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09
Dec
2024
Iron Sharpening Iron: The Power of True Friendship

Iron Sharpening Iron: The Power of True Friendship

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another

Proverbs 27:17

Have you ever watched a skilled chef carefully sharpen a knife?

It’s a delicate process that requires precision and intention. The chef takes a coarse stone and methodically hones the blade, transforming a dull instrument into a sharp tool.

This same principle applies to our relationships. Just as a knife needs sharpening to perform its best, so do we.

Beyond Surface-Level Connections

When the Bible talks about “iron sharpening iron” (Proverbs 27:17), it’s not referring to casual acquaintances or social media followers.

It’s about deep, meaningful relationships that challenge us to grow, encourage us to persevere, and hold us accountable.

These are the kinds of friendships that shape us, mold us, and make us better people.

The Sharpening Process

Now, let’s be honest. The sharpening process isn’t always comfortable.

Sometimes it involves difficult conversations, honest feedback, or even constructive criticism.

But it’s through these experiences that we learn, grow, and become stronger.

Finding Your Iron Friends

So, who are your iron friends?

  • They challenge you: They push you out of your comfort zone and encourage you to reach your full potential.
  • They support you: They’re there for you through thick and thin, offering a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on.
  • They speak truth: They’re honest with you, even when it’s hard to hear.
  • They love you unconditionally: They accept you for who you are and love you despite your flaws.

Your Friendship Check-In

Take a moment to reflect on your friendships.

  • Who is sharpening you? Are there people in your life who are helping you grow and develop?
  • Who are you sharpening? Are you investing in the lives of others and helping them become better versions of themselves?

If you’re not sure, it might be time to reevaluate your relationships.

Are you surrounding yourself with people who lift you up or bring you down?

Commit to building and nurturing relationships that sharpen you. Be the kind of friend who encourages, supports, and challenges others.

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 Down

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Discipline
28
Mar
2024
Power of Prayerful Hands

Power of Prayerful Hands

“I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.” (1 Timothy 2:8, NIV)

Importance of Prayer

Prayer is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life. It is the means by which we communicate with our heavenly Father, express our gratitude, make our requests known, and seek his guidance.

In his wisdom, God has chosen to involve us in his work through prayer, inviting us to participate in the unfolding of his plan.

Posture of Prayer

The apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of lifting up “holy hands” when we pray. This is not a literal instruction but a metaphor for the attitude and disposition of our hearts.

We are to approach God with reverence, humility, and a desire for reconciliation with him and with others.

Anger and Disputing

Paul warns against praying with anger or disputing in our hearts.

Anger and conflict cloud our judgment and distort our perspective, making it difficult to discern God’s will.

When we harbor resentment or bitterness towards others, it can hinder our ability to pray effectively.

Power of Unity

Instead, Paul encourages us to pray in a spirit of unity and harmony.

When we come together as a community of believers, lifting our voices in prayer, there is a power and effectiveness that transcends our individual efforts.

As we lay aside our differences and focus on our common purpose, God is pleased to work through our collective prayers.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Prayer
22
Feb
2024
Your Reward – Don’t Lose It!

Your Reward – Don’t Lose It!

“Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.” (2 John 1:8 NIV)

What Does It Mean to Watch Out?

The apostle John wrote this letter to a group of Christians who were facing false teachers and deceivers. He warned them to be careful not to be led astray by those who denied the truth about Jesus Christ. He also encouraged them to remain faithful to the commandment of love and to walk in obedience to God.

To watch out means to be alert, vigilant, and discerning. It means to pay attention to what we believe, how we live, and who we associate with.

It means to guard our hearts and minds from anything that would compromise our faith or our relationship with God.

Why Do We Need to Watch Out?

It is important to watch out because we have a precious treasure that is worth protecting. John said that we have worked for something that we do not want to lose. What is that something? It is the reward of eternal life that God has promised to those who believe in his Son.

The reward of eternal life is not something that we earn by our own efforts or merits. It is a gift of God’s grace that we receive by faith. However, it is also something that we can forfeit by our own negligence or disobedience.

If we turn away from the truth, if we follow false teachings, if we stop loving God and one another, we risk losing our reward.

How Do We Watch Out?

You watch out by staying close to God and his word. We need to read, study, and meditate on the Scriptures, which are able to make us wise for salvation and equip us for every good work.

We need to pray, worship, and fellowship with God, who is able to keep us from falling and to present us faultless before his glory. We need to obey, serve, and love God, who is able to reward us according to our deeds.

Watch out by staying connected to the community of faith. We need to listen, learn, and submit to the leaders and teachers who faithfully proclaim the truth and guide us in the way of righteousness.

Support, encourage, and care for one another, especially those who are weak, struggling, or suffering. We need to share, witness, and defend the gospel, especially to those who are lost, confused, or deceived.

What Is the Result of Watching Out?

The result of watching out is that we may be rewarded fully. John said that if we watch out, we will not lose what we have worked for, but we will receive the fullness of God’s blessing.

What is the fullness of God’s blessing? It is the joy of seeing Jesus face to face, the peace of being in his presence, the glory of sharing in his inheritance, and the love of being with him forever.

The reward of eternal life is not something that we can take for granted or assume that we already have. It is something that we need to pursue, protect, and prepare for. It is something that we need to watch out for.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration