God’s will

Lasting Forever: Finding What Really Matters

Lasting Forever: Finding What Really Matters

“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”

1 John 2:17

A Fresh Perspective

Have you ever cleaned out your closet and found something you just “had to have” a year ago?

Maybe it was a trendy outfit or the latest gadget that now sits forgotten.

This simple experience perfectly illustrates today’s verse.

Understanding the Temporary

Think about the things that grabbed your attention last year:

  • That must-watch TV show everyone talked about
  • The trending social media challenge
  • The latest phone model
  • The fashion styles everyone wore

Where are they now? Most have probably faded into yesterday’s news.

Heart of the Matter

Imagine building a sandcastle on the beach. No matter how magnificent it is, the tide will eventually wash it away.

That’s how John describes worldly desires – impressive for a moment but ultimately temporary.

What Really Lasts

But here’s the good news – you have an alternative.

God offers something permanent. When you align your life with His will, you’re investing in forever.

It’s like planting a tree instead of buying artificial flowers. One grows and lasts; the other looks good briefly but eventually fades.

Making Wise Choices

This verse isn’t saying you can’t enjoy life’s pleasures. Rather, it’s about priorities. Ask yourself:

  • Will this matter in five years?
  • Does this choice honor God’s purposes?
  • Am I investing in temporary satisfaction or eternal impact?

Your Daily Impact

Every day brings choices between the temporary and the eternal:

  • Choosing kindness over convenience
  • Picking integrity over immediate gain
  • Selecting service over self-interest

Practical Steps Forward

Start your day by asking, “What has eternal value today?” Maybe it’s:

  • Taking time to encourage someone
  • Making a decision based on truth rather than trends
  • Investing in relationships instead of just achievements

Food for Thought

You might be thinking, “But I need to live in the real world!” Absolutely true.

Following God’s will doesn’t mean ignoring daily responsibilities. Instead, it means handling them with eternal perspective.

Prayer

Father, help me see beyond what’s temporary. Give me wisdom to recognize eternal values in my daily choices. Thank you for offering me a part in what lasts forever. Guide my decisions today toward Your eternal purposes. Amen.

Reflection Question

What one temporary thing might you need to hold more loosely so you can grab onto something eternal?

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
Don’t Quench the Holy Spirit: Staying Open to God’s Guidance

Don’t Quench the Holy Spirit: Staying Open to God’s Guidance

Have you ever had that feeling – a nudge in a certain direction, a flicker of intuition that seems to know the right path? That, my friend, could very well be the Holy Spirit whispering guidance in your ear.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:19, the Bible tells us “Do not quench the Spirit.” But what exactly does that mean? How can we quench the Holy Spirit, and how can we stay open to His leading?

The Holy Spirit: Our Internal GPS

Think of the Holy Spirit as God’s built-in GPS for our lives. He guides us, corrects us, and empowers us to live according to God’s will.

He speaks through that feeling in your gut, that quiet voice urging you towards kindness or away from temptation.

But just like any GPS, the Holy Spirit’s guidance can be muffled if we’re not paying attention. Here’s how we might, unintentionally, quench the Spirit’s flame:

  • Distractions: We live in a noisy world. Constant busyness, social media, and entertainment can drown out the subtle promptings of the Holy Spirit.
  • Disobedience: When we knowingly choose to go against what we believe is the right thing to do, we push away the Spirit’s guidance.
  • Unbelief: Doubting God’s presence or guidance creates a barrier between us and the Holy Spirit.

Staying Open to the Holy Spirit

So how do we stay tuned in to the Holy Spirit’s frequency? Here are a few tips:

  • Quiet Time: Make space for daily prayer and reflection. This allows the Spirit’s voice to rise above the daily noise.
  • Bible Study: Reading God’s word equips you to recognize the Spirit’s leading, as He often guides us based on biblical principles.
  • Living a Holy Life: The more we strive to live according to God’s will, the easier it becomes to recognize and follow the Spirit’s promptings.
  • Discernment: Not every impulse is the Holy Spirit. Pray for wisdom to discern the Spirit’s voice from your own thoughts or desires.

By staying open and receptive, the Holy Spirit can become an incredible guide in your life.

He will lead you to make God-honoring choices, convict you of sin, and empower you to live a life that glorifies Him.

So, listen closely, and don’t quench the flame of the Holy Spirit within you!

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration