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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Everything I Need – Psalm 23:1

A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. – Psalm 23:1 (NET)

The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need. – Psalm 23:1 (GNT)

Psalm 23 is about God’s protection; David is confident that the Lord is his shepherd, providing everything he needs. It is a psalm of gratitude for God’s guidance and love. David trusts in God, considering Him a good “Shepherd.” When we believe in the Lord and stay in close fellowship with Him, He provides His unlimited resources.

David has faith in God’s promises and goodness. God is with him; he has nothing to fear. God is with us; we are precious to the Lord.

We might not have everything we desire, but God will provide what we need. God is with us always, watching our steps, guiding us, and blessing us with everything we need.

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Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your love and provision. Help us to grow in trust and faith and realize that You will take care of us. Lord, let us trust in You, knowing we have nothing to fear, for You are with us. Like the crocus blooms in spring, let us believe, follow Christ, and bloom in faith. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Whole Heart – 1 Chronicles 28:9

“And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father, and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. – 1 Chronicles 28:9 (ESV)

In this verse, King David tells his son Solomon the importance of knowing and serving God with his whole heart. David wanted Solomon to follow in his footsteps and maintain a sincere and personal relationship with God. To be committed to God and grow closer to Him, be honest, and put his trust in God. Serving the Lord with a willing mind and wholehearted devotion, relying on Him and trusting His guidance.

The verse continues with the power of the Lord; he searches our hearts. For God sees and knows all things. He knows our intentions and motives. David is reminding Solomon that he cannot hide anything from God.

The verse concludes if you earnestly seek God, He will be found by you, but if you turn away from Him, forsaking Him, He will reject you and cast you off forever.

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Are you serving God with a whole heart and a willing mind?

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, thank You for your patience with us and grace to us. Guide us to reach out to You and develop a sincere personal relationship with You. Encourage us to serve you with our whole hearts and with willing minds. Like the blossom of the yellow rose is open to the sun, let our hearts be open to You and Your Son Jesus. Amen

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God of Creation – Romans 1:20

For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. – Romans 1:20 (NLT)

People have the opportunity to know God, revealed through His creation. What kind of power would it take to create the world and solar system? Eternal power, the power of God, manifests in His creation, miracles, and salvation. God’s invisible qualities are visible when you look at what God has created.

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known. – Psalm 19:1-2 (NLT)

As David says in Psalm 19, heaven proclaims the glory of God, and the skies display His craftsmanship. After partaking in the majesty and beauty of the world, there is no excuse for not knowing, honoring, and worshiping our God of Creation.

But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can’t see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse. Romans 1:19-20 (MSG)

Here is a link to God of Wonders -Documentary John Whitcomb, Dan Sheedy, Don B. DeYoung. This documentary details how the natural universe shows God’s creative genius, His power, majesty, and wisdom. It is beautiful and touching.

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Prayer: Our powerful, mighty, and loving Heavenly Father, we worship You, God of Creation, God of Wonders. We thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace toward us. Let us be open to Your guidance and authority. As the Fireworks Gomphrena flower glows with beauty, let us radiate peace and glow with Your love. In Jesus, holy name. Amen

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My Strength, My Song – Isaiah 12:2

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2 (ESV)

Isaiah describes God’s goodness and that He is trustworthy. Isaiah has a deep faith and trust in God. For God keeps His promises and can protect and save us.

God is our strength; He gives us strength to endure our trials. Trust in Him dispels fear and brings peace. God is the embodiment of strength and joy.

The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. – Psalm 118:14 and Exodus 15:2a (ESV)

The Lord is our strength, a source of joy, praise, and song.
He is my salvation, my strength, and my song. Let us sing praises to Him!

²“Yes, indeed—God is my salvation.
I trust, I won’t be afraid.
God—yes God!—is my strength and song,
best of all, my salvation!” – Isaiah 12:2 (MSG)

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, You are our hope and salvation. Teach us to trust You and follow Your path for us. You are our strength and song. Guide us, teaching us to rely on Your strength and power instead of our understanding. Like the Anemone flower brightens spring, let us shine bright with Your light and love. In Jesus’ name. Amen

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Fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23

New International Version
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

Paul is explaining behaviors that Christians should have in their lives when they let the Holy Spirit lead them. These behaviors or attributes reflect Christ. Nine characteristics make up the fruit of the Spirit. They are not separate fruits but one indivisible spiritual fruit.

These nine traits or behaviors are found in a child of God and display the nature of Christ.

To live by the fruit of the Spirit believers, have power and compassion to lead with love, and serve others with patience, kindness, and goodness. Spiritual joy gives strength and rejoicing during difficult circumstances. Peace is inner tranquility, freedom from anxiety found through faith. Self-control is not being easily provoked but being patient, forgiving, and forbearing. Gentleness is being kind, tender, and caring for one another. Faithfulness to others is being reliable, dependable, and honorable to others. These spirit-filled attributes make up the fruit of the Spirit.

Through the fruit of the Spirit, being motivated by love will lead us to care, kindness, goodness, forbearance, self-control, and gentleness, in service to others.

22-23 But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Galatians 5:22-23 (MSG)

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your grace and love. Help us to follow Jesus and listen to the Holy Spirit. Let us be Spirit-lead and manifest the fruit of the Spirit. Like the geranium grows and flowers in the light, let us grow in faith and spread Your light. In Jesus’ name. Amen

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All Things – John 3:35

The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. – John 3:35 (ESV)

God (the Father) has an eternal extravagant love for His Son, Jesus. Jesus was born of Mary but came as a divine messenger from heaven. He is a teacher, healer, and miracle worker. He is our Saviour; He died for our sins.

Those who believe in Jesus Christ are saved and have eternal life. Jesus is God; the Trinity is composed of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (ESV)

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. A person must accept Jesus for salvation; He is the one and only way to heaven and to God the Father.

God the Father has given and entrusted all things into Jesus’ hands. He has the full authority of the Father over all things.

34-36 “The One that God sent speaks God’s words. And don’t think he rations out the Spirit in bits and pieces. The Father loves the Son extravagantly. He turned everything over to him so he could give it away—a lavish distribution of gifts. That is why whoever accepts and trusts the Son gets in on everything, life complete and forever! And that is also why the person who avoids and distrusts the Son is in the dark and doesn’t see life. All he experiences of God is darkness, and an angry darkness at that”. John 3:34-36 (MSG)

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your love and grace. For You so loved us that You gave us Your only Son, Jesus. We are saved and blessed for He died for our sins, and we realize You have placed all things in His hand. Like the camellia flowers glow and shine against winter skies, let us glow with love and shine with Your light. Amen

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Abba, Father – Galatians 4:6

4But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. 6And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” 7Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Galatians 4:4-7 (NLT)

God sent his only Son to earth to redeem us. Belief in Christ frees us from slavery to sin and the law. His death on the cross allows believers to receive the Spirit of adoption, becoming children of God.

For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading again to fear [of God’s judgment], but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons [the Spirit producing sonship] by which we [joyfully] cry, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15 (AMP)

God sends the Spirit to live in us, his adopted children. The Spirit of His Son moves into our hearts, guiding and helping us communicate with God in prayer, praise, and calling out, “Abba, Father”! God is our Abba, Father; we are not slaves but children of God and heirs.

4-7 But when the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent his Son, born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law so that he might redeem those of us who have been kidnapped by the law. Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage. You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, “Papa! Father!” Doesn’t that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you’re also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance. Galatians 4:4-7 (MSG)

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Prayer: God, we thank You for sending us Your Son, Jesus, born of Mary, who died on the cross for our salvation. As we celebrate His birth, let us realize He set us free from sin, allowing us to be adopted by You and call You Abba, Father. Like the blooms of the Chrysanthemum grow and blossom every fall, let us grow in faith and blossom with love. Amen