faith journey

07
May
2024
Finding Refuge in the Sovereign Lord

Finding Refuge in the Sovereign Lord

Uncertainty of Life

In a world that seems to be constantly shifting and changing, it can be easy to feel unsettled and uncertain.

From global crises to personal struggles, we often find ourselves grasping for something solid and dependable to anchor our lives.

Sovereign Refuge

In the midst of life’s storms, the prophet Isaiah offers a powerful reminder of where we can find true refuge. In Isaiah 33:22 (NIV), we read, “For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; it is he who will save us.”

Our Judge

The Lord is our Judge, the ultimate arbiter of justice and righteousness.

In a world where injustice and evil seem to prevail, we can take comfort in knowing that our God is a just and righteous Judge who will ultimately set all things right.

Our Lawgiver

The Lord is our Lawgiver, the source of all moral and ethical truth.

We live in a world where values and morals are constantly shifting, we can find stability and guidance in the unchanging laws and principles of God’s Word.

Our King

The Lord is our King, the sovereign ruler over all creation.

While earthly powers rise and fall, we can place our trust in the one true King whose reign is eternal and whose authority is unrivaled.

Trusting in God’s Sovereignty

To trust in God’s sovereignty is to acknowledge His ultimate control and authority over every aspect of our lives and the world around us.

It is to surrender our fears, doubts, and uncertainties to the One who holds all things in His hands.

Finding Peace in Uncertainty

When we understand that God is truly sovereign, we can find peace even in the midst of uncertainty.

We can rest assured that nothing happens outside of His knowledge and control, and that He is working all things together for our good and His glory.

Gaining Strength in Weakness

In our moments of weakness and vulnerability, we can draw strength from the truth that our God is sovereign. He is not limited by our limitations or bound by our circumstances. His power is limitless, and His presence is ever-near.

Living with Confidence

When we embrace God’s sovereignty, we can live with confidence, knowing that our lives are secure in His hands.

We can face each day with courage and boldness, trusting that the One who is our Judge, Lawgiver, and King is always with us, leading and guiding our steps.

A Present and Faithful God

The beauty of God’s sovereignty is that it is not merely a distant, abstract concept but a present and tangible reality in our lives.

As we journey through this life, we can take comfort in the fact that our sovereign God is ever-present, ever-faithful, and ever-powerful.

In moments of joy, He rejoices with us. In times of sorrow, He comforts us. In seasons of uncertainty, He guides us. And in the face of adversity, He strengthens us.

For He is our Judge, our Lawgiver, and our King – the one true source of refuge, hope, and salvation.

When you trust in the One who is sovereign over all, you can face whatever life brings with a peace that surpasses all understanding, secure in the knowledge that your life is in the hands of the One who rules and reigns forevermore.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Trust
06
May
2024
Faith as Your Anchor

Faith as Your Anchor

Have you ever felt a wave of doubt wash over your faith?

It’s a common experience, but there’s a beacon of hope in the Bible that shines through the fog of uncertainty.

Finding Certainty in Faith

“Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” – Romans 4:3

These words from Romans 4:3 aren’t just ancient text; they’re a lifeline.

They remind us that faith is more than just hoping for the best—it’s believing with conviction in the goodness of God and His promises.

What Makes Faith Solid?

Faith is not about closing your eyes and hoping for the best.

It’s about knowing God well enough that you can trust Him even when the path ahead is unclear. It’s this trust that calms our hearts and gives us the strength to stand firm.

Steps to Strengthen Your Belief

  • Dive into the Bible: Regular Bible reading is like having a heart-to-heart with God every day. It helps you get to know Him on a deeper level.
  • Pray with Purpose: Open up to God. Share your thoughts, your worries, and let the conversation build your trust.
  • Recall God’s Track Record: Look back at the times God has been there for you. It’s proof that He keeps His word.
  • Join a Faith-Filled Community: Walking with others who believe can lift you up and keep your faith strong.

Living Boldly with Faith

When faith takes root in your heart, it changes how you face life’s ups and downs.

You’re not just going through the motions; you’re moving with the confidence that God is by your side, guiding you every step of the way.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith
03
May
2024
Embracing Your Identity as God’s Child

Embracing Your Identity as God’s Child

Have you ever felt like you’re just going through the motions, unsure of your purpose or place in this world?

If so, you’re not alone. Many of us struggle with finding our identity and understanding our true worth. But what if I told you that you’re already a part of something greater than you could ever imagine?

You Belong to God’s Family

According to Galatians 3:29 (NIV), “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

This powerful verse reveals a profound truth: if you have accepted Christ into your life, you are a child of God, an heir to His eternal kingdom.

Meaning of Being an Heir

Being an heir doesn’t just mean receiving an inheritance; it means being a part of a family, a lineage, and a legacy.

As God’s children, we are adopted into His eternal family, with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities that come with that sacred relationship.

Embracing Your New Identity

When you truly embrace your identity as a child of God, it changes everything.

Suddenly, you are no longer defined by your past mistakes, your insecurities, or the labels others have placed upon you.

Instead, your identity is rooted in the unconditional love and acceptance of your Heavenly Father.

Living in Freedom

One of the most beautiful aspects of being a child of God is the freedom it brings. You are no longer bound by the chains of fear, guilt, or shame.

Instead, you can live a life of purpose, knowing that your worth and value come from the One who created you.

Breaking Free from Limitations

As children of God, we are called to break free from the limitations and expectations of this world.

We are no longer defined by our circumstances, but by the limitless potential that God has placed within us.

Discovering Your Purpose

When you embrace your identity as a child of God, you begin to discover your true purpose.

You realize that you were created with a specific plan and destiny, and that your life has meaning and significance beyond what you could ever imagine.

Belonging to a Eternal Family

Perhaps one of the greatest blessings of being a child of God is the sense of belonging it brings.

You are no longer alone in this world, but part of a vast and eternal family, united by the love of Christ.

Finding Community

As children of God, we are called to support and encourage one another, to share in each other’s joys and sorrows, and to walk together on this journey of faith.

When we embrace our identity in Christ, we find a community of believers who understand our struggles and celebrate our victories.

Living in Love

Ultimately, being a child of God means living in the unconditional love of our Heavenly Father. It means knowing that no matter what happens, we are loved, cherished, and accepted for who we are.

This love is the foundation upon which we can build a life of purpose, freedom, and belonging.

Embrace your identity as a child of God. Let this truth transform the way you see yourself and the world around you. For when you truly understand who you are in Christ, you will never be the same again.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
02
May
2024
Walking in Love

Walking in Love

“And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:2 NIV

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to walk in love? In a world where love is often defined by fleeting feelings and personal gain, the Bible calls us to a higher standard – one exemplified by Christ Himself.

Selfless Love

Christ’s love was selfless. He didn’t love, to get something in return.

His love was a gift, freely given, expecting nothing back. That’s the kind of love we’re called to embody.

It’s not about what we can gain, but what we can give.

Fragrance of Sacrifice

When we love like Christ, our lives become a fragrant offering.

Just as a pleasant aroma can fill a room and be enjoyed by all within it, our acts of love and sacrifice can spread goodness and joy to those around us.

Practical Steps to Love

So, how do we start this journey of love? Here are some practical steps:

  1. Listen More: Sometimes, the most loving thing we can do is listen. Hear what people are really saying, and offer your presence as a gift.
  2. Serve Willingly: Look for opportunities to serve others without expecting recognition or reward.
  3. Forgive Freely: Holding onto grudges weighs us down. Forgiveness is a powerful act of love that frees both the giver and receiver.
  4. Encourage Often: A kind word can lift someone’s spirits. Be an encourager, a beacon of positivity in someone’s day.

Love in Action

Remember, love is more than a feeling; it’s an action. It’s a choice you make every day. When you choose to love like Christ, you light up the world with the beauty of His grace.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
16
Feb
2024
The Soul That Sins Shall Die

The Soul That Sins Shall Die

“The one who sins is the one who will die. The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them.” Ezekiel 18:20

Context

This verse comes from a chapter in which the prophet Ezekiel addresses a common proverb among the exiled Israelites: “The parents eat sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.” (Ezekiel 18:2)

This proverb implies that the children are suffering for the sins of their ancestors, and that God is unjust in punishing them. Ezekiel rejects this proverb and declares that God judges each person according to their own deeds, not according to their family history.

He also affirms that God does not delight in the death of the wicked, but rather desires them to repent and live. (Ezekiel 18:23)

The Message

What can we learn from this verse and its context? First, we can learn that God is fair and righteous. He does not hold us accountable for the sins of others, nor does He let us off the hook for our own sins.

He evaluates us individually, based on our choices and actions. He does not show favoritism or partiality, but treats everyone equally and impartially. He is the perfect judge, who knows everything and sees everything.

Second, we can learn that we are responsible and accountable. We cannot blame our parents, our children, our circumstances, or anyone else for our sins.

We cannot rely on our heritage, our status, our achievements, or anyone else for our righteousness. We have to face the consequences of our own decisions and actions.

We have to answer to God for our own lives. We have to repent and obey God for our own salvation.

Third, we can learn that God is gracious and merciful. He does not want us to perish, but to live.

He does not take pleasure in our suffering, but in our joy. He does not condemn us, but offers us forgiveness.

He does not reject us, but welcomes us. He does not leave us, but helps us. He does not give up on us, but restores us. He does not hate us, but loves us.

Application

How can we apply this verse and its message to our lives? Here are some suggestions:

•          Examine yourself. Ask God to search your heart and reveal any sin that you need to confess and forsake. Do not justify, rationalize, or minimize your sin, but admit it and repent of it.

Do not compare yourself with others, but measure yourself by God’s standards. Do not presume on God’s grace, but appreciate it and respond to it.

•          Trust God. Believe that God is fair and righteous, and that He will judge you and others according to His justice.

Do not doubt, question, or resent God’s ways, but accept them and submit to them. Do not fear, worry, or despair about God’s wrath, but hope in His mercy and love.

•          Follow God. Obey God’s commands and do what is right in His sight. Do not rebel, disobey, or compromise with sin, but resist it and overcome it. Do not conform, imitate, or follow the world, but be transformed and renewed by God’s Spirit.

Do not seek, love, or serve the things of this world, but seek, love, and serve God and His kingdom.

The soul that sins shall die, but the soul that repents and believes shall live. This is the message of Ezekiel 18:20, and this is the message of the gospel. Let us heed it and live by it.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration