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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By Faith – Hebrews 11:3

By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

Hebrews 11:3 (NKJV)

By faith, we understand the worlds were created by the word of God. Because of this, we can have confident expectations of the Lord and firm belief in His power. By faith we have firm belief in what is unseen, an assurance of God’s promises, and a confidence in the future. Faith in God is not wishful thinking, but a deep assurance and complete confidence in Him.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

– Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)

Godly faith is trust, trust in God’s nature, character, and promises. It is putting our trust in God and relying on Him where we cannot see. His good works, grace, and help in the past allow us confidence in the future.

We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. Hebrews 12:2a (CEV)

We go forward by fixing our eyes on Jesus, who perfects our faith.

By faith [that is, with an inherent trust and enduring confidence in the power, wisdom and goodness of God] we understand that the worlds (universe, ages) were framed and created [formed, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose] by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.

Hebrews 11:3 (AMP)

Our Heavenly Father, our Loving Creator, thank You for Your love and grace. Help us to live by faith and in obedience. Teach us to go forward in Your truth and grow in faith. Let our light shine bright, just like the mountain azalea flowers that are gathered together and brighten spring days. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Know the Lord – Psalm 9:10

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 (NIV)

David encourages us to remember God’s goodness. He is our provider, strength, and refuge. To those who seek Him, He gives support, guidance, and love. When we pursue a relationship with the Lord, we feel His presence in our lives. When we grow in knowledge of the Lord, we develop a genuine trust, realizing His goodness and faithfulness. God’s justice and faithfulness assure us that God will guide and protect us.

As we grow in faith through prayer and a deeper understanding of His word, we see God’s character and nature and realize He will not forsake or abandon anyone who seeks Him. We can release our problems to Him, for God is always present in our lives; He is our refuge and strength.

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Do you know the Lord? Do you put your trust in God and release your burdens to Him?

Our Heavenly Father, You are our hope and strength. Open our hearts and teach us to know You. Help us to grow closer to you through prayer and Your word, and grow in faith and trust. We thank you for your grace and love. Like the blue star flower blossoms brighten spring days, let us blossom in faith and shine brightly with love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Christ Lives in Me – Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

To download a copy of the above photo with scripture click here. To print press the CTRL + P (Windows) or CMD + P (Mac)

What does it mean to be crucified with Christ? It means Christ paid for our sins; they were crucified with Him on the cross. When we believe in Christ, we become a new creation; our old sinful life is dead and gone, replaced with faith, faith in Christ, our Savior. Christ lives in us.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

We trust in His plans for us; we strive to grow like Christ, and our thoughts and actions are transformed.
Instead of living in selfishness and worldly passions, we change priorities and behaviors, surrender control, and strive to live in a way that pleases God.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 34:16 (NIV)

Why did Jesus die for us? He died on the cross for us because He loves us.

Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not “mine,” but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that. Galatians 2:20 (MSG)

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Lord Jesus, you are our hope and salvation. We thank You for Your grace and love toward us, dying for our sins, and for living in us. Guide us on Your path, and teach us to follow You. Like the Magnolia tree has beautiful purple flowers in the spring, its blossoms opening in the sunlight; let us grow in faith and flower in Your light and love. Amen

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The Word – Isaiah 40:8

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”

Isaiah 40:8 (NIV)

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah contrasts the temporary nature of flowers and grass to the enduring promise of God’s word.
Earlier in verse 6, Isaiah compares people to being like grass and their love and faithfulness being as fragile as a wildflower. Which withers and falls when the wind sent from the Lord blows on it.

“All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. 7 The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” Isaiah 40:6b-8 (NIV)

Permanence and stability are found in the eternal word of God, which endures forever. For God is steadfast, His promises never fail; they last forever. When we trust in God’s word and live in obedience, His word will sustain us for now and forever. The word of God stands firm; it endures forever.

“These people are nothing but grass,
    their love fragile as wildflowers.
The grass withers, the wildflowers fade,
    if God so much as puffs on them.
    Aren’t these people just so much grass?
True, the grass withers and the wildflowers fade,
    but our God’s Word stands firm and forever.” Isaiah 40:6-8 (MSG)

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, thank you for Your grace and love for us. Thank you for Your word and Jesus, The Word. Teach us to read Your word and follow Jesus. May Your word guide and direct us. Your word stands firm and forever, giving us hope. Though we are fragile, like dandelions and wildflowers, let us be strong and secure in our faith. 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

Unseen yet Eternal – 2 Corinthians 4:18

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)

Paul refuses to let persecution and suffering for his faith make him lose heart, for his eyes were fixed on the great hope of Jesus Christ. Temporary suffering will pass, leading us to eternal glory – a glory, much greater than our current difficulties.

How do we go forward through times of trouble and not lose heart? By fixing our eyes on future glory, keeping our gaze fixed on what is unseen, the glory of the spiritual world, which is eternal and will never end. By going forward in faith.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

Having faith in the fulfillment of God’s promise that there is life beyond the grave. Focusing on what is unseen yet eternal – heaven’s glory.

16-18 So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever. – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

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Prayer: Thank you, Heavenly Father, for loving us and sending your Son to save us from our sins. Teach us not to lose heart during times of suffering and trouble. Help us grow in faith and not give up but instead fix our eyes on what is unseen but eternal. As the three vinca blossoms are gathered together, let us gather in faith, with thanksgiving for our triune God. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Come to the Light – John 3:21

But everyone who lives by the truth will come to the light, because they want others to know that God is really the one doing what they do. John 3:21 (CEV)

To do what is true is to live by the truth, love the truth, and seek the truth. People who live by the truth and embrace what is true come to the light. The phrase, coming to the light, means following God’s truth and living a steadfast, honest, and conscientious life. Truth and light are closely related. The person who obeys God and seeks the truth by praying, reading scriptures, and following Jesus is transformed and comes to the light. In contrast, those who cling to evil hide from the light, Jesus’ light.

Light exposes falsehood and offers hope and eternal life. When we live by the truth, seek light, and follow Jesus, we are transformed; our actions are divinely approved, done in the sight of God.

19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. John 3:19-21 (NIV)

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, help us to be transformed, and to come to the light. Guide us and teach us to seek the truth and live by Your truth. Let our actions be worthy and divinely approved. Like the Rudbeckia, bright flowers glow in the sunlight, let us shine brightly in the light of Jesus. Amen

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Afraid – Psalm 56:3

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. – Psalm 56:3 (NIV)

David had confidence in God’s power to protect him and to fulfill His promises. He knew how God had helped him in the past. Instead of falling apart when his situation was dire, he trusted God. Instead of being self-reliant and self-confident, he was God-confident. In verse 11, David praises the Lord and restates that his trust in God is greater than his fear.

10 In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise— 11 in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me? – Psalm 56:10-11

Fear encourages us to run, to escape. Faith helps us realize that God is with us and He is greater than our fear.

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)

So fear not; do not be afraid, for God will strengthen you and help you.

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, You are our hope and our salvation. Teach us to trust You, especially when we are overwhelmed and afraid. Help us turn to You rather than try to deal with problems on our own. Like the opening petals of the daisy flowers reach upward, let us open our hearts to You and reach out to You in prayer. In Jesus’ loving and holy name. Amen

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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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