Jesus

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.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
16
Feb
2024
The Soul That Sins Shall Die

The Soul That Sins Shall Die

“The one who sins is the one who will die. The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them.” Ezekiel 18:20

Context

This verse comes from a chapter in which the prophet Ezekiel addresses a common proverb among the exiled Israelites: “The parents eat sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.” (Ezekiel 18:2)

This proverb implies that the children are suffering for the sins of their ancestors, and that God is unjust in punishing them. Ezekiel rejects this proverb and declares that God judges each person according to their own deeds, not according to their family history.

He also affirms that God does not delight in the death of the wicked, but rather desires them to repent and live. (Ezekiel 18:23)

The Message

What can we learn from this verse and its context? First, we can learn that God is fair and righteous. He does not hold us accountable for the sins of others, nor does He let us off the hook for our own sins.

He evaluates us individually, based on our choices and actions. He does not show favoritism or partiality, but treats everyone equally and impartially. He is the perfect judge, who knows everything and sees everything.

Second, we can learn that we are responsible and accountable. We cannot blame our parents, our children, our circumstances, or anyone else for our sins.

We cannot rely on our heritage, our status, our achievements, or anyone else for our righteousness. We have to face the consequences of our own decisions and actions.

We have to answer to God for our own lives. We have to repent and obey God for our own salvation.

Third, we can learn that God is gracious and merciful. He does not want us to perish, but to live.

He does not take pleasure in our suffering, but in our joy. He does not condemn us, but offers us forgiveness.

He does not reject us, but welcomes us. He does not leave us, but helps us. He does not give up on us, but restores us. He does not hate us, but loves us.

Application

How can we apply this verse and its message to our lives? Here are some suggestions:

•          Examine yourself. Ask God to search your heart and reveal any sin that you need to confess and forsake. Do not justify, rationalize, or minimize your sin, but admit it and repent of it.

Do not compare yourself with others, but measure yourself by God’s standards. Do not presume on God’s grace, but appreciate it and respond to it.

•          Trust God. Believe that God is fair and righteous, and that He will judge you and others according to His justice.

Do not doubt, question, or resent God’s ways, but accept them and submit to them. Do not fear, worry, or despair about God’s wrath, but hope in His mercy and love.

•          Follow God. Obey God’s commands and do what is right in His sight. Do not rebel, disobey, or compromise with sin, but resist it and overcome it. Do not conform, imitate, or follow the world, but be transformed and renewed by God’s Spirit.

Do not seek, love, or serve the things of this world, but seek, love, and serve God and His kingdom.

The soul that sins shall die, but the soul that repents and believes shall live. This is the message of Ezekiel 18:20, and this is the message of the gospel. Let us heed it and live by it.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
14
Feb
2024
Taming the Tongue

Taming the Tongue

“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” James 1:26

The Heart’s Overflow

In this sobering verse, James warns that unchecked speech exposes worthless religion.

Our tongues reveal the true state of our hearts. If our faith lacks authenticity, our mouths will betray us. They overflow with bitter criticism, gossip, lies, and impurity, exposing our spiritual bankruptcy. But the redeemed heart produces good fruit – words of grace, truth, encouragement, and worship.

Does your speech bless others and glorify God?

Or does a restless tongue reveal a wayward soul?

Pray for the Spirit to purify your heart’s wellspring. As you abide in Christ, your words will refresh many.

Danger of Verbal Toxins

Like toxic chemicals poured into a river, our unwholesome words pollute relationships and poison our witness. James says such careless language deceives us about our spiritual state.

We think ourselves godly while inflicting harm with verbal daggers. But true religion requires control of the tongue. With God’s help we can harness its potential for blessing rather than cursing.

Ask Him to check any impulse toward gossip, complaining, deception, or retaliation. Make your speech a fountain of life! Guard your mouth; season words with grace.

You will be amazed what fruit a tamed tongue can bear.

Choosing Edification

If our words regularly tear down rather than build up, something is amiss in our hearts. The Spirit produces speech meant to edify and benefit those who hear (Ephesians 4:29).

God calls us to speak words of hope, truth, wisdom, gratitude, and testimony of His goodness. Through Spirit-empowered speech, we point others toward Christ.

We must tune our ears to Identify speech that dishonors God and redirect it toward praise. Pause frequently to ask, “Do my words build up or inflict harm?” Then adjust accordingly.

Blessing of Listening

Lastly, full control of the tongue requires learning the art of listening. We must temper our desire to be heard with an openness to understand others.

The book of James exhorts us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19). Humility listens well. Choose to limit monologues and self-focused chatter. Offer your full attention when others speak.

Seek clarification before passing judgement. Listening earns the right to be heard. It fosters understanding and demonstrates Christlike honor.

As you listen deeply today, your words will be fewer but full of wisdom.

Tongue’s Power and Potential

Our tongues hold immense power, for good or evil. With the same mouth we can worship God or wound people. James likens the tongue to a small rudder steering a great ship or a spark igniting a forest fire.

Like a restless evil, it needs constant guarding. But controlled and consecrated to God, our speech blesses multitudes. Words heal wounds, lift hearts, spread truth and joy.

Determine today that your tongue will build up Christ’s kingdom. Yield it to the Spirit’s cleansing fire and fruitful purpose.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
13
Feb
2024
Faith Through Action

Faith Through Action

“But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” James 2:18

Faith Lives Out Loud

James makes a bold statement here – true, living faith will inevitably result in action and good works. Faith is more than internal belief or vocal proclamation. It reveals itself outwardly through changed priorities, Christlike character, and hands put to work for God’s glory.

Vibrant faith cannot stay bottled up inside. It overflows into practical deed and selfless service. Is your faith loudly on display through works of mercy and ministry? Or does it stay hidden in silent profession lacking outward proof?

Ask the Lord to ignite action born of devotion. Let your faith roar to life through tangible expressions of His love. Your beliefs were meant for breathing, moving, and serving. Put feet to your faith!

No Room for Complacency

It’s easy for faith to grow stale, sedentary, and complacent over time. We settle into routines of religious habit but lose spiritual vitality. Our talk exceeds our walk.

James will not allow such lifelessness! He understood that faith demands ongoing action and energy. We cannot rest on past deeds but must actively exercise faith daily through righteous works. Regularly examine your life for areas of complacency.

Are you holding back from acts of compassion, forgiveness, or generosity? Shake off sluggishness through fresh obedience. A dynamic faith will not permit passivity. Ask God to awaken new purpose and zeal.

Bearing Kingdom Fruit

So what does authentic faith look like in action? The Book of James provides vivid pictures – caring for orphans and widows, taming the tongue, resisting worldliness, submitting to God’s will. In other words, faith is revealed through bearing spiritual fruit that honors the Lord.

As Jesus taught, we recognize true disciples by their fruits of righteousness. Is your life marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and the other fruits described in Galatians 5?

God desires to cultivate an abundant harvest through you! Stay rooted in Him and watch your faith multiply into righteous action.

Stepping Out In Courage

Vibrant faith requires courage to step out of comfort zones. We must take risks, seize opportunities, and boldly obey God’s voice. The righteous life is an adventure!

When we feel the nudge to minister to someone in need, share a testimony, give generously, or pray a daring prayer, faith propels us forward despite fears or inconvenience. We trust God to use faltering but willing vessels.

Ask Him to enlarge your capacity for courageous action. Move ahead in the power of the Spirit! Our small steps of obedience make a big difference in advancing God’s work.

Affirming Our Hope

As we walk by faith through trial or uncertainty, our actions affirm hope in God’s promises. We cling to truth, obey despite unanswered questions, and serve others despite personal need.

We choose to believe God’s plans are good, His purpose unshaken, His redemption near.

Even simple acts like praising in pain, forgiving amid injustice, or giving in lack express faith that our God holds the future. He is pleased by such courageous trust. Hold fast to hope through obedience!

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
12
Feb
2024
Aligning Our Hearts with God

Aligning Our Hearts with God

“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” James 4:3

Ask with Pure Motives

This verse gives us keen insight into why some prayers go unanswered – wrong motives. We ask for things to satisfy our own selfish desires, not to align with God’s kingdom purposes. We pursue temporal pleasures rather than eternal significance.

But the Lord searches the heart, discerning why we ask for what we do. He refuses to fund endeavors fueled by fleshly appetites rather than spiritual ones.

Examine your recent prayers. Do they center on comfort, entertainment, or success? Shift your focus to intercession for others, petitions for spiritual growth, requests for open doors to share Christ. Pray with pure motives – to know Jesus more, to make Him known.

As your heart realigns with His, you’ll find prayers powerfully answered!

Desires Versus Needs

Our wants and wish lists often reflect surface-level desires rather than core needs. We ask for vacations, purchases, or experiences that may provide fleeting enjoyment but not deeply satisfy.

Meanwhile, we neglect to request provisions for growth in grace, passion for the lost, or boldness to follow Jesus wherever He leads. But when we pray for courage to share our faith or opportunity to serve, God delights to grant these needs.

As David sought after God’s own heart, he discovered lasting joy. As Paul prayed for spiritual power, churches were planted. Ask the Lord to exchange your desires for His – to crave steady communion with Christ above all else. Watch needs eclipse wants.

Kingdom Focus Over Personal Fulfillment

It’s tempting to view prayer as a path to personal fulfillment, comfort, and success. But its truer purpose is aligning our hearts with God’s kingdom goals. We don’t pray primarily to enhance our lives but to exalt His name, establish His reign, and enrich others.

As Jesus taught in the Lord’s Prayer, we petition first for His name to be hallowed and kingdom to come. When our motives elevate His glory over our gratification, prayer grows powerful and effective.

We gain holy boldness to ask great things of God, knowing He desires to display His might through humble, trusting hearts. He invites us to partner with Him through kingdom-focused prayer

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration