God’s presence

02
Dec
2024
Making Room for Jesus – John 14:23

Making Room for Jesus – John 14:23

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”

John 14:23

Love in Action

Have you ever told someone you love them, but your actions didn’t match your words?

It’s easy to say we love Jesus, but this verse challenges us to think about what that love really means.

Connection Between Love and Obedience

Jesus makes it simple: if you love Him, you’ll follow His teachings.

It’s like when your mom asks if you love her, and then reminds you to call more often!

Real love shows up in our actions.

Amazing Promise

Notice the incredible promise in this verse – when we show our love through obedience, God doesn’t just visit; He moves in! Think about that.

The Creator of everything wants to make His home with you.

What This Looks Like Today

Following Jesus’s teachings might mean . . .

  • Being kind when you’d rather be right
  • Forgiving when you’d rather hold a grudge
  • Being generous when you’d rather keep things for yourself.

Each act of obedience is an expression of love.

Your Personal Invitation

Today, think about one way you can show your love for Jesus through your actions.

Maybe it’s reaching out to someone who’s hurt you, or being honest in a difficult situation.

Remember, this isn’t about earning God’s love – it’s about responding to it.

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 Down

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Love, Trust
13
Nov
2024
Radiance of God: Discovering His Hidden Power

Radiance of God: Discovering His Hidden Power

“His splendor was like the sunrise; rays flashed from his hand, where his power was hidden.”

Habakkuk 3:4

A Picture of Power

Have you ever watched a sunrise? Not just glanced at it, but really watched as the first rays break through the darkness?

Habakkuk uses this powerful image to help us understand something amazing about God’s nature.

Like sunlight streaming through clouds, God’s power radiates in ways both visible and hidden.

Understanding the Beauty

This verse paints a stunning word picture for us. Imagine standing on a mountaintop as dawn approaches. The first gleam appears, then suddenly – light bursts forth, transforming everything it touches.

That’s the kind of splendor Habakkuk saw when he encountered God.

Hidden Power

But here’s something fascinating – the verse tells us that within God’s hands, His power was hidden.

It’s like holding a small battery that powers an entire flashlight. You can’t see the electricity, but you sure can see its effects!

God often works this way in your life too.

Your Daily Experience

Think about your morning routine. You flip a switch, and light floods your room. You can’t see the electricity flowing through the wires, but you see its results.

God’s power in your life works similarly – you might not always see it directly, but its effects are unmistakable.

Finding Comfort in His Power

When life feels dark, remember:

  • Just as surely as the sun rises each morning, God’s power remains constant
  • His strength often works quietly behind the scenes
  • You don’t need to see His power to benefit from it
  • His timing, like the sunrise, is perfect

Making It Real

Next time you’re facing a challenge, picture those rays flashing from God’s hands.

His power might be hidden, but it’s always active. You don’t need to understand how He’s working to trust that He is.

Practical Steps

Start your day by watching the sunrise this week. Let it remind you of God’s splendor and hidden power.

As light fills the sky, thank Him for working in ways you can’t always see but can trust.

A Personal Note

Sometimes we get caught up looking for big, dramatic displays of God’s power. But often, His strength shows up in quiet ways – a moment of peace during stress, unexpected encouragement from a friend, or strength to face one more day.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for your radiant glory and hidden power. Help me trust in your work even when I can’t see it clearly. Let me rest in knowing that, like the sunrise, your power is constant and sure. Amen.

Reflection Question

When was the last time you noticed God’s hidden power at work in your life?

How might looking for His “sunrise moments” change your perspective today?

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 Down

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
31
Oct
2024
When Creation Trembles: Understanding God’s Power

When Creation Trembles: Understanding God’s Power

“The mountains quake before him and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it.”

Nahum 1:5

Awesome Power

Have you ever experienced an earthquake, even a small one? That feeling of the ground moving under your feet is unforgettable.

Now imagine power so immense it makes mountains shake and hills dissolve. That’s the kind of power Nahum is describing – the incredible might of our God.

Understanding the Picture

What This Tells Us About God

Think about it: Mountains represent the most stable, unmovable things we know. Yet before God, they’re like Jell-O on a plate! This shows us:

  • His unlimited power
  • His complete authority
  • His sovereign control
  • His overwhelming presence

Beyond Natural Events

While Nahum uses nature to describe God’s power, this isn’t just about earthquakes and volcanoes. It’s about understanding how:

  • Nothing is too solid for God to shake
  • No problem is too established to change
  • No situation is beyond His control
  • No obstacle is too big for Him

Personal Application

What This Means for You

When life feels like:

  • Your problems are mountain-sized
  • Obstacles seem unmovable
  • Situations appear unchangeable Remember: The God who makes mountains tremble can handle your challenges.

Finding Comfort in His Power

This verse might sound scary, but it’s actually reassuring. Why? Because this all-powerful God is:

  • On your side
  • Working in your life
  • Fighting your battles
  • Supporting your journey

Today’s Prayer

Mighty God, sometimes I forget how powerful you really are. Help me remember that the same power that makes mountains quake is available in my life. Thank you for being both mighty and merciful. Amen.

Making It Real

When You Feel Small

Remember:

  1. God’s power is active today
  2. His strength is available to you
  3. No situation is hopeless
  4. His presence changes everything

Your Response

Think about the “mountains” in your life:

  • What seems unmovable?
  • What feels impossible?
  • Where do you need God’s power?

A Powerful Truth

Just as nature responds to God’s presence, your circumstances can change in His presence. No situation is too established, no problem too entrenched, no challenge too great for Him.

Practical Steps

  • Spend time in His presence
  • Trust His power
  • Expect Him to work
  • Watch for His movement

The Bigger Picture

When you’re facing your own personal mountains, remember the God who:

  • Makes real mountains tremble
  • Causes hills to melt
  • Shakes the earth
  • Commands all creation

Remember, if God can move mountains, He can certainly move the obstacles in your path.

The key isn’t the size of your mountain – it’s the size of your God. And His power hasn’t diminished since Nahum wrote these words. He’s still the mountain-shaking, hill-melting God who works in the lives of His people today.

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 Down

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
24
Oct
2024
When Sin Blocks Our Prayers

When Sin Blocks Our Prayers

“If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.”

Psalm 66:18

Understanding the Heart Matter

Have you ever felt like your prayers were hitting a ceiling?

Like something was blocking your connection with God?

The psalmist gives us a powerful insight into what might be causing this spiritual static – hidden, cherished sin.

What Does it Mean to Cherish Sin?

Think of it like this: Imagine you have a beautiful garden, but there’s a weed you’ve grown fond of.

Instead of pulling it out, you water it along with your flowers. That’s what cherishing sin is like.

It’s not just making mistakes – it’s knowingly holding onto something that damages your relationship with God.

Signs You Might Be Cherishing Sin

  • Making excuses for certain behaviors
  • Refusing to acknowledge wrong choices
  • Hiding specific actions from others
  • Protecting habits you know aren’t right

The Prayer Connection

Your prayer life is like a phone line to heaven. When you cherish sin, it’s like having a bad connection.

The problem isn’t that God can’t hear you – He’s all-powerful after all.

The issue is that you’re choosing to maintain something that creates distance between you and Him.

Why This Matters

Remember when you were a kid and broke something but tried to hide it from your parents?

The guilt made it hard to look them in the eye or have a normal conversation. The same principle applies here – unconfessed sin makes it difficult to approach God openly.

Finding Freedom

The good news is that you don’t have to stay stuck in this pattern. Here’s how you can clear the lines of communication:

  1. Be honest with yourself about hidden sin
  2. Confess it to God without excuses
  3. Ask for help in letting it go
  4. Take practical steps to change

Real-Life Application

Think about areas in your life where you might be holding onto sin. Maybe it’s:

  • An attitude you know isn’t right
  • A habit you’ve been justifying
  • A relationship that pulls you away from God
  • Words or actions that hurt others

The Path Forward

God isn’t waiting to punish you – He’s waiting to restore you.

When you release those cherished sins, you’ll find your prayer life becoming more vibrant and real.

Today’s Prayer

Father, show me any sin I’ve been protecting or hiding. Give me the courage to face it and the strength to let it go. I want nothing blocking my relationship with you. Amen.

Your Next Step

Today, take a quiet moment to ask God to reveal any cherished sin in your life. Write it down if you need to. Then, take the bold step of confessing it and asking for help to change.

Remember, this isn’t about feeling ashamed – it’s about experiencing the freedom and joy of an unhindered relationship with God.

Your prayers matter, and keeping your heart clear of cherished sin helps ensure nothing stands between you and your Heavenly Father.

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 Down

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
18
Oct
2024
Finding Freedom from Fear: A Journey with God

Finding Freedom from Fear: A Journey with God

Have you ever felt trapped by your fears?

Maybe you’re dealing with anxiety that just won’t go away, or perhaps you’re facing a situation that seems overwhelming.

We’ve all been there, and it’s not a fun place to be. But there’s good news! The Bible offers us a powerful solution to break free from fear.

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”

Psalm 34:4

This verse packs a punch! It’s not just a nice saying – it’s a real-life experience that can be yours too. Let’s break it down and see how you can apply this truth to your life.

Step 1: Seek the Lord

The psalmist starts by saying, “I sought the Lord.” This isn’t a passive action. It’s not about sitting around waiting for God to magically make everything better. No, seeking God is an active choice you make.

But what does it mean to seek God? It’s about turning your attention to Him. It might involve:

  • Talking to God through prayer
  • Reading His Word (the Bible)
  • Worshiping Him through music or quiet reflection
  • Spending time in nature, appreciating His creation

The key is to make a conscious effort to connect with God. It’s like reaching out to a close friend when you’re going through a tough time.

Step 2: He Answered Me

Here’s where it gets exciting! When you seek God, He responds. The verse says, “He answered me.” God isn’t distant or uninterested in your struggles. He’s right there, ready to step in and help.

God’s answer might come in different ways:

  • A sense of peace in your heart
  • Wisdom or insight into your situation
  • Encouragement from a friend or family member
  • A timely message from a sermon or devotional

Keep your eyes and heart open. God’s answer might surprise you!

Step 3: Delivered from All Fears

Now we get to the amazing result: “He delivered me from all my fears.” This is the freedom you’ve been longing for! When God steps in, fear loses its grip on you.

Being delivered from fear doesn’t always mean your circumstances change instantly. But it does mean that you can face those circumstances with confidence, knowing that God is with you.

It’s like having a powerful ally by your side, giving you the strength to overcome whatever comes your way.

Making It Personal

So, how can you apply this verse to your own life? Here are some practical steps:

  1. Identify your fears: What’s causing you anxiety right now? Name it.
  2. Turn to God: Make a decision to seek Him. Set aside some quiet time to pray and read His Word.
  3. Be honest with God: Tell Him about your fears. He already knows, but there’s power in expressing them out loud.
  4. Listen and watch: Pay attention to how God might be answering you. It could be through a thought, a Bible verse, or a conversation with a friend.
  5. Trust and act: As you sense God’s guidance, take steps of faith. Even small actions can build your confidence and reduce fear.
  6. Keep at it: Seeking God isn’t a one-time event. Make it a daily habit to connect with Him.

Remember, freedom from fear is a journey. There might be ups and downs along the way. But as you consistently seek God, you’ll find that His presence becomes your source of peace and strength.

You don’t have to let fear control your life anymore. God is ready and willing to deliver you from your fears. Why not start seeking Him today? Take that first step, and watch how He transforms your worries into wonder at His goodness and love.

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 Down

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration