Tag Archives: Word of God

Are you content with what you have?

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Are you content with what you have? The Bible tells us that the love of money is the root of all evil.

Are you content with what you have? Do you believe that I will never leave you nor forsake you?

It is written, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'” (Hebrews 13:5)

This world is often defined by acquisitions. More, more, more. There is so much pressure to accumulate and build up treasures for yourself on Earth.

But this isn’t how you were made to live. In a state of striving. Feeling less than others. Worried that you don’t or wont have enough. Or even worse, feeling like you yourself are somehow not enough.

Oh, how this breaks My heart.

I am your Creator! And my creations are good. This world is fallen and it will suck you down with it, if you don’t arm yourself with My word. The Truth.

It is written, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19) Earthly treasures are temporary and can be destroyed. But heavenly treasures are eternal. This is why I tell you to keep your eyes fixed on me. Don’t be distracted by the glitter and gold of this world. Don’t fall for the pressure of more, more, more. You are enough. I will provide all that you need. Have I not already proven this? Do you trust me?

Behold, I share this with you because I love you. You are my child. Heed My word.

Daily Bible reading is essential to protect ourselves from the lures of this fallen world. http://www.gotquestions.org is a great resource if you have any questions about the Bible.

A Commitment from God

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A commitment from God is unlike our other worldly commitments. This one is for eternity.

Our greatest commitment is with God, our Father. A commitment from God isn’t like our other, worldly commitments.

It is written, “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)

My beloved, think of your greatest commitments. Your children, your marriage… even the most committed of lovers are eventually separated by death.

But not us. I am the One you can rely on. Now and through all of eternity. Doesn’t that give you such peace of mind? Such confidence? I’m here for you now and always will be.

No other relationship in your life is as sure as ours. So walk confidently on the path before you. Stay in My Word and your paths will be made straight. Always remember, you are never, ever alone. I am committed to you.

To learn more about the love of God, I highly recommend reading His Word. http://www.gotquestions.org is a great resource if you have any questions about the Bible.

Do you belong to the world or to God?

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do you belong to the world or to God? The Bible says that we are not of this world.

Do you belong to the World or to God? And how do you even know?

I sit here in my office this morning, reading through John and listening to some incredible worship music. I can’t think of a better way to begin the day. As I was reading through John 7, I came to this verse, verse 7, in which Jesus says to his very own brothers who did not believe in him yet: “The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil.” 

Thoughts:

  1. The world did not hate Jesus’ brothers yet, because they did not know God, and they were not following Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Therefore, they lived according to the world’s standards. Moreover, they were not sharing the truth of God’s Word with others which would have put them at odds with the world.

Jesus said in John 15:18-19, 21, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you… They will treat this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.” 

Do you belong to the world, or to God? If you belong to the world, are you sensing any of its hatred toward your Christian stance?

  1. Why does the world hate Jesus so much? Look at verse 7 again: “But it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil.” Jesus stood against the culture. He spoke the truth in love. This is what He calls each one of us to do. The culture we now live in is anti-God, anti-truth, and anti-anything to do with Jesus and His word, the Bible. The Bible speaks against the evil in this world. Just read Romans 1:18-32. Verse 32 says, “Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things (evil practices mentioned in verses 26-31) deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.”
  2. Warning: The world is going to continue its downward spiral. It will stand more and more in opposition to God and His true followers. Thus, in the coming days, as followers of Christ, we must be prepared to face more and more hatred and persecution. Are you really willing to follow Jesus and pay the cost? Am I really willing to follow Jesus and pay the cost? The answer should be that we, with the Spirit’s power and courage, will say along with Martin Luther, “Here I stand! I can do no other!”

Let’s be praying for each other that we will be true to our calling and follow Jesus wherever He leads us, no matter the cost.

A guest post by Russ Andrews, Founder of Finding Purpose Ministry. You can learn more about his work and mission here: https://findingpurpose.net

Should We Follow Our Hearts?

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should we follow our hearts? The Bible says no, we shouldn't.

We hear over and over again in modern culture, to follow our hearts. But should we really follow our hearts?

It is written, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)

Our hearts, in their fallen condition, are deceitful above all things. Idol-making comes naturally to all people. Even good things can become idols when they take first place in our hearts.

Rather than trust our own hearts, we are to commit our hearts to God. “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.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) This Bible verse gives us specific instructions not to trust ourselves and it also gives us a promise of guidance when we instead choose to follow the Lord.

The Bible makes it clear that if we follow our hearts, we follow an untrustworthy guide. It also tells us that our hearts are desperately sick. There’s no way for us to repair our hearts. This is why, when we become Christians, we’re given a new heart.

But that doesn’t mean that we can rely on our hearts once we’ve come to faith in Jesus Christ. Even as believers, we’re encouraged to follow God’s will over our own desires. The Bible teaches us that, “the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” (Galatians 5:17)

We have an all powerful, all knowing, benevolent Lord who promises to give us wisdom. (James 1:5) And we also have His inspired and inerrant Word written down for us. So why then would we turn our backs on God and His promises in order to pursue the desires of our heart? It is better to align our desires with the promises of our Lord. And we do this through the daily practice of studying the written Word of God. This way, we can properly discern between the desires of our flesh and the desires of the Spirit.

I highly recommend daily Bible reading to deepen your faith. If you have any questions about the Bible, http://www.gotquestions.org is a great resource!

The Word of God

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the Word of God is alive and active. We should all be reading it every day.

It is written, “The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

You say, “Give me wisdom.”

I say, “Read My Word.”

You say, “Hear my prayers.”

I say, “Pray My Word.”

You say, “Change my heart.”

I say, “Follow My Word.”

Don’t you see my precious child? You have access to the living Word of God. It’s right in front of you! It’s your guidebook on how to live and pray. Your armor against the weapons of this world. Study it. Meditate on it. Memorize it. Pray your way through it. Use it in your daily walk.

A day without reading the Bible is a wasted day indeed.

For any questions you may have about the Bible, I highly recommend http://www.gotquestions.org

Paul was Chosen

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Paul was chosen. Want to be disciple of Christ? We can learn a lot from his chosen ones, like Paul.

Paul was chosen, yet he was opposed. Be prepared to stand in the face of withering opposition. Remain bold, even when you’re mocked.

Paul was chosen, yet God took nearly two decades to prepare him. Don’t waste your white space. These in between times are often when God is doing His best work in preparing you.

Paul was chosen, yet he suffered. Suffering is one of God’s greatest tools that He uses to train us. Suffering breeds the very thing that ends it; compassion.

Stand amazed at God’s love for you in His darkest hour. And then believe in His love for you in your darkest hours.

To learn more about the life of Paul, I highly recommend you read the Bible. If you have any questions about the Bible, http://www.gotquestions.org is a great resource!

Unafraid

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God says that when we live by the Holy Spirit, we will live in peace and safety. We can live unafraid.

It is written, “All who listen to me shall live in peace and safety, unafraid.” (Proverbs 1:33)

My beloved, you’re learning how to listen to me. Isn’t it lovely? That you and I can go through life hand in hand in this way. So intimately connected to one another.

When you hear My voice, you need not be afraid. My Holy Spirit, your Helper, will guide your steps. My Word, alive and powerful, takes root within you and helps you grow to new heights.

Your desire for peace can be satiated with a commitment to listening to me. We walk through life together, so that my Will may be done.

I love you and I’m so proud of you. You can live unafraid. I am doing a new thing!

For more on fearless living, check out this earlier post from my blog: https://vehicleofwisdom.com/2023/07/12/fear-not-youre-mine/ and don’t forget to sign up for emails, so you never miss a post!

I highly recommend reading the Bible to learn more about God’s promises. And if you have any questions, http://www.gotquestions.org is a great resource!

The First and Greatest Commandment

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The first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, with all of our soul, and with all of our mind.

It is written, “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” (Matthew 22:37-38)

My beloved, I love you. Do you know why I say this is the first and greatest commandment? For your own good, of course.

See, when the success of your day is measured by how well you’ve loved Me, you are far less prone to feelings of failure. The rest of your day is automatically improved, when your primary goal is to love me. What does that look like?

Stay in close communion with me. I want to be a part of your day. Right down to the details. Seek me with all of your heart, and you will find me.

This world will show you all the ways you’ve failed and not measured up. You didn’t get around to this, you forgot about that…

But when you’ve loved me with your whole heart and soul and mind, you can rest assured that your day was a success, no matter what your circumstances. When you keep your eyes focused on me, and walk in the light of My presence, your paths will be made straight. Your heart and soul and mind can breathe a sigh of relief.

To learn more about God’s commandments and His promises, I highly recommend you read His Word. If you have any questions about the Bible, http://www.gotquestions.org is a great resource!

Want more? Check out this post on the joy God calls us to: https://vehicleofwisdom.com/2022/11/16/be-joyful-always/ And sign up for emails so you never miss a post!

Conversation with God – Hebrews 4:16

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It is written, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

Precious child, I’m glad to meet you this morning once again. I am always near to you and am pleased when you draw nearer to me. Your confidence in me shows your great faith today. With faith, all things are possible. When you delight yourself in me, I give you the desires of your heart.

Do I not already know the desires of your heart? Yes, in fact, better than even you.

Still, the prayer is for your own benefit. It demonstrates your faith, allows you to practice your faith, and grow closer to me. Every time we commune in quiet stillness, your confidence in me grows. I offer perspective as my gift to you, removing your confining lens of the limited glasses through which you see this world.

Yes, prayer is an exercise of faith, and anything you exercise, grows. Remember that your faith is like a mustard seed? As it grows stronger and stronger, your perspective gets wider and wider, your trust in me deeper and deeper, your capacity to love bigger and bigger. And on it goes until you are so open, free, and willing that my power flows through you, giving you all that your heart desires and achieving all of the plans for which I have prepared you.

Oh child, I want this so much for you. This rich, full, abundant life on Earth which is available to you now and yet is only a glipmse into the richness, fullness, and abundance that awaits you in heaven. Yes, my child, this life on Earth is waiting for you. It’s here and now. And it begins with prayer. I love to watch you grow.

Conversation with God – Prayer

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My loved one, why do you have such little faith? I have been anxiously waiting for a time to speak with you. I try everyday but you busy yourself so as not to hear. My child, rest in me. Cast your burdens on to me. I care for you. Do not let this world distract you with its concerns. Keep your eyes on me. I have great plans for you. Plans to give you hope and a future. Will you listen to me as I reveal them to you? I am not done with you yet, my child. No, we are just getting starting. You are growing stronger, in heart and character, every time you lean on me for strength. I am all you need. A pillar of strength.

I’d like to give you all that you ask of, if you are willing to accept my gifts. I don’t always answer your prayers as you think I will, and certainly not always on your time. But fear not, little one. I am your Father and am with you always. When you write, child, I speak through you loud and clear. Don’t you see what a gift this is? I will use your gifts to do miraculous things. Don’t give up on me, for I will never give up on you. When your will and my will align, beloved, I promise you will have all that you want and more. Stay with me. I love you.