VERSE OF THE DAY MEDITATIONS
GOD'S PROVISION
18 And now I, Paul have ·everything [or received full payment], and more. I have all I need [or am fully supplied/filled up], because Epaphroditus brought your gifts to me. They are like a sweet-smelling offering to God [a fragrant aroma], a sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to him. 19 [And] My God will ·meet [supply; fulfill] all of your needs from [ according to] his wonderful riches [glorious riches; or riches in heaven/glory] in Christ Jesus. 20 Glory to our God and Father forever and ever! Amen. (Philippians 4:18-20 EXB)
Our needs are met through the riches that Christ has given to people, which is demonstrated in the help and support shown by His followers.
Help meet the needs of others .....The Church Connected
New Meditation Coming Soon
Jonah 1: 1-3 NKJV
1 Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.” 3 But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish
Jonah 1: 1-3 Modified
Now, God impressed on Jonah’s spirit to go to Nineveh and preach to them so that they can have the opportunity to repent and turn from their wickedness. God didn't want the people destroyed. But Jonah rejected God’s request and tried to run from God’s presence by going to the port city of Joppa He was looking for a ship going to Tarshish. (Jonah 1: 1-3 Modified)
If God impresses on you to do something, just do it - especially when it's to help others.
New Study Coming Soon
God's Provision
Genesis 3:1-8 KJV
And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.
Genesis 3:8 Modified
Adam and Eve perceived the call of the Lord God throughout the garden of Eden in the late afternoon. So, Adam and his wife hid [withdrew] themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.
Be open to what He wants to tell you. Using what's in your natural life to get away from God when you perceive His presence doesn't work.
New Meditation Coming Soon
Coming Soon
Proverbs 16:32 EXB
Patience is better than strength, that is, a patient person is better than a warrior. Controlling your temper is better than capturing/overtaking a city [a place or person that's guarded].
Genesis 4: 3-11 CEVB
The Lord was pleased with Abel and his offering, but not with Cain and his offering. This made Cain so angry that he could not hide his feelings. The Lord said to Cain: What's wrong with you? Why do you look so angry? If you had done the right thing, you would be smiling. But you did the wrong thing, and now sin is waiting to attack you like a lion. Sin wants to destroy [capture] you, but don't let it
Be patient and chose to control yourself, stay on the mark and don't be a captive to anger and impatience.
Hiding In Plain Sight
Trying To Get Away From God
Genesis 3:1-8 KJV
And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.
Genesis 3:8 Modified
Adam and Eve perceived the call of the Lord God throughout the garden of Eden in the late afternoon. So, Adam and his wife hid [withdrew] themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.
Be open to what He wants to tell you. Using what's in your natural life to get away from God when you perceive His presence doesn't work.
You're Stronger Than You Think
Take Control Through Patience
Proverbs 16:32 EXB
Patience is better than strength, that is, a patient person is better than a warrior. Controlling your temper is better than capturing/overtaking a city [a place or person that's guarded].
Genesis 4: 3-11 CEVB
The Lord was pleased with Abel and his offering, but not with Cain and his offering. This made Cain so angry that he could not hide his feelings. The Lord said to Cain: What's wrong with you? Why do you look so angry? If you had done the right thing, you would be smiling. But you did the wrong thing, and now sin is waiting to attack you like a lion. Sin wants to destroy [capture] you, but don't let it
Be patient and chose to control yourself, stay on the mark and don't be a captive to anger and impatience.
Living Intentional
Be Engaged
James 1:19 NIV & Modified
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry!
James 1:19 Modified
Understand this, my close brothers and sisters. Let's all be quick to hear, that is, be a careful, thoughtful listener. Be slow to speak, that is, be a speaker of carefully chosen words. And be, slow to anger, that is be patient, reflective, forgiving...!
In The Same Way That God Is Engaged With Us, Be Engaged With Others!
More Than We Can Ask Or Imagine
Glorify God Through His Power In Us
Ephesians 3:20 NKJV
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us...
Ephesians 3:20 CEB
Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine, by His power at work within us...
God's grace will make things happen that we haven't asked for or even thought about. So, glorify God by letting His power that's already in us, do its work.
Preparing To Give
Gotta Be Prepared To Give
Ephesians 5:20 NKJV
At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.
Ephesians 5:20 AMP (modified)
At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.
Build Up Each Other! Stay safe and help others stay safe.
Abound In Love
Filled With Peace - Filled With Hope
Romans 15: 13 NKJV (personalized)
May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in as we believe, so that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15: 13 AMP
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.
Build Up Each Other! Stay safe and help others stay safe. Have a great weekend....
Preparing To Give
Gotta Be Prepared To Give
Ephesians 5:20 NKJV
At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.
Ephesians 5:20 AMP (modified)
At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.
Build Up Each Other! Stay safe and help others stay safe.
A Focus On Bearing Others
You Who Are Strong - Help The Weak
Romans 15: 1-4 NKJV
15 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to [b]edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” 4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
Romans 15: 1-4 CEV
15 If our faith is strong, we should be patient with the Lord’s followers whose faith is weak. We should try to please them instead of ourselves. 2 We should think of their good and try to help them up by doing what will build them up. 3 Even Christ did not try to please Himself. But as the Scriptures say, speaking of Jesus, “The people who insulted you also insulted Me.” 4 And the Scriptures were written to teach and encourage us by giving us hope.
Build Up Each Other! Stay safe and help others stay safe. Have a great weekend....
You Made It
Take a breath, look up and say Thank You!
Joshua 24:15 NKJV
And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of [a]the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:15 NIV (modified)
Now, if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then make your choice today whom you will serve. That is, chose whether you're going to serve the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites [be under the authority and obey the rules that others gods command you], in whose land you are living. But, when it comes to me and my household, we will serve the Lord God, Almighty.
Build Up Each Other! Stay safe and help others stay safe.
A Focus On Bearing Others
Restore In Humility, Bear With Love,
Prove With Self Examination
Galatians 6: 1-5 ESV
1. Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load.
Galatians 6: 1-5 Personalized
1. Brothers and Sisters, if anyone of us is caught up in some type of error or offense, if we are walking in the spirit (ch 5: 22-25), we, should try to restore that person in a spirit of humility. However, stay mindful and keep yourself under control, so that you're not moved off track, bearing each other's burdens. This fulfills Christ's law which is the law of love. 3 But, if we think we're more than what we are, we're lacking self awareness and deceiving ourselves. 4 So, let each of us prove our own work and then we'll have a reason to boast in ourselves alone and not on what our brother or sister does. 5 Because, each of us still have to carry out the tasks that we're supposed to do.
As we take care of our own business, pray for one another and help one another! Keep victims of Hatti, Ida, Covid and daily life in prayer and if possible give to those in need....
A Focus On Bearing Others
While On Earth Jesus Bore Our Sins
He Is Returning As Sinless Deliverer
Hebrews 9: 27-28 NKJV
27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, 28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.
Hebrews 9: 27-28 CEV
27 We die only once physically, and then we are judged. 28 So Christ died only once to take away the sins of many people. But when He comes again, it will not be to take away sin. And for us who are waiting for Him, He will come to deliver us from the second death and eternal judgement.
We Can Live In Freedom Apart From Judgement. Stay safe and help others.
A Focus On Grace
Come To The Throne Of Grace
Hebrews 4: 14-16 KJV
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4: 14-16 NIV (modified)
Now, since we have a great High Priest, that is, someone who offers sacrifices and performs duties of reconciliation, who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. Because we don't have a High Priest Who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have One Who has been tempted in every way, just like us—but He didn't sin [miss the mark, do the wrong thing]. So then, let's come to God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
We can Receive Mercy and Find Grace When We Need Help! Make it a great day. Stay safe and help keep others safe.
A Focus On Grace
Watch How We Live, We're Children of Light
Ephesians 5: 8-21 [15-18] NKJV
15. See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16. redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit...
Ephesians 5: 8-21 [15-18]
Since we're no longer darkness, but are children of light, be careful to live your life wisely and not foolishly. We have to take advantage of every opportunity because these are evil times. So, don’t be ignorant, but understand the Lord’s will. And don't get intoxicated by things that lead to being out of control, such as wine. But, be controlled by the Spirit.
Live Wisely Through The Control Of The Spirit! Live safely and help others. Please share.
A Focus On Grace
Stand Firm In Grace
Galatians 5: 1: 1-10 NKJV
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage... 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is [b]a debtor to keep the whole law. 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace... 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
Galatians 5: 1: 1-10 The Message
Christ set us free to live a life of freedom. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of bondage on you... because the moment any of us submits to "circumcision" or any other rule-keeping system, that's the moment, Christ’s hard-won gift of freedom is squandered... we have to realize that it only takes a very small amount of yeast or influential suggestions, to permeate or take over, an entire loaf of bread - our entire lives.
We Are Free People In God's Grace, So Stand Your Ground Against Legalistic Influences. Enjoy the day. Stay safe and help keep others safe.
A Focus On Grace
Sufficiency For Every Good Work
2 Corinthians 9: 1 -14 [7,8] NKJV
7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
2 Corinthians 9: 1 -14 [7,8] CEB (modified)
Whenever and whatever we give, we should do it based on what we've decided in our hearts to give. Knowing that God loves a cheerful giver, let's give happily and with confidence, not because of some internal or external pressure. And also, whenever and whatever we give, know that God has the power to bless [grace] us with more than enough of what we need to do the good work that He's given us to do.
We Have Been God's People Before The World Was Created! Enjoy the day. Stay safe and help keep others safe.
A Focus On Grace
We Are Saved By Grace
Ephesians 2: 1- 10 [5, 8-10] KJV
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)... 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2: 1- 10 [5, 8-10] CEB (modified)
Because of the great love that God has for us, He saved safe from death, keeps us from death and made us people of life. And, He saved us by His grace!... 8 We are saved by God’s grace because of our faith. This salvation, is God’s gift, it’s not something that we could on our own and through our own power. That makes it something that we can't be proud of doing for ourselves. Instead, we are God’s accomplishment, created in Christ Jesus to do good things - good things that God planned for us to do and to be as our way of life.
We Are People Of Life Made By God's Grace! Have a great weekend. Stay safe and help keep others safe.
A Focus On Grace
We've Been Given Grace
2 Timothy 1: 6-9 [6-9] NKJV
6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.... 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.
2 Timothy 1: 6-9 [6-9] CEB (modified)
We have to remember to fully use the gifts that God gave us. We're to use them well, to not be ashamed to speak about our Lord and to share in each other's sufferings, because God's Spirit doesn't make us fearful, but powerful, loving and self-controlled. Keep in mind that, God saved us by grace and chose us to be His holy - set apart people, through Jesus Christ as He planned before time even began.
We Have Been God's People Before The World Was Created! Enjoy the day. Stay safe and help keep others safe.
A Focus On Grace
Jesus - The Glory Of Grace
John 1: 1-18 [14, 16-17] KJV
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld [learned about through perception or personal interaction] His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth... 16 And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
John 1: 1-18 [14, 16-17] Modified
The Word [Jesus] became flesh and made His earthly home, living among us, as a fully Human Man. We, the people of His day, have seen His glory, the glory like that of a Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth... Now, from His fullness we have all received an over abundance of grace; and as the Law was given through Moses, so grace and truth came to us in both fullness and accessibility through Jesus Christ.
Live in the Glory of Grace and Truth! Make it a great day. Stay safe and help keep others safe.
A Focus On Grace
Living A Lifestyle Of Grace
