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stepforddoll · 1 year

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byfaithmedia · 11 months

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Jesus my anchor ⚓️

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almondeyjoy · 1 year

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#true words #christianliving #pleasing god

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hopethroughscriptureministries · 8 days

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Embracing the Fruit of the Spirit:

Cultivating Christlike Character

Introduction: Embark on a transformative journey through the fruit of the Spirit as we explore the qualities that reflect the character of Christ. Join us on this enriching exploration of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, and discover how they can shape our lives and relationships.

Scripture Passage: Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) Cross References: John 15:1-17, Colossians 3:12-17, 2 Peter 1:5-8

Commentary: In Galatians 5, Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit as evidence of a life surrendered to Christ. These qualities—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—flow from a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit and reflect the character of Christ Himself.

In John 15, Jesus uses the analogy of the vine and branches to illustrate the importance of abiding in Him to bear fruit. He emphasizes the intimate connection between abiding in His love and producing fruit that glorifies the Father.

Colossians 3 calls believers to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving as the Lord has forgiven us. These virtues are essential for maintaining unity in the body of Christ.

In 2 Peter 1, believers are encouraged to make every effort to add to their faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. These qualities ensure that we will be effective and productive in our knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Broader Context:

Love:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - The characteristics of love as described by Paul.

John 13:34-35 - Jesus commands his disciples to love one another as He has loved them.

1 John 4:7-12 - Believers are called to love one another because love comes from God.

Joy:

Psalm 16:11 - In God's presence is fullness of joy.

Nehemiah 8:10 - The joy of the Lord is our strength.

John 15:11 - Jesus desires His joy to be in us, and for our joy to be complete.

Peace:

Isaiah 26:3 - God promises perfect peace to those whose minds are steadfast.

Romans 5:1 - Through faith in Jesus, we have peace with God.

Philippians 4:6-7 - God's peace guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Patience:

Ecclesiastes 7:8 - Patience is better than pride.

Romans 12:12 - Believers are called to be patient in affliction.

James 5:7-8 - Be patient and stand firm, for the Lord's coming is near.

Kindness:

Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other.

Proverbs 19:22 - What is desired in a man is kindness.

Colossians 3:12 - As God's chosen people, clothe yourselves with kindness.

Goodness:

Psalm 23:6 - Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.

Romans 12:21 - Overcome evil with good.

Titus 2:14 - Christ gave himself for us to redeem us and purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Faithfulness:

1 Corinthians 4:2 - Faithfulness is required of stewards.

2 Timothy 2:13 - God remains faithful even when we are faithless.

Revelation 2:10 - Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown.

Gentleness:

Proverbs 15:1 - A gentle answer turns away wrath.

Galatians 6:1 - Restore others gently when they are caught in sin.

1 Peter 3:15 - In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.

Self-Control:

Proverbs 25:28 - A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.

1 Corinthians 9:25 - Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

Titus 2:11-12 - For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.

Questions:

Which fruit of the Spirit do you find most challenging to cultivate in your life, and why?

In what ways can you abide more deeply in Christ to bear fruit that reflects His character?

How do the fruit of the Spirit impact your relationships with God and others?

What practical steps can you take to nurture the fruit of the Spirit in your daily life?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit who produces fruit in our lives that reflects the character of Christ. Help us to cultivate these virtues daily, empowering us to love as you love, to bring joy wherever we go, and to walk in peace amidst life's storms. May our lives bear witness to your transformative power and bring glory to your name. Amen.

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biblealbum · 2 months

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Episode 1667/1758. The Scripture art series from Revelation to Genesis.

#bibleverse #christianity #christianliving #biblequote #wordofgod #ilovejesus #jesuslovesyou #jesusisking

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bibleblogs · 2 years

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The main point of Christianity isn’t our favor, our miracle, or our next big blessing. The main point of all of this is God’s glory. May He give us insight and make us realize that it’s wrong and it’s selfish to make what He did out of His great mercy all about our earthly convenience.

#christian #christianblogger #christianity #christianliving #grace #Godslove #Jesus #BibleVerse #christianquotes #faith #Scripture

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trustandobedience · 1 year

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Trust & Obey – Thoughts from January 1, 2023.

As we enter the new year, I’m reflecting on the weight those two words have had on me since September. Trust and Obey – they seem like simple things on the face of it, something every “good” Christian will tell you is a part of life. However, when faced with actual challenges in life, I’ve found that trust and obedience are harder than the words imply. As is often the case with following Jesus, things do not always go the way we would have them go, especially with regards to our future plans and the things we want for ourselves. His plan doesn’t always line up with ours, and that’s hard to come to terms with.

If you’re anything like me, you love having a plan for literally any situation that comes your way. You’ve got that Type A, practical personality that means your every move is well thought out and considered before being made. And, if you’re like me, then you are absolutely devastated when things don’t follow the established plan. Whether it’s missing the plane you were meant to be on or something as simple as waking up an hour later than you’d planned, you just can’t handle the uncertainty and anxiety that comes with deviance from the plan.

And that’s an okay way to be! The world needs thinkers like us to hold it together and keep it spinning on time. Although we often get a bad rap for not being as easygoing or agreeable as the “free thinkers,” the world’s creative types, we are needed at the end of the day to make sure that the dog gets fed on time and the clocks keep ticking in tandem. We are important; valued for combating the very things that often cause us distress. That bring the order and stability that we are uniquely and unquestionably able to bring to a chaotic world. We show God’s orderliness, His plan and pattern through the way we establish our own structure in our day to day lives. We are living evidence of a Creator who refuses to leave things up to chance, who establishes order in keeping with His character.

However, sometimes it just feels like we’re getting in our own way, doesn’t it? I mean, life would be so much easier if I could just go with the flow, let things like disrupted plans roll off my shoulders, shrug it off and keep moving. But I can’t. I haven’t ever been able to, and I don’t see that changing any time soon. So, how do we navigate our lives in a way that glorifies God when it feels like the things we plan won’t come to fruition?

We have to trust His plan. I know, I know – it’s trite, and even I’m tired of hearing it on my bad days. Trust me, I would rather manipulate a situation until no semblance of the original plan remains than move forward without one. Giving my plans over to Jesus and trusting that He will do infinitely more with them than I ever could is HARD. It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, and it’s made harder by the fact that it isn’t a one-time deal. We have to give up our own sense of control, our ideas for what we want or deserve out of life, and we have to keep doing that time and time again until the end of our days. As Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “‘My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” There will never be a time when His plans are not better than ours. There will never be a day where what we think we want is better than what God wants for us. If our wants and desires are not aligned with His plan for us, then we will continue to be disappointed, and we will end up disillusioned with Him if we aren’t careful.

If you grew up in the church, or have attended church for any stretch of time longer than, like, three weeks, there are several verses on this topic that you’ve probably heard multiple times and memorized at one point in your life. We can start off with Jeremiah 29:11 - “‘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.’” We don’t even have to look past the very words of this verse to get confirmation that He not only has plans for us, but that they are plans for our good, to give us hope. Psalm 33:11 confirms this once again, saying that “the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations,” and Psalm 32:8 tells us that He will “instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; [counseling] you with my loving eye on you.”

Of course, the “poster child” (or poster verse, if you will) of trusting in the Lord is Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” This verse is about as clear as it gets! We are not meant to trust our own thoughts and opinions over the Lord’s, no matter how wise we think we are or how much we know about a situation. When the Lord calls us out of a situation we want to be in, there is always something else going on that He knows about and we cannot see. Since we know that His ways are higher than our ways, His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, He has plans for us, and that those plans work for our benefit even when we can’t fathom how, we can rest in Him and give Him our trust, our thoughts, and our plans for the future.

Indeed, we can even see implications in scripture of where a lack of trust in the Lord caused Him to delay the enactment of His plans (Matthew 13:58, “And He did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.”). This does not mean that the Lord’s plan is in any way derailed or misplaced, but rather that the Lord wishes to partner with us in the fulfillment of His plans for us. He wants our trust and obedience before He gives us the good things He has in store.

So, since we can see clearly at multiple points in Scripture that the Lord has good plans for us, how then should we live? How can we live out the trust we are meant to have in His plans and provision? Well, that’s where obedience comes into play. No matter what the Lord says, no matter where He wants us to go, what He wants us to give up, or who He wants us to forgive, we are called, as His people, to obey Him in all things. A point in the Bible where this idea is made clear that has stood out to me is the story of Jonathan and his armor-bearer from 1 Samuel 15. At this point in Israel’s history, Saul is king and the Philistines have dominated the Israelites completely, making God’s nation subservient to them in more than one respect. Jonathan, Saul’s son, decides to attack a Philistine outpost without informing his father and taking only his armor-bearer, a personal assistant of sorts, with him. Jonathan shows tremendous faith and trust in what the Lord would have him do, and obedience to what God said, by taking a step back and asking for His guidance before going through with what he wanted to do (verse 10). The Enduring Word Commentary on this chapter names Jonathan as having a “Romans 8:31 heart: ‘If God can be for us, who can be against us?’”

Jonathan showed wisdom and complete trust in the Lord in this instance. He knew that his heart might be wrong, that his human emotions and thoughts were fallible and might be leading him astray, and so sought the Lord’s guidance before making a move. Enduring Word makes the important distinction that he did not doubt a word from God, as had other figures earlier in 1 Samuel (cough cough, Saul), but rather doubted his own heart and mind. Jonathan was content in knowing his part of the plan without demanding to hear the whole one, taking one step at a time and trusting that the Lord knew everything that was to come. He showed an obedience fueled by his trust when he attacked the more than twenty Philistines stationed there with only his armor-bearer by his side.

We can take Jonathan’s example for how we should respond to our own thoughts, emotions, and plans, and take a step back to evaluate them next to what the Lord says to make sure they are sound before moving forward. When we realize that His plans work together for our good (Romans 8:28), that His plans will come to pass regardless of how much planning and strategizing we do for ourselves (Proverbs 16:9), and that He is working in His own time to keep the promises He has made to His people so that all may come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9), we really have no choice but to give Him the reins and see where He takes us.

Well, I say we have no choice, but what I really mean is that we have no logical choice but to obey Him. We can fight, and push back, and rage against His plans, but at the end of the day, we are only hurting ourselves. When it feels like all we’re doing is getting in our own way by trying to be in control, that’s because we are. Things will run so much more smoothly with Him in control, since He knows not only the future, but our hearts and the hearts of those around us. When we can fully trust in His ability to work things together for our good, the only choice that makes sense is to obey Him when He speaks to us and believe Him when He says that He will see us through to the end.

#trustandobey #trustinggod #christian #christianthoughts #happynewyear #2023 #scripture #bibleapp #1 samuel #jonathan #trust #obedience #christianblog #christianliving #christianity #faith #planner

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faithfulverses7 · 4 months

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Experience the divine with Ldurian’s Christmas Gifts Cross Keychains. Crafted from durable stainless steel, these religious key rings are more than just accessories - they’re a testament to your faith. Each keychain is engraved with a powerful Bible verse, serving as a constant reminder of God’s word. Perfect for gifting to loved ones this Christmas season.

#Ldurian #ChristianGifts #CrossKeychains #ReligiousJewelry #BibleVerse #Faith #Inspiration #ChristmasGifts #ChristianLiving

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jakedailyart · 8 months

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The Covenant of Marriage: A Christian Perspective on Sustaining Lifelong Love

In the Christian faith, marriage isn't just a legal or social arrangement but a holy covenant that reflects the spiritual union between Christ and the Church. It is a God-ordained institution designed for mutual growth, love, and support. So, how does one navigate the intricacies of marital life while keeping Christ at the center? Let's delve into some valuable Christian-based marriage advice that aims to uphold the sanctity and joy of this divine partnership.

Forge a Strong Spiritual Bond

Shared Spiritual Goals: Working towards common spiritual objectives, like mission work or raising children in the faith, can help focus your marriage on higher purposes.

Daily Devotionals: Spending time together in God’s Word not only nourishes your individual spirits but also fortifies the spiritual foundation of your marriage.

The Language of Love and Respect

Appreciate Individual Love Languages: While the Bible commands us to love unconditionally, understanding each other’s love languages can help make that love tangible.

Respect as a Two-Way Street: In Ephesians 5:33, husbands are called to love their wives, and wives are told to respect their husbands. Both love and respect should be mutual to foster a harmonious relationship.

Money Matters: Stewardship and Generosity

Joint Financial Decisions: Proverbs 21:5 advises diligent planning and hard work lead to prosperity. Jointly planning your finances can bring about unity and growth.

Open-handed Living: Reflecting God’s generosity in your financial decisions can deepen your trust in Him and each other.

Emotional and Physical Intimacy

Cultivate Emotional Intimacy: Vulnerability can be challenging but is essential for emotional closeness. James 5:16 encourages us to confess our faults to one another to foster a healing environment.

Celebrate Physical Intimacy: The Song of Solomon celebrates sexual love within marriage. This intimacy is God’s gift and should be enjoyed respectfully and lovingly within the bounds of marriage.

Navigating Challenges Through Forgiveness and Humility

Be Quick to Forgive: Christ’s parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18:21-35 is a strong reminder to forgive as we have been forgiven by God.

Embrace Humility: Philippians 2:3-4 advises us to consider others better than ourselves. In marriage, this means putting your spouse's needs above your own.

Effective Communication: More Than Words

Non-Verbal Cues: Paying attention to body language and tone can often tell you more than words can.

Speak Softly: Proverbs 15:1 says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath." Choose your words carefully, especially in heated moments, to maintain peace.

Conclusion

Marriage is a divine covenant that requires constant effort, eternal love, and Christ-like humility. It’s a journey that promises great joy but also inevitable challenges. By relying on scriptural principles and God's grace, you can build a strong, fulfilling marriage that not only brings you and your spouse happiness but also honors the One who brought you together.

May your marriage be a beautiful testimony of God’s enduring love and faithfulness. Amen.

#ChristianMarriage #FaithAndFamily #MarriageAdvice #CovenantLove #SpiritualGrowth #GodCenteredRelationship #MaritalCommunication #FinancialStewardship #EmotionalIntimacy #ScripturalPrinciples #ForgivenessAndGrace #LoveAndRespect #BiblicalWisdom #ChristianLiving #LifelongCommitment

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drjameslongjr · 5 months

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Biblical Wisdom for Handling Anger: Embracing the BULLETS Approach

Dealing with anger is not easy.

Dealing with anger is an everyday challenge, and for Christians, it presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate Christ's teachings of love, patience, and humility. While conflict is inevitable, our response to it can either escalate or diffuse the situation. In this blog, Biblical Wisdom for Handling Anger, we explore the BULLETS acronym, combining practical advice with biblical wisdom, to navigate such encounters as peacemakers.

Embracing the BULLETS Approach

Be Seated When encountering anger, our first step is to seek a moment of calm. Psalm 37:8 advises us to refrain from anger and forsake wrath. By inviting the other person to sit, we create a space for peaceful dialogue. This act is not just about physical posture but an internal readiness to engage respectfully, reflecting Christ’s composure in times of conflict. Use the Person's Name In addressing someone by name, we follow Christ's example of personal engagement, as seen in His interactions with Peter (John 21:15-17). This approach shows respect and attentiveness, essential in affirming the individual's worth, irrespective of their behavior. Lower Your Voice "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Proverbs 15:1). Our tone can either soothe or aggravate a situation. By consciously lowering our voice, we extend an olive branch, inviting a shift from hostility to dialogue. Listen Active listening is a cornerstone of effective communication. As James 1:19 advises, we should be "quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger." This means genuinely striving to understand the root of the other person's anger and acknowledging their feelings, creating an environment conducive to healing. Eliminate Humor Humor, especially in tense situations, can be misinterpreted as insensitivity. Ephesians 4:29 reminds us to use words that build up and fit the occasion. Our goal is to show empathy and seriousness, ensuring the other person feels heard and respected. Talk, Don't Argue James 3:17 celebrates the wisdom that is peaceable and open to reason. In conflicts, our aim is not to win an argument but to seek mutual understanding and resolution. We should communicate our perspectives respectfully, fostering an atmosphere conducive to problem-solving. Slow Down Patience is a virtue that allows for thoughtful and effective communication. Slowing down our speech rate is a practical way of modeling calmness, encouraging both parties to engage in a rational and respectful manner. So, How Will You Apply Biblical Wisdom for Handling Anger? Our role as Christians extends beyond personal salvation to being ambassadors of Christ's love and peace, especially in handling conflicts. By applying the BULLETS approach, we can navigate through anger and conflict with grace and wisdom. May we always strive to be peacemakers, embodying Christ's teachings in every interaction. Let us commit to using communication as a tool for healing and reconciliation, bringing about God's kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Join the Lessons for Life Monthly Membership

Embark on a transformative journey with our "Lessons for Life" membership. For only $7/month, gain access to on-demand training, tools, teachings, and resources, all designed to help you navigate life's challenges with biblical wisdom and practical solutions. Whether you're facing personal struggles, seeking spiritual growth, or need guidance in complex situations, our supportive community and the i3A framework will guide you toward a life-changing encounter with Christ. Benefits Include - Biblically-based guidance for real-life problems. - Practical application of each lesson. - Supportive, like-minded community. - Live Q&A sessions, expert guests, community coaching, and connection calls. Transform Your Life Today Join now and be part of a community committed to personal and spiritual growth. Experience the power of transformation through faith, shared wisdom, and mutual support. Click here to join the Lessons for Life Membership. Read the full article

#EffectiveCommunication #biblicalwisdom #AngerManagement #ChristianLiving #ConflictResolution #Peacemaking

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christianstickersstore · 1 year

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Seek the Kingdom ! Matthew 6:33

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stepforddoll · 1 year

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byfaithmedia · 2 months

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Yes Lord 🙌🏻

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almondeyjoy · 2 years

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#peaceofgod #in your heart #lifestyle #christianliving #scripture

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hopethroughscriptureministries · 9 days

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Exploring the Power of Prayer:

Deepening Your Spiritual Connection

Embark on a transformative journey through the power of prayer as we delve into the depths of spiritual connection and communion with God. Join us as we uncover the profound truths and transformative impact of prayer in the life of every believer.

Scripture Passage: Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) Cross References: Matthew 6:5-15, James 5:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 In Philippians 4, Paul exhorts believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, assuring them that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. This passage highlights the transformative power of prayer in bringing peace and contentment amidst life's challenges.

In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches his disciples the model of prayer, known as the Lord's Prayer, emphasizing the importance of sincerity, humility, and trust in approaching God. He encourages believers to pray in secret, avoiding empty repetition and focusing on genuine communication with the Father.

James 5 encourages believers to pray for one another, acknowledging the powerful effectual prayer of the righteous. Prayer is depicted as a potent weapon against spiritual forces of darkness, bringing healing, restoration, and deliverance.

In 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul urges believers to pray continually, giving thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for them in Christ Jesus. Prayer is portrayed as an ongoing conversation with God, a lifeline that sustains and strengthens our relationship with Him.

Broader Context:

Matthew 7:7-11 - Ask, seek, and knock in prayer, trusting in God's provision.

Luke 11:1-13 - Jesus teaches on prayer and encourages persistence in asking, seeking, and knocking.

Ephesians 6:18 - Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.

Colossians 4:2 - Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 - Pray for all people, including leaders, so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in godliness and holiness.

James 1:5-8 - Ask God for wisdom in prayer, trusting that He will give generously to all without finding fault.

1 Peter 3:12 - The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer.

1 John 5:14-15 - Have confidence in approaching God in prayer, knowing that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

Questions:

How does prayer deepen your spiritual connection with God and impact your daily life?

In what ways can you cultivate a more consistent and meaningful prayer life?

How do you approach prayer during times of joy, sorrow, and uncertainty?

What role does thanksgiving play in your prayer life, and how can you incorporate it more intentionally?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we humbly come before you in prayer, acknowledging your sovereignty and goodness. Teach us to pray with faith and fervency, trusting in your unfailing love and provision. May our prayers be a source of comfort, strength, and transformation, drawing us closer to you and to one another. Amen.

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biblealbum · 2 months

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Episode 1670/1758. The Scripture art series from Revelation to Genesis.

#bibleverse #christianity #christianliving #biblequote #wordofgod #ilovejesus #jesuslovesyou #jesusisking

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