Heart, Soul, and Mind – Mark 12:30

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’
Mark 12:30 (NIV)

To love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength means to put God first in your life. Making Him the center of your life. How do we show our love for God? We show our love by obeying Him, focusing on Him, and doing His will.

And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.
2 John 1:16

The word love in this verse comes from the Greek word agape. Agape love is showing, goodwill and compassion, delighting in and acting on another’s behalf. With agape love for God, we recognize Him as being true, honorable, and trustworthy. We trust in Him and want to follow His direction and to love others as He loves us.

Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,
Psalm 119:2 (ESV)

When we love God, we obey Him, follow His commands, and strive to do His will.

To seek the Lord with our whole hearts means to pursue with priority and commitment and to keep our focus on Him. When we love God, we yearn to be more like Him, to grow closer to Him in thought and deed.

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Prayer: Lord, we thank you for Your grace, mercy, and love for us. Teach us to love You with our whole hearts. To love You, with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. To follow Your commands and strive to do Your will. Like the bleeding-heart plant blooms and grows in the spring light, let us bloom and grow with love in Your light. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

One: John 10:30

I and the Father are one.
John 10:30 (NIV)

Jesus is speaking to his disciples and the Pharisees in John 10. To His critics, Jesus was trying to explain the truth. The Pharisees do not believe Him to be the Messiah, even though Jesus’ teaching and miracles are consistent with the biblical prediction of the Messiah.

²⁵Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, ²⁶but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. ²⁷My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. ²⁸I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. ²⁹My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all^[c]; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. ³⁰I and the Father are one.”
John 10:25-30 (NIV)

In verse 30, Jesus proclaims, I and the Father are one. A statement that upset the Pharisees; they considered it arrogant, rude, and blasphemy. They are angry and try to stone Him, but Jesus escapes.

The statement “I and the Father are one” refers to the unity between God and Jesus. Jesus is not merely a messenger or a prophet. The Greek word used for “one” in this statement is in the neuter form, which implies unity. Essentially, this means that God and Jesus are unified as one. Jesus further emphasizes this unity in verse 38 by saying, “The Father is in me, and I am in the Father.”

38 But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.”
John 10:38 (NIV)

Verse 30 in the Message bible states that Jesus and the Father are one heart and mind.

No one could ever get them away from him. I and the Father are one heart and mind.”
John 10:30 (MSG)

Jesus and the Father are one. Jesus perfectly obeyed the Lord, they both exhibited perfect love and unity, and they are one in heart and mind.

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Son Jesus. We are blessed that You and Jesus are one in heart and mind and keep your promises. Help us to emulate Jesus in our thoughts and actions. Like the anemone grows and flowers, let us grow like You and blossom in Your love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Faith – Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2This is why the ancients were commended.
Hebrews 11:1-2 (ESV)

The word faith is often used in conversations. What is faith? Faith is defined as belief and trust in and loyalty to God. (www.merriam-webster.com) It is a trust that God’s promises will be fulfilled. Faith is trusting in God having the assurance that things hoped for will become reality.

Faith is a belief in things you can’t physically see. But you don’t need to view them when you trust in God, His truth, power, and Word.

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
Hebrews 11-3 (ESV)

We trust God because He never lies. He fulfills His promises; He is worthy of our trust.

When you live by faith, not by sight, you trust God even though you don’t know where He is leading you or the plans He has for you. It requires patience as well as trust, realizing God is in control.

God has plans for us, plans to prosper us and give us hope and a future.

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 (NIV)

The undeniable evidence of God’s faithfulness is Jesus, who fulfills the hopes and promises of God.

The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd. 3 By faith, we see the world called into existence by God’s word, what we see created by what we don’t see.
Hebrews 11:1-3 (MSG)

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Does faith in God change the way you live?

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your faithfulness, love, and beautiful works. Help us to grow in faith, hope, and love. Guide us in Your truth and teach us. Like the azalea bush flourishes and produces new flowers every spring, help our faith to flourish and produce fruit. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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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Perfect and Proven: Psalm 18:30

As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
Psalm 18:30 (NKJV)

David in Psalm 18, recounts how God rescued him from his enemies and guided Him. He praises God, the source of his strength, his foundation.

For the music director; by the LORD’s servant David, who sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD rescued him from the power of all his enemies, including Saul. He said: “I love you, LORD, my source of strength!
Psalm 18:1 (NET)

David states that the way of God is perfect, without blemish; His word and promises are true. The word of the Lord is proven; it is faithful, for the Lord is trustworthy.

Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.
Proverbs 30:5 (NLT)

God is our shield and strength. He is a shield for all who trust in Him and look to Him for protection. Like David, when we follow God’s Word and rely on Him, He equips, strengthens, and protects us.

As David said, God’s way is perfect, and His Word is proven; He is our strength and shield.

30 What a God! His road
stretches straight and smooth.
Every God-direction is road-tested.
Everyone who runs toward him
Makes it.
Psalm 18:30 (MSG)

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When you hit troubles, do you solve them by your way or God’s perfect, proven way?

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for your guidance and direction. Open our hearts to Your perfect way. Teach us to follow Your God-directed path and trust Your proven Word. Like a blossom on a rose brightens our days, may Your love shine in our hearts and brighten our lives. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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The Great Commandment: Deuteronomy 6:5

5You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:5 (NKJV)

In Deuteronomy 6:5, Moses is addressing the Israelites, instructing them before they enter the promised land. Telling them the Lord your God wants love from them, a complete love. To love God with our whole heart and soul, to love for Him with all we’ve got.

5 Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that’s in you, love him with all you’ve got!
Deuteronomy 6:5 (MSG)

Jesus called loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength the Great Commandment.

37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.
Matthew 22:37-38 (NLT)

God created us, loves us, provides for us, sustains us, and protects us. He is our refuge and our strength. God wants us to love him with our whole heart, soul, and mind.

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Do you love God with your whole heart; with all you’ve got?

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we are in awe of You and Your love. We know You love us with everlasting love. Help us to follow Your Great Commandment. Teach us to open our hearts to You, to love You, God, with all our heart, soul, and strength. Like the flowers grow and thrive in the sunshine, let us grow and thrive with love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

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The Lord will Rescue Me – 2 Timothy 4:18

¹⁶At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. ¹⁷But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. ¹⁸The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
2 Timothy 4:16-18 (NIV)

Second Timothy; was written by Paul while he was in prison. He was writing to encourage Timothy to assure him that God keeps His promises; He is faithful.

Paul praises God; he expected to die soon but was confident of his eternal destiny.

The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
2 Timothy 4:18 (NIV)

He had the assurance that the Lord would rescue him from evil and; bring him safely to His heavenly kingdom. Instead of despairing, he was able to rejoice in the Lord, saying, “To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen”.
For Christ is the power and glory forever and ever!

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Do you have assurance in God’s promises; that He will rescue you from evil and bring you safely to His heavenly kingdom?

Prayer; Lord, we thank You for helping us and rescuing us from evil. Teach us to rely on You and have faith in Your promises. As the Gerbera Daisy flowers spread upward; toward the sun, let us reach upward toward Christ Your Son. We raise our praises, to You be the glory forever and ever. Amen

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Be Content: Hebrews 13:5

Don’t love money. Be happy with what you have because God has said, “I will never abandon you or leave you.”
Hebrews 13:5 (GWT)

Love of money, an unhealthy desire for wealth, or covetousness; are worldly behaviors that lead to dissatisfaction and envy. Christians need to be thankful for what they have and not be anxious about worldly things. Our lives should not revolve around earthly treasures, which are easily lost or destroyed. Instead, we should store our treasures in heaven; by living the way God asks us to live.
We should be happy and thankful for all God has given us; be content. For God says, I will never abandon you or leave you. An attitude of contentment brings heartfelt peace and leads to a positive outlook exemplifying Christian life.

5-6 Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote,

God is there, ready to help;
I’m fearless no matter what.
Who or what can get to me?
Hebrews 13:5-6 (MSG)

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Are you worried about your status and keeping up with the neighbors; or content in the knowledge that God will never abandon or leave you?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your forgiveness and love. Teach us to be content with what we have, and realize what is important in life. Help us to store our treasures in heaven; rather than in material things. Like the zinnia flower reflects sunlight, let us reflect Your light and spread Your love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Our Hope: Psalm 33:22

My Easter Basket

20We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield.

21In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.

22Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.
Psalm 33: 20-22 (NLT)

My hope is in the Lord; my soul waits for Him. What is hope? A dictionary definition is a feeling of trust. There is a close connection between hope and trust. Biblically, hope can be defined as a confident expectation of God’s promises. A confident expectation in what God has promised, and belief in God’s faithfulness, gives us hope.

The Lord is our help, shield, and salvation. Trusting in His holy name and unfailing love causes our hearts to rejoice.

Verse 22 is a closing prayer; Dear Lord, let your unfailing love and loving devotion surround us; for our hope is in you alone. Amen ⁂

When you have problems and concerns, where is your hope; is your hope in the Lord?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, You are our strength, help, and shield. We thank You for your grace, compassion, and unfailing love. You are our hope Lord; our hearts rejoice in Your faithfulness. Like bulbs planted in the Fall grow and bring joy in Spring, may our faith grow and our hope be in You alone. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Know the Lord: Hosea 6:3

Oh, that we might know the LORD! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.”
Hosea 6:3 (NLT)

Hosea was encouraging the people to know the Lord, to make an effort, to strive, and to press on; and know the Lord. In verse 1, he calls for repentance, for there was no faithfulness, and no love, or acknowledgment of the Lord; His people had turned away from Him.

Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces; now he will heal us.
Hosea 6:1 a

Verse 2 follows,

“In a short time He will restore us, so that we may live in his presence.
Hosea 6:2

When we press on and strive to know the Lord, He will respond to us as surely as the sun rises. He shall come to us like the rains of spring that water the earth and brings fruit for harvest. God will restore us, heal us, and guide us when we turn to Him. Hosea had full confidence in God, in His love, promises, and His power to restore. God wants us to know Him and love Him. As Jesus said, this is the greatest commandment:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’
Mark 12:30 (NIV)

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Are you striving to know the Lord, embracing His love, power to restore, and promises?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your patience and love. Help us to draw closer to You, to press forward and know You and Your ways. Lord, we are grateful for Your forgiveness and Your willingness to restore us, heal us, and guide us. Like the petals on the Gomphrena, Fireworks blossom; radiate around its center; help us to draw nearer to you, and radiate your love to others. In Jesus’ loving name. Amen

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