Thankfulness

15
May
2024
The Joy of Your Name: Discovering Your Identity in Christ

The Joy of Your Name: Discovering Your Identity in Christ

Let’s talk about joy. What makes you happy?

Is it that new gadget you just bought, or maybe that upcoming vacation you’ve been dreaming about? There’s nothing wrong with enjoying these things, but what if I told you there’s a source of joy that goes way deeper?

The Bible tells us in Luke 10:20 that our true joy comes from knowing our names are written in heaven.

 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

That’s pretty powerful, right?

Your Name Matters to God

Your name isn’t just a random label. It’s a reflection of who you are to God. He chose you before you were even born to be His beloved son or daughter. (Ephesians 1:4).

Think about that for a second. You are chosen, loved, and accepted by God Himself, not because of anything you’ve done, but because of His amazing grace. That’s something to celebrate!

Living Up to Your Name

Having your name written in heaven comes with a responsibility – to live a life that honors God. It’s about loving Him with everything you’ve got and loving others the way He loves you.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”

Mark 12:30-31

It’s not always easy, but the good news is you don’t have to do it alone. The Holy Spirit is there to empower you to resist temptation, overcome challenges, and live a life that reflects God’s character.

Finding Joy in Your Name

So, how do you experience this joy that comes from knowing your name is written in heaven? Here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

  • Your Identity is Secure: Your standing with God isn’t based on your feelings or circumstances. It’s based on His love and faithfulness.

 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 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
  • Your Purpose is Clear: God has a plan for your life, and He wants to use you to share His love with the world.

 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10
  • Your Relationship Matters: Knowing God and experiencing His love is the greatest joy there is.

 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

John 15:11

Living the Joyful Life

As you grow in your relationship with God, you’ll discover a joy that goes beyond anything this world can offer. It’s a joy that comes from knowing you are loved, forgiven, and secure in God’s hands.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Thankfulness
10
May
2024
The Breath of Life: A Reflection on Job 33:4

The Breath of Life: A Reflection on Job 33:4

Life can knock us down. We face challenges, question our purpose, and sometimes just long for a deeper connection with something bigger than ourselves.

Job, a figure in the Bible, experienced immense suffering. Yet, in Job 33:4, a profound truth emerges:

“The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”

Job 33:4

This verse unveils the presence and power of God’s Spirit in our lives.

  • Creator: We didn’t appear by accident. Job acknowledges God’s Spirit as the one who “made” him and breathed life into him. The same is true for us!
  • Teacher: Feeling lost or confused? God’s Spirit is there to guide us. He speaks through the Bible, nudges us towards wisdom, and reveals God’s will for our lives.
  • Savior: Job recognized God’s Spirit as his rescuer from “the pit” and “death.” The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our salvation too. He convicts us of sin, draws us to Christ, and offers the hope of eternal life.
  • Lord: Just as Job submitted to God’s Spirit, we too are called to follow His guidance. The Holy Spirit isn’t a distant force, but a powerful presence that can transform our lives when we surrender to His will.

Finding Hope Today

Feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders? Remember, God’s Spirit is with you, offering strength, comfort, and purpose. Here are some ways to connect with Him:

  • Read the Bible: This is God’s word, and the Holy Spirit can use it to speak to your heart.
  • Pray: Talking to God is a powerful way to invite the Holy Spirit’s presence.
  • Seek Christian community: Surrounding yourself with other believers can provide encouragement and support.

The breath of life isn’t just physical air. It’s the presence of God’s Spirit within us. As we open ourselves to Him, He can guide us through challenges, reveal His love, and fill our lives with purpose and hope.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Humility, Thankfulness, Trust
09
May
2024
The Joy of God’s Word: A Reflection on Jeremiah 15:16

The Joy of God’s Word: A Reflection on Jeremiah 15:16

Life can get hectic. Between work, family, and everyday tasks, carving out time for quiet reflection can feel like a luxury. But what if I told you there’s a source of strength, comfort, and even joy waiting to be discovered?

That source is the Bible, and Jeremiah 15:16 offers a beautiful glimpse into the power God’s Word holds:

“When your words came, I devoured them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.” Jeremiah 15:16

Bible: Food for the Soul

Imagine a time of great stress. Maybe you’re facing a tough decision, or feeling overwhelmed by challenges.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah describes God’s Word as something he “devoured.” It wasn’t a chore, but nourishment for his soul. Just like our bodies need food to function, our spirits crave the wisdom and comfort found in scripture.

Finding Joy in God’s Word

But Jeremiah doesn’t stop at nourishment. He says God’s Word was his “joy and heart’s delight.”

This paints a picture of something far more than just dry instructions. The Bible is filled with stories of love, hope, and God’s faithfulness.

When we consume the Scriptures, we connect with something deeper than ourselves, and discover a source of true and lasting joy.

Identity in Christ

Jeremiah also connects God’s Word to his identity. He says, “for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.”

Reading and understanding the Bible helps us understand who we are in relation to God. We learn that we are His children, created with purpose and love.

Challenge and Reward

Engaging with God’s Word isn’t always easy. There will be times when the message is challenging, forcing us to confront our shortcomings.

But the reward is far greater. As we consistently study and reflect on scripture, we allow God’s Word to transform our lives.

It shapes our thoughts, guides our actions, and brings us closer to Him.

Finding Joy Today

Feeling disconnected from God? Does the Bible seem intimidating? Here are a few tips to get started:

  • Start small: Commit to a few minutes of Bible reading each day.
  • Find a plan: There are many Bible reading plans available online or in devotionals that can help you navigate scripture.
  • Join a study group: Discussing the Bible with others can deepen your understanding and provide encouragement.

Remember, God’s Word is a gift waiting to be explored. Take that first step today, and discover the joy, nourishment, and transformation it offers.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Family, Joy, Thankfulness, Trust
11
Mar
2024
Encountering the High and Exalted One

Encountering the High and Exalted One

Majestic God

“For this is what the high and exalted One says—He who lives forever, whose Name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.”” – Isaiah 57:15 (NIV)

In this verse, we are introduced to a God who is both high and exalted, yet also intimately present with those who are humble and lowly in spirit.

Exalted One

God is described as the “high and exalted One” who “lives forever” and whose “Name is holy.”

These words paint a picture of a God who is supreme, sovereign, and transcendent. He is far above and beyond our understanding, dwelling in a “high and holy place.”

Intimate Presence

Yet, despite His majestic nature, God chooses to live and abide with those who are “contrite and lowly in spirit.”

He does not remain distant or aloof but instead comes near to the humble and brokenhearted, reviving their spirits and hearts.

Reviving Power

This is a profound truth: the God of the universe, the Creator of all things, stoops down to dwell with those who acknowledge their own limitations and brokenness.

He does not demand perfection or self-sufficiency but instead offers His reviving presence to those who recognize their need for Him.

As we gaze upon the majesty of God, we are invited to approach Him with humility and reverence; we also take comfort in knowing that He is not a distant deity but a loving Father who desires to revive our spirits and heal our hearts.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Humility, Thankfulness, Trust
02
Mar
2024
Set Your Mind on Things Above

Set Your Mind on Things Above

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2)

Transcending the Temporal

As we go about our daily lives, it’s easy to become consumed by earthly concerns – jobs, money, possessions, problems.

These things demand our attention and weigh heavily on our minds. However, Paul exhorts us to lift our thoughts above the temporal things of this world.

Rather than focusing downward on the fleeting things on earth, we are called to gaze upward and set our minds on the eternal realities of God’s kingdom.

We must transcend the temporal mindset that traps us in trivial anxieties. Our perspective should be heavenly, not earthly.

Visualizing Our Eternal Destiny

What does it mean to set our minds on things above? Certainly we must think deeply about our Lord – His character, His promises, His works. But more so, we must visualize by faith the glorious future that awaits all God’s children.

Picture in your mind the splendors of heaven – the radiance, the joy, the beauty beyond measure. Envision the coming Day when you’ll see Christ face to face, perfected in His presence.

When our thoughts are occupied and enthralled by these coming eternal realities, our earthly troubles fade into proper perspective.

Living in Light of Eternity

Setting our minds above transforms how we live each day. Material possessions lose their grip as we realize our true treasures await in heaven.

Status and fame seem foolish pursuits when our names are already written for eternity in God’s book.

Even painful earthly troubles become light and momentary when weighed against the coming glory. By keeping our eyes fixed on the unseen eternal world, we can walk through this present darkness with hope, courage and purpose.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Thankfulness