With Us—Psalm 121:7-8

8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;

Psalm 121:7-8 (NIV)

These verses are a comforting reminder of God’s love, protection, and care for us. He will watch over our comings and goings, not just today, but forevermore. The verses affirm God’s promise to protect us from harm and to keep watch over our lives, guiding and protecting us through life’s trials. In moments of uncertainty, we can find solace in the knowledge that we are never alone; His presence surrounds us like a gentle shield.

God is with us. His continuing protection and constant presence afford us confidence; we are able to face life’s challenges, trusting in God’s supreme power. His unwavering support encourages us to face challenges with courage and faith, trusting in His divine plan.

God is faithful; as we trust in Him, we can look forward to His steadfast love and care now and forevermore. We can live without fear and worry, knowing our Almighty God is looking after us. This assurance enables us to navigate even the most turbulent times with hope and resilience.

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Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love, guidance, and protection. Help us bring our worries and troubles to You, and lead us on Your path. Remind us to reach out to You when we are troubled, knowing You are always with us and we are never alone. Just as flowers bring beauty and joy, Your protection brings us comfort and peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Wait – Psalm 130:5

I rely on the LORD, I rely on him with my whole being; I wait for his assuring word. Psalm 130:5 (NET)

With all my heart, I am waiting, LORD, for you! I trust your promises. Psalm 130:5 (CEV)

During our lifetime, we do a lot of waiting in doctors’ offices, in traffic, for repair people, and on hold. Waiting on God is a unique kind of waiting. It is an expectant waiting, a deliberate choice to wait, a waiting with hope, and trusting in God’s mercy, grace, and promises.

Different versions of the Bible describe the waiting on the Lord: with my whole being, with all my heart, and my soul waits. All of these show a strong, full-body desire for God’s help and guidance. This kind of waiting invites us to cultivate patience and deepen our faith, allowing us to find peace amid uncertainty.

During challenging times or when facing uncertainties, it is essential to turn to God in prayer, trusting in Him and finding strength in His promises. This trust not only fortifies our spirit but also opens our hearts to receive the wisdom and comfort that come from a close relationship with Him.

Faith, hope, and patience all play a part in waiting for God’s divine guidance, assurance, and intervention. This journey of faith encourages us to remain steadfast, even when the path ahead seems unclear.

I pray to God—my life a prayer—
and wait for what he’ll say and do. Psalm 130:5 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your grace and guidance. You are our hope and strength during difficult times. Teach us to patiently wait on You. To wait, with our whole heart and soul, trusting in Your promises and guidance. Like New Guinea impatiens blossom all summer, let us blossom in faith and always rely on You. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

Call on Me – Jeremiah 33:3

2“This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is his name: 3‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:2-3

During the time of the prophet Jeremiah, the nation of Judah was in turmoil. The people had turned away from God, and they were under threat of a Babylonian invasion. God chose Jeremiah to send a message of warning to the people of Judah, urging them to repent. The message was also one of hope.

For the Lord says, “Call on me in prayer, and I will answer you. God is asking us to have faith, rely on Him, and go to Him in prayer. It is an invitation to communicate with God, stating that He is willing to listen and answer you. When we rely on God and His infinite wisdom, it encourages us to open our hearts and have a deeper connection with Him.

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how fathomless his ways! Romans 11:3 (NET)

If we put our faith and trust in God, He will answer our prayers and show us things we could never imagine. God reveals wonders beyond what we can understand. Because He cares for us, when we call on Him, He gives us wisdom, guidance, and help when we need it most.

1While Jeremiah was still locked up in jail, a second Message from God was given to him: ^2-3“This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’ Jeremiah 33:2-3 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, thank You for listening to and answering our prayers. Help us to grow in faith and to follow Your divine guidance. Teach us to go to You with our concerns and problems and trust in Your infinite wisdom. Like the bright, colorful vinca flowers spread and flourish on summer days, let us shine bright with Your light and flourish in Your love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

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Light in the Darkness – Psalm 112:4

Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. – Psalm 112:4 (ERV)

Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness. Those who are upright are those who are pious, compassionate, and merciful. Even in the darkness of trouble, for Christians, light arises: the light of hope, God’s light in the darkness illuminating their path.

But the path of the righteous is like the bright morning light, growing brighter and brighter until full day. Proverbs 4:18 (NET)

The upright know God is good, they have faith in Him, and trust His promises. They reflect God’s character by being gracious, merciful, and righteous, even in times of adversity. Remaining steadfast in their faith, shining in His light, they become beacons of hope for others, demonstrating that true strength lies not in the absence of trials but in unwavering trust in God.

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Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your grace and mercy toward us. You are our light in the darkness, guiding us on our path. Help us to become more Christlike in our actions. Like the sunflower blossom follows the sun, let us blossom in your love and follow Your Son. Amen.

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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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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.

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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

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Resurrection and Life – John 11:25

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;

John 11:25 (NIV)

Jesus had heard His friend Lazarus was sick; he waited two days before heading to Bethany to visit him. When He arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days.
Martha, Lazarus’s sister, went out to meet Jesus and said, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died.” For she had faith and knew Jesus could have healed her brother. Jesus replies to her in John 11:25.

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;

In verse 26, Jesus continues.

26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Then He asks Martha, do you believe this?

27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

When Jesus claimed to be the resurrection and the life, he was explaining that He was the source of both, clarifying His divine nature. Jesus went to the tomb and called, “Lazarus, come out.”

40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. – John 11:40-44 (NIV)

Lazarus walked out of the grave.

Jesus is the resurrection and the life, a promise of eternal life for believers. Faith in Jesus offers us comfort and hope for the future. Whoever believes in Jesus will be saved; death is not final but a gateway to eternal life.

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Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace. Through your love for us, you gave us Your only Son, Jesus. He is the resurrection and the life, our hope and salvation. As a poppy grows blooming in the sunlight, let us grow in faith and bloom in Your Son’s light. In Jesus’ name. Amen

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By Faith – Hebrews 11:3

By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

Hebrews 11:3 (NKJV)

By faith, we understand the worlds were created by the word of God. Because of this, we can have confident expectations of the Lord and firm belief in His power. By faith we have firm belief in what is unseen, an assurance of God’s promises, and a confidence in the future. Faith in God is not wishful thinking, but a deep assurance and complete confidence in Him.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

– Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)

Godly faith is trust, trust in God’s nature, character, and promises. It is putting our trust in God and relying on Him where we cannot see. His good works, grace, and help in the past allow us confidence in the future.

We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. Hebrews 12:2a (CEV)

We go forward by fixing our eyes on Jesus, who perfects our faith.

By faith [that is, with an inherent trust and enduring confidence in the power, wisdom and goodness of God] we understand that the worlds (universe, ages) were framed and created [formed, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose] by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.

Hebrews 11:3 (AMP)

Our Heavenly Father, our Loving Creator, thank You for Your love and grace. Help us to live by faith and in obedience. Teach us to go forward in Your truth and grow in faith. Let our light shine bright, just like the mountain azalea flowers that are gathered together and brighten spring days. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Know the Lord – Psalm 9:10

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 (NIV)

David encourages us to remember God’s goodness. He is our provider, strength, and refuge. To those who seek Him, He gives support, guidance, and love. When we pursue a relationship with the Lord, we feel His presence in our lives. When we grow in knowledge of the Lord, we develop a genuine trust, realizing His goodness and faithfulness. God’s justice and faithfulness assure us that God will guide and protect us.

As we grow in faith through prayer and a deeper understanding of His word, we see God’s character and nature and realize He will not forsake or abandon anyone who seeks Him. We can release our problems to Him, for God is always present in our lives; He is our refuge and strength.

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Do you know the Lord? Do you put your trust in God and release your burdens to Him?

Our Heavenly Father, You are our hope and strength. Open our hearts and teach us to know You. Help us to grow closer to you through prayer and Your word, and grow in faith and trust. We thank you for your grace and love. Like the blue star flower blossoms brighten spring days, let us blossom in faith and shine brightly with love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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