Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Talking to the Lord: Encouragement from Matthew 6:8

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Ever wondered how to talk to the Lord? Well, Matthew 6:8 has some wisdom for us: “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

Basically, the verse is saying that God, your Heavenly Father, already knows what’s on your mind before you even say it. It’s like God is tuned in to your thoughts, cares, and dreams.

Sometimes, we might think we need to fill God in on all the details when we pray. But Matthew 6:8 suggests a different approach – it’s like a reminder that God is already in the loop. So, when you talk to the Lord, you can be real and honest because He already knows what’s going on inside you.

This verse also nudges us to be thankful. Since God is aware of what we need, we can take a moment to say thanks for the good stuff and even for getting through tough times. It’s a way of shifting our focus from what we don’t have to appreciating what we do.

Matthew 6:8 teaches us to chat with the Lord in a genuine way. Forget the formalities; just talk to God like you would to a close friend. And remember, He’s not just listening, He already knows what’s on your heart.

So, the next time you find yourself talking to the Lord, know that you’re not alone. He’s right there with you, understanding you even before you say a word. It’s a comforting thought that can make your conversations with the Lord more real and meaningful.

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Sunshine and Thunderstorms

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There is an errand I typically complete by walking to the store. The weather is usually cooperative, but a few weeks ago as I was walking home, it started to rain. With each step, the rain intensified until I found myself caught in a down poor.

As I was splashing my way home, I realized this is a metaphor for life. Life’s sunshine may usually shine, but occasionally, we find ourselves in the rain. Perhaps even a torrential down poor, but the truth of God’s Word is always the same.

Whether we are gingerly walking through the sunshine of life or running through life’s thunderstorms, the Lord is helping us.

“The Lord watches over you – the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121:5-8).

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Still Rescues Today

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A lion rushed in and tried stealing a sheep, but the shepherd rescued the sheep and gave thanks to the Lord.

Later, a bear entered the flock and tried taking a sheep, but the shepherd battled the bear and rescued the sheep. He gave thanks to the Lord.

Now, the young shepherd, David, finds himself on the battlefield taunted by Goliath. Preparing for the battle ahead, David knows the Lord will continue to help him.

“The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37).

1 Samuel 17 records David’s victory over Goliath. The Lord rescued David just as David proclaimed he would, and just like he rescued David, the Lord can rescue you.

What Goliath are you facing today? That insurmountable challenge which continues to loom over you. It may be a challenge with your finances, in a relationship, or at your job. The challenge may take multiple shapes, but the truth of God’s Word remains the same – he can rescue you just like he did David.

Ask the Lord for help with these challenges today.

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Priceless: 7 Scriptures Reminding Us of Our Value to the Lord

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A father wanted to continue a family tradition of handing down a watch to the next generation, so he pulled his son aside one day and showed him the watch.

“This watch has been in our family for many years,” the father explained. “I want to pass it down to you, but first, I want you to take it to the watch shop and request an appraisal.”

The son took the watch to the shop, and the owner offered him $5 because the watch was very old. He reported this to his dad, and the son was given the task of taking the watch to the pawn shop for another appraisal.

Again, an offer of $5 because the watch was very old.

Next, the son was instructed to take the watch to the museum for a final appraisal. He excitedly reported back to his dad the museum offered a million dollars because of the watch’s age.

In response, the dad said, “I had you do this to show you that you always want to go where you are the most valued. You never want to stay where you are not valued.”

We always want to go where we are the most valued. The world may treat us as if we’re not valued, but the Bible assures us we have a great value. Here are 7 Scriptures to remind us of just how valuable we are to the Lord.

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Jeremiah 31:3

“The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued my faithfulness to you.”

Psalm 139:13-14

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

Romans 8:38-39

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Zephaniah 3:17

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”

Ephesians 2:4-5 (New Testament):

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace, you have been saved.”

1 John 3:1

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so, we are.”

These verses reflect the biblical understanding that God’s love is unconditional, everlasting, and extends to all people. They convey the idea that each individual is valuable and beloved in the eyes of the Lord. Remember, you are highly valued!

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Nothing Can Hinder

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He was outnumbered, and the path to even begin engaging in battle was difficult. But Jonathan allowed his faith to guide him.

In 1 Samuel 14:6, Jonathan makes a bold statement. “Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.”

“Nothing can hinder the Lord,” Jonahtan says. That’s a great statement.

Nothing can hinder the Lord…

  • From working.
  • From saving.
  • From fulfilling the plans and purpose he has for your life.

Keep this thought at the forefront of your mind today.

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

3 Promises to Carry Today

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Close to 3 weeks have past since we turned the calendar to 2024, and life is marching along. There have been good times and bad times; there have been moments of anxiety and stress, but peaceful ones as well. It is safe to say the rest of the year will continue to unfold in the same way. As each day comes, we can find encouragement in these words of Jesus.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Here, Jesus gives 2 promises we can carry with us.

  1. There will be difficult times. Jesus warns we will have trials and sorrows, so when they come, remember the other promises in this verse.
  2. Since Jesus doesn’t promise us perfection, he promises we can have peace in him. The peace we have is not based on external circumstances, but our connection with the Lord. Philippians 4:7 reminds us this peace is able to go beyond our understanding.
  3. We can have courage. He is greater than the trials and sorrows, so the victory will ultimately be ours through him.

If life is attempting to beat you up right now, remember, Jesus offers peace and courage.

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Salt It Up

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Salt is important. It serves as a flavor enhancer for our food, but it has also played a significant role in human history. It has helped stabilize economies, served as medicine, and preserved food. The world would not be the same without salt. So, it is no wonder Jesus compares us to salt in Matthew 5:13. “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.” We find in this verse two challenges.

Be the Salt of the Earth

Jesus says we are the salt of the earth. This gives you and I an important role. Just as salt played a central role in history, as Christ’s ambassadors, we are to play a pivotal role in the world around us. We are called to share…

  • Share the love of Christ.
  • Share the peace of Christ.
  • Be the hands and feet of Christ.

So, as you go through your day, look for opportunities to be salt, and salt it up.

Keep Your Flavor

Jesus also challenges us to keep our flavor. It is important to spend time in Scripture, prayer, and staying connected with other believers. Salt with no flavor is useless, but salt with a rich flavor is powerful. Take daily steps to stay richly flavored.

Accept Jesus’ challenge. Be the salt of the earth today; a salt with a rich, attractive flavor that has people coming back for more.

Thanks for reading, and remember, we’ll be back tomorrow at 6 a.m.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Blessed are the Sufferers

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Matthew 5:11-12 brings forth another powerful beatitude: “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.”

This Beatitude challenges the conventional understanding of happiness and invites believers to find joy even in the face of persecution.

At first glance, rejoicing in the midst of persecution may seem counterintuitive. However, Matthew 5:11 calls believers to shift their focus from worldly approval to divine affirmation. The happiness mentioned here is not dependent on external circumstances but rooted in the assurance that one’s identity is found in Christ. Rejoicing in persecution becomes a testimony of unwavering faith and a deep understanding of God’s promises.

Consider the sunflower, which follows the path of the sun across the sky. In times of persecution, believers are called to turn toward the Son of God, finding their source of joy and identity in Him. Like the sunflower, our joy can remain constant, regardless of the shadows cast by adversity.

  • “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).
  • “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Matthew 5:11-12 challenges us to embrace a joy that transcends circumstances. In the face of persecution, believers are called not only to endure but to rejoice. By finding our identity and happiness in Christ, we become living testimonies of God’s transformative power. So, let us face opposition with a radical joy that confounds the world and reflects the unshakable hope found in our Savior.

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Blessed are the Persecuted

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The oak tree stood tall; it was a pillar in the sky, and its roots ran deep and wide. Many storms came. Winds battered the tree, and hail fell all around it. The tree was never shaken. Its deeply planted roots allowed it to stand firm throughout the storms.

Like the oak tree, we may encounter many storms in life – difficulty caused by other people. When we do, Matthew 5:10 offers encouragement.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

The essence of this Beatitude lies in the recognition that righteousness often invites persecution. In a world where values may clash, standing firm in one’s commitment to what is right may lead to opposition. However, Jesus assures believers that such persecution is not a sign of failure but a testament to their allegiance to righteousness. The promise of the kingdom of heaven emphasizes the eternal reward awaiting those who endure trials for the sake of righteousness.

The trials may be minor or they may be extreme. Everyone’s story is different, but the promise is the same. Eternity in Heaven awaits.

This Beatitude serves as a beacon of hope for believers facing persecution. Through deep-rooted faith, Christians can find strength in adversity. As we stand firm for righteousness, we not only inherit the kingdom of heaven but also become beacons of light, guiding others on their journey of faith. So, let us embrace the challenges, knowing that in our perseverance, we reflect the enduring light of Christ.

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Blessed are the Peacemakers

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Among the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:9 stands as a beacon of guidance: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” This verse not only highlights the profound importance of peace but also underscores the active role we can play in fostering harmony and reconciliation in our communities.

Peacemaking is not merely the absence of conflict but an intentional pursuit of unity and understanding. This beatitude invites us to become active participants in the process of reconciliation, taking deliberate steps to build bridges and mend relationships.

Building bridges and mending relationships may require us to take hard steps in the right direction. It may mean…

  • We are the first to reach out amid conflict to negotiate peace.
  • We offer forgiveness to someone who has wounded us.

Being a peacemaker is certainly not easy, but the Lord can give us the needed strength. As you think about this beatitude today, is there a relationship in which you need to be the peacemaker? What steps can you deliberately take today to begin making peace?

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Encouraging & Inspiring