Joy

18
Sep
2024
Serving the Lord with Zeal and Passion

Serving the Lord with Zeal and Passion

In our busy lives, it’s easy to lose sight of the passion and zeal we once had for serving the Lord. Romans 12:11 offers a timely reminder to keep our spiritual fire burning bright as we live out our faith each day.

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

Romans 12:11

What Is Zeal?

Zeal is an intense enthusiasm or passion for something.

When it comes to our faith, zeal is the fire that drives us to live out our beliefs with energy and dedication.

Romans 12:11 calls us to never let this passion die down but to continually stoke the flames of our commitment to serving the Lord.

This verse reminds us that our faith isn’t meant to be lukewarm but full of life and purpose.

Keeping Your Spiritual Fervor

Spiritual fervor refers to a deep, burning desire to follow God and live according to His will. It’s not just about being busy with church activities; it’s about having a heart that is fully committed to God.

Keeping our spiritual fervor means regularly renewing our relationship with God through prayer, reading the Bible, and staying connected with other believers.

It’s about maintaining a close walk with God that fuels our passion to serve Him.

Serving the Lord

Serving the Lord is more than just volunteering at church or helping others; it’s a way of life.

Romans 12:11 encourages us to approach our service to God with enthusiasm and dedication.

Whether we’re serving in big ways or small, every act of service is important when done for the Lord.

This verse challenges us to not only serve but to do so with a heart full of zeal and love for God.

Avoiding Spiritual Burnout

One of the challenges we face in maintaining our zeal is the risk of spiritual burnout. When we try to serve in our own strength, we can quickly become exhausted and lose our passion.

Romans 12:11 reminds us to keep our spiritual fervor by relying on God’s strength, not our own.

Taking time to rest, pray, and refocus on God helps us to stay energized and enthusiastic in our service to Him.

Living with Purpose

When we serve the Lord with zeal, we live with a sense of purpose and direction.

Our passion for God gives us the motivation to pursue His will in every aspect of our lives.

Whether it’s in our jobs, relationships, or personal growth, zeal for the Lord drives us to live intentionally, making decisions that honor God and reflect His love to others.

Romans 12:11 is a powerful call to live out our faith with passion and dedication. It encourages us to keep our spiritual fervor alive and to serve the Lord with all our hearts.

As you go about your daily life, remember to approach every opportunity to serve with enthusiasm, trusting that God will provide the strength and energy you need to stay zealous in your walk with Him.

Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study

 You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms

God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!

As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!

This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.

  • Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
  • Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
  • Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!

Get your copy today! – Pray Upside

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Joy
15
Sep
2024
Let Everything That Has Breathe Praise the Lord

Let Everything That Has Breathe Praise the Lord

Praise is a powerful expression of our love and gratitude toward God. Psalm 150:6 beautifully encapsulates the essence of worship by urging everything that has breath to praise the Lord.

This verse is a call to all living beings to use the life God has given us to glorify Him. Let’s explore what it means to praise the Lord with every breath we take.

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.”

Psalm 150:6

The Gift of Breath

Breath is a fundamental sign of life. Every breath we take is a gift from God, a reminder that He is the source of our life.

Psalm 150:6 encourages us to use that gift to praise the One who gave it to us.

This verse reminds us that as long as we have breath, we have a purpose—to glorify God through our praise and worship.

What It Means to Praise

To praise the Lord means to express admiration and gratitude for who He is and what He has done. It’s about acknowledging God’s greatness and responding to His love and faithfulness.

Praise can take many forms—through words, songs, actions, and even the way we live our lives.

Psalm 150:6 isn’t just about singing or speaking praise; it’s about living a life that continually reflects God’s goodness.

Praise as a Response to God’s Goodness

Throughout the Bible, we see people praising God in response to His mighty acts and His unfailing love.

From the Israelites praising God after crossing the Red Sea to the psalmist declaring God’s praises in the midst of trials, praise has always been a natural response to recognizing God’s work in our lives.

When we take the time to reflect on God’s goodness, our hearts naturally overflow with praise.

Praise in Every Season

It’s easy to praise God when life is going well, but Psalm 150:6 reminds us that we should praise God in every season of life.

Whether we’re on the mountaintop or in the valley, our praise is a declaration of our trust in God’s sovereignty.

Praise shifts our focus from our circumstances to God’s unchanging character. It’s a way of saying, “God, no matter what, You are worthy of my praise.”

Living a Life of Praise

Praise is more than just an activity; it’s a lifestyle. When we choose to praise God in all circumstances, we develop a heart of gratitude and a deeper connection with Him.

Psalm 150:6 challenges us to make praise a constant part of our lives, not just something we do during worship services.

Every breath we take is an opportunity to acknowledge God’s presence and to give Him the glory He deserves.

Psalm 150:6 is a powerful reminder that our lives are meant to be a continuous expression of praise to the Lord.

With every breath, you have the opportunity to glorify God and to reflect His love and goodness to the world around you.

Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study

 You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms

God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!

As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!

This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.

  • Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
  • Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
  • Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!

Get your copy today! – Pray Upside

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Joy
21
Jul
2024
Unbreakable Hope

Unbreakable Hope

Life can be a roller-coaster, right? One minute you’re feeling on top of the world, the next you’re facing a challenge that rocks you to your core.

Maybe it’s a job loss, a health scare, or a broken relationship. In those moments, it’s easy to feel lost, discouraged, and wonder if there’s even a point to keep going.

But here’s the thing: you weren’t meant to navigate life’s storms alone. The Bible is full of verses that offer encouragement and hope, especially Romans 8:10.

“If the Spirit of God dwells in you, you are not in the realm of the flesh but in the realm of the Spirit.”

Romans 8:10

Now, that might sound a little complex at first. But here’s the gist:

When you believe in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside you. This Spirit gives you the strength, guidance, and yes, even hope you need to navigate life’s challenges.

How Does This Verse Offer Hope?

Here’s why this verse is so powerful:

  • It Reminds Us We’re Not Alone: You might feel isolated during tough times, but the Holy Spirit is always with you, offering comfort and support.
  • It Shifts Our Focus: The verse encourages us to focus on the spiritual side of life, where God’s love and power reside. This can give us a fresh perspective on our problems.
  • It Empowers Us to Overcome: The Holy Spirit strengthens us to face challenges head-on. It doesn’t mean the difficulties will disappear, but it gives us the courage and resilience to keep going.

Putting Romans 8:10 into Action

So, how can you actually apply this verse to your life? Here are a few tips:

  • Spend Time with God: Prayer, Bible study, and worship are all ways to connect with the Holy Spirit and strengthen your faith.
  • Focus on the Positive: Even in difficult times, there are always things to be grateful for. Shift your mindset towards gratitude.
  • Surround Yourself with Positive People: Find a supportive community of believers who will encourage you on your faith journey.
  • Remember God’s Promises: The Bible is full of verses that remind us of God’s faithfulness and love. Cling to these promises during tough times.

Romans 8:10 isn’t a magic bullet that will make all your problems disappear. But it is a powerful reminder that you are not alone.

The Holy Spirit dwells within you, offering hope, strength, and guidance to navigate even the roughest seas. So, hold on to that hope, and know that God is with you every step of the way.

Something to remember: We know that believers in Christ have the Holy Spirit; all of Him; but the question to ask: Does He have all of you? Yield every area of your life to Him; hols NOTHING back!

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Joy
08
Jun
2024
Loving the Unseen Savior

Loving the Unseen Savior

Have you ever considered how remarkable it is to love someone you’ve never seen? For many of us, our love for Jesus falls into this category.

We believe in Him, trust in His sacrifice, and strive to follow His teachings, yet we’ve never physically laid eyes on Him.

The apostle Peter acknowledged this unique dynamic in his first epistle:

“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy”

1 Peter 1:8

Despite not seeing Jesus face-to-face, the early believers loved Him deeply and experienced profound, inexpressible joy in their faith. This verse invites us to reflect on our own love for our unseen Savior.

Trusting Without Seeing

In our world of instant gratification and constant visual stimuli, it can be challenging to grasp the concept of loving someone we cannot see or touch.

Yet, this is the very essence of faith – trusting in unseen realities.

When we come to know Jesus through the Scriptures and the testimonies of others, we begin to see His character, His teachings, and His sacrificial love for us. As we experience His transformative power in our lives, our love for Him deepens, even though we haven’t seen Him with our physical eyes.

An Inexpressible Joy

Peter reminds us that loving Jesus, whom we haven’t seen, fills us with an “inexpressible and glorious joy.” This joy transcends our circumstances and trials, for it is rooted in the eternal hope we have in Christ.

True, lasting joy, cannot be found in fleeting pleasures or material possessions. It wells up from within, as we bask in the love of our Savior and the assurance of His promises.

Even in the midst of suffering or uncertainty, this joy remains – a constant reminder of the glorious inheritance that awaits us.

Cultivating Our Love for the Unseen

So, how can we nurture our love for Jesus, whom we haven’t seen? Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Immerse yourself in the Scriptures, allowing the living Word to reveal more of Christ’s character and teachings.
  2. Spend time in prayer, pouring out your heart to the Lord and inviting Him to deepen your love and trust in Him.
  3. Surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage you and share testimonies of God’s faithfulness.
  4. Reflect on how God has worked in your own life, reminding you of His presence and love, even when you couldn’t see Him.
  5. Look for glimpses of God’s beauty and love in His creation, allowing these tangible reminders to point you to the unseen Creator.

As you intentionally cultivate your love for Jesus, the joy and peace that surpass understanding will fill your heart, even in the face of life’s challenges.

For though you haven’t seen Him, you love Him – and in that love, you find true, lasting joy.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Joy
05
Jun
2024
Hallelujah! Praising God for His Salvation

Hallelujah! Praising God for His Salvation

Can you imagine the thunderous roar echoing through the halls of heaven? The apostle John gives us a glimpse into this glorious scene in Revelation 19:1

“After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: ‘Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.'”

Just picture it – an innumerable host of angels and redeemed saints, lifted in perfect praise to the Almighty God. Their voices unite in a triumphant “Hallelujah,” an ancient Hebrew expression meaning “Praise the Lord!”

Reason for Rejoicing

Why such unbridled celebration? Because salvation has been won!

The forces of evil have been defeated once and for all. God’s unmatched power and glorious victory shine forth, giving all praise, honor, and worship to Him alone.

This verse encapsulates the central message of the gospel – the good news that through Christ’s sacrifice, we can experience salvation and eternal life with our Creator. No wonder heaven erupts in praise!

Our Hallelujah on Earth

While we cannot join the heavenly throng in person yet, we can still lift our own “Hallelujah” here on earth.

When we accept God’s gift of salvation through faith in Jesus, we are forgiven, redeemed, and given new life in Him.

Each morning we wake up as children of the King is another day to sing His praises. Every breath is a reason to rejoice in the One who saved us from sin and death.

We are freed to live joyfully for His glory until that day when we can lend our own voices to the eternal “Hallelujah” chorus in heaven.

A Lifestyle of Praise

Praising God for our salvation isn’t just a feeling or a moment – it’s a lifestyle we’re called to live every day.

In your thoughts, words, and actions, may you continually overflow with gratefulness to the Lord for His indescribable gift. Let’s make “Hallelujah” your anthem now until you can join the chorus forever.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Joy