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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Trust in the Lord and Do Good – Psalm 37 1-4

A psalm of David.
1 Don’t worry about the wicked
or envy those who do wrong.

2 For like grass, they soon fade away.
Like spring flowers, they soon wither.

3 Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

4 Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart’s desires. ~ Psalm 37: 1-4 (NLT)

Peace and Blessings! 🌺

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)

^13-18Be 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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Radiance of God’s glory – Hebrews 1:3

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Hebrews 1:3 (NIV)

This verse is about Jesus, the Son of God. The radiance of God’s glory. In some versions, it says that Jesus is the reflection of God’s glory or the brightness of God’s glory. Jesus shines or radiates all that is honorable, praiseworthy, and glorious in God. He is divine as God is divine.

In the Old Testament, God spoke in many ways; now, He speaks to us through Jesus. Jesus is the eternal Word of God. He sustains all things by His powerful word.

After Christ was crucified and died on the cross, His work on earth was finished. He ascended to heaven and was seated at the right hand of God the Father. To sit at the right hand is a reference to power and honor. For Jesus, to be seated at the right hand of God shows honor, power, and authority; He reigns with God.

By his Son, God created the world in the beginning, and it will all belong to the Son at the end. This Son perfectly mirrors God, and is stamped with God’s nature. He holds everything together by what he says—powerful words! After he finished the sacrifice for sins, the Son took his honored place high in the heavens right alongside God, far higher than any angel in rank and rule. Hebrews 1:2-3 (MSG)

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace and forgiveness. We are blessed for You love us so much that You gave us Your Son, Jesus, the radiance of Your glory. Teach us to follow Jesus, the word of God. Like sunflowers brighten summer days and reflect light, let us shine bright and reflect Jesus’ light. 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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Listen to Him: Matthew 17:5

5While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

– Matthew 17:5 (NIV)

Peter, James, and John were with Jesus. They watched, and in front of them, Jesus was transfigured; His face shone like the sun, and He glowed with light, radiating the glory of God.

2 As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light.

Matthew 17:2 (NLT)

Then Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus. Peter is excited and speaking to Jesus when a bright cloud arrives and overshadows them.

5While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

Matthew 17:5 (NIV)

From the bright cloud, God’s voice affirms Jesus and says, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased. Listen to Him.”

God is telling us to listen to His beloved son, Jesus, to seek no other teachers, to hear Him, to believe in Him, and to heed His teachings. We are to be obedient and incorporate the teachings of Jesus into our lives daily.

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we love You and thank You for Your son Jesus. Teach us to open our hearts and listen to Him. Help us follow Jesus and incorporate His teachings into our daily life. Like the native sunflowers, flourish in the sunshine, let us follow Jesus and flourish in Your Son’s light. Amen

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Stands Forever – Psalm 33:11

The plan of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation. – Psalm 33:11 (NASB)

The Lord’s promises are steadfast, wise, and good. God’s plans are unchanging and enduring; they stand forever. What the Lord plans, He will do; His plans succeed. We have security for God’s promises endure forever.

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

Isaiah 40:8 (NIV)

The Lord’s plan stands forever; human intentions may falter and change over time. God’s authority and plans remain steadfast from generation to generation. The plans of His heart for His people are ones of love, peace, grace, and mercy. For the Lord is good; his love endures forever.

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5 (NIV)

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your mercy and grace. Your word and your promises are steadfast; they stand forever. Help and guide us to follow your word and plans for us. Teach us to rest in security, knowing Your promises endure forever. As the balloon flower balloon-like buds open into beautiful blooms, let us open our hearts and minds to You and bloom in Your light. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Refuge and Shield-Psalm 119:114

You are my hiding place and my shield. I find hope in your word.

– Psalm 119:114 (NET)

Psalm 119 is a message of confidence and trust in the Lord. In times of trouble, the psalmist trusts the Lord, his refuge and shield. He is our hiding place, our safe place, our shield to protect us from danger, and our place of comfort during life’s storms.

Like the Psalmist, we can rest in God’s promises and put our hope in His divine word. During adversity, we can find hope and strength in God’s word. As the CEV version says, Your word is my only hope.

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, you are our refuge and shield. Thank you for Your compassion and grace toward us. You are our hope and our salvation. Your word guides, comforts, and assures us. As the colors of the hyacinth brighten spring days, Your promises bring hope and brighten our days. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Under a Basket – Luke 11:33

No one lights a lamp and then hides it or puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. – Luke 11:33 (NLT)

Hiding a lamp under a basket, is mentioned in Luke 8:16-18, Matthew 5:15-16, and the above verse from Luke 11:33. The central idea is light is to be seen, not hidden. Pharisees, instead of accepting Jesus and sharing His light, rejected Jesus. They made false accusations, rejected the truth, and embraced darkness rather than light.

34“Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when it is unhealthy, your body is filled with darkness. ”

The word light in the Bible is often used to represent truth, knowledge, and goodness. Many feel that light (lighted lamp) in this verse represents Jesus. Your eye is the lamp of your body when you believe in Jesus and grow in truth, you shine with God’s light. Instead of hiding His light, you place it on a stand, illuminating the darkness and revealing His light to others. Let His light shine in you.

33-36 “No one lights a lamp, then hides it in a drawer. It’s put on a lamp stand so those entering the room have light to see where they’re going. Your eye is a lamp, lighting up your whole body. If you live wide-eyed in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a musty cellar. Keep your eyes open, your lamp burning, so you don’t get musty and murky. Keep your life as well-lighted as your best-lighted room.” -Luke 11:33-36 (MSG)

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, let us shine with Your light and truth. Teach us to follow You by guiding our path and illuminating our way. Let us increase in knowledge and goodness, spreading Your light. Like flowers need light to grow and blossom, let us not hide our lamp under a basket but grow in faith and blossom with Your light. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen