God’s plan

09
Jul
2024
Pruning for Growth

Pruning for Growth

Have you ever wondered why bad things happen to good people?

John 15:2 offers a surprising metaphor to explain how God uses even difficult times to help us grow:

“Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that bears fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”

John 15:2

Why the Pruning Shears?

Think about it. A gardener prunes branches from a plant not to harm it, but to encourage new growth.

Similarly, God sometimes allows challenges in our lives to prune away things that hinder our spiritual growth.

Benefits of Pruning

Here’s how God’s pruning can actually benefit us:

  • Removes Unhealthy Habits: Sometimes we cling to behaviors or attitudes that keep us from growing closer to God. Pruning helps remove these hindrances.
  • Strengthens Our Roots: Challenges can deepen our faith and reliance on God, strengthening our spiritual foundation.
  • Produces More Fruit: Ultimately, God’s pruning is meant to help us bear more “fruit” – the good things in life that come from following Him.

Trusting the Gardener

John 15:2 reminds us that God is the ultimate gardener, tending to our lives with love and care.

Even when the pruning shears feel harsh, we can trust that He has a good purpose in mind.

How to Respond to Pruning

  • Seek God During Difficult Times: Draw closer to Him through prayer and Bible study.
  • Reflect on What You’re Learning: Ask yourself what God might be trying to teach you through this challenge.
  • Focus on Growth: Don’t get discouraged by the pruning. Use it as an opportunity to grow stronger in your faith.

John 15:2 doesn’t promise a pain-free life. But it offers a powerful message of hope.

By trusting God’s plan and allowing Him to prune away unnecessary branches, we can experience deeper growth and greater fruitfulness in our spiritual lives.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Trust
29
Jun
2024
Woe to Those Who Long for Disaster

Woe to Those Who Long for Disaster

The Bible grapples with complex themes, including God’s justice and mercy. Amos 5:18 presents a seemingly harsh message, challenging those who long for the “Day of the Lord.”

The Prophet Amos: A Voice for Justice

Amos was a prophet who ministered in the northern kingdom of Israel during the 8th century BC. This period was marked by social injustice, corruption, and a false sense of security among the people.

Amos served as God’s mouthpiece, calling the nation to repentance.

“Woe to you who desire the day of the Lord! Why do you long for the day of the Lord? It is not a day of delight, but of trouble, not of light, but of darkness!”

Amos 5:18

Breaking it Down

At first glance, this verse seems to contradict God’s ultimate justice.

  • “Woe to you who desire the day of the Lord!”: The “Day of the Lord” refers to a time of God’s judgment. Amos warns against flippantly desiring this day.
  • “It is not a day of delight, but of trouble”: The day of judgment will bring hardship and consequences for those who have strayed from God’s path.
  • “Not of light, but of darkness”: This imagery signifies the absence of God’s favor and presence.

Why Does This Matter?

This verse compels us to reexamine our understanding of God’s judgment. Here’s why it’s important:

  • A Call to Repentance: The coming judgment is a wake-up call for people to turn away from sin and seek God’s forgiveness.
  • God Desires Justice, Not Destruction: God’s ultimate desire is not to punish, but to restore his people to a right relationship with Him.
  • A Warning Against Being Superficial: Simply going through religious rituals isn’t enough. True faith requires a genuine change of heart.

Is God Cruel?

The concept of judgment can be unsettling. However, it’s important to remember God’s character:

  • Just and Righteous: God cannot ignore injustice forever. Judgment is a necessary consequence of sin.
  • Merciful and Loving: God offers forgiveness and restoration to those who repent.

Living in Light of the Day of the Lord

Amos 5:18 doesn’t negate God’s love, but serves as a wake-up call. Here’s how this verse applies to us:

  • Seek God’s Righteousness: Live a life that honors with God’s will.
  • Embrace Repentance: Acknowledge and turn away from your sin.
  • Spread God’s Love: Share God’s message of mercy and hope with others.

Call to Transformation

Amos 5:18 is a reminder that God desires a relationship with us.

The “Day of the Lord” is not something to be dreaded, but a reason for transformation. By living a life that reflects God’s character, we can experience His love and prepare ourselves for whatever the future holds.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Discipline
03
Jun
2024
Numbering Your Days: Living a Life of Purpose

Numbering Your Days: Living a Life of Purpose

The Bible reminds us that our time on earth is finite.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Psalms 90:12

This verse doesn’t encourage dwelling on death, but rather on living each day intentionally.

Get Focused

  • Understanding Your Mortality: Acknowledging that life is short can motivate you to prioritize what truly matters.
  • Discovering Your Purpose: What are you passionate about? How can you use your talents to make a difference?
  • Setting Goals: Having clear goals can provide direction and focus for your life.
  • Living Each Day to the Fullest: Don’t waste time on regrets or procrastination. Embrace each day as a gift.

Making the Most of Your Time:

  • Spend time with loved ones. Nurture your relationships with family and friends.
  • Pursue your passions. Make time for activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
  • Give back to your community. Use your time and talents to serve others.

By “numbering your days,” you gain a perspective that allows you to live a life filled with purpose and meaning. Every day is an opportunity to make a difference and glorify God.

Further Exploration:

  • Read Ephesians 5:16 (NIV) for a verse about redeeming the time.
  • Consider creating a vision board or list of goals for your life.
  • Explore your passions and find ways to integrate them into your daily life.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Trust
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
17
Feb
2024
Power of Humility, Gentleness, and Patience

Power of Humility, Gentleness, and Patience

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2

When we think of the word “power,” we often associate it with strength, might, and dominance. However, the Bible teaches us that true power lies in humility, gentleness, and patience.

In Ephesians 4:2, we are called to be “completely humble and gentle” and to “be patient, bearing with one another in love.” These three virtues are not only essential to our spiritual growth but also to our relationships with others.

In this devotional, we will explore the power of humility, gentleness, and patience and how they can transform our lives.

Power of Humility

Humility is often misunderstood as weakness or lack of confidence. However, true humility is the opposite of pride and arrogance. It is recognizing that we are not perfect and that we need God’s grace and mercy.

When we are humble, we are free from the burden of trying to prove ourselves to others. Instead, we can focus on serving others and putting their needs before our own.

Humility allows us to learn from our mistakes and grow in our faith. It also helps us to be more compassionate and understanding towards others.

Power of Gentleness

Gentleness is often associated with being soft or passive. However, gentleness is a powerful virtue that requires great strength and self-control. When we are gentle, we are able to control our emotions and respond to others with kindness and compassion.

Gentleness allows us to be peacemakers and to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner. It also helps us to build trust and deepen our relationships with others.

When we are gentle, we are able to see the good in others and to encourage them to be their best selves.

Power of Patience

Patience is often described as waiting without complaining. However, true patience is much more than that. It is the ability to endure difficult circumstances without losing hope or faith.

When we are patient, we are able to trust in God’s timing and to wait for His plans to unfold. Patience allows us to persevere through trials and to grow in our faith.

It also helps us to be more understanding and forgiving towards others. When we are patient, we are able to see the bigger picture and to trust that God is working all things together for our good.

Essentials

The power of humility, gentleness, and patience cannot be overstated. These three virtues are essential to our spiritual growth and to our relationships with others.

When we are humble, gentle, and patient, we are able to reflect the love of Christ to those around us. We are able to build deeper relationships and to make a positive impact in the world.

Strive to cultivate these virtues in our lives and to be a shining light to those around us.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration