The Great Commandment: Deuteronomy 6:5

5You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:5 (NKJV)

In Deuteronomy 6:5, Moses is addressing the Israelites, instructing them before they enter the promised land. Telling them the Lord your God wants love from them, a complete love. To love God with our whole heart and soul, to love for Him with all we’ve got.

5 Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that’s in you, love him with all you’ve got!
Deuteronomy 6:5 (MSG)

Jesus called loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength the Great Commandment.

37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.
Matthew 22:37-38 (NLT)

God created us, loves us, provides for us, sustains us, and protects us. He is our refuge and our strength. God wants us to love him with our whole heart, soul, and mind.

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Do you love God with your whole heart; with all you’ve got?

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we are in awe of You and Your love. We know You love us with everlasting love. Help us to follow Your Great Commandment. Teach us to open our hearts to You, to love You, God, with all our heart, soul, and strength. Like the flowers grow and thrive in the sunshine, let us grow and thrive with love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

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Worries and Cares: 1 Peter 5:7

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7 (NLV)

Peter is writing to the Christians in Asia Minor, encouraging them to take their heavy burdens and give them to God. When we try to carry our worries and concerns on our own, we become weary and discouraged.

Why should we give our worries and cares to God? Because He cares for us. By casting our cares and worries on God, we are showing our trust in Him and His promises, realizing that He is willing and able to carry our heaviest burdens. When we give the Lord our worries, He gives us rest.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

How do we give our burdens to God? By reaching out to Him in prayer, understanding God cares about us and that he will sustain us and get us through this.

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Do you let go of your burdens by giving your cares and worries to God in prayer?

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for your care and love for us. Teach us to turn our worries and cares over to You. Help us to grow in trust and faith. Guide us, teaching us to be humble and loving to others. Like chrysanthemum flowers brighten autumn days, let us brighten everything around us with Your light. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Our Deliverer: Psalm 68:19

Blessed be the Lord who daily carries us. God is our deliverer.
Psalm 68:19 (ISV)

The Lord deserves praise! Day after day he carries our burden, the God who delivers us. (Selah)
Psalm 68:19 (NET)

Our God, our Heavenly Father, is the creator of us and the universe and our refuge and strength. There is nothing too difficult or heavy for Him to carry. He can carry and deal with any of our problems and concerns. Day after day, he provides care and carries us and our burdens. He is our deliverer, our hope, and our Savior.

Giving our burdens to the Lord frees us, allowing us to live for God; and respond with praise and thanksgiving. Relying on the Lord releases the weight of our burdens, bringing peace. Yes, our Lord deserves praise, for He is God for us forever.

Blessed be the Lord—
day after day he carries us along.
He’s our Savior, our God, oh yes!
He’s God-for-us, he’s God-who-saves-us.
Psalm 68:19 (MSG)

Are your burdens holding you down, or have you given them to the Lord, our deliverer, and lightened your load?

Our Heavenly Father, we praise and worship You. Thank You for Your provision and day-by-day care. Teach us to turn our burdens over to You, trusting in Your promises and strength. Lord, You are our deliverer and our hope, guide and direct us. Like the weigela’s open and trumpet-like flowers brighten spring, let us praise You with trumpets and song for You brighten our world. In Jesus’ name. Amen

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Merciful: Luke 6:36-37

36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned.
Luke 6:36-37 (NASB)

Mercy is the act of withholding deserved punishment. Mercy is the act of having mercy on others, not prejudging or condemning our foes. God’s mercy has saved us from our sins, and He wants us to show mercy towards others. Our focus should be on being merciful rather than judgmental, emulating our Holy Father.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Matthew 5:7 (NASB)

To judge is to form an opinion or conclusion about another person; to condemn is to find someone guilty deserving of punishment. Instead of having hardened hearts and condemning others, if we forgive and pardon others, God will pardon us.

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Matthew 6:14

God loves us and wants us to love one another, being merciful, kind, and forgiving.

35-36 “I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind. ^37-38“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”
Luke 6:35-38 (MSG)

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In your dealings with others, are you judgmental or merciful and kind?

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your mercy and grace. Teach us to be non-judgmental, merciful, and forgiving. Help us to be sympathetic and compassionate. As the small geranium flowers cluster together, forming beautiful blooms, let us cluster together in harmony, reflecting God’s love. In Jesus Holy name. Amen

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Steadfast Love: Psalm 100:5

For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Psalm 100:5 (ESV)

Our Lord is good; He is faithful; He continually shows loyal love to His faithful followers. God’s steadfast love endures forever.

17 But the Lord continually shows loyal love to his faithful followers, and is faithful to their descendants, 18 to those who keep his covenant, who are careful to obey his commands.
Psalm 103: 17-18 (NET)

Our Lord is a faithful God, and to those who obey His commands, He keeps a covenant of love to all generations of those who love Him. (Psalms, Exodus, and Deuteronomy)

but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
Exodus 20:6 (NIV)

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.
Deuteronomy 7:9 (NIV)

The steadfast love of the Lord endures forever. Thanks be to God!

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!
1 Chronicles 16:34 (ESV)

Yes, shout with joy for God’s faithful, steadfast love endures forever!

Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth!
Psalm 100:1b (NLT)

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God’s love is faithful, enduring, and steadfast; have you opened your heart to the Lord?

Our Holy Father, we thank You for Your love. We are blessed by Your faithfulness. Teach us to rest in Your steadfast love and give our concerns and worries to You. Like the magnolia blossoms in spring, Your steadfast love for Your followers springs forth through generations. Thank you for Your faithfulness, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen

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Sharper than a double-edged sword – Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 (NET)

The word of God is living and active; by it, we learn the true will of God. The word of God is more than printed words; He speaks to us through the Holy Spirit, prophets, and by the eternal Word of God, Jesus.

The word of God is sharper than any double-edged sword; the word of God can discern between spirit and soul. Like a double-edged sword, the word of God can penetrate a person’s heart to expose the good and evil within. God can detect hypocrites and self-deceivers.

But he (Jesus) said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
Luke 11:28

Following the word of God is a lifelong process of discerning, listening, and obeying, of leaving our old life behind and becoming new in the likeness of Jesus.

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God’s word is alive and sharper than a double-edged sword. It’s a way God communicates with us, are you taking time to listen?

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your living and active Word. Teach us to be open and obedient to Your will. Your Word is powerful; may it lead us to be more like Jesus. Like the bright blossoms of the tropical milkweed plant glow in the sunlight, may we blossom in Your Word and glow with Your holy light. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Everlasting Love: Jeremiah 31:3

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”
(NIV)

The Israelites had not kept God’s commandments. They were in exile in Babylon. In this verse, God promises to forgive them and restore them. This is an example of God’s grace and his love and kindness.

This verse showcases God’s grace, love, and kindness. For God is holy and just; and His faithfulness endures for generations. When we repent our sins, give up our sinful ways, and turn to God, He forgives us.

For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
Psalm 100:5 (NLT)

For God is love; it’s His very nature; He is forgiving, and He loves us with everlasting love.

God is generous and doesn’t limit His kindness. For God shows us unfailing kindness, never-ending kindness through His everlasting love. He will always be there for us, listening to our prayers and helping us.

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God loves us with an everlasting love; do you respond with love and forgiveness to others?

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your forgiveness, grace, and kindness. We raise our thanks and praise for Your faithfulness and everlasting love. Guide us in Your truth and light. Like the red rose’s beauty shines brightly and brings happiness, let us shine brightly, reflecting Your light and Your love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Gentle Spirit: Philippians 4:5

5Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near.
Philippians 4:5 (AMP)

Let your gentleness be evident to all, or as some versions say, let your gentle spirit, gracious attitude, or graciousness be known to all. These derive from the Greek word epiekes, which can translate to; gracious, fair, gentle, reasonable, tolerant, and forbearing. Whatever translation/definition you prefer, it should convey that Christians need to be reasonable, wise, and tolerant people; not easily angered.

Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit, a fruit; that we need to cultivate in our hearts; and show in our actions. Gentleness and patience; are attributes that allow people to feel at ease around you.

The Lord is near; we should learn to emulate him in gentleness and with conduct that is honorable.

Jesus said:

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:29 (NIV)

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Do you consider yourself to have a gentle spirit?

Prayer: Lord, we thank You for Your tolerance and grace toward us. Help us to be gentle and tolerant to others. Guide us on Your path for us and help us to emulate Jesus. Like the native sunflower, gently opening its petals help us to have a gentle spirit; and be tolerant in our dealings with other. In Jesus’ name. Amen

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Follow Me: John 10:27

My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, they’ll never be lost, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
John 10:27-28(ISV)

Sheep recognize the voice of the one that feeds, guides, and protects them. Jesus is our Good Shepherd; He leads and protects us, His flock. He knows us by name and guides us, showing us the right way to live.

We learn to recognize Jesus’ voice and listen to His directions, obeying His commands. He gives us (His Sheep) protection and eternal life. No one can steal any of Jesus the Good Shepherd’s followers, for we are protected; God is great and in control.

Follow me (Jesus) for protection, guidance, and eternal life.

My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them real and eternal life. They are protected from the Destroyer for good. No one can steal them from out of my hand.
John 10:27-28 (MSG)

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Are you following Jesus, listening, and being receptive to His call?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank you for your sacrifice and grace. Teach us to take time to be still and listen for your guidance. Help us to avoid evil and follow your direction. Jesus, teach us to follow You and have eternal life. As the white orchids blossoms align along the stem, let us align ourselves with You and follow Your path. Amen

Spring Forth – Isaiah 61:11

For as the earth brings forth its bud, As the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, So the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.
Isaiah 61:11 (NKJV)

The power of the Lord, and His beautiful care for earth, is shown in the repeated refrains of nature. The earth putting forth bud that open and grow into shoots, perennial plants that appear to die in the winter, return and revive and flourish in the spring. In the spring planted seeds sprouting and growing in the shining sun and reviving rains. These are all illustrations of the Lord’s divine power and his providence to mankind, providing food, shade, building supplies, and medicinal plants.

The Lord’s divine grace through Christ brings righteousness and salvation to spring forth in full bloom over all the earth. May all glory be given to the Lord in praise and thanksgiving by all nations.

For as the earth bursts with spring wildflowers,
and as a garden cascades with blossoms,
So the Master, God, brings righteousness into full bloom
and puts praise on display before the nations.
Isaiah 6:11 (MSG)

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for the beauty and diversity of the earth. We are thankful for Your provision and care for us. Our praise with thanksgiving we raise to You. All Glory to you, God our powerful loving Lord. Like the nigella flowers spring forth from seeds, let righteousness and praise spring forth from us. In Jesus’s holy name. Amen

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