Kind and Compassionate: Ephesians 4:31

31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice ³²Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:31-32(NIV)

Paul is writing from prison; he is extolling the Ephesians to live the way God’s people should live.

4 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.
Ephesians 4:4

He explains how to thrive in the power and grace of Christ rather than stumbling in sinful actions. Instead of holding on to bitterness, rage, anger, slander, and quarreling; embrace kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. Be forgiving like Christ God forgives you; live as children of light.

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, quarreling, and slander be put away from you, along with all hatred.
Ephesians 4:31 (ISV)

When kindness, compassion, and forgiveness; are embraced, bitterness is replaced with love and care for each other. As Jesus said, the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself.

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Matthew 22:37-38 (NIV)

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Forgiveness encourages compassion and kindness and brings peace. Are you able to let go of anger and rage and forgive?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father teach us to let go of anger and bitterness; and forgive. Teach us to be kind and compassionate, tender-hearted with a Christ-like attitude of love. Like the begonias and chrysanthemums in the photo grow together and thrive, let us learn to forgive and love one another and thrive. In Jesus’ holy loving name. Amen

Lamp: 2 Samuel 22:29

You, LORD, are my lamp; the LORD turns my darkness into light.
2 Samuel 22:29 (NIV)

Chapter 22 in 2 Samuel is a hymn from David, a hymn praising God and thanking Him for deliverance. David called out to the Lord, asking for help, protection, and deliverance from his enemies and Saul. The Lord heard David and helped him, protecting him, guiding him, and saving him from his enemies. The Lord was his lamp; brightly shining forth light; illuminating the darkness of wickedness, depression, loneliness, and despair.
The Lord is our lamp, illuminating our path and brightening our lives with His light of understanding, hope, and peace.⁂

Is the Lord, your lamp? Do you reach out to Him on dark days, letting Him turn your darkness into light?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for your protection, help, and care. You are our lamp; teach us to reach out to You in our darkest times. Help us to trust you to shine Your light on our worries and fear. Teach us to be patient and trust in Your strength and power. Like flowers grow, flourish, and glow in the sunlight; let us flourish and glow in Your light. In Jesus’ holy and loving name. Amen

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Lead Me: Psalm 32:8

The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.
Psalm 32:8 (NLT)

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJ)

The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the LORD, And He delights in his way [and blesses his path].
Psalm 37:23 (AMP)

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105 (NLT)

I invite you to join me in meditating on these scriptures. May God lead you – and light your path.

I am taking a few weeks off for caregiving. Blessings!🌺

Shine Like Stars: Philippians 2:14-15

14Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky
Philippians 2:14-15 (NIV)

Our goal is to live without arguing and grumbling, no bickering, and become Children of God, blameless and pure. Being blameless requires diligent effort in a crooked, polluted, and warped world. To live in this way shows we are Christians, ready to carry God’s light-giving Word into the world. Then when we go forth enlightened, we will shine like stars in the sky.

14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I’ll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You’ll be living proof that I didn’t go to all this work for nothing.
Philippians 2:14-16 (MSG)

A diligent effort is required to live without arguing and squabbling. How are you doing at being blameless; do you shine like stars in the sky?

Prayer; Lord help us to be kinder, and gentler; to let go of arguing and complaining. Teach us go forward, blameless and pure in this sinful world. Let us shine in Your light, with love, and share your light-giving message. As the phlox bloom shine in the sun and brighten spring, let us shine in Your light and spread Your brightness to the world. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Light of Jesus: John 1:5

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:5 (NIV)

Jesus, Son of God, came into the world; to be the Light of the world. When we accept Him and follow His Word, He illuminates our hearts and souls. Christ came as God’s light; to shine light into the darkness; to expel the darkness of sin.

As foretold years earlier by Isaiah;

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
Isaiah 9:2 (NIV)

God represents goodness, light, truth, and salvation. Darkness is the absence of light and represents evil and sin. The light of Jesus glows eternally. He is the resurrection and the light.

I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.
John 12:46 (NLT)

The darkness has not overcome Jesus’ light and never will. His light is ever shining, in the past, present and future. ◊

Have you opened your heart to the light of Jesus? Do you let the light of Jesus shine and illuminate the darkness?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for the light of Jesus. Teach us to walk in faith and light. Jesus, Light of the World, guide us in Your truth. Like the trillium’s white flowers glow in the sunshine, let us glow with Your illuminating light. Amen

Guard Your Heart: Proverbs 4:23

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)

God’s Word has the power to transform your heart. Reading the scriptures and meditating on God’s Word opens your heart, enlightening and renewing your thoughts and actions. A transformed heart that is right and pure has the right beliefs and focuses on God’s Word.

Like David, in Psalm, 51:10 we need to pray: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

In 1 Samuel 16:17b, The Lord says to Samuel: “People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

God’s Word can strengthen and heal your heart; guide you in wisdom. Guard your heart; follow the right path, allow God to direct your steps, to keep you from evil.

23-27 Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
that’s where life starts.
Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth;
avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.
Keep your eyes straight ahead;
ignore all sideshow distractions.
Watch your step,
and the road will stretch out smooth before you.
Look neither right nor left;
leave evil in the dust.
Proverbs 4:23-27 (MSG)

Will you let God’s Word guide your heart and direct your path?

Prayer; Lord, create in me a clean heart, guide my path. Teach me to guard my heart, to keep my eyes focused on You, and to resist evil. Let my words and actions be acceptable in Your sight. Like the flowers of the bleeding heart plant reflect sunlight, let my heart reflect the light of Christ. 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.🌺

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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I believe in the power of prayer and would 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. 🌺

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. 🌺

God filled life: Titus 2:11-14

11-14 God’s readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation’s available for everyone! We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness.
Titus 2:11-14 (MSG)

Salvation is available to everyone through the grace of God. Christ Jesus died for our sins; His sacrifice freed us from darkness and brought us into the light. The light of Jesus a shining, illuminating life, freeing us from our dark, sinful world. He transforms our life, bringing peace, hope, and direction. He opens our hearts to love and teaches us to turn our back on a godless, indulgent life, to lead a God-filled, God-honoring life. A life that reflects the life of Jesus; be self-controlled, upright, godly, and doing good works. A God-filled, God-centered life while expectantly awaiting the glorious return of Jesus.

Through God’s forgiveness and grace in Jesus, salvation is available to everyone. Is your life God-filled and God-directed?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we are in awe of your grace, forgiveness, and love. You have made salvation available to all who believe in Your Son, Jesus. We thank you for Jesus, who has brought love and light into our world. Teach us to let go of worldly things and live a joyful, God-filled life. Like the allium flowers are gathered together, open to the sunlight, let us gather together, open to and transmitting the light of Jesus. Amen

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