lord and Savior . . . who blesses my life today, tomorrow, and forever. Thank you, Father. Your love overwhelms me. May it always be the ONE THING I make TRULY IMPORTANT. Amen.

It’s kind of funny, isn’t it?

We get so agitated and wrapped up in those foolish discussions . . . the things that don’t really matter in for our eternal futures.

We are called to a better life now, one that does God’s will. Repents over failure and focuses on the things that build and strengthen relationships.

I promise you . . . it will bless you and give you more peace in your life, too.

Oh, and if you and I feel the need to share our opinions on things that are temporary . . . we should do all we can to share them in ways that are kind, encouraging, and helpful.

Because when we call ourselves Christians, we are always representing Christ.

On today’s note write:

With God’s help, I will focus on and talk about things that are truly important.

May God bless you today and give you His peace when you are distracted by divisive opinions and conversations.

Click here to read the rest of Titus 3.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

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How You Can Know and Be Blessed By God’s Circle of Faith

10 / 12 / 219 / 14 / 21

When you and I live within God's Circle of Faith we are blessed by love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, peace, and so much more. #Faith #GodLovesYou #BibleStudy #Blessings

Does knowing Jesus change the way you think and act?

The Bible is pretty clear, you and I have been called to “walk the talk.”

We’ve been called to trust and obey . . . to believe God is who He says He is, to believe He can and will do everything He has promised, and to obey God’s will.

So whether we like it or not, obedience is part of walking the talk.

But the Bible tells us, “God is love.” 1 John 4:8

So why doesn’t He just indulge us and let us do what we want . . . after all, He’s the One who gave us free will.

I believe it is all part of God’s Circle of Faith.

God loves us. We respond by loving Him. God asks us to trust and obey Him and our obedience shows that we trust and love Him.

Isaiah wrote:

Lord, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart’s desire is to glorify your name.
Isaiah 26:8

And God also knows obedience will bless and protects us.

Paul explained it to Titus, like this:

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
Titus 2:11–14

You and I are eager to obey God and do what is good because we trust and love Him but here on earth, we will never do it perfectly.

This brings us back to His LOVE!

God loves us.

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
Romans 5:8

And we show our love for God by trusting and obeying Him.

Those who know my commands and obey them are the ones who love me, and my Father will love those who love me. I will love them and will show myself to them.
John 14:21

And so on and so forth. . . that’s God’s Circle of Faith. A place where you and I are blessed with hope, love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and so much more.

A Prayer to Faithfully Live Within God’s Circle of Faith

Father, thank you! Your love is truly amazing. That Jesus would come and live the perfect life I am unable to live. That He would show me Your perfect unfailing love and suffer my punishment, die my death . . . I am so very humble and grateful.

Your Word clearly tells me that You want me to obey Your commands and follow Your will. From the first page to the last it tells me that my trust and obedience declare my love for You. I want that. I do love You so much, and yet I know I fail to love others the way You want me to . . . I talk about Your love more than I walk in it. I am so very sorry. Please forgive me.

Father, please help me to be faithfully passionate about knowing Your Word that I might grow in wisdom and understand Your Truth. Please give me the courage I need to obediently walk in Your will. And please help me remember the wonderful blessings of living within Your Circle of Faith. I ask all of this in the name of the One who makes it all possible, my Lord and Savior, Jesus. Amen.

You and I enjoy the blessing of living within God’s Circle of Faith . . . a place where we are embraced by God’s perfect love, where we pursue fully trusting and obeying God as our response to His love, where we love others to show them His love and faithfulness, and where we are blessed and protected by His grace and mercy.

On today’s note write:

I am so blessed to live within God’s Circle of Faith.

May God bless you today with all that you need to faithfully love, trust, and obey Him.

Click here to read the rest of Titus 2.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

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How to Know the “Truth” You Can Trust Every Day Always

10 / 11 / 2110 / 11 / 21

In a world swirling with lies don't you want to know the "truth" you can trust? There is a truth that never changes . . . that is always trustworthy. #Truth #BibleStudy #Blessings

There have been many versions of the following quote over the years:

“The greatest Liar has his Believers, and it often happens, that if a Lie be believed only for an hour, it has done its Work, and there is no farther occasion for it. Falsehood flies and the Truth comes limping after it.” ~Jonathan Swift, in The Examiner

I don’t know if it’s always been this way, but lately, it often seems like it’s getting harder to determine who’s telling the truth. It’s hard to know the “truth” you can trust.

I HATE lies! I always have.

My children knew from a very early age that they could tell me anything as long as it was true. We would always figure out a way to talk things through and figure them out. But do not lie to me because trust is a precious gift that once lost is difficult to get back.

Titus was Paul’s representative on the island of Crete. In this letter to Titus, Paul quoted a philosopher who had written the following about the people of Crete many years before…

“The people of Crete are all liars, cruel animals, and lazy gluttons.”
Titus 1:12b

Titus had been given what appeared to be a very difficult ministry assignment, but he’d also been given everything he needed. He had the TRUTH from the One—who does not lie!

This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began.
1 Titus 1:2

The LAB Notes add this:

The foundation of Titus’ faith and ours is a confident trust in God’s character. Because God is truth . . . He is the source of all truth. He cannot lie. He never has and He never will. God always keeps His promises.

When the lies of the world frustrate and upset us, we can turn to the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The One who never changes. The One whose promises are the truth you and I can trust today, tomorrow, forever, and always!

A Prayer to Know the Truth You Can Trust

Lord, thank you! You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6) You have given me the truth that sets me free. (John 8:32) Ane You have given me Your Spirit to remind me of Your truth when the noise of this world tries to distract and dissuade me. (John 16:33)

Please forgive me for the times I’ve listened to the loudest voices and for the times I’ve allowed myself to be distracted by lies that lead to doubt. Please give me wisdom and understanding. Please give me a love for Your Word that I might know Your promises and discern Your will.

By Your grace, please help me identify the truth from the lies around me. Help me dig deeper before I follow every word shared as fact. Please help me test every teaching against the truth of Your Word. And help me take every rebellious thought and lie captive relinquishing it to You that I might live according to Your plans and purposes for me. Lord I surrender myself to You. Lead me by Your truth and help me trust and obey that I might live for Your glory. Amen.

“Where I found truth, there found I my God, who is the truth itself.” ~ Augustine

There are 78 times the Gospel writers quote Jesus as saying, “I tell you the truth…”

He said, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31–32

This is what the LAB Notes say about those verses:

“Jesus himself is the truth that sets us free. He is the source of truth, the perfect standard of what is right. He frees us from continued slavery to sin, from self-deception, and from satan’s lies. Jesus perfect truth frees us to be all that God meant us to be.”

Paul wrote:

The truth that shows them how to live godly lives.
Titus 1:1b

By God’s grace, you and I can know Jesus, the Truth we can trust. We can know the truth that set us free. We can know the One who loves . . . the One who never lies.

On today’s note write:

Jesus is the truth I can trust every day always.

May God fill you with His peace today and help you know and rest on His truth when lies try to distract you.

Click here to read the rest of Titus 1.

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 Listen to What the Bible Really Says

10 / 8 / 2110 / 8 / 21

Paul wrote that a time would come when people would only listen to what their "itchy ears" wanted to hear not what the Bible really says. Is that now? #Bible #Truth #Faith #Blessings

One of the things I love about the Bible is that although the words were written 2000 or more years ago, almost every time I read it there are words that practically jump off the page as if they were written for me today.

Although Paul’s words to Timothy were written to address first-century problems, the following words hit home right now…

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.
2 Timothy 4:3

Have you heard of the Jefferson Bible? Thomas Jefferson didn’t call it that . . . he titled his book – The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth. According to the website, “Jefferson’s goal was to clarify the teachings of Jesus which he believed provided ‘the most sublime and benevolent code of morals which has ever been offered to man.’”

Jefferson believed Jesus was a great moral teacher but as far as we know, he didn’t believe He was the Son of God who performed miracles and rose from the dead. So he constructed, “edited and arranged the passages in a chronological order to tell the story of Jesus’s life, parables and moral teachings.” He didn’t know what the Bible really says!

And many are guilty of similar practices today. They don’t know and trust the whole Word preferring to take verses out of context, ignore things with which they disagree, and reject the counsel that makes them uncomfortable or interrupts their lives.

The Living Bible paraphrases it like this:

For there is going to come a time when people won’t listen to the truth but will go around looking for teachers who will tell them just what they want to hear. They won’t listen to what the Bible says but will blithely follow their own misguided ideas.
2 Timothy 4:3(TLB)

So, what should we do about it? Do we throw our hands in the air and give up helplessly crying “ain’t it awful”?

Not at all!

Paul gave Timothy this advice:

Keep preaching the [whole] Word of God.
Be prepared for, courageous in, and sensitive to God-given opportunities to serve and tell the Good News. (LAB Notes)
Correct people’s mistakes. Warn them. Encourage them with words of hope.
Don’t give up, be patient, and teach carefully.
Keep a clear head in every situation and do what God gives you to do.
- 2 Timothy 4:2,5

The message of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection has the power to transform lives. The Word is truth, able to humble the hardest heart and restore lives broken by the consequences of sin.

Don’t give up! Pray! Listen to and trust what the Bible really says . . . it holds the power of LIFE!

A Prayer to Listen to and Know What the Bible Says

Father, please forgive us. Please forgive me. I want to know You. I want to trust Your promises. I want to obey Your will. I don’t want to ignore the hard parts of Your Word. I don’t want to be guilty of only following my own misguided ideas. Please help me. Make me faithful. Give me the courage to stand strong on the firm foundation of Your truth. Please give me wisdom that I might be able to discern the ideas of false teachers. Help me look at every situation with a clear mind to know and follow Your commands.

By Your grace, make me humble and willing to sit at Your feet that I might have the strength I need when life is hard. Lord, I humbly surrender myself to You. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for forgiving me. Thank you for giving me Your Word. With Your Spirit’s help, I ask that I might share Your love with others, quickly forgive as I have been forgiven, and serve wherever You lead me. I believe Your Word will not return void. “[You] send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all [You] want it to, and it will prosper everywhere [You] send it. (Isaiah 55:11) By Your all-sufficient grace for Your never-ending glory. Amen.

It’s been hard to know who or what to believe in recent years. So much has been said about “fake news” and information needing to be “fact-checked” and all of it still seems to be based on personal opinions. That’s why I have decided to turn to God’s unchanging Word.

Science seems to change every other day. The news is undependable at best. But…

The Word of the Lord lasts forever! (1 Peter 1:25)

On today’s note write:

With God’s help, I will set my heart and mind on what the Bible really says!

May God be with you and bless as You study to know what the Bible says for life today, tomorrow, and always.

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 Important is the Bible for People Living in the Last Days

10 / 7 / 2110 / 7 / 21

Do you believe the world is going to end? If it is, how important do you think it is to know the Bible in the last days? Should it influence how you live? #EndTimes #BibleStudy #Blessings #Faith

Do you ever wonder if we are living in the “last days”?

Here’s what Paul said about the things we would see…

In the last days, there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
2 Timothy 3:1–5

The “last days” are all the days between Jesus’ ascension and His return. So, yes, according to the Bible these are the last days!

Yet, when you and I read Paul’s list it seems to describe much of what we see in the world right now . . . even among people who call themselves Christians.

So, what should we do?

First…

You must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:14–15

And the important next part…

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
2 Timothy 3:16

One of the reasons the list above is possible is because there is a prevalent problem with believing that some sections of the Bible can simply be ignored. If I don’t like it or if I don’t agree with it . . . I can ignore it! Sure it is tempting to begin with what we want to believe and then simply use and abuse Scripture to make our point.

And that is exactly how some self-proclaimed Christian teachers can say that God wants us all to experience financial prosperity, that there is no hell, that a person can declare their own sexual identity and preferences . . . and that it is perfectly fine to decide whether a baby should be allowed to live or die in the womb.

The Bible is essential for people living in the last days—today!

God gave us His Word—66 books and letters, 40 writers (yet only 1 Author), written over 1500 years all pointing to the same truth…

Everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.
Romans 3:23–25

The Bible is completely trustworthy for these last days. It is our manual for life. And with the Spirit’s guidance, it will strengthen our faith and show us the best way to live.

A Prayer Thanking God for the Whole Bible in These Last Days

Father, I thank you! Thank you for Your Word. Thank you for Your love. Thank you for giving me Your manual for living. Please forgive me for listening to voices that contradict You and lead me to doubt. Forgive me for not faithfully checking the counsel of individuals against the Word of God. Please forgive us all for failing to treat our Bibles as the precious treasured gifts they are.

Please help me remember that this is not my home, I am just passing through. Thank you for the Bible which tells me what to expect in these last days and how I can live them with peace, joy, contentment and so much more. Lord, Your love overwhelms me. You are so gracious and good. I thank You and praise You. Please draw me close and help me humbly trust and follow Your will. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Pause today and ponder the fact that God cares so much about you and your future that He spent years writing a love letter to you.

On today’s note write:

God gave the gift of the Bible for these last days.

May God bless you today and help you turn to and trust His Word.

Click here to read the rest of 2 Timothy 3.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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How You Can Stand Strong on the Truth of the Good News

10 / 6 / 2110 / 6 / 21

Are you tired of feeling weak because of worry and anxiety? Did you know you can stand strong every day on Good News that is Truth? Check this out... #Strength #Truth #Blessings

I’m not strong. Not even a little. I am foolish and weak . . . prone to worry and anxiety.

And I would be an absolute mess were it not for Jesus!

A number of years ago, I highlighted and starred the following words in the notes of my Bible:

Just as we are saved by God’s grace, we should live by it . . . trusting completely in Christ and His power and not trying to live for Christ in our strength alone.

I have to get up every morning and intentionally surrender my day to Jesus, asking Him to give me the strength and power I need to trust Him with my life.

Paul wrote these words to Timothy:

Be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:1)

And then I dig into His Word and lean on the promises of His Good News.

Always remember that Jesus Christ . . . was raised from the dead. This is the Good News. (2 Timothy 2:8)

Because if you and I truly believe that Jesus Christ predicted His death and resurrection and then accomplished it . . . nothing else matters. If when we look at the way His followers who were prone to fear and foolishness, we can see bold proclaimers of His Good News . . . then we know we can trust God to give us what we need as well.

Paul continued to tell Timothy how to stand strong on the truth of the Good News about Jesus while living in the real world:

Remember who Jesus is and what He has done. (2 Timothy 2:8)
Avoid worthless worldly arguments. (2 Timothy 2:14,16)
Work hard. (2 Timothy 2:15)
Turn away from evil . . . pursue faithfulness, love, and peace. (2 Timothy 2:22)
Gently correct those who oppose the truth about Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:25)

Wow, that’s a daunting list, isn’t it?

This is why I’ll go back to what I said at the beginning. I’m weak and foolish. I can’t do this on my own! I need Jesus to guide me and help me stand strong on the truth, the Good News of His love and saving grace.

A Prayer to Stand Strong on the Truth of the Good News about Jesus

Father, thank you for loving us so much You willingly sacrificed Your Son, a member of the Trinity, a piece of Yourself to save a lost and condemned world. You could have judged and destroyed it all and started over; yet, You chose sacrificial love. Please forgive us for the way we take Your gift for granted. Too often, we flip a quick word of gratitude Your way and then go off and live the way we want. Too often, we allow ourselves to get distracted by the world’s loudest voices. Please forgive us. Please forgive me.

I want to stand strong on the foundation of Jesus. I want to live the truth of the Good News. I want to pause every day and remember how blessed I am by all You have done for me. Please prompt me to daily surrender myself to Your love and follow Jesus. Please help me pursue failthfulness, love, and peace. And please help me courageously share the truth of Your love with others. I love You, Lord, and I give myself to You that I might live this day by Your grace and for Your glory. Amen.

One more thing is necessary for those of us who want to stand strong and resist foolishness and weakness…

Run from evil!

It’s important for us to know God’s will, set safe boundaries, and pray for the strength to resist temptation.

The other day, I read a devotion that encouraged me to pray this verse:

“Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:4–5

And then to follow it with:

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
   on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our [sins],
   as we also [forgive those who sin against us].
And lead us not into temptation,
   but deliver us from evil.
[Yours alone is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever.] Amen.
Matthew 6:9–13 (KJV)

I’ve asked the Lord to prompt my heart to come to Him with that prayer often. It is blessing me and helping me to focus on Jesus, the One who both makes our faith possible and perfects it unto life everlasting.

On today’s note write:

I trust the Lord will help me stand strong on the truth of the Good News about Jesus!

May God bless you and give you everything you need to stand strong today.

Click here to read the rest of 2 Timothy 2.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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4 Verses to Pray When Life is Fragile and You Need Strength

10 / 5 / 2110 / 5 / 21

Many of us don't understand what's going on . . . we feel fragile and we know we need strength to face each day with hope and courage. Let's pray! #BibleVerses #VersestoPray #Strength #Blessings

Jesus met Paul on the road to Damascus and changed his life. Then as Paul was trying to process the whole experience, the Lord sent this message:

“Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”
Acts 9:15–16

I can’t imagine! But it was true . . . over his ministry, Paul was shipwrecked, beaten with rods, whipped, stoned, and imprisoned. There were even several thwarted assassination attempts. And God strengthened him through it all.

As he wrote his second letter to Timothy, Paul was in a Roman prison certain that he would be executed soon. He was right!

It’s a good-bye letter . . . an emotional telling of the things Paul believed were important things his dear “son” in the faith needed to hear.

And he got off to a quick start in chapter 1, encouraging Timothy and all of us with words of truth.

God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:6

Never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.
2 Timothy 1:8a

I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.
2 Timothy 1:12

Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.
2 Timothy 1:14

When life is fragile and we need strength . . . the Lord’s reminds us, through Paul, to trust Him. He wants us to know we can remain confident because our faith is in the One who loves us so much He came to save us. He wants us to know that whether our faith is weak or great . . . we trust the One who is so powerful that no earthly experience can separate us from His love.

It is not the size of our faith but the power of the One in whom we believe. So Paul can say with confidence:

Don’t be afraid.
SEEK Him.
Trust Him.
Tell others about Him.
And find peace in His love.

If your life feels fragile and you need strength . . . let’s pray.

Verses and Prayer for Strength When Life is Fragile

Father, life feels fragile right now, I need You to give me strength. I don’t understand all that’s happening and honestly, I don’t know what to do. I’m fighting all the feelings of anxiety, worry, and fear. Your Word tells me “don’t be afraid.” Please help me. I need You. I need Your Spirit’s power. I need to feel an extra measure of Your love. Please give me the “self-discipline” to remain focused on You. (2 Timothy 1:6)

Lord, bring to my mind all the ways You have helped me in the past. The times You have protected me and given me strength. Please make me bold to tell others about all that You have done for me. Help me live out loud in ways that show people how very much You love them . . . how much You want to bless them. (2 Timothy 1:8)

I trust You! I believe that You will guard my faith and give me strength even when life is fragile. I believe You will give me everything I need each day until that beautiful day I will finally see You face to face. (2 Timothy 1:12)

Thank you for Your Holy Spirit! Thank you for the blessing of Your Word and for hearing me when I come to You in prayer. Please help me humbly run to You when I need help to guard my faith as the precious treasure it is.(2 Timothy 1:14)

Hold me close, Father. I know You are loving and faithful. . . willing to give me everything I need each day to live in peace because I am surrounded by Your love. You are all I need. I praise You. I thank You. I love You. Amen.

If life is fragile and you need strength, SEEK the Lord and trust Him to give You everything You need one moment at a time.

On today’s note write:

I will SEEK the Lord. He will give me strength when life is fragile.

May God be with you today and give you the strength you need to live in faith.

Click here to read the rest of 2 Timothy 1.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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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!

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How Knowing Money is NOT the Root of All Evil will Help You

10 / 4 / 219 / 6 / 21

Money is not the root of all evil. But your attitude about your money will have a huge impact on your life. Find out how to enjoy contentment and fulfillment. #Money #Contentment #Satisfaction #Blessings

“Money is the root of all evil.”

Right?

That expression has become so common you can find it in the Dictionary under Idioms.

Here’s what it says:

“Money, or, more specifically, the desire to obtain and amass it, is the ultimate reason humans do evil things to one another.”

It’s not money itself that is the source or root of evil.

That idiom leaves out one very important word from Paul’s letter to Timothy…

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.
1 Timothy 6:10a

Money is neutral—neither inherently good nor evil. After all, it can do great good. It can put a roof over someone’s head, provide food and other essentials. It can be used to care for an impoverished family, provide clean water for a community, and get nutrition and medical care to those without.

However, the desire for and the accumulation of money can become an obsession.

Read what Paul wrote just before:

People who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.
1 Timothy 6:9

And he finishes the phrase about money with this:

Some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
1 Timothy 6:10b

So, what should our attitude be about money and wealth?

True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
1 Timothy 6–8

Whether we are wealthy or not . . . we can trust God to give us something to do and provide for our needs.

Money is temporary. But faith, hope, and love . . . the gifts of God that give us peace, contentment, and joy—those things last forever and ever and always.

A Prayer to Trust God and Resist the Root of Evil

Father, I thank and praise You for who You are and for all You’ve done for me. I love You and I want to honor You with my life. Please forgive me for allowing myself to be distracted by the things the world calls important. So much of our culture seems to admire those who possess more while looking down on those who don’t. We foolishly put more value on how things appear than how they really are. And we fail to remember that everything in this life is a gift from Your hand . . . the air we breathe, the food we eat, the knowledge we hold, and the jobs we do. You give us our talents, gifts, and abilities. And every day of our lives is a gift from You.

I devote myself to You. All that I am and all that I have. Please help me to use everything You have given for Your honor and glory. Please help me trust You to guide me each day. Please help me to work hard to do my best . . . to use my time, my abilities, and my money remembering that they have all been entrusted to me by Your loving hand.

Please help me resist the temptation to love money. Help me realize the joy of contentment found in living rooted in Your love. Help me stand on Your promises, obey Your will, and follow where You lead. Please give me an eternal perspective that remembers this is not my home . . . I am just passing through. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Just to close today, here are a few quotes about our attitudes and money:

“Sixteen of the thirty-eight parables of Jesus deal with money. One out of ten verses in the New Testament deals with that subject. Scripture offers about five hundred verses on prayer, fewer than five hundred on faith, and over two thousand on money. The believer’s attitude toward money and possessions is determinative.” ~ John MacArthur

“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will help straighten out almost every other area in his life.” ~ Rev. Billy Graham

Do good with your money, or it will do you no good. There is no power in it of itself to do real good to you. It may even do you evil; but, if used for God and his cause, and the poor, it will bless yourself.” ~ Charles Spurgeon

On today’s note write:

Money may not be the root of all evil but the love of money will hurt my soul.

May God bless you today with the contentment found in the wealth of knowing and living for Him.

Click here to read the rest of 1 Timothy 6.

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…

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How Living with Equality and Fairness Will Help Us All Succeed

10 / 1 / 219 / 3 / 21

The Bible tells us to obey God's commands without favoritism. The only way we can do that is with wisdom and an attitude of equality and fairness. #Equality #Justice #Fairness #Blessings

It seems like we’ve been in a season of “rules for thee but not for me.”

And honestly, many are frustrated.

We all want and expect an element of fairness in life . . . especially from those who hold positions of leadership.

Paul gave Timothy some advice about how he should treat the people to whom he ministered…

treat older men like you would your father.
treat older women like you would your mother.
treat younger women like you would your sister.
treat elders with respect and understanding.

And then he summed it all up with these words:

I solemnly command you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus and the highest angels to obey these instructions without taking sides or showing favoritism to anyone.
1 Timothy 5:21

That’s a tall order, isn’t it? It takes maturity, faithfulness, wisdom, and an attitude of equality and fairness.

The health and well-being of any group require that everyone is treated equally.

Here are just a few things the Bible says about equality:

There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)

God does not show favoritism. (Romans 2:11)

The rich and poor have this in common: The Lord made them both. (Proverbs 22:2)

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:21)

God’s purpose was that the body should not be divided but rather that all of its parts should feel the same concern for each other. (1 Corinthians 12:25 GW)

It’s a difficult challenge that none of us is able to do perfectly, but it certainly is a goal that is well worth the effort. Because without an attitude of equality and fairness . . . no group can succeed. In fact, divisiveness leads to failure every single time.

May you and I SEEK the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit and commit ourselves to honor the Lord by treating everyone fairly with kindness and respect . . . “without taking sides or showing favoritism to anyone.”

A Prayer to Have an Attitude of Equality and Fairness with Everyone

Father, You are love (1 John 4:8). You created people in Your image (Genesis 1:28). You are so good and gracious and kind. Your Word says that You want everyone to be saved and to understand the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). You have no favorites (Ephesians 6:9).

O, Father, please forgive us. We are so bad at this. We strive for power, position, and popularity. We fail to treat everyone with the kindness and respect they deserve. We don’t live with fairness or equality. We fall short individually, in our families, in our communities, nations, and even in our churches. We need You!

Please help us! Pour out Your Spirit and help us surrender our pride and selfishness that we might live with an attitude of humility and respect. Please help us treat everyone with equality and fairness.

Please heal us. Please heal our nation. Your Word says, “if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) Please forgive us and give us all an attitude that pleases and glorifies You. I ask this all in the name of Jesus, who showed us the Way, who is the Truth, and who gives us Life. Amen.

Friend, I pray that we will not only make this a personal goal but that we will also speak this truth with gentleness and respect . . . that we might be set free by God’s Truth and live in His love.

On today’s note write:

With God’s help, I will live each day with an attitude of equality and fairness toward everyone.

May God bless you today and fill you with faith, hope, and love.

Click here to read the rest of 1 Timothy 5.

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.

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The Important Reason Why You Need to Build Your Spiritual Muscles

9 / 30 / 219 / 2 / 21

There are so many things trying to distract and defeat us. We need to build spiritual muscles to be able to stand strong united through faith in Jesus. #Faith #Strong #BibleStudy #Blessings

Do you ever wonder how much time we spend thinking and talking about pointless and unimportant things that may or may not happen?

Paul wrote the following to Timothy:

Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales.
1 Timothy 4:7a

Some of the other translations put it this way, Don’t have anything to do with…:

irreverent legends and silly myths. (AMPC)
worthless senseless stories. (CEV)
worldly and absurd myths. (EHV)
godless legends not worth telling. (GNT)
stories that do not agree with God’s truth. (ICB)
silly stories dressed up as religion. (MSG)
foolish stories that disagree with God’s truth. (NCV)
senseless traditions and legends. (TPT)

Call it whatever we want . . . I know I’m guilty.

It can be so easy to get drawn into discussions about things that really don’t matter all that much!

I think about how divided our world is right now. We argue about the words we use and determine we know a person’s heart by the way they vote or whether or not they’ll get a vaccine. Even ideas that are in Scripture can cause extended, sometimes heated conversations. Things like the end times, baptism, Bible translations, and the “right way” to worship . . . and that’s just a few.

I’m not saying those things are unimportant; however, they can easily cause us to focus on our differences rather than the unity Christ wants for us.

So, Paul said there’s a better way to spend our time and energy.

Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”
1 Timothy 4:7b–8

You and I need to train our spiritual muscles to be able to stand strong against the lies of the enemy.

There’s only so much time in a day, a year, or even a lifetime. Maybe it’s time for us to take a closer look at the way we spend our time and make sure we make time for the things that are eternally important . . . things that train and build our spiritual muscles.

But how do we train those spiritual muscles?

Focus on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2)
Pray all the time about everything. (Ephesians 6:18)
Read the Scriptures to know God more intimately. (Acts 17:11)
Tell other people what God has done for you. (1 Peter 3:15)

A Prayer Asking God to Help Us Build Our Spiritual Muscles

Father, I’m so sorry. I am so easily distracted by foolish ideas and silly stories. Please forgive me. I want to be spiritually strong to stand against the lies and temptations of the enemy. Please help me. Fill me with Your Spirit that I might focus on Jesus, pray about everything always, study Your Word that I might SEEK, KNOW, TRUST, and OBEY You, and tell the story of all that You have done for me.

Thoughts are constantly flooding my mind and every relationship includes conversations. I can focus on the blessings You have given us to unite us or on the attempts of the enemy to divide and defeat us. I can spend my energies on things that are momentary or concentrate on those essential things that last forever.

My hope is in You, Lord. Please help me use the blessings You have given me to love and serve You and love and serve the people around me. By Your grace, help me live so others can see You in me. You are worthy of all the glory and honor and praise now and forever. Amen.

Pause today to think about the things you are investing in . . . the ways you spend your time, the conversations you invest in, and the things you spend time thinking about. Take a few moments to ask yourself if there is anything you need to change. Things to delete and things to add.

Set aside some time to work on spiritual muscles because the stronger you and I become the more prepared we’ll be to fight the distractions and lies of the enemy.

On today’s note write:

With God’s help, I will focus on Jesus and build spiritual muscles.

May God bless you today as you focus on and train for godliness in Jesus’ name.

Click here to read the rest of 1 Timothy 4.

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!