Born Anew – 1 Peter 1:23

You have been born anew, not from perishable but from imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God. – 1 Peter 1:23 (NET)

What does the term “born anew” or “born again” mean? To be born again signifies transformation, a new beginning, and a fresh start. It is the change that happens when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. We are born anew from imperishable seed, which is the everlasting Word of God. It is a spiritual transformation, by faith, through the power of the Holy Spirit. This transformation brings eternal hope.

When we are born again, we transition from a life of sin to a life rooted in righteousness. This transformation not only alters our personal beliefs but also influences our relationships and interactions with others. The word of God is nurtured in our hearts. This spiritual rebirth leads to a profound shift in our perspective, values, and life’s purpose. As we grow in understanding of hope and love, we reflect our faith in all aspects of our lives.

Through this transformation, we develop a personal relationship with Jesus, becoming more like Him by setting aside pride, showing compassion, practicing forgiveness, and loving others.

By God’s grace through faith, we are born anew and receive eternal salvation. This profound change not only shapes our identity but also guides our actions and decisions. As we embrace this new life, we are called to share this message of hope with others, reflecting the love and grace we have received.

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Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your grace, mercy, and love. Help us to develop a personal relationship with Jesus, becoming more like Him in our thoughts and actions. Guide us to a life rooted in righteousness. As the rhododendron flowers are gathered together and bring brightness to summer days, let us come together and shine brightly with Your love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

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Lord’s Glory – Habakkuk 2:14

For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of Jehovah, as the waters cover the sea. – Habakkuk 2:14 (ASV)

The prophet Habakkuk is living in a time of turmoil and injustice. He is worried that wickedness is triumphing; the Babylonians were oppressing the people of Judah.

The glory of God refers to His majesty and holiness. The splendor of God is displayed in the earth and heaven, revealing His glory.

Praise his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and amen!. – Psalm 72:19 (NLT)

Habakkuk receives a vision. In this vision, the glory of God covers the earth, like water covers the sea. A vision of the future when the knowledge of the glory of God will be universally recognized and acknowledged. A world that is renewed and restored, free from sin and injustice. This vision instills a deep sense of anticipation and purpose, encouraging believers to live out their faith with confidence. As they strive to embody this glory, they become instruments of God’s love and grace, reflecting the promise of a brighter future.

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Our Heavenly Father, you are our hope and our salvation. The knowledge of Your glory, Lord, brings us hope. We are in awe of Your majesty and goodness. We give thanks to You for Your guidance, grace, and love. May we carry this spirit of love and service into every interaction, spreading kindness and understanding to those around us. Like the beautiful open blossom of the water lilies, let us open our hearts to you and blossom in faith. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

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Jesus, the Son of God – IJohn 4:15

Whoever confesses and acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. – 1 John 4:15 (AMP)

When we confess that Jesus is the Son of God, we confirm His deity and His relationship to God the Father. Jesus is the divine, the Son of God; He is fully God and man. He is the Messiah who came to earth to save us from our sins and reconcile us with God. When we confess, we declare our trust and acknowledge our belief in Jesus. This declaration shapes our faith and transforms our lives, guiding us to live in accordance with His teachings.

Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God’s Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we’ve embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God. – 1 John 4:15-16 (MSG)

God and believers share a mutual relationship defined by unity, communication, guidance, and love. God transforms and shapes our thoughts and actions. This relationship is nurtured through Bible study, prayer, and obedience. As it deepens, we reflect God’s character in our daily lives and positively influence others.

Our belief in Jesus as the Son of God should be evident in our actions. We are called to demonstrate His teachings by showing love, forgiveness, and grace to everyone.

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Our triune God, we thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and grace. Let us embrace Your teachings and turn away from sin and self-reliance. Open our hearts and guide our thoughts and actions. Like Allium flowers spread outward from the center, let us be centered in faith and spread Your love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Good Work – Philippians 1:6

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

– Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

The believers in Philippi had been generous supporters of Paul, and he cared about them deeply. In Philippians 1, he gives thanks and gratitude to them for their help in spreading the Good News about Christ. He also encourages them to continue growing in their faith and to stand firm in the face of challenges.

3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. – Philippians 1:3-5 (NLT)

God begins His good work in us at the time of our salvation. God then continues our spiritual growth and knowledge through the lifelong process of sanctification, leading us to become more Christ-like. We are being transformed, directed, and shaped by God to fit our purpose in this world. This transformation strengthens our faith and equips us to positively impact those around us. As we embrace this journey, we become living testimonies of God’s grace and love.

Our spiritual growth continues, finishing with a flourishing conclusion when Jesus returns. Until then, we must remain steadfast in our faith, actively seeking ways to share His love and grace with others.

There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. Philippians 1:6 (MSG)

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Thank you, our Heavenly Father, for Your love, mercy, and grace. Through your good works, let us continue to grow spiritually, becoming transformed and shaped to become more like Jesus. As the colorful petunias spread and grow toward the sun, let us grow in faith and spread Your love. Amen

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God’s With Us – Psalm 73:23

23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.

Psalm 73:23 (NIV)

Verse 23 is referring to God; He is always with us. He is at our side, and we are never alone. God is with us during frustrations, hardships, as well as times of joy. We have a divine companion who loves us and holds our hand.

For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)

We can rest easy knowing God is with us, even in our darkest moments, guiding us and giving us strength and support.

I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8 (NIV)

We can lean on God and not fear or be shaken, for our trust in Him gives us stability. The Lord is looking out for us, giving us the courage and strength we require during times of trouble.

We don’t have to face challenges alone, for God is always with us.

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Our Heavenly Father, thank You for always being with us. Guide us and direct us on our path. Teach us to keep our eyes on You, and reach out to You during times of trouble. Like the geranium flowers are gathered together in a bright cluster, let us be bright in our faith and gathered together in love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Majestic – Psalm 8:3-4

3 When I look up at the heavens, which your fingers made, and see the moon and the stars, which you set in place, 4 Of what importance is the human race, that you should notice them? Of what importance is mankind, that you should pay attention to them?

Psalm 8:3-4 (NET)

David is praising the immense beauty and wonder of God’s creation. God formed the heavens, earth, and the vast universe. Our earth is a wonder of diversity and complexity, with a remarkable interdependence between plants and animals.

God formed the majesty of the heavens, the moon, and the stars. The sun that lights our days.

Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! – Psalm 8:1

In verse 4, David ponders the significance of humanity in the grandeur of the universe. He is humbled that God, in His infinite wisdom, made man in His image and bestowed His love, mercy, and kindness upon us, entrusting us to be stewards of His world, responsibly managing the earth.

Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! – Psalm 8:1

3-4 I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous,
your handmade sky-jewelry, Moon and stars mounted in their settings.
Then I look at my micro-self and wonder, Why do you bother with us?
Why take a second look our way?

Psalm 8:3-4 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, like David, we are in awe of You and the wonder and grandeur of creation. When we look at the vastness of the universe, we feel insignificant and are humbled by Your love and care for us. We praise You for Your mercy and grace toward us. How majestic is Your name in all the earth! Like the bright azalea blossoms bring beauty to spring, let us shine brightly with the beauty of Your love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Love One Another – Romans 12:10

Be devoted to one another with mutual love, showing eagerness in honoring one another. Romans 12:10 (NET)

In Romans 12, Paul gives guidelines on how Christians should treat one another. He explains the importance of selflessness, love, and respect for others. Our goal is to love one another with mutual love, honor, and respect. Paul emphasized the importance of Christians to build a strong, unified, and loving community that reflects the teachings of Jesus and God’s love. The importance for us to love one another regardless of cultural or ethnic backgrounds, as He has loved us.

In the previous verse (Romans 12:9), Paul urged believers to be sincere in their love for each other. To love and help each other, to hate evil and hold tight to what is good, and to let go of anger and forgive.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Romans 12:9 (NLT)

We need to be patient, love one another, live in peace, focus on what is good, detest evil, forgive, and rejoice in our future.

9-10 Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. Romans 12:10 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for your unconditional love. Teach us to love one another as You have loved us. Open our hearts to forgiveness and love for all. Guide us to hate what is evil and embrace what is good. Like the lovely Peace Lily flower is open and upright, let us be open-hearted and upright in our actions. In Jesus Holy Name. Amen

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