God-breathed: 2 Timothy 3:16

16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the servant of God a may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17(NIV)

In Greek, the word Theopneustos translates as God-breathed. Paul is saying that scripture is; divinely breathed into by God. Men penned the scripture, but the words were divinely inspired. Scripture written years ago is still relevant today; because God guides and counsels us through the ancient pages.

Scripture instructs us, points out sin, counsels, corrects us, and teaches us to accept and apply truth. Our God-breathed Scripture is for us; a firm foundation, the wisdom we can rely on, equipping us for good work.

Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (MSG)

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Is our God’s-breathed scripture your firm foundation?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, thank you for Your guidance and counsel. May your God-breathed scripture guide and direct our path. Teach us to go to the scriptures for clarity, counsel, and truth. Let us embrace Your Word, equipping us to do good works. May we cluster together like the spirea blossoms and spread Your love. In Jesus’ holy and loving name. Amen

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The Lord Reigns: 1Chronicles 16:33

31 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!”
32 Let the sea resound, and all that is in it;
let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them!
33 Let the trees of the forest sing,
let them sing for joy before the Lord,
for he comes to judge the earth.
1 Chronicles 16:31-33 (NIV)

These verses are sometimes titled “Creation Praises God.” The majesty of creation, its beauty, and diversity is a testimony of praise; praise to their creator to the Lord. The beauty and complexity of nature; display His marvelous works. The Lord reigns. Let the trees sing; bringing forth blossoms; a chorus of joy, for the Lord is a righteous judge.

He will judge the world in righteousness and people in faithfulness. God is coming to set things right!

30-33 God is serious business, take him seriously;
he’s put the earth in place and it’s not moving.
So let Heaven rejoice, let Earth be jubilant,
and pass the word among the nations, “God reigns!”
Let Ocean, all teeming with life, bellow,
let Field and all its creatures shake the rafters;
Then the trees in the forest will add their applause
to all who are pleased and present before God
—he’s on his way to set things right!
1 Chronicles 16:30-33 (MSG)

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The Lord reign, creation praises Him, do you sing for joy for our righteous Lord?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we are in awe of Your creation. Help us to rejoice, be jubilant and sing with joy, for You are hope and salvation. Let nature sing; for you are a righteous judge. Like the dogwood and cherry tree crescendo with spring flowers, let us sing in joy as we grow in faith and righteousness. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Seek His Kingdom: Matthew 6:33

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

To seek means to strive after, endeavor to find, and tenaciously look for; to strive after something. In other words, Jesus tells us to strive after the Kingdom of God above all else. Instead of fruitless worry over worldly concerns, Jesus tells us to trust the heavenly Father; He provides His children with what is needed.

We need to pursue the kingdom of God, trusting in God’s righteousness and His love. God knows our needs. He will provide for our basic needs when we live righteously and trust in Him. We need to change our focus from material things instead make our priority focusing on seeking the Kingdom of God. When we make our relationship with God the center of our life, he will give us everything we really need. ⁂

Do you try to solve your problems and worries elsewhere, or do you turn to the Kingdom of God?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and care. Lord, teach us to reach out to you instead of relying on our understanding. Help us to live righteously and have faith and trust in Your care for us. Guide us to pursue Your kingdom and accept Your will. Like the Ranunculus blossom opening in the sunlight, let us be open-hearted and turn toward and share Your light, Lord Jesus. Amen

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House of the Lord: Psalm 27:4-5

One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.
Psalm 27:4-5 (NIV)

What is David asking and seeking? He is asking to dwell in the House of the Lord, God’s temple, a place of worship, and is seeking to spend his life in praise and worship. He longs to be in God’s presence in a lifelong relationship with the Lord. To behold the beauty of the Lord; meaning to contemplate God’s wisdom, grace, truth, and justice.

When surrounded by danger, the Lord will hide us, protect us, and shelter us from evil. He will set me high upon a rock, secure and safe from pursuers.

4 I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing:
To live with him in his house my whole life long.
I’ll contemplate his beauty; I’ll study at his feet.

5 That’s the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world,
The perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic.
Psalm 27:4-5 (MSG)

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Is it your utmost wish to dwell in the House of the Lord all the days of your life?

Prayer; Lord, You are our rock and redeemer. We long to spend all our days with You, secure from the noisy world. To be with You, In Your house, spending our time in worship and praise, safe and protected from evil. Like the cherry tree blossoms bring beauty to Spring, Your beauty springs from your truth, grace, and justice. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

Did you notice the small “dweller” in the cherry blossom? 🌺