Category: Salvation

Holy Calling – 2 Timothy 1:9

9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,

– 2 Timothy 1:9 (ESV)

In 2 Timothy, the apostle Paul is writing to Timothy. He is speaking of the powerful love of God. That through God and the sacrifice of His son Jesus, we have been redeemed, rescued from sin. We are saved by God’s grace to be His people.

We are saved by grace, the grace of God, his unmerited favor, to bring us from sin and brokenness to holiness; a holy calling. Calling us to a life dedicated to Him, not because of our works, but due to God’s grace and purpose. His purpose for us, His chosen people, was established before the beginning of time. Through Jesus, we have been redeemed, called to live lives set apart for God’s purpose, and to pursue righteousness and holiness.

He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

Titus 2:14 (NLT)

We are to live out the holy life God prepared for us as His holy people, responding with praise, worship, and obedience. We are His people. God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be His people, serving Him and doing good works.

We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:9-10 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for our salvation through Your Son, Jesus. Lead us in Your eternal purpose/holy calling to a life of holiness and righteousness. Lord, we praise and worship You for Your goodness and grace. Like the colorful oriental lily brightens summer days, let us brighten the world with Your light and love. 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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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

God’s Armor – Ephesians 6:13

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:13 (NRSV)

Paul is writing to the Christians in Ephesus, urging them to take up the full armor of God to stand firm against evil. Equip yourself with spiritual protection by standing strong in faith, studying the bible, praying, and resisting temptation.

14 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these,[c] take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. – Ephesians 6:14-18a (NRSV)

The full armor of God is composed of truth, faith, salvation, righteousness, peace, and God’s word. When we faithfully follow Him, His armor protects us from temptation and the devil’s schemes. We stand firm, grounded in faith.

So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you. James 4:7 (AMP)

When you actively put on His armor in prayer, study the scriptures, and live out God’s teachings, you are arming yourself against evil influences that are trying to pull you away from God’s path.

We don’t need to fight the battle; we need to stand firm Christ has the victory. The devil is a defeated foe but has the freedom to act. When we put on the armor of God and are faithful and persevering in Jesus, we can stand firm against Satan’s wiles.

10 God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. Ephesians 6:10 (MSG)

13-18 Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them.  – Ephesians 6:13 -18 (MSG)

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, teach us to put on Your armor daily and stand firm against evil. Guide us to follow your path and not be tempted by evil. Help us to stand firmly grounded in faith. As the individual flower of the yarrow plant blooms gathered together, let us bloom in love and gather together in righteousness. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Great Gain – 1 Timothy 6:6

6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. -1 Timothy 6:6-7 (NIV)

Paul is writing to Timothy, explaining spiritual wealth. Spiritual wealth comes from godliness, “the practice of conforming to the laws and wishes of God” (dictionary.com). The greatest gain is found in following Christ rather than pursuing and amassing great wealth. For devoutness and moral uprightness lead to inner contentment.

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. – 1 Timothy 6:6 (NKJV)

When we choose to be content with spiritual wealth rather than through material riches, we are following God’s desire for us. For what we treasure is where our heart will be.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. – Matthew 6:21 (NIV)

A contented heart is worth more than wealth. Choosing godliness leads us to contentment and brings great gain.

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, thank You for our salvation through Your son Jesus’s death for our sins. Teach us to embrace spiritual wealth rather than striving to amass worldly wealth. Let us realize that godliness with contentment is a great gain. Like the lily blossoms are facing upward following the sun, let us turn our face toward Jesus and follow Your son. Amen.

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Greater than All – John 10:29

My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. John 10:29 (NIV)

Great is our God! How great is our God? He is greater than all! He has incomparable, unmatched power. He created heaven and the earth, and He is loving, merciful, and forgiving. He is great, greater than all; all creatures, angels, and men.

Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. – Psalm 145:3 (NIV)

By God’s authority, the ones who know Jesus’ voice (His sheep) are given to His Son, Jesus. God has placed us (Jesus’ sheep) under Jesus’ care. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross saved his followers, giving believers eternal life. 

God is greater than all and more powerful. No one can snatch believers away from Him.

My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them real and eternal life. They are protected from the Destroyer for good. No one can steal them from out of my hand. The Father who put them under my care is so much greater than the Destroyer and Thief. No one could ever get them away from him. I and the Father are one heart and mind.” John 10: 27-30 (MSG)

No one can snatch believers away from Jesus, for Jesus and His father God are one, one in heart and mind. ⁂

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, You are great greater than all. We thank You for Your grace in sending Your Son to save us sinners. We are in awe of Your power and strength that keeps us safe in Your hands. Like the flowers of the Viburnum are opened and gathered together, let us be open to Your love and gathered safely in Your mighty hands. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

I am taking a short break from writing – back in a couple weeks. 🌺

Once and Forever – Hebrews 7:25

24 But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. 25 Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf. – Hebrews 7:24-25 (NLT)

Jesus was raised from the dead and is seated at the right hand of God. Where He is available to intercede for us eternally. His priesthood is unending. Jesus saves us once and forever. Other versions say Jesus saves completely, now and always, and for all times. Before Christ, the priesthood was temporary, imperfect, and ending with death.

Jesus’ saving grace will be with us always; He will never abandon anyone who believes in Him. He will never leave us or forsake us. He has the power to save us from sin and offer us forgiveness. Jesus lives forever, intercedes for us forever, and saves us once and forever.

23-25 Earlier there were a lot of priests, for they died and had to be replaced. But Jesus’ priesthood is permanent. He’s there from now to eternity to save everyone who comes to God through him, always on the job to speak up for them. – Hebrews 23-25 (MSG)

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, thank you for Your son Jesus, who died for our sins. Help us understand that Jesus is our Savior, our eternal Interceder, who saves us once and forever. He will never abandon or forsake us. Like the Anemone flower opens and follows the sun, let us be open and follow Your Son. In Jesus’ name. Amen

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Living Hope – 1 Peter 1:3

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

Peter, an apostle of Jesus, says in this verse that we should praise and bless God for his great mercy, for He has blessed us with His son, Jesus. Through God’s grace, Jesus came to earth, was crucified for our sins, and resurrected from the dead. His death and resurrection gave us a new birth, born of God, and a living hope. In this verse, the Greek word hope means to have eager, confident expectations. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we have a confident living hope and the promise of salvation. We are born anew by grace and through faith.

By God’s steadfast love and through His grace, those who believe in Christ and repent their sin will be saved. Christ lives; He is our living confident hope for eternal life.

4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,

1 Peter 1:4 (NIV)

God, in His grace, gave us His son Jesus, our Savior, our Living Hope, and our salvation.

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Is your hope, your Living Hope, in Jesus?

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your mercy and grace. Teach us to rest in Your promises during difficult times. Let us grow in trust and faith, secure in the knowledge that we are born anew by Your grace. We thank You and praise You for giving us Your son, Jesus, to forgive our sins. He is our Living Hope and Redeemer. Like the three open tulips are facing skyward, let us be open to our triune God and keep our faces turned toward You. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Follow Me: John 10:27

My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, they’ll never be lost, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

John 10:27-28(ISV)

Sheep recognize the voice of the one that feeds, guides, and protects them. Jesus is our Good Shepherd; He leads and protects us, His flock. He knows us by name and guides us, showing us the right way to live.

We learn to recognize Jesus’ voice and listen to His directions, obeying His commands. He gives us (His Sheep) protection and eternal life. No one can steal any of Jesus the Good Shepherd’s followers, for we are protected; God is great and in control.

Follow me (Jesus) for protection, guidance, and eternal life.

My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them real and eternal life. They are protected from the Destroyer for good. No one can steal them from out of my hand.

John 10:27-28 (MSG)

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Are you following Jesus, listening, and being receptive to His call?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank you for your sacrifice and grace. Teach us to take time to be still and listen for your guidance. Help us to avoid evil and follow your direction. Jesus, teach us to follow You and have eternal life. As the white orchids blossoms align along the stem, let us align ourselves with You and follow Your path. Amen

Greatly Rejoice: Isaiah 61:10

Click for a free Download print of “greatly rejoice” flower with scripture photo.

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Isaiah 61:10 (NRSV)

Isaiah greatly rejoices in the Lord; his whole being exults God. He is joyfully praising the Lord because the Lord clothed him in salvation and covered him in a robe of righteousness. We have been clothed in the beauty of His grace as a bridegroom and bride adorn themselves.


What joy to know the blessings of God, His love, forgiveness, grace, and salvation. We are saved by grace; through faith in Jesus. We greatly rejoice in the Lord, singing with joy. Let us celebrate our Lord with worship and praise.

I will sing for joy in God,
    explode in praise from deep in my soul!
He dressed me up in a suit of salvation,
    he outfitted me in a robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom who puts on a tuxedo
    and a bride a jeweled tiara.

Isaiah 61:10 (MSG)

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Do you greatly rejoice and lift your voice in joy in praise and worship to the Lord?


Prayer; Our Heavenly Father; we thank You for Your forgiveness, promises, and grace. We greatly rejoice and praise You for our salvation through Jesus; and His sacrifice for us. Teach us to be righteous and exhibit justice and love. Like the lily flowers are open, reaching toward the sun, let us be open-hearted and reach out toward and follow Your Son, Jesus. Amen.

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