To Please God – Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him. – Hebrews 11:6 (AMP)

Abraham, Moses, Noah, Gideon, and David all lived by faith. Faith is the ability to trust, rely on, and obey God—even when we don’t fully comprehend the situation. It is believing in God and His promises. Believing and accepting as true things that we cannot yet touch, feel, or see. A sincere belief in God’s existence is necessary for anyone who wishes to please Him and grow closer to Him.

Verse 11:1 describes the faith.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. – Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

We must also believe in God’s character, that He is loving, merciful, good, and eager to reward all who seek Him. Faith allows us to grow closer to Him, trust Him, and realize that God is our refuge, strength, and salvation.

The Christian life starts with faith and continues through faith until the end. We are called “believers” because we put our confidence, trust, and faith in God, and God rewards those who diligently seek Him.

It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him. – Hebrews 11:6 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your remarkable love, mercy, and forgiveness. Strengthen our faith and help us to grow closer to You. Teach us to live by faith like David and Moses did. Like the trumpet-like flowers of the Clivia are gathered together and seem to glow in the light, let us gather together in Your name and glow with Your light. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Light of the World – Matthew 5:14

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. – Matthew 5:14 (NKJV)

This verse is from Jesus’ teaching, the Sermon on the Mount. He tells His followers, “You are the light of the world.” He is highlighting the Christian’s role in spreading the light of truth by sharing the good news of Jesus. Biblical light represents truth, guidance, purity, and godliness, whereas darkness represents sin and despair. By letting the light of Jesus shine in us, we reflect His love, goodness, and truth. We provide light and guidance to those living in darkness. Our role is to let our light shine, to do good works, and to spread hope, direction, and moral clarity to a dark world.

A city that is set on a hill is prominent and visible; during Jesus’ time, many were made of white limestone, so they were visible even at night. These cities were made to be seen night and day, to be found, not hidden. In the same way, shining Jesus’ light means serving as visible examples of God’s love by showing kindness, hope, and truth to the world.

This verse highlights our role as Christians: we are not meant to hide our faith but instead to shine spiritually, illuminating the darkness with hope, while reflecting God’s values and love, and glowing with His light.

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. – Matthew 5:14 (MSG)

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Lord Jesus, we thank you for your love, mercy, and grace toward us. Teach us to be a light of the world, visible examples of Your teachings. Guide us to shine light and provide guidance to those who are living in darkness. Like the water lily shines and glows in the brightness of the sun, let us shine in good works and glow with Your love. Amen.

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Peace – John 14:27

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 (NLT)

Jesus and His disciples are gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem. As His crucifixion approaches, He prepares them by giving the gift of peace. Jesus also gives us calmness, a lasting hope, the reassurance that He is always with us, and peace of heart and mind.

When we face difficulties, it is easy to worry and be afraid, but we can find strength, courage, and peace by placing our faith in Jesus. In the world, you’ll have trouble, but as Jesus says in John 16:33, be courageous, for I’ve overcome the world.

I have told you this so that through me you may have peace. In the world you’ll have trouble, but be courageous—I’ve overcome the world!” John 16:33 (ISV)

We can move ahead without fear, knowing Jesus is always with us, giving us peace and comfort. This peace is a gift that comes from our relationship with Him, and His peace is permanent, guaranteed, and eternal.

Peace is not the absence of problems and trouble; it is the feeling of hope, comfort, harmony, and security that comes from having Jesus in our lives.

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Lord Jesus, we struggle in this world with trials and difficulties. Help us to find solace in Your unwavering love and protection. Teach us to reach out to you when we are afraid instead of worrying. We thank You for Your love and Your gift of peace and strength to deal with our problems. Like the open blossoms of the camellia, let us be open-hearted and blossom in Your love. Amen.

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Unfailing Love – Psalm 32:10

10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.

Psalm 32:10 (NIV)

The Lord’s unfailing love surrounds those who trust in Him. David knew that when we turn away from God and sin, we invite trouble into our lives. After the prophet Nathan confronted David about his adultery with Bathsheba, David admitted his guilt to God and received forgiveness.

In verse 5, David shares how God forgave him, contrasting the woes of the wicked with the love that surrounds those who repent and sincerely seek Him. Trusting in God, they are surrounded by His unfailing love.

5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Psalm 32:5 (NIV)

In verse 10, He is contrasting the woes of the wicked to the love that surrounds those who repent and sincerely seek Him.

10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.

Psalm 32:10 (NIV)

When we trust God, we can face challenges without fear because He is with us. David reminds us that those who trust in the Lord are surrounded by His unfailing love. Other translations describe this as lovingkindness, devotion, mercy, or steadfast love.

God’s love acts as a protective shield around us. As David says in verse 11, we should rejoice and celebrate God’s goodness.

11 Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Psalm 32:11 (NIV)

Yes, let us rejoice in the Lord and be glad!

10 God-defiers are always in trouble; God-affirmers find themselves loved every time they turn around

11 Celebrate God. Sing together—everyone! All you honest hearts, raise the roof!

Psalm 32:10-11 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your forgiveness, loving kindness, and mercy toward us. Guide us to trust in you and not fear when we encounter difficulties. We are thankful that You are always by our side and that Your unfailing love surrounds us. Like the phlox flowers are open, turning toward the light, let us be open-hearted, reflecting Your light. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

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