Glorious Joy – 1 Peter 1:8

You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.

1 Peter 1:8 (NLT)

Peter writes to encourage early Christians exiled in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who were facing persecution. His central message is to remain steadfast and joyful in faith, despite adversity.

Although these believers had not seen Jesus, their faith was grounded in Gospel teachings. Peter reminds them to keep the faith through trials and urges them to look forward to the hope of salvation.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

– 2 Corinthians 4:18

Believers love Jesus because He first loved them, dying for their salvation. Their unseen love is grounded in trusting God. This love is rooted in having a relationship built on faith rather than sight. This relationship empowers us to endure hardships and retain hope in the promise of eternal life.

The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:9 (NLT)

Joy comes from faith: finding hope and peace in the promise of eternal life. Knowing Jesus loves us unconditionally and died for our sins gives us strength to persevere and to rejoice even in the face of adversity—to rejoice with glorious, inexpressible joy! This joy transcends circumstances, filling hearts with peace and an unwavering sense of love and fellowship.

⁂

Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your mercy, grace, and love for us. We love You and praise Your name for Your incredible gift of salvation. Help us be steadfast in our faith and joy during difficult times. As the sight of the bright, bold flowers of the Gazania brings pleasure, our bright hope of salvation brings glorious joy. Amen

🌺

Wisdom – James 1:5

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. – James 1:5 (NLT)

In life, we have trials and difficulties. Often, we try to solve them on our own and end up repeating bad decisions and choices. A better option is to reach out in prayer to our benevolent God and ask Him for guidance and wisdom. Our Lord is forgiving and generous; He is gracious, kind, and eager to share His wisdom.

For God is the ultimate source of wisdom; He is eager to help us learn and grow. He offers us wisdom lovingly and freely, without rebuke or blame. When we humble ourselves and seek His counsel, we open ourselves to new perspectives and insights that can lead us toward better paths. Trusting in His guidance also strengthens our faith in challenging times.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. – James 3:17 (NIV)

When faced with a difficult decision or situation, go to God in prayer and ask for His help, guidance, and wisdom. For He is kind and merciful, and His wisdom is pure, gentle, reasonable, and sincere. God is always available; reach out to him in prayer and listen to His guidance and wisdom.

5 If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. – James 1:5 (MSG)

⁂

Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your grace, forgiveness, and wisdom. Teach us to reach out to You when we are faced with a difficult situation or decision. Guide us in Your truth. Like the open and bright tithonia flower, let us be open to your wisdom and shine brightly with Your light. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

🌺

The Word – John 1:1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:1 (KJB)

John 1:1, like the book of Genesis, opens with the words “In the beginning.” John continues with In the beginning was the Word. The Word is Jesus; He is the Word of God. Jesus was present with God in the beginning before the world was formed. For Jesus wasn’t created; Jesus is God, fully eternal and divine.

The Word (Jesus) was with God, and all things were made by Him. This profound declaration emphasizes the intimate relationship between Jesus and God. Through Him, not only was the physical universe brought into existence, but also the foundation for faith and salvation for humanity. Jesus was with God and present at creation.

God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.

-John 1:3 (NLT)

Jesus, the Word, is God. Our God is a triune God, existing as 3 distinct forms: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. They stay in perfect unity. Jesus, the Word, reveals to us God’s truth, grace, and glory.

⁂

Our eternal and loving God, we thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace. In the beginning was Jesus, the Word, our savior, truth, and hope. Open our hearts and guide us on our path. Let us unite with our triune God, like the three hibiscus flowers gathered together. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

🌺

Refuge – Psalm 91:4

He will cover you with his feathers; you will take refuge under his wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield. Psalm 91:4 (CSB)

God will cover us tenderly with His wings, like a bird protects its young. Under God’s wings, we will find refuge, a safe haven, and a place of security, protection, and care. His love and grace offer us shelter from life’s adversities. In this sanctuary, we can find rest for our weary souls.

How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36:7 (NLT)

God offers us protection and a refuge, and His faithfulness is a protective shield where we can rest and find peace. It is like a security blanket for us, leaning on God’s unwavering protection in this chaotic world. He will protect and defend us, shielding us when we take our worries and fears to Him. For God is faithful and true, our shelter during life’s storms, our refuge, and our strength.

In God’s presence we have security, guidance, protection, and care. We need to learn to turn over our fears and worries to God and allow Him to lead and steer our lives, accepting God’s love, peace, and protection.

⁂

Our Heavenly Father, how wonderful is Your unfailing love! We thank You for covering us with Your wings, offering us protection and refuge from life’s storms. Help us to give our worries to You and rest in Your peace. Like the beautiful Mandevilla flowers sheltered under the plant’s leaves, let us find shelter and refuge under Your loving wings. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

🌺