God’s presence

14
Apr
2024
Finding Hope and Joy

Finding Hope and Joy

Malachi 4:2 speaks of a beautiful promise: “But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves” (NIV).

This verse offers a glimpse of the hope and joy God has in store for His people.

God’s Hope: A Light in the Darkness

The “sun of righteousness” symbolizes God’s presence, justice, mercy, and the promise of salvation.

Malachi assures us that for those who revere God, a time will come when He will intervene and bring an end to suffering. He will fulfill His covenant, ushering in a new era of peace and restoration.

This hope isn’t based on fleeting circumstances; it’s anchored in God’s unchanging character and faithfulness.

God’s Joy: Freedom and Abundance

The image of “well-fed calves frolicking” depicts the freedom and happiness God’s people will experience.

This joy comes from liberation from bondage, access to God’s provision, and the healing touch of His grace.

It’s a genuine and lasting joy rooted in God’s goodness and generosity.

Experiencing God’s Hope and Joy Today

This hope and joy aren’t reserved for the future; they are available now. We can experience them by:

  • Reverence: Acknowledging God’s greatness, worshiping Him sincerely, and honoring Him through our actions.
  • Grace: Confessing our sins, trusting His promises and forgiveness, and living in His presence, following His guidance.

Expressing God’s Hope and Joy in the World

Having experienced God’s love, we are called to share it with others:

  • Sharing His Word: Telling others about God’s works and promises, explaining His message, and inviting them to join His journey.
  • Showing His Love: Demonstrating care for the needs of others, using our gifts to serve, and offering prayers and blessings.

God’s hope and joy are like a radiant sun, dispelling darkness and bringing life.

As the hymn writer expresses, “Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love; hearts unfold like flowers before thee, opening to the sun above.”

Even in difficult times, God’s hope remains a constant source of strength, and His joy fuels our mission to share His love with the world.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
04
Apr
2024
Entering God’s Rest

Entering God’s Rest

Hebrews 4:1 – Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.

In this verse, believers are warned not to repeat the Israelites’ mistake in the wilderness and miss out on “entering his rest.” This verse offers an invitation and a challenge: to embrace God’s rest, signifying His salvation and presence.

Promise of God’s Rest

The Scripture emphasizes God’s enduring promise of rest – a spiritual reality and eternal destiny, not a physical state.

It’s a dynamic relationship, a divine provision, and a gift secured by Christ’s work.

We might think God’s rest is irrelevant or unattainable, but it’s what we truly need and long for.

Danger of Falling Short

The verse warns of the danger of “falling short” of God’s rest due to sin and unbelief. It’s a consequence of disobedience and rebellion, not a mere possibility.

We might think it’s avoidable or reversible, but the truth is, it’s a real and permanent consequence.

Means of Entering: Faith

The author reveals faith as the key to entering God’s rest. It’s trust and obedience in God and His Word, the confidence we have in His promises.

By faith, we access the rest He prepared for us, accomplished through Christ’s sacrifice, and applied by the Holy Spirit.

Faith is NOT optional, but it’s essential and sufficient; it’s what God requires and honors.

Goal of Resting

The Scripture verse implies the goal is to “rest” in God’s rest. It’s experiencing His peace, joy, and presence, worshiping and serving Him, and growing in His Word.

It’s not boring or unproductive; it’s what fulfills our purpose and destiny. We might think we need to find our own rest, but true rest is found in Him.

God offers us rest – His salvation and presence. He warns against missing it, teaches us to enter through faith, and invites us to experience the peace and joy of resting in Him. Embrace His offer and enter His rest.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
12
Mar
2024
Living in the Light

Living in the Light

Invitation to Truth

“But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.” – John 3:21 (NIV)

In this verse, we are presented with a powerful invitation to live our lives in the light of truth, without hiding or pretense.

Choice We Face

Each of us has a choice: we can continue to dwell in darkness, hiding our true selves and actions, or we can step into the light of truth and authenticity.

The darkness may seem comfortable and safe, but it ultimately leads to a life of deception and isolation.

Courage to Be Seen

Living in the light requires courage and vulnerability. It means being willing to let our lives be exposed to the scrutiny of God and others, with all our flaws and imperfections laid bare.

But it is only in this place of transparency that we can truly experience freedom and healing.

Assurance of God’s Presence

When we choose to live by the truth, we can be assured that our actions are being done “in the sight of God.”

We are not alone in our journey toward authenticity. God sees us, knows us, and invites us to walk in the light of His presence, where there is no need to hide or pretend.

As you embrace the call to live in the light, you may face challenges and criticism from those who prefer the darkness.

However, you can take comfort in knowing that your life is being lived out in the open, with integrity and honesty, before the God who loves you and desires your true freedom.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith, Trust