Keep Alert: 1Corinthians16:13-14

13 Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NRSV)

Paul is informing the Corinthians that it is vital to keep alert and be vigilant against all evil. To cling to Christian convictions and trust the Lord’s direction. To be strong and courageous and stand firm in the faith, realizing that Jesus is our rock, our salvation our firm foundation.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Ephesians 6:10 (NKJV)

Paul continues after the four instructions; to keep alert, stand firm, be courageous, be strong, and adds a final instruction “Let all that you do, be done in love.” Highlighting that our thoughts, words, and actions are to be done in love.
We need to keep alert, watch for and avoid evil, and let love be our guide when dealing with one another.

4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
1 Corinthians 13:4–7 (NLT)
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Paul gives five instructions in 1Corinthians 16:13-14; keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be strong, be courageous, and let all you do be done in love. Do you try to follow these instructions?

Prayer; Lord Jesus, You are our rock and our redeemer. Teach us to keep alert, avoid evil, and grow in faith. Guide us to stand firm, be courageous, strong, and grounded in Your Word. Help us keep our thoughts, words, and actions centered in love. Like the allium flowers are centered together, reaching out in all directions, let us be centered in Your love and reach out, spreading love in all our actions. Amen

If you are in need of prayer, I will be glad to pray for you.
Let me know – contact page. 🌺

Jesus, Our Salvation

(Save the World) – Jesus didn’t come to condemn or judge people; He came to save the world. The whole world, Jews and gentiles. He was on a saving mission, showing God’s love for all His people.

https://gardenfaith.com/2021/05/10/save-the-world-john-317/

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(Jesus is Lord) – By His grace, God offers salvation to all who believe in Christs’ resurrection from the dead. For all who believe in their heart that Christ is our Savior, that he died for our sins, you are made right with God.

https://gardenfaith.com/2021/11/08/jesus-is-lord-romans-109-10/

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(Take Heart) – Take heart Christ died for us; He paid the price and overcame the world.

https://gardenfaith.com/2021/04/05/take-heart-john-1633/

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(Truth) – Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) We need to take time to know Jesus, accept Him, and remain faithful to his teaching. His Word, the truth, will set us free; from the bondage of sin.

https://gardenfaith.com/2021/05/31/truth-john-832/

A re-share of a few Jesus posts. May you feel His peace, joy, and love this week and always. 🌺

Grace: Ephesians 2:8-10

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)

It is not because we are good or deserving that we are saved. God doesn’t only accept good people. By, His grace, His freely given blessing, His gift, we all can be saved.

Grace can be described as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Christ died for our sins. We don’t need to be “good enough” for salvation, we just need to believe and have faith, in God and Christ’s goodness. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, faith: is belief and trust in and loyalty to God.

10For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

Good works are not the cause of salvation; good works are the purpose of salvation. God saves us to do good works in His name, which brings Him glory.

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)

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for Your love and grace. Let our faith and trust in You direct our lives. Guide us to follow Your path, and do good works, to glorify Your name. Like the mallow flowers are open and illuminated by sunlight, let us be open to Your Word and illuminated with Your love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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If you need prayer, I will be glad to pray for you. Leave a comment or message me on the contact page. 🌺

Mercy: 1 Timothy 1:16-17

But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.
1 Timothy 1:16-17 (NLT)

In 1 Timothy, the Apostle Paul is instructing his protege Timothy. In verse 16, he explains that God had mercy on him, a foremost sinner. For, Saul, as he was known then, was persecuting the followers of Jesus, trying to stop the spread of Christianity.
When Saul was traveling to Damascus, Jesus appeared to him and changed his life and mission. Paul’s conversion is a testimony to the great mercy and forgiveness of the Lord.
Jesus came into the world to save sinners, as Paul had been. Paul converted and became God’s representative taking the gospel to the Gentiles.
Paul’s testimony highlights the mercy and infinite love of Jesus; and its transforming power.
The Lord is still patiently waiting for sinners to believe and repent.
In Verse 17, Paul closes with heartfelt praises to God, the Eternal King; all honor and glory to God forever and ever belong to Him!

What testimony can you share of God’s mercy and love for you?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for Your Son Jesus; and His saving grace. Jesus, we are in awe of Your mercy, forgiveness, and infinite love. We admire, worship, and praise our Triune God for all You have done for us. Like the beautiful trumpet-like blossoms of the azalea, we raise our voices in praise and thanksgiving for your mercy and grace. 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. 🌺

To Serve: Mark 10:45

42 Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions use their authority over them. 43 But it is not this way among you. Instead whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, 44and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10: 42-45 (NET)

In Mark 10:37, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, brothers, and disciples, requested, to Jesus; “Permit one of us to sit at your right hand and the other at your left in your glory.” This request caused the other ten disciples to become angry at this grab for power and authority (Mark 10:41). Jesus responded to His disciples. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” All power is entrusted to Jesus, the Son of Man, yet he acted as a servant, as an example, His kneeling to wash His disciple’s feet. Jesus’ teaching and His way of life illustrated the difference between worldly and spiritual greatness. He taught that the path of greatness was achieved through humility and by learning to be a servant thereby glorifying God. Jesus’ final act of service was when He gave his life as a ransom for many.

This verse is also found in Mathew:

just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:28 (NET)

How do you measure greatness? Do you feel to serve others is a worthy goal?

Monarch caterpillars feeding on a butterfly bush

Prayer; Jesus we thank you for your healings, guidance, and love for us. Teach us to be humble, and to help others by being Your hands and feet. Encourage us to seek spiritual goodness rather than worldly gain. Like the butterfly weed provides a host plant for monarch caterpillars and nectar for butterflies; teach us to help and to serve others. 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. 🌺

Jesus is the same forever: Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Hebrews 13:8 (NLT)

In this turbulent, fast-changing world, it is good to know that Jesus Christ, our Savior is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Jesus never changes, and neither does His Gospel. God never changes; neither does His Word, truth, or promises. Men have changes in mind, attitude, and priorities, but Jesus is steadfast for us in His love, His forgiveness, and His salvation. We can rely on Him; He is our strength and security in this turbulent world.

For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
Hebrews 13:5b

Jesus is as faithful as He has always been; we can have confidence that He will continue to take care of us, He will not abandon us. He is our High Priest at the right hand of God the Father, interceding for us yesterday, today, and forever.

When you are overwhelmed by the news and worry about changing policies, do you find peace in knowing that Jesus Christ and His love are the same yesterday, today, and forever?

Prayer; Jesus, we thank you for caring for us and listening to our prayers. We are in awe of your steadfast unchanging love, your comfort, and your everlasting peace. When the word is turbulent; and we are confused, teach us to put our trust in You. We know we can rely on You, for You will not forsake us. The flowers in bloom vary with the seasons, but you are constant in our lives; the same yesterday, today, and forever. We are grateful that You will never fail us or abandon us. 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. 🌺

Jesus is Lord: Romans 10:9-10

9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.
Romans 10:9-10 (NLT)

Paul was sharing the doctrine of salvation with the Romans. Explaining how a person is transformed and redeemed when they accept; Jesus is Lord. Telling them by His grace, God offers salvation to all who believe in Christs’ resurrection from the dead. For all who believe in their heart that Christ is our Savior, that he died for our sins, you are made right with God. By openly declaring your faith in Christ, you are set free from the guilt of sin, acceptable to God. Jesus is Lord; He is the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father (God) except through Me (Jesus). (John 14:6)

Are you lost, caught up in a sinful life, need forgiveness? Open your heart, accept Jesus is Lord believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead, openly declare your faith, and receive salvation.

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we are in awe of Your forgiveness and grace. We thank You for the gift of salvation, bought by the blood of Your Son, Jesus, who died for us. Help us to openly declare our faith to others and share Your Word with others. Teach us to love one another as You have loved us. Like the lily is covered with bright, joyful blossoms, let us shine bright with Your light and joyfully proclaim that Jesus is Lord. Amen

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If you need prayer, I will be glad to pray for you. Leave a comment or message me on the contact page.🌺

Rest: Matthew 11:28

28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29 (NLT)

An invitation of hope and comfort from Jesus to all; “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” He is offering you comfort and rest for your soul. He calls for all to believe in Him, to come to Him. He can heal your broken heart, give you rest and peace, and set you free from the burden of sin. He offers spiritual rest, tranquility to the weary, and hope to the lost. Come to Jesus; He is humble and gentle of heart. In Him, you will find rest for your soul. Through Jesus, we can receive comfort, happiness, peace, salvation, and rest.

Jesus came into the world to give hope, comfort, and rest to His believers. Are you holding on to your heavy burdens or giving them to Jesus; and finding peace and rest?

Prayer; We thank you, Jesus, for Your open invitation to come to you. Teach us to reach out to you; call upon your name, and give you our burdens. Jesus, you are humble and kind; let us accept your gentle yoke and find rest for our souls. Like the open outer flowers, surround the small inner flowers in the Lacecap Hydrangea; surround us in Your love and help us find rest and inner peace. Amen

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True Light: John 1:9

The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
John 1:9 (NLT)

There it was—the true Light [the genuine, perfect, steadfast Light] which, coming into the world, enlightens everyone.
John 1:9 (AMP)

John chapter one introduces Jesus and establishes that Christ was one with God. Jesus is the one, the true light. He is the source of light eternal, perfect light. For Jesus is the light of the world, in Him there is no darkness. Jesus gives light to everyone, enlightening all, with His teachings, His actions, His love. We reflect the light of Christ by believing in Him, spreading His Word, and sharing His love with others.

Are you walking in true light and reflecting it to others?

Prayer; God, Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for Your Son, Jesus, the true light, illuminating the darkness. Let us follow His teaching and actions and be enlightened. Teach us to reflect His light, and share His love with others. Like the vibrant, pure scented gardenia blossom, help us to be vibrant in our love for others and pure in our faith. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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

Truth: John 8:32

31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  John 8:31-32 (NLT)

To be a disciple of Christ requires being faithful to His teachings and abiding in His Word. Jesus wants us to remain in His Word to mature spiritually, grow in grace, and learn the truth. What is the truth? Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) We need to take time to know Jesus, to accept Him, and to remain faithful to his teaching. His Word, the truth, will set us free; from the bondage of sin. When we choose His will for our lives, then true freedom is found.

Do you want to be a disciple of Jesus, abide in His Word, and know the truth?

Prayer; Jesus our Light and Redeemer, we thank you for your patience and forgiveness. Teach us to follow Your teachings and abide in Your Word. Lord, help us to grow in spirituality and grace. Forgive us our sins, and guide us to the truth. Like the purple flowers and clematis vine needs support to grow upward, let us lean on Your support, grow in faith, and know the truth. Amen

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