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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Heavenly Citizenship – Philippians 3:20

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, – Philippians 3:20 (NIV)

As Christians, though we live on earth, our ultimate home is heaven; we have a heavenly citizenship. Things on earth are temporary, so we should focus on what pleases God rather than earthly concerns.

Our perspective should glorify God’s kingdom, while with anticipation and hope, we eagerly await Christ’s return. The joyful expectation of Christ’s return should shape our attitudes and actions.

We have a heavenly citizenship when we believe in Jesus; heaven is our future home.

20-21 But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him. –

Philippians 3:20-21 (MSG)

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Prayer: Lord Jesus, we eagerly await Your return. Teach us to listen to You and follow You. Let our focus be on our ultimate home, Heaven, rather than on things of this world. We are thankful for our heavenly citizenship. As the open flower of the lily reaches toward the sun, let us be openhearted and reach toward You, Jesus, son of God. Amen

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Finding Jesus

If You Look for Me at Christmas…

Poem by: Jan Mahannah

If you look for me at Christmas,
you won’t need a special star;

I’m no longer just in Bethelehem,
I’m right there where you are.

You may not be aware of Me
amid the celebrations.
You’ll have to look beyond the stores
and all the decorations.

But if you take a moment
from your list of things to do,
and listen to your heart, you’ll find
I’m waiting there for you.

You’re the one I want to be with,
you’re the reason that I came,
and you’ll find Me in the stillness,

as I’m whispering your name. Love, Jesus

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Peace, Joy, and Merry Christmas! ✨

Have a healthy and happy New Year! Blessings!

🌺 I am taking a short break from blogging, returning in January.

Fix Our Eyes on Jesus: Hebrew 12:2

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2 (BSB)

It is believed Hebrews was written to persecuted Jewish Christians, encouraging them to persevere in their faith. Encouraging them to fix their eyes on Jesus. Reminding them to trust God, remain steadfast in their beliefs, and keep the faith.

Jesus faced persecution and hardship but was determined to carry out God’s will. He endured death on the cross for our salvation. He willingly finished His path to pay for our sins. By focusing on Jesus and following His path of faith, despite our present hardships and difficulties we know we can trust God with our future.

Jesus focused on the joy to come, to sit beside God, His father, and to save His sheep (us).

2 Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed – that exhilarating finish in and with God – he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.
Hebrews 12:2 (MSG)

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Where is your focus this Advent season? Are your eyes fixed on Jesus, or worldly concerns?

Our Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and grace. Help us to fix our eyes on Jesus and turn away from sin. Teach us to be more Christ-like in our actions. Guide us on our path. Like the butterfly weeds orange flowers brighten the garden; let us fix our eyes on Jesus and brighten our lives. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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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. 🌺

Noel: Unto us a Child is born…

Noel or Noël comes ultimately from the Latin natalis via Anglo-Norman and Middle French. Originally an exclamation of joy at the birth of Christ, in the middle ages it was also used to refer to the Christmas period.
http://www.macmillandictionaryblog.com/

Noel (lyrics)
written by, Chris Tomlin

Love incarnate, love divine
Star and angels gave the sign
Bow to babe on bended knee
The Savior of humanity
Unto us a Child is born
He shall reign forevermore
Noel, Noel

Come and see what God has done
Noel, Noel
The story of amazing love!
The light of the world, given for us
Noel
Son of God and Son of man
There before the world began
Born to suffer, born to save
Born to raise us from the grave
Christ the everlasting Lord
He shall reign forevermore
Noel, Noel
Come and see what God has done
Noel, Noel

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The story of amazing love!
The light of the world, given for us
Noel
Noel, Noel

Come and see what God has done
Noel, Noel
The story of amazing love!
The light of the world, given for us
Noel

Enjoy Lauren Daigle singing Noel:

Unto Us, a Child is born. He shall reign forevermore.

Noel! Peace, Joy, and Merry Christmas! Have a healthy and happy New Year! Blessings! ✨

I am taking a short break from blogging; returning in January. 🌺

God’s Will: 1Thessalonians 5:16-18

¹⁶Rejoice always, ¹⁷pray continually, ¹⁸give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

What is God’s will? According to Paul in 1Thessalonians, God’s will is for us to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. Lofty goals for us. It would be easier if Paul said, rejoice and pray often, and remember to be thankful. How do we learn to rejoice, pray, and give thanks to the Lord more often? By looking to God in all circumstances, praying for His direction, seeing others through His loving eyes. By realizing that rejoicing and prayer bring us closer to the promises of God and the hope of Christ, our source of true joy. Even when Paul was in jail and shackled, he rejoiced in God’s goodness. In prayer, we acknowledge God, His goodness, His grace, His mercy, and His provision for us. When we trust God, we feel thankfulness for His past, His present, and His future mercies toward us. These make us want to rejoice, pray, and thank our Heavenly Father.

God’s will for us is to rejoice always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances. When you are troubled, confused, afraid, and overwhelmed, do you stop; and take a moment to rejoice, pray, and give thanks?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we are in awe of Your love and compassion for us. We rejoice in your goodness to us, we pray for Your guidance, and we thank you for Your amazing grace. Teach us to find delight in Your love and to rejoice always. Open our hearts to You. Let us embrace Your will, focus on Christ, and reach out in prayer with thanksgiving in all circumstances. Like the foxglove blossoms appear to be open and in song, let us open our hearts to you and rejoice with singing. In Jesus’ holy and loving name. Amen

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God is open to and listens to our prayers. If you need prayer, I will be glad to pray for you. Leave a comment or message me on the contact page. 🌺

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. 🌺

Joy: John 15:11

Click for a free pdf download of the above image with scripture

⁹“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ¹⁰If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. ¹¹I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
John 15: 9-11 (NIV)

Allowing Jesus into your life, following His ways, and giving Him your burdens, brings joy to your life. Jesus did not want His followers to live in fear; He wanted them to rely on Him, to receive His peace, love, and joy. Jesus wants us to lighten our burdens by turning them over to Him. When we let go of fears and worries and take time to be still in His presence, it opens our hearts to His way. Having faith, trust in Jesus lightens our mind, calms our day, and brings us joy.

Do you let temporary problems and struggles steal away your eternal Jesus given joy?

Prayer; Jesus, our Shepherd, and Redeemer, teach us to give our burdens and fears to You. Lead us on the path of righteousness and guide our way. Help us to embrace your teachings and grow in faith. Like the glorious open flowers of the water lilies, reach upward toward the sun, let us be open-hearted and reach upward toward You, Jesus, and live in joy. Amen

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