following God’s will

08
Jul
2024
Deeply Troubled

Deeply Troubled

In John 12:27, we encounter a glimpse into Jesus’ inner world during a pivotal moment in His ministry.

As He prepares for His upcoming crucifixion, the weight of what He must endure takes its toll. The verse says:

“Now my soul is troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.”

John 12:27

Man of Sorrows

This verse is a powerful reminder that Jesus wasn’t just divine; He was also fully human. He experienced emotions like fear, sadness, and even doubt.

Here, He wrestles with the immense suffering that awaits Him.

Choosing Obedience Over Comfort

Despite His internal struggle, Jesus doesn’t ask to be saved from His fate.

He acknowledges the purpose for which He came: to die on the cross for our sins.

Finding Strength in Difficult Times

John 12:27 offers encouragement for us when we face challenges:

  • It’s Okay to Feel Troubled: Jesus, the Son of God, experienced emotional turmoil. It’s okay for us to acknowledge and express our difficulties.
  • God’s Plan is Greater: Even in the midst of suffering, God has a purpose. Trust that He is working behind the scenes, even when we can’t see it.
  • Focus on the Bigger Picture: Jesus found strength by remembering the purpose for His suffering – our salvation. Find strength by focusing on the hope and purpose that guides you.

How to Apply This to Your Life

  • Acknowledge Your Feelings: Don’t bottle up your emotions; you have the same access to God the Father as Jesus had!
  • Seek God’s Comfort: Prayer is a powerful tool to find strength and peace during difficult times.
  • Focus on Your Why: What keeps you going? What purpose are you striving towards? Let that be your guiding light.

John 12:27 reminds us that Jesus understands our struggles. He faced immense challenges and remained faithful to God’s plan.

By following His example, you can find the strength to navigate difficult times and live a life that glorifies Him.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
31
May
2024
Walking in God’s Ways: A Life of Faith

Walking in God’s Ways: A Life of Faith

The prophet Micah, in Micah 4:5, paints a beautiful picture of a future where people will walk in God’s ways:

“But each of us will walk in the name of our god.”

Micah 4:5

This verse is a call to live a life that aligns with God’s will and principles. Here’s how to cultivate a life of walking in God’s ways:

  • Knowing God’s Word: The Bible is our guide for living a God-centered life. Studying scripture helps us understand His character and will.
  • Living by Faith: Faith is trusting God, even when we don’t have all the answers. It involves obedience and following His leading.
  • Seeking Guidance: Pray for wisdom and discernment to make choices that honor God. Consider mentorship from mature believers.

Walking in God’s Ways in Your Daily Life:

  • Live with integrity. Let your actions reflect your faith and values.
  • Show love to others. God is love, and love should be at the core of your interactions.
  • Stand up for what’s right. Don’t be afraid to take a stand for your faith and principles.

Walking in God’s ways is a lifelong journey. By studying His word, living by faith, and seeking guidance, you can experience the joy and purpose that comes from living a life pleasing to Him.

Further Exploration:

  • Read Proverbs 3:5-6 for a verse about trusting God.
  • Consider creating a daily Bible reading habit.
  • Find a mentor or accountability partner who can encourage you in your faith walk.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith, Trust
17
Apr
2024
Beyond Rules: Jesus’ Call to True Righteousness

Beyond Rules: Jesus’ Call to True Righteousness

Matthew 5:20 – “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Many grapple with achieving God’s standards and pleasing Him. Traditionally, righteousness is seen as following rules and rituals.

The Problem: External Righteousness

Jesus challenges this view in Matthew 5:20.

He says our righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisees, known for meticulous rule-following. Their focus was external actions, neglecting the heart of the Law: love for God and neighbor.

This kind of righteousness is superficial and self-serving.

The Solution: Grace and True Righteousness

True righteousness isn’t achieved by our efforts. The answer lies in:

  • Grace: God’s grace forgives, cleanses, and empowers us. It transforms our hearts and enables us to live for Him. Righteousness comes from His work in us, not our own.
  • Jesus: He saves, teaches, and leads us. His sacrifice and intercession make us righteous, not by imitation, but by His presence within us.

Following Jesus’ Way

To live out this higher righteousness, we need to:

  • Examine Our Motives: Focus on our inner thoughts and attitudes, not just outward actions. We must avoid both outward sins and inward sins like anger, pride, or envy.
  • Love, Not Just Law: Seek the spirit of the Law, which is love. We practice the positive aspects of “doing good” and “showing mercy” alongside avoiding negativity like “lying” or “stealing.”
  • Internal and External: We demonstrate both internal signs of faith like humility and sincerity, and external acts like fasting, praying, and giving generously. Our goal is to please God, who sees our hearts, not impress others.

The Invitation: A Higher Calling

Jesus calls us to a deeper righteousness, one leading to the Kingdom of Heaven.

This call is not a burden but a blessing, a gift of true connection with God.

Prayer for True Righteousness

“Lord Jesus, I confess my sin and need Your grace. I believe You died for my sins and rose again for my righteousness. I accept Your call to a higher righteousness, surpassing that of the Pharisees, leading to Your kingdom. I surrender my life and follow Your way. Forgive, cleanse, and empower me. Be my Lord, Savior, and Example. Be my Righteousness, not by my imitation, but by Your indwelling. Amen.”

If you prayed this prayer, congratulations! You’ve embarked on a life-changing journey.

Next Steps: Growing in Faith

  • Find a Bible-believing church for fellowship and growth.
  • Read the Bible and pray daily to deepen your relationship with God.
  • Share your testimony to inspire others to seek Jesus and His righteousness.

May God bless you on your path with Him.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
11
Apr
2024
Words and Actions: Guarding Your Heart

Words and Actions: Guarding Your Heart

Luke 6:45 “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

This verse highlights a profound truth: our hearts are the wellspring of our words and actions.

The Heart: Source of What We Say and Do

The Bible portrays the heart as more than just a physical organ. It’s the center of our thoughts, emotions, desires, and will.

It shapes who we are – our character and identity. Jesus teaches us that our words reveal our heart’s condition.

A heart brimming with love, joy, peace, and kindness, overflows with words of encouragement, gratitude, and praise.

Conversely, a heart filled with anger, bitterness, or envy manifests in negativity, criticism, and gossip. We cannot hide our true selves; our words eventually betray our hearts.

God’s Work in Transforming Our Hearts

God desires to transform our hearts into His likeness. He wants them filled with His love, grace, and truth.

He accomplishes this through the Holy Spirit working in us via His word, His people, and even life’s circumstances. God convicts us of sin, offers forgiveness, and challenges us to follow His will. He grants us a new heart, a new birth, and a new life in Him.

Our role is to cooperate with God’s work. We open our hearts, listen to His voice, obey His commands, and repent of our wrongdoings. We trust and follow Him, allowing Him to shape us.

The Heart: Reflecting Our Spiritual Growth

The state of our heart, reflects our spiritual growth. It reveals how much we’ve learned from God and His word, how much we love Him and others, and how much we’ve matured as Christians.

Just as a tree is recognized by its fruit, a person is known by their words. Good hearts produce good words, while bad hearts produce bad words.

Examining our words offers a window into our hearts. Are our words pleasing to God and edifying to others? Do they align with our faith?

The Heart: Motivating Our Actions

Our hearts don’t just influence our words; they motivate our actions. What’s in our hearts shapes our choices, behavior, life path, and ultimately, our destiny.

Jesus tells us, “out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks”. This principle extends to actions as well.

A heart filled with good things leads to good deeds, serving others, and glorifying God. Conversely, a heart filled with negativity manifests in harmful actions that dishonor God.

Therefore, guarding our hearts is crucial. We avoid anything that can corrupt them, like sin, temptation, and worldly influences. We seek what nourishes them – prayer, worship, fellowship, and God’s word, which equips us for good works.

The Heart of the Matter

Your heart truly is the matter of the matter. It shapes your words, actions, and spiritual growth. Strive to align your heart with God’s heart.

As the psalmist pleads, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:1).

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration