Father of Lights: James 1:17

All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change.
James 1:17 (NET)

In James 2:17, James is explaining God is good; He does not tempt people. He wrote in response to the early believers’ concerns when going through life’s trials (verse 13.)

13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God” [for temptation does not originate from God, but from our own flaws]; for God cannot be tempted by [what is] evil, and He Himself tempts no one.
James 1:13 (AMP)

God is the Creator; of all that is good; He is the source of and the Father of light. Every good and perfect gift comes from above, from God. He is characterized; by goodness, patience, and love. God is the giver of all good things. His light shines brightly; with love, grace, compassion, and blessings.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 8:28 (NLT)

In God, there is no hint of darkness or deceit. In Him is no variation or change; He keeps His promises. He gives perfect gifts; “The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle.” James 1:17 (MSG)
It is the devil that tempts us, not God.

So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him make himself scarce. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life.
(James 4:7 MSG)

God, Father of Lights; greatest gift to us is Jesus, His son Our Redeemer.

Have you let God, the Father of Lights, shine in your life?

Prayer; Our good Father, Father of Lights, giver of every perfect gift, we thank You. Let Your light shine on our dark world. Teach us to follow Your way, illuminate our path, and guide us in Your truth. Our Heavenly Father, we give thanks for Your gifts of love, grace, and forgiveness. Like flowers grow and bloom in sunlight, let us grow in faith and glow with Your light. In Jesus’ holy and loving name. Amen

I believe in the power of prayer. If you need prayer, I would be glad to pray for you. Leave a comment or message me on the contact page. 🌺

The Lord Rules-Psalm 96:10-12

O nations of the world, recognize the Lord;
recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong.
Psalm 96:7 (NLT)

10 Say to the nations, “The Lord rules.”
The world is firmly set in place. It can’t be moved.
The Lord will judge the people of the world fairly.
Psalm 96:10 (NIRV)

11 Let the heavens be full of joy. Let the earth be glad.
Let the ocean and everything in it roar.
Psalm 96:11

12 Let the fields and everything in them be glad.
Let all the trees in the forest sing for joy.
Psalm 96:12

The Lord is glorious and strong. We are to proclaim to the world that the Lord rules. Make known that God’s work is lasting and good. He has firmly established the world; it is immovable and lasting. God is good! Let us tell the world of His glory and His salvation.
God is a righteous judge, fair, and ruling with justice. In praise, all creation rejoices, the heavens are full of joy, the oceans roar, the fields are glad, and the forests sing for joy. For the Lord rules, He is glorious, strong, and good. We rejoice and worship Him with love and thanksgiving.

The Lord rules, He is loving, forgiving, fair, and good. Are you thankful for His providence, grace, and mercy?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we are in awe of Your works and amazed by Your grace. We thank you for your justice and love. Teach us to proclaim to all that the Lord rules. Let us praise, rejoice, and be thankful for Your forgiveness, love, and provision to us. May nature and Your people sing for joy. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

In America, we celebrate Thanksgiving this Thursday. May we count our blessings every day and always be thankful. Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

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Abba, Father: Romans 8:14-16

14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God. 15For you did not receive the spirit of slavery leading again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16The Spirit himself bears witness to our spirit that we are God’s children.
Romans 8:14-16 (NET)

Are you feeling lost, alone, unwanted, or afraid? You are not alone; those who believe, who are led by the Holy Spirit, are children of God. We have not received a spirit of slavery but the Spirit of adoption, allowing us to call God; Abba, Father. We are His children, heirs to His kingdom. We can reach out in prayer to God, our Heavenly Father, for advice and guidance; He is our help, hope, and future. We can relax knowing that God, Abba, loves us and has a plan for us:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) We may go through difficult times, but God, our Father, is with us always.

All that accept Christ and are Spirit lead; are God’s children allowing us to cry out to Him in need, for our Heavenly Father loves all His children. What fear are you holding onto that you need to give to God, Abba, our Father?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, Abba, we are your children, and we worship and praise You. Thank you for Your forgiveness, care, and love. Teach us to cry out to You in prayer when we need help, direction, and guidance. Let the Holy Spirit guide and direct us, and bring us closer to You and Your kingdom. Like the mums and begonias, grow together with beauty and harmony, teach us as children of God to live together in harmony and peace. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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I believe in the power of prayer. If you need prayer, I would be glad to pray for you. Leave a comment or message me on the contact page. 🌺

Righteous and Just: Romans 3:22-24

22 This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all those [Jew or Gentile] who believe [and trust in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son]. There is no distinction, 23 since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are being justified [declared free of the guilt of sin, made acceptable to God, and granted eternal life] as a gift by His [precious, undeserved] [a]grace, through the redemption [the payment for our sin] which is [provided] in Christ Jesus,
Romans 3:22-24

God is righteous and just. His actions are right and fair, expressions of His holiness. Humans have a sinful nature, but God is good. God demonstrates his love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) Righteousness comes from God; it is free a gift of grace to all who believe in Jesus. Christ’s death on the cross was for our sin, allowing for our justification by God’s grace, from sin to righteousness (to be right in the eyes of God). By God’s grace, belief and faith in Jesus bring salvation. Believe in God’s son Jesus, and you are saved.

God is loving, forgiving, righteous, and just. Will you accept Jesus and God’s grace?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, you are righteous, just, and forgiving. We thank You for Your love and grace toward us. Help us to grow in faith and love for each other. Teach us to open our hearts to You; increase in faith, and grow in righteousness. Like the bold peony flower brightens our days, let us be bold in faith and love and brighten the world. In Jesus’ loving name. Amen

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Let Your Light Shine: Matthew 5:16

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

Christ the true Light, Light of the world, is speaking, to His disciples, encouraging them to let their light shine before others. To allow the transforming light of the gospel and His teaching to shine in their hearts. To make sure light glows in their daily life. Spreading Christianity and hope to the world; by shining God’s light on those struggling in darkness. A guiding light, leading others to Christ. Evident in our words and actions. Let your light shine; let it be visible to others through your good deeds and your love. Let your light shine through the darkness and lead people to the loving arms of Jesus, glorifying our Heavenly Father.

When you let Christs’ light into your heart, it transforms your thoughts and actions. Do you let your Christian light shine before others?

Prayer; Lord, we thank you for your forgiveness and love. Teach us to embrace Jesus’ teachings and open our hearts to light. Guide us in Your truth and way, help us be light-bearers, glowing with an inner light. May Your light guide us, illuminating our daily actions and thoughts. Like the coreopsis flower radiates color outward and shines, let us radiate Your love and let our light shine. In Jesus’ loving name. Amen

“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. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven
Matthew 5:14-16 (MSG)

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All Things Are Possible With God: Mark 10:26-27

²⁶They were even more astonished and said to one another, “Who then can be saved?
²⁷Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
Mark 10:26-27 (NIV)

In Mark 10:17, a man runs up to Jesus. “Good teacher,” he asks, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus tells him to keep the commandments, and the man replies I have kept them since youth. Then:

²¹ Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” He said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” ²² At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad because he had great wealth. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”
Mark 10:21-23

The disciples were astonished, saying. Who then can be saved?

²⁷ Jesus looked at them (the disciples) and said, “With man, this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

The inner weakness of the rich man was his wealth; his desire for comfort and prosperity kept him from following Jesus. The man put his trust and priority in his status quo rather than in God.

We cannot save ourselves, but God can. God can change a rich person’s heart. He can change anyone’s heart. He reached out to Zacchaeus, the tax collector, and changed his life focus and his heart. Wealth, pride, and self-importance make it difficult for people to rely on God, but when we trust in God and sincerely love, Him; all things are possible with God through His saving grace.

²⁶ Jesus looked hard at them and said, “No chance at all if you think you can pull it off yourself. Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it.”
Matthew 19:26 (MSG)

All things are possible with God. His saving grace is available to all who seek it. Is your heart delight riches, or self-satisfaction, or God?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, help us to find our treasure in You. Teach us to seek You always instead of worldly goods. Lord, help us to trust and rely on you rather than ourselves. Open our hearts and eyes to see that all things are possible with God. Like the calibrachoa flowers are gathered together facing upward, help us gather together and lift our face upward reflecting Your; amazing, love. In Jesus holy name. Amen

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Harmony and Peace: 2Corinthians 13:11

Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.
2 Corinthians 13:11 (NLT)

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, where they were struggling to keep a Christian lifestyle. Many of the believers were being swayed by the city’s immorality, idolatry, and false teachers. Paul is seeking for them to mend their ways and restore their unity of purpose. He encourages them to be joyful, to grow in maturity. To repair their relationships so they could work together and encourage one another. To be of one mind, with shared values; to become complete, restored, work in harmony, and live in peace. Traits church people are still in need of today. For God’s love and peace surround those who work in unity for His good.

In today’s world, we are bombarded with bickering, name-calling, and disagreement daily. Are you encouraging harmony and peace in your church/community?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, you are a God of love and peace. We thank you for your compassion and grace to us. Teach us to mend our ways and live in unity, harmony, and peace. Keep us strong, in Your way, unswayed by false teaching and immorality. Guide us in your truth and light. Like the Echinacea flower’s beauty is enhanced when grouped together; let our life be enhanced with harmony and peace when we go forward in unity. In Jesus’ holy and loving name. Amen

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Gracious Love: Psalm 36:10

Send forth your gracious love to those who know you, and your righteousness to those who are upright in heart.
Psalm 36:10(NIV)

A psalm of David, Psalm 36 is a song of prayer. A request to God to continue to send forth His gracious love, His loving kindness, and mercy to those who know and love Him. To continue His favor, protection, and righteousness to the upright in heart. The upright in heart; true believers who are pure and holy in intentions. To pour His unfailing love and give justice and righteousness to those with honest and loving hearts. David is praying that the gracious love, mercy, and righteousness of God continues for himself and everyone who is in a sincere and faithful relationship with God.

One definition for the term upright in heart; is to have wholeness or integrity of heart. David is praying for the Lord to continue sending forth His gracious love and righteousness to everyone in a sincere and faithful relationship with Him. Is your relationship with the Lord open-hearted, upright, and sincere?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for your gracious unfailing love. We pray that you continue to send forth to us your loving-kindness, justice, and righteousness. Help us to be upright in heart, open to Your Word and way. Guide us in Your truth and light. Like the open petals of the chrysanthemum, gather close in the center of the flower; let us be open-hearted and gather together in love. In Jesus’ holy and loving name. Amen

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Search me God: Psalm 139:23-24

23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24

David knew anxiety; he was pursued and fought many battles. Yet David continually praised, sang, and rejoiced in the Lord. He reaches out to God, asking for protection and strength. In humility, he asks God to look at his heart, to discern his inner thoughts. To search him to look for any sin and to deliver him from evil. David asks for notification of any ungodliness found; so he can be purified, cleansed of anything not of God. David opens his heart to God, asking Him to guide him on the path of righteousness that leads to everlasting life. This searching, purifying, and guidance is as appropriate today as it was in David’s time.

Are you willing to have God search you and test you, remove your weaknesses and sin like David, to allow God to lead you in the way of everlasting?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, you know our inner thoughts and fears. Teach us to open our hearts to You and reach out to You for guidance. Lord, search us and check our ways, guide us toward Your way. Lead us on Your pathway to everlasting. Like the open blossoms of the rose, reach for the sun, let us be open-hearted, and reach for your help and guidance. In Jesus’ loving and holy name. Amen

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Faithful Love: Psalm 147:10-11

10 He doesn’t take pleasure in the strength of horses.
He doesn’t take delight in the strong legs of warriors.
¹¹The Lord takes delight in those who have respect for him.
They put their hope in his faithful love.
Psalm 147: 10-11 (NIRV)

The Lord takes pleasure in strength and perseverance in faith; rather than in strength in physical ability. He delights in worship, prayer, and obedience rather than the strength of warriors.
Many versions of verse 11 state, “The LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” The Lord delights in those who fear Him or, perhaps better stated as those in awe of Him who acknowledge, His power, justice, and wisdom. Who respect Him, follow His Word, place hope in Him, accepting His promise of faithful, unfailing love. God is good; His steadfast love endures forever.

Where do you find hope and strength during stressful times? Is your hope found in God’s faithful love?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for your faithful love and abundant mercy. Teach us to listen for Your direction, respect Your laws, follow Your ways, and spread Your love. Help us to grow in faith and to put our hope in You. Like delightful oriental lilies brighten our days, let us delight in Your Word and brighten the world with Your light. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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