Friends, these past three weeks have been SO LONG. My sleep schedule is completely undone. The closer I get to graduating, I feel like the more intense it gets. But that's life!
We are busy people. Time is so precious in the day that it's reasonable to prioritize the things that have major deadlines or consequences. Time with God is even more important than these things! And spending that time with Him makes our busy lives that much more manageable.
So what can we do to stay close to God? One important way is through Bible Study!
Read, read, and Re-read. Again! I think I have been doing the Bible in One Year challenge for three years now. If I'm not mistaken, some devotionals have been repeated, but there are a handful of new reflections each year. And, of course, the scriptures stay the same. So what's the point of doing it yearly if you hear the same thing every time? I can guarantee you in these past three years, and I have NOT retained every single verse in the Bible. To this day, there are parts of the Bible that I double take and ask, "Wait, that was there?" Point being that, I'm human, and to remember every single passage and cross reference spanning over 1000+ chapters is wild. God doesn't expect us to be able to recite the Bible from page 1 to the end! But having that discipline to memorize verses makes His heart happy, and yours too! It prepares you for situations that make you feel the opposite of what the word says. On top of that, knowing verses for yourself protects you when debate or false information comes to tempt you (and it will, so I implore you to study!)
Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. Proverbs 15:32 NIV
(Discipline in this context means accepting correction and growing from it.)
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 NIV
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 NIV
This brings me to my next point of not being afraid to write things down! I know for myself, I went a season when The Bible in One Year was my daily wake-up audio. I listened to it like an audio book on my way to class or while I was brushing my teeth. It still is today, and it's still a great practice! Waking up to listen to the word first thing in the morning isn't about proving you're high and mighty. It allows you to FIRST hear God's perspective, then walk into your day refreshed with strenghtened faith.
Put on the full armor of God soon that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11 NIV
Give us today our daily bread. Matthew 6:11 NIV
From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised. Psalms 113:3 NIV
That being said, one of the downsides of listening to a devotional as an audio book is distraction. Someone might come up to me and start talking, so now I have to take off my earbud and pause the momentum. Or, I hear a word that sends me on a whole different train of thought (haha, this happens so often 😭). Now I'm in a daydream, planning out worldbuilding or focusing on how "that girl said that thing to me, and it really hurt my feelings." That doesn't sound biblical 😂
But most of all, after listening, I was left with only "Nicky Gumbell's" takeaways from the scripture. This is NOT to say the Bible is relative, and we can all pick and choose what is true. But, even with the many shared experiences the Bible provides, God may point out areas that are specific to you that may not be relevant to another person yet. That is why going back and making my own notes (or, more recently, a paraphrased summary) has been rewarding for me in my faith. I can count many instances where I wasn't clear, but going back and taking notes opened conversations with God that I really needed to have. It's the study part of Bible Studies!
Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. The revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. Habakkuk 2:2-3 NIV
How does that look? There are many ways to approach Bible Studies, so do some research and see which one allows you to get the clearest understanding!
I grew up learning the SOAP method: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. Over the years, I've condensed it in my reflections, but the structure is still the same.
Scripture - The isolated scripture with the verse cited. Observation - What can you tell about the verses you've read? What is the context or any questions that it raises? Application - How does it become relevant to you? What will you do with this wisdom? Prayer - Talk to God about all you've learned today! Begin with Thanksgiving and hold nothing back. He's listening, even to your written prayers.
We need God! We can't do life without Him. I know without a doubt that if I didn't have God, my workload and stress would have made me snap by now 😂 I say that both jokingly and with complete sincerity.
Listen, friend: God isn't going to smite you for missing a day of reading (which is a CRAZY image that I plan on covering later). What time away from God will do is make you comfortable with letting a day go by without seeking Him. It can be gradual, but it starts with ignoring the press on your heart when you think, "Let me just do XYZ instead." Then, your day is going great, and you forget it was God who helped you through it.
So even in your busiest hours when homework is the "first thing you need to get done, OR ELSE," give God the conversation He deserves. 15 minutes or an hour, we study God, and He studies our hearts. He understands when you're pressed for time but honors when you sacrifice your own time to know Him. He's so worth it.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:33-34 NIV The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it costs all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7 NIV
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
Have you ever had a gut feeling about a decision? Or walked into a room feeling a general sense of comfort? Or more dramatically, prayed to God and felt your chest warm up? These are just a few ways that the Holy Spirit can present himself in your life.
// So, who is the Holy Spirit?
Like water comes in different forms (droplet, steam, ice), the Holy Spirit is one of the forms that God takes. Where the analogy falls short is that unlike water, God is all of these forms at once! That's where we get the Holy Trinity from, and ultimately the Holy Spirit.
He is the overall attitude, wisdom, and heart of all that God is. He is God's presence! Jesus refers to him as the advocate, someone who speaks and delivers on behalf of another party.
// Why do we need the Holy Spirit? Why can't God just be with us, as is?
God is our just and perfect creator who gave us the free will to worship Him and live in His presence away from the sin, temptation, and death that would divide us. Because forced love isn't real love, He gave us a command and the choice to obey. We disobeyed. So, for a long time, in the sin we chose, we were distanced from God's presence. And despite our best efforts to return, our own strength was and is not enough. But God never left us. He has always been with us. He has always forgiven us.
God loved us so much that he sent his son Jesus, who was completely innocent, to take on death on our behalfs. Just as Jesus resurrected to return to God's presence in heaven, he's given us freedom from the eternal punishment we once had in death. Now, the barrier from God's presence brought on by sin is removed!
The Holy Spirit is how we feel God's power and presence in our lives. He appears in our attitudes and how we respond to others. He convicts (warns) us of a way that doesn't align with God's truth. He lives within us - if we allow Him to. Just like any gift, it's a matter of accepting it before you can obtain it.
Every person has a deep-rooted desire to FEEL something. BE something. BELONG somewhere. You've felt it, right? God is the ultimate fulfillment of all we need! He gave us His word (the Bible); the message of Jesus' sacrifice for us as proof of His sincere love for you! Yet, He will never force you to choose that relationship with Him.
We've all sinned. But with sincere repentence, you'll find that His forgiveness wipes away even the deepest stains of your past. God loves you and desires a renewed relationship with you!
Have you ever felt disappointed when you saw your genius idea become successful through someone else? Has it ever frustrated you that your plans weren't fulfilled as you expected?
Since the beginning of David's reign, he always had it in his heart to build a temple for the Lord.
After David was settled in his palace, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under a tent.” Nathan replied to David, “Whatever you have in mind, do it, for God is with you.” 1 Chronicles 17:1-2 NIV
All seemed to be leading towards this direction! God knew David's heart, but He had other plans.
But that night the word of God came to Nathan, saying: “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord says: You are not the one to build me a house to dwell in. 1 Chronicles 17:3-4 NIV
Nicky Gumbell, in his devotional series "Bible in One Year, Day 30,"explains God's response best:
God hears all your prayers (Psalm 139:4, 1 John 5:14–15, 1 Peter 3:12), and, in one sense, he answers all your prayers. But we do not always receive what we ask for. When we ask God for something, the response will be ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ or ‘Wait’.
In David's situation, God gave him a reason why the responsibility of a temple wouldn't fall on Him. It was both a matter of the many lives he had taken as a warrior and the destined role of his son Solomon to be over the construction.
I also want to point out that facing the consequences of our actions (good or bad) does not diminish the value and love God has for us. It is simply a part of living, but God always has the final say! God continued to bless David's lineage, leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. Now, that's commitment!
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 NIV
We don’t always get to know the reason why the answer is ‘No’. We need to remember that God sees things from an eternal perspective and that there are some things we may never understand in this life. Despite this, David hands his dreams over to his son with a humble heart. He reminds Solomon that God is on his side. And though he can't actively be part of the construction, David prepares all the materials and resources Solomon needs to be successful.
It's important for us as brothers and sisters in Christ to encourage one another when we have big dreams and successes. There's nothing more disheartening than to see Christians tearing each other down when we are supposed to be an example of God’s love. C'mon. God doesn't want us to be petty. In fact, God has a path for every one of us. Whether or not you realize it, the path He’s guiding you through is ultimately for your good and His glory! So, chin up!
We know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV
Happy Sunday! Today, I'll be sharing about how God is helping me this month.
I know what you're thinking. Yikes, where is she going with this verse? And I get it. Initially, this comes off as a bit... discouraging. So here's the context:
Paul is talking about his wrestle with sin and how the cycle of doing what he knows is wrong leaves him feeling discontent. He's asking a rhetorical question: Who is gonna pull me out of this loop? I definitely feel his frustration.
In fact, that might be the best word to describe the place I'm at right now. Lately, I look at my work and wonder, "Am I doing this for God?" Because right now, it feels empty. Like my effort isn't what I intended it to be. So I wait and set it aside, still longing to complete the projects that make my heart happy. But when I find the time, I'm confronted with frustration and discontent. And I know that this is only temporary. I'm aware that my pride and self-comparison are the culprits. I recognize my problem with fixating on something until it's complete. I see that I lose heart for the things I fight myself to finish. But still, the thought of separating myself from my art is painful. So, I turn to God and ask him to please, let me glorify Him with my work. "Let everything I do be for you, God!" And I try. And then I return to this place.
My frustration isn't sin in itself, but it's not helping me to try to figure it all out on my own. I can tell you that! This verse stood out to me because Paul knows the answer. He recognizes that whatever is out of his control, he can call on Jesus to bring him closure. In the case of Paul, it's the sin that comes naturally to all mankind. In my case, it's been allowing my desires to be filtered through God's will.
For the past month, God has been teaching me about his grace and provision. He knows that I am sensitive; easily swayed, easily heartbroken. But throughout history, He has done everything in His almighty power to restore us as only He can. Each time, He presents His authority with boldness, gentleness, and above all grace. I see that demonstrated in His word, and in His own action in my life. God has always provided for me, even when I least deserve it. And that goes down to even the tiniest details of my desires. It may never be when I want it or how I'd like it shown, but God knows exactly what I need. And He is ALWAYS right on time.
So what do I do with this middle ground? After the peace and before it gets better again. Where do I go when it feels like everyone else's level is so much further ahead than mine? Where do I go when I feel like I'm running out of time to accomplish my goals? Run to Him! He is our Rock, our Protection, and our Refuge (Psalm 18:2). Most importantly, His word reminds us of the truth that our feelings might not always want to accept.
God made us to be emotional people, drawn to be creative and build relationships; it is an expression of all that is in our hearts. But our feelings don't dictate our end. And God wants our hearts set on him so that in our expressions, we can be fulfilled by his glory!
2 Kings follows the rise and fall of Godly leadership in the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. God's people endured so many hardships brought upon by a cycle of half-hearted obedience to God, both in the people and in the leadership that allowed things to fall to shambles. But Hezekiah trusted in God.
As King of Judah, he understood that he was not only an example for the people, but a protector for those under his leadership. He knew that by allowing the people to live however they wanted, he wasn't being a "kind" king, he was leading them to their own destruction. His first major decision was to destroy every altar, practice, and distraction from God. [v. 18:1-5].
God honored him for his obedience, allowing all he did to be successful [v.18:7]. That said, despite all the good that Hezekiah did for the kingdom of Judah, trouble still came knocking.
In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them. [v.18:13] According to Sennacherib's plans, Jerusalem was next.
He sent his supreme commander to threaten King Hezekiah and discourage the people. He mocked God and boasted about his King's past victories. He misquoted scriptures to sway the people [v.18:31-32] and intentionally said all of these threats in Hebrew when most spoke Aramaic. In other words, he did everything he could to stir up a mess. [vv.18:19-30]
In the same way, we may find ourselves wondering why life or people are so difficult, even when we're been doing the right thing. Hezekiah’s response may give you some peace of mind.
First, he told the people to not respond [v.18:36]. They trusted Hezekiah and stayed quiet. I'm sure there were some people who were ready to throw the first blow after having God insulted like this. But there is wisdom in not reacting. It protected the situations from breaking out into violence. It also protected their hearts from responding out of viciousness. It can be easy to lash out at people who are ready to fight, but Godly love is shown through a gentle response in the face of anger.
Secondly, he sought prayer and delegation in his time of distress [v.19:1-4]. Just because Hezekiah was in a leadership position didn't mean he had all the answers. That kind of attitude as a King can be dangerous.
He gathered a group of trusted officials to ask the prophet Isaiah to pray over the situation. While prayer can be a personal conversation with God, there is comfort in confiding in a trusted friend or group to pray alongside you. Especially in a time like Hezekiah’s where lives were at stake.
Through Isaiah, God assured them not to be afraid! He was by their side, and the commander's threats against God and his people would not go unpunished. [v.19:5-7]
*David once said "The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" (Psalms 118:6 NIV)
God hears our prayers! God sees our struggle. God honors our obedience. God is blessed by our prayers as a community. In the face of difficulty, our job is to trust that he'll provide the best outcome, no matter how it seems or who is against us. We'll never have to react in our own strength because He is holding our hand through it all. As we choose to know Him, He shapes our heart to love even our enemies and to do good to those who hate us (Luke 6:27).
Is there a difficult situation you can present to God? Where is your heart when someone is getting on your nerves? Who can you ask to pray with you?
Thank you Lord for another day of breath and life! I pray that you would surround me with *God-fearing people (*God-respecting) who encourage and uplift me in my time of distress. Thank you that I have nothing to fear when the world seems to go against everything you've placed on my heart. Help me to respond with love in the face of bitterness. I pray for those people to find your peace and to let go of their frustration against you and I. In Jesus name, Amen
Thanks for joining me! Have a restful Sunday.
(I forgot to post this last week, but I pray it's still relevant to ya!)
What is worship? It means to give honor, to deem worthy. This verse is a glimpse into a future time when all of God's creation will gather to give him glory.
I was talking to my buddy earlier this week about growing up around different worship practices. If you've ever had the experience of attending a COGIC (Church of God in Christ) or Full Gospel Baptist church, you'll know that it's really not uncommon for worship to look like shouting, tambourines, dancing until you sweat. It's a huge jump from some Nondenominational Churches where you'll find worship to be atmospheric music, silent tears, heads bowed, soft muttering. And that sometimes even moreso than attending Catholic Mass.
It can be easy to look at other Christians' worship style and cringe or sneer.
"What are you yelling for?" "You should be embarrassed." "You must think you're better than everyone." "No one worships like that anymore."
Even David's wife shamed at him for praising God as he did. (David wasn't running around naked though. He danced so much his robe started to slip.)
When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!”
2 Samuel 6:20 NIV
But truly, if their hearts are earnest about giving him glory, then who are we to judge? I think sometimes we can get into the mindset that if we see some different it is immediately unrighteous.
That is NOT to say that the teachings of the Bible is relative, because we have to be careful not to twist what God's word says to fit our own practices. But I AM saying there's a huge difference between "godly theatrics" and sincere thankfulness.
We don’t always know the extent to which God has blessed those around us. They may never show it on their face, but when it comes to worship, that may be exactly what they need to fully express their gratitude.
At the core of this message, the apostle John, in his vision, is witnessing all of creation thanking God together. Angels and humans alike giving it their all because He’s so deserving.
God isn't looking for religion, he's looking for relationship. And he knows the attitude of your heart however it is expressed.
Questions to Consider:
• Do I fear what people think when I pray or worship? • Is there someone I look at differently because of their style of worship? • Is my heart fully invested when I praise God?
Let me pray with you today!
Lord, thank you for everything. From waking up to helping me survive a difficult class, I'm so thankful for you. I pray that you would soften my heart and allow my praise to be sincere. There's so much you've protected me from. I couldn’t have done it without you. Today, let me walk away with new eyes. I want to love people for who you've made them to be. Let me worship alongside them, because you are so deserving of our praise! Amen.
Have a great day! Don't forget to rest if you have the opportunity. God loves ya, big time! 💙
Dee
Dee
(Continued)
2 years ago | [YT] | 8
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Dee
Friends, these past three weeks have been SO LONG. My sleep schedule is completely undone. The closer I get to graduating, I feel like the more intense it gets. But that's life!
We are busy people. Time is so precious in the day that it's reasonable to prioritize the things that have major deadlines or consequences. Time with God is even more important than these things! And spending that time with Him makes our busy lives that much more manageable.
So what can we do to stay close to God? One important way is through Bible Study!
Read, read, and Re-read. Again!
I think I have been doing the Bible in One Year challenge for three years now. If I'm not mistaken, some devotionals have been repeated, but there are a handful of new reflections each year. And, of course, the scriptures stay the same. So what's the point of doing it yearly if you hear the same thing every time? I can guarantee you in these past three years, and I have NOT retained every single verse in the Bible.
To this day, there are parts of the Bible that I double take and ask, "Wait, that was there?" Point being that, I'm human, and to remember every single passage and cross reference spanning over 1000+ chapters is wild.
God doesn't expect us to be able to recite the Bible from page 1 to the end! But having that discipline to memorize verses makes His heart happy, and yours too! It prepares you for situations that make you feel the opposite of what the word says. On top of that, knowing verses for yourself protects you when debate or false information comes to tempt you (and it will, so I implore you to study!)
Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.
Proverbs 15:32 NIV
(Discipline in this context means accepting correction and growing from it.)
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:23 NIV
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:7 NIV
This brings me to my next point of not being afraid to write things down! I know for myself, I went a season when The Bible in One Year was my daily wake-up audio. I listened to it like an audio book on my way to class or while I was brushing my teeth. It still is today, and it's still a great practice! Waking up to listen to the word first thing in the morning isn't about proving you're high and mighty. It allows you to FIRST hear God's perspective, then walk into your day refreshed with strenghtened faith.
Put on the full armor of God soon that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Ephesians 6:11 NIV
Give us today our daily bread.
Matthew 6:11 NIV
From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.
Psalms 113:3 NIV
That being said, one of the downsides of listening to a devotional as an audio book is distraction. Someone might come up to me and start talking, so now I have to take off my earbud and pause the momentum. Or, I hear a word that sends me on a whole different train of thought (haha, this happens so often 😭). Now I'm in a daydream, planning out worldbuilding or focusing on how "that girl said that thing to me, and it really hurt my feelings." That doesn't sound biblical 😂
But most of all, after listening, I was left with only "Nicky Gumbell's" takeaways from the scripture. This is NOT to say the Bible is relative, and we can all pick and choose what is true. But, even with the many shared experiences the Bible provides, God may point out areas that are specific to you that may not be relevant to another person yet. That is why going back and making my own notes (or, more recently, a paraphrased summary) has been rewarding for me in my faith. I can count many instances where I wasn't clear, but going back and taking notes opened conversations with God that I really needed to have. It's the study part of Bible Studies!
Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. The revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.
Habakkuk 2:2-3 NIV
How does that look?
There are many ways to approach Bible Studies, so do some research and see which one allows you to get the clearest understanding!
I grew up learning the SOAP method: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. Over the years, I've condensed it in my reflections, but the structure is still the same.
Scripture - The isolated scripture with the verse cited.
Observation - What can you tell about the verses you've read? What is the context or any questions that it raises?
Application - How does it become relevant to you? What will you do with this wisdom?
Prayer - Talk to God about all you've learned today! Begin with Thanksgiving and hold nothing back. He's listening, even to your written prayers.
We need God! We can't do life without Him. I know without a doubt that if I didn't have God, my workload and stress would have made me snap by now 😂 I say that both jokingly and with complete sincerity.
Listen, friend: God isn't going to smite you for missing a day of reading (which is a CRAZY image that I plan on covering later). What time away from God will do is make you comfortable with letting a day go by without seeking Him. It can be gradual, but it starts with ignoring the press on your heart when you think, "Let me just do XYZ instead." Then, your day is going great, and you forget it was God who helped you through it.
So even in your busiest hours when homework is the "first thing you need to get done, OR ELSE," give God the conversation He deserves. 15 minutes or an hour, we study God, and He studies our hearts. He understands when you're pressed for time but honors when you sacrifice your own time to know Him. He's so worth it.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:33-34 NIV
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it costs all you have, get understanding.
Proverbs 4:7 NIV
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
2 years ago (edited) | [YT] | 6
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Dee
I hope you have a wonderful day!
2 years ago | [YT] | 4
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Dee
Have you ever had a gut feeling about a decision? Or walked into a room feeling a general sense of comfort? Or more dramatically, prayed to God and felt your chest warm up? These are just a few ways that the Holy Spirit can present himself in your life.
// So, who is the Holy Spirit?
Like water comes in different forms (droplet, steam, ice), the Holy Spirit is one of the forms that God takes. Where the analogy falls short is that unlike water, God is all of these forms at once! That's where we get the Holy Trinity from, and ultimately the Holy Spirit.
He is the overall attitude, wisdom, and heart of all that God is. He is God's presence! Jesus refers to him as the advocate, someone who speaks and delivers on behalf of another party.
// Why do we need the Holy Spirit? Why can't God just be with us, as is?
God is our just and perfect creator who gave us the free will to worship Him and live in His presence away from the sin, temptation, and death that would divide us. Because forced love isn't real love, He gave us a command and the choice to obey. We disobeyed. So, for a long time, in the sin we chose, we were distanced from God's presence. And despite our best efforts to return, our own strength was and is not enough. But God never left us. He has always been with us. He has always forgiven us.
God loved us so much that he sent his son Jesus, who was completely innocent, to take on death on our behalfs. Just as Jesus resurrected to return to God's presence in heaven, he's given us freedom from the eternal punishment we once had in death. Now, the barrier from God's presence brought on by sin is removed!
The Holy Spirit is how we feel God's power and presence in our lives. He appears in our attitudes and how we respond to others. He convicts (warns) us of a way that doesn't align with God's truth. He lives within us - if we allow Him to. Just like any gift, it's a matter of accepting it before you can obtain it.
Every person has a deep-rooted desire to FEEL something. BE something. BELONG somewhere. You've felt it, right? God is the ultimate fulfillment of all we need! He gave us His word (the Bible); the message of Jesus' sacrifice for us as proof of His sincere love for you! Yet, He will never force you to choose that relationship with Him.
We've all sinned. But with sincere repentence, you'll find that His forgiveness wipes away even the deepest stains of your past. God loves you and desires a renewed relationship with you!
Are you ready to open up your heart to Him?
Thank you for your time! Have an awesome day.
2 years ago | [YT] | 4
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Dee
Have you ever felt disappointed when you saw your genius idea become successful through someone else? Has it ever frustrated you that your plans weren't fulfilled as you expected?
Since the beginning of David's reign, he always had it in his heart to build a temple for the Lord.
After David was settled in his palace, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under a tent.” Nathan replied to David, “Whatever you have in mind, do it, for God is with you.”
1 Chronicles 17:1-2 NIV
All seemed to be leading towards this direction! God knew David's heart, but He had other plans.
But that night the word of God came to Nathan, saying: “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord says: You are not the one to build me a house to dwell in.
1 Chronicles 17:3-4 NIV
Nicky Gumbell, in his devotional series "Bible in One Year, Day 30,"explains God's response best:
God hears all your prayers (Psalm 139:4, 1 John 5:14–15, 1 Peter 3:12), and, in one sense, he answers all your prayers. But we do not always receive what we ask for. When we ask God for something, the response will be ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ or ‘Wait’.
In David's situation, God gave him a reason why the responsibility of a temple wouldn't fall on Him. It was both a matter of the many lives he had taken as a warrior and the destined role of his son Solomon to be over the construction.
I also want to point out that facing the consequences of our actions (good or bad) does not diminish the value and love God has for us. It is simply a part of living, but God always has the final say! God continued to bless David's lineage, leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. Now, that's commitment!
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 NIV
We don’t always get to know the reason why the answer is ‘No’. We need to remember that God sees things from an eternal perspective and that there are some things we may never understand in this life.
Despite this, David hands his dreams over to his son with a humble heart. He reminds Solomon that God is on his side. And though he can't actively be part of the construction, David prepares all the materials and resources Solomon needs to be successful.
It's important for us as brothers and sisters in Christ to encourage one another when we have big dreams and successes. There's nothing more disheartening than to see Christians tearing each other down when we are supposed to be an example of God’s love. C'mon. God doesn't want us to be petty. In fact, God has a path for every one of us. Whether or not you realize it, the path He’s guiding you through is ultimately for your good and His glory! So, chin up!
We know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 NIV
Thank you for your time! Have a blessed day.
2 years ago | [YT] | 2
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Dee
Happy Sunday! Today, I'll be sharing about how God is helping me this month.
I know what you're thinking. Yikes, where is she going with this verse? And I get it. Initially, this comes off as a bit... discouraging. So here's the context:
Paul is talking about his wrestle with sin and how the cycle of doing what he knows is wrong leaves him feeling discontent. He's asking a rhetorical question: Who is gonna pull me out of this loop? I definitely feel his frustration.
In fact, that might be the best word to describe the place I'm at right now. Lately, I look at my work and wonder, "Am I doing this for God?" Because right now, it feels empty. Like my effort isn't what I intended it to be. So I wait and set it aside, still longing to complete the projects that make my heart happy. But when I find the time, I'm confronted with frustration and discontent. And I know that this is only temporary. I'm aware that my pride and self-comparison are the culprits. I recognize my problem with fixating on something until it's complete. I see that I lose heart for the things I fight myself to finish. But still, the thought of separating myself from my art is painful. So, I turn to God and ask him to please, let me glorify Him with my work. "Let everything I do be for you, God!" And I try. And then I return to this place.
My frustration isn't sin in itself, but it's not helping me to try to figure it all out on my own. I can tell you that! This verse stood out to me because Paul knows the answer. He recognizes that whatever is out of his control, he can call on Jesus to bring him closure. In the case of Paul, it's the sin that comes naturally to all mankind. In my case, it's been allowing my desires to be filtered through God's will.
For the past month, God has been teaching me about his grace and provision. He knows that I am sensitive; easily swayed, easily heartbroken. But throughout history, He has done everything in His almighty power to restore us as only He can. Each time, He presents His authority with boldness, gentleness, and above all grace. I see that demonstrated in His word, and in His own action in my life. God has always provided for me, even when I least deserve it. And that goes down to even the tiniest details of my desires. It may never be when I want it or how I'd like it shown, but God knows exactly what I need. And He is ALWAYS right on time.
So what do I do with this middle ground? After the peace and before it gets better again. Where do I go when it feels like everyone else's level is so much further ahead than mine? Where do I go when I feel like I'm running out of time to accomplish my goals? Run to Him! He is our Rock, our Protection, and our Refuge (Psalm 18:2). Most importantly, His word reminds us of the truth that our feelings might not always want to accept.
God made us to be emotional people, drawn to be creative and build relationships; it is an expression of all that is in our hearts. But our feelings don't dictate our end. And God wants our hearts set on him so that in our expressions, we can be fulfilled by his glory!
Thank you for your time! Have a blessed day 🫶
2 years ago | [YT] | 2
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Dee
💐 Bloom Info Dump! (PART 2) 💐
2 years ago | [YT] | 5
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Dee
💐 Bloom Info Dump! 💐
2 years ago | [YT] | 3
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Dee
Good afternoon! Happy Sunday.
I'm excited to share with you today's topic.
How Do We Respond to Trouble?
2 Kings 18-19:1-7
2 Kings follows the rise and fall of Godly leadership in the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. God's people endured so many hardships brought upon by a cycle of half-hearted obedience to God, both in the people and in the leadership that allowed things to fall to shambles. But Hezekiah trusted in God.
As King of Judah, he understood that he was not only an example for the people, but a protector for those under his leadership. He knew that by allowing the people to live however they wanted, he wasn't being a "kind" king, he was leading them to their own destruction. His first major decision was to destroy every altar, practice, and distraction from God. [v. 18:1-5].
God honored him for his obedience, allowing all he did to be successful [v.18:7]. That said, despite all the good that Hezekiah did for the kingdom of Judah, trouble still came knocking.
In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them. [v.18:13] According to Sennacherib's plans, Jerusalem was next.
He sent his supreme commander to threaten King Hezekiah and discourage the people. He mocked God and boasted about his King's past victories. He misquoted scriptures to sway the people [v.18:31-32] and intentionally said all of these threats in Hebrew when most spoke Aramaic. In other words, he did everything he could to stir up a mess. [vv.18:19-30]
In the same way, we may find ourselves wondering why life or people are so difficult, even when we're been doing the right thing. Hezekiah’s response may give you some peace of mind.
First, he told the people to not respond [v.18:36]. They trusted Hezekiah and stayed quiet. I'm sure there were some people who were ready to throw the first blow after having God insulted like this. But there is wisdom in not reacting. It protected the situations from breaking out into violence. It also protected their hearts from responding out of viciousness. It can be easy to lash out at people who are ready to fight, but Godly love is shown through a gentle response in the face of anger.
Secondly, he sought prayer and delegation in his time of distress [v.19:1-4]. Just because Hezekiah was in a leadership position didn't mean he had all the answers. That kind of attitude as a King can be dangerous.
He gathered a group of trusted officials to ask the prophet Isaiah to pray over the situation. While prayer can be a personal conversation with God, there is comfort in confiding in a trusted friend or group to pray alongside you. Especially in a time like Hezekiah’s where lives were at stake.
Through Isaiah, God assured them not to be afraid! He was by their side, and the commander's threats against God and his people would not go unpunished.
[v.19:5-7]
*David once said "The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" (Psalms 118:6 NIV)
God hears our prayers! God sees our struggle. God honors our obedience. God is blessed by our prayers as a community. In the face of difficulty, our job is to trust that he'll provide the best outcome, no matter how it seems or who is against us. We'll never have to react in our own strength because He is holding our hand through it all. As we choose to know Him, He shapes our heart to love even our enemies and to do good to those who hate us (Luke 6:27).
Is there a difficult situation you can present to God?
Where is your heart when someone is getting on your nerves?
Who can you ask to pray with you?
Thank you Lord for another day of breath and life! I pray that you would surround me with *God-fearing people (*God-respecting) who encourage and uplift me in my time of distress. Thank you that I have nothing to fear when the world seems to go against everything you've placed on my heart. Help me to respond with love in the face of bitterness. I pray for those people to find your peace and to let go of their frustration against you and I.
In Jesus name,
Amen
Thanks for joining me! Have a restful Sunday.
(I forgot to post this last week, but I pray it's still relevant to ya!)
2 years ago | [YT] | 5
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Dee
What is worship? It means to give honor, to deem worthy. This verse is a glimpse into a future time when all of God's creation will gather to give him glory.
I was talking to my buddy earlier this week about growing up around different worship practices. If you've ever had the experience of attending a COGIC (Church of God in Christ) or Full Gospel Baptist church, you'll know that it's really not uncommon for worship to look like shouting, tambourines, dancing until you sweat. It's a huge jump from some Nondenominational Churches where you'll find worship to be atmospheric music, silent tears, heads bowed, soft muttering. And that sometimes even moreso than attending Catholic Mass.
It can be easy to look at other Christians' worship style and cringe or sneer.
"What are you yelling for?" "You should be embarrassed." "You must think you're better than everyone." "No one worships like that anymore."
Even David's wife shamed at him for praising God as he did. (David wasn't running around naked though. He danced so much his robe started to slip.)
When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!”
2 Samuel 6:20 NIV
But truly, if their hearts are earnest about giving him glory, then who are we to judge? I think sometimes we can get into the mindset that if we see some different it is immediately unrighteous.
That is NOT to say that the teachings of the Bible is relative, because we have to be careful not to twist what God's word says to fit our own practices. But I AM saying there's a huge difference between "godly theatrics" and sincere thankfulness.
We don’t always know the extent to which God has blessed those around us. They may never show it on their face, but when it comes to worship, that may be exactly what they need to fully express their gratitude.
At the core of this message, the apostle John, in his vision, is witnessing all of creation thanking God together. Angels and humans alike giving it their all because He’s so deserving.
God isn't looking for religion, he's looking for relationship. And he knows the attitude of your heart however it is expressed.
Questions to Consider:
• Do I fear what people think when I pray or worship?
• Is there someone I look at differently because of their style of worship?
• Is my heart fully invested when I praise God?
Let me pray with you today!
Lord, thank you for everything. From waking up to helping me survive a difficult class, I'm so thankful for you. I pray that you would soften my heart and allow my praise to be sincere. There's so much you've protected me from. I couldn’t have done it without you. Today, let me walk away with new eyes. I want to love people for who you've made them to be. Let me worship alongside them, because you are so deserving of our praise! Amen.
Have a great day! Don't forget to rest if you have the opportunity. God loves ya, big time! 💙
2 years ago | [YT] | 3
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