God’s love

Give Thanks to the Lord for His Goodness

Give Thanks to the Lord for His Goodness

In a world where it’s easy to focus on what we don’t have or what’s going wrong, Psalm 107:1 calls us to shift our perspective.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”

Psalm 107:1

This verse encourages us to remember God’s goodness and to give thanks for His unfailing love. Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you”; it’s a powerful way to acknowledge God’s work in our lives and to keep our hearts focused on His blessings.

Importance of Gratitude

Gratitude is a central theme in the Bible, and Psalm 107:1 is a beautiful reminder of its importance.

When we take the time to give thanks to the Lord, we’re doing more than just acknowledging His goodness—we’re also filling our hearts with His truth.

Gratitude helps us to see beyond our immediate circumstances and recognize the many ways God is at work in our lives.

God’s Unfailing Love

The verse tells us that God’s love “endures forever.” This isn’t just a nice sentiment; it’s a powerful truth that can anchor us in difficult times.

God’s love is not dependent on our actions, our circumstances, or even our faithfulness. It is steadfast, unchanging, and always present.

When we give thanks, we’re reminded of this unshakable love and the security it brings to our lives.

Why Give Thanks?

You might wonder why giving thanks is so important, especially when life is tough. The act of giving thanks does something profound in our hearts.

It shifts our focus from what’s wrong to what’s right, from what we lack to what we have, and from our problems to God’s promises.

It’s a way of declaring our trust in God’s goodness, even when we don’t fully understand what He’s doing.

Expressing Gratitude in All Circumstances

Psalm 107 is filled with stories of people who experienced God’s deliverance in various situations. In each case, the appropriate response was to give thanks.

Whether we’re in a season of abundance or in a valley of hardship, giving thanks helps us to remain grounded in the truth that God is always good.

It’s not about ignoring our difficulties but about recognizing that, despite them, God’s love and goodness remain constant.

Power of a Thankful Heart

Having a thankful heart changes the way we experience life. It opens our eyes to see God’s blessings all around us and softens our hearts to receive His grace.

When we practice gratitude, we cultivate a mindset that is resilient, hopeful, and focused on God’s faithfulness.

This doesn’t mean we ignore the challenges we face, but it does mean that we choose to focus on God’s goodness, which is always present.

Psalm 107:1 is a timeless reminder to give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and enduring love.

As you make gratitude a daily practice, you will find that it not only deepens your relationship with God but also transforms the way you see 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
Guard Your Heart Against Bitterness

Guard Your Heart Against Bitterness

Bitterness is something that can sneak into our lives without us even realizing it. It starts small, but if left unchecked, it can grow and cause all kinds of trouble.

Hebrews 12:15 warns us about this very thing, encouraging us to be vigilant in guarding our hearts.

“See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”

Hebrews 12:15

Danger of Bitterness

Bitterness is often compared to a root. It starts hidden beneath the surface, but over time it can grow into something that affects not just us, but those around us as well.

This verse reminds us that bitterness can “cause trouble and defile many.”

When we hold onto grudges or let resentment fester, it not only hurts us but can also spread to others, damaging relationships and communities.

Falling Short of Grace

The verse also speaks about falling short of the grace of God. Grace is God’s unmerited favor—His love and kindness towards us even when we don’t deserve it.

When we allow bitterness to take root, we are missing out on this grace.

Instead of experiencing the freedom and peace that God offers, we become trapped in a cycle of negativity and hurt.

Guarding Your Heart

So how do we guard our hearts against bitterness?

It starts with recognizing when bitterness begins to take root. This can be tricky because it often begins with something small—maybe someone said something hurtful, or we felt overlooked in a situation.

But if we don’t deal with these feelings, they can grow into something much bigger.

Embracing God’s Grace

One of the best ways to combat bitterness is by embracing God’s grace. When we focus on how much God has forgiven us, it becomes easier to extend that same grace to others. (See Matthew 5:7)

This doesn’t mean we ignore hurtful behavior, but it does mean we choose not to let it take over our hearts.

By bringing our hurts to God and asking for His help, we can prevent bitterness from taking root.

Living in Freedom

Living free from bitterness allows us to experience the full joy and peace that God intends for us. It keeps our relationships healthy and our hearts pure.

When we choose to let go of bitterness and embrace God’s grace, we are choosing a path of healing and wholeness.

Now What?

Hebrews 12:15 is a powerful reminder to guard our hearts against bitterness. By staying connected to God’s grace and dealing with hurts as they come, we can prevent bitterness from growing and causing trouble.

Choose to live in the freedom and peace that God offers, keeping your heart healthy and your relationships strong.

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
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.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
Grace Abounds All the More

Grace Abounds All the More

Romans 5:20

“The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more.”

Challenge of Sin

Sin profoundly impacts everyone. It represents rebellion against God’s will, the violation of His holy law, and the corruption of His good creation.

Sin severs our connection with God’s love, exposing us to His wrath and judgment. It also damages our relationships with others and ourselves, leading to misery and death. Ultimately, sin lies at the root of all evil and suffering in the world.

Our own efforts and merits cannot free us from sin. We cannot flawlessly adhere to God’s law, nor can we erase our past transgressions.

Our sinful nature remains unchanged, and the power of sin overwhelms us. In our helpless state, we deserve God’s condemnation and punishment.

Precious Gift of Grace

Yet, in His boundless love and mercy, God provides an escape from sin and its consequences. He bestows upon us the gift of grace—an undeserved favor and kindness.

Grace is not something we earn; it is freely and generously given by God. It serves as the wellspring of our salvation, sanctification, forgiveness, transformation, peace, and joy.

The pinnacle of God’s grace is found in Jesus Christ, His Son and our Savior. Jesus entered our world as a human, lived a sinless life, and willingly died on the cross for our sins.

His resurrection conquered sin and death, offering us eternal life and reconciliation with God. Through Jesus, we can receive the Holy Spirit and His life-transforming Word, guiding and empowering us.

His unconditional love intercedes for us.

Response of Faith

  • How can we access this abundant grace?
  • How do we experience it?

The answer lies in faith. Faith involves trusting God’s promises, surrendering to His will, and obeying His commands. It justifies and sanctifies us, declaring us righteous and holy through God’s grace.

Faith is not a self-generated work; it is a divine gift. We humbly receive it, recognizing that boasting has no place.

Faith is our lifeline to God and His grace—a channel through which His abundant blessings flow into our lives.

Fruit of Joy

What happens when we embrace God’s grace through faith? Joy blossoms. This deep and lasting delight transcends circumstances, rooted in God’s goodness.

Joy evidences the work of the Holy Spirit, the reward of faith, and the ultimate goal of salvation. It fuels our service and witness, comforts us during trials, and directs praise and glory to our God and Savior.

Joy isn’t a mere feeling we manufacture; it’s a reality we discover. We don’t chase after it; we possess it. Joy overflows from God’s grace within us, radiating outward to bless others.

Remember this kids song . . . it’s not just for kids!

I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Where?
Down in my heart!
Where?
Down in my heart!
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Down in my heart to stay

Chorus

And I’m so happy, so very happy
I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart
Down in my heart.
And I’m so happy, so very happy
I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration