Savior

17
Mar
2024
Overflow of the Heart: Guarding Our Speech

Overflow of the Heart: Guarding Our Speech

Revealing Words

“You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” – Matthew 12:34 (NIV)

In this verse, Jesus addresses the root of our speech – the condition of our hearts.

He reminds us that our words are a reflection of what truly fills us, whether good or evil.

Heart’s Condition

Our words have the power to build up or tear down, to bring life or to inflict harm. But they are merely symptoms of a deeper reality – the state of our inner being.

If our hearts are filled with bitterness, envy, or selfishness, our speech will inevitably reflect those qualities.

The Need for Transformation

As followers of Christ, we are called to cultivate hearts that are aligned with the love and compassion of our Savior.

We must allow God’s truth to penetrate the deepest parts of our being, transforming us from the inside out.

Guarded Tongue

When our hearts are renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit, our speech will naturally follow suit.

We will find ourselves speaking words of encouragement, grace, and truth, as we reflect the character of Christ to those around us.

But this process requires vigilance. We must guard our hearts and minds against the influences that would corrupt them, and be intentional about filling ourselves with the Word of God and the things that are pure, noble, and praiseworthy.

May your speech be a testimony to the transformative work of Christ within you, as you strive to let your words flow from a heart that is fully devoted to Him.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Discipline, Holiness, Humility
08
Mar
2024
The Moment It All Changed

The Moment It All Changed

“Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.” – Genesis 3:7 (NIV)

As we look into this verse, we see a pivotal moment in human history – the moment when sin entered the world.

Adam and Eve, who had once enjoyed perfect intimacy with God, now felt the weight of shame and guilt for the first time.

Consequence

Their eyes were opened, not to a deeper understanding of God’s love, but to their own nakedness and vulnerability.

Suddenly, they were aware of their flaws and shortcomings, and they tried to cover themselves with makeshift garments made from fig leaves.

The Separation

This act was a symbol of the separation that had occurred between them and their Creator. No longer could they walk in perfect harmony with God, as they had in the Garden.

A rift had been created, and they found themselves hiding from the very One who had breathed life into them.

The Hope

But even in this darkest of moments, God’s love shone through. He sought them out, not to condemn, but to offer a way back.

He promised that one day, a Savior would come and crush the head of the serpent – the one who had tempted them into sin.

Although the consequences of their sin were severe, God’s grace was greater still. He provided a way for them to be forgiven and reconciled to Him. And this same grace is available to us today, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Forgiveness
09
Feb
2024
Future Glory with the Father

Future Glory with the Father

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” John 17:24

Everlasting Joy in His Presence

What an incredible promise we have in this verse! Jesus prays to the Father that those who believe in Him will one day be with Him in glory.

Not only will we be in His presence, but we will behold His glory – the very glory that the Father has given Him. Just imagine what it will be like to see our Savior face-to-face and witness His majesty and splendor.

The joy will be beyond anything we can experience on this earth. His glory will be staggering, breathtaking, and astounding. And even more astonishing is that He wants us there with Him!

He longs for us to be united with Him in paradise. What an honor to be desired by the King of kings! Let this truth fill you with hope and excitement for the future.

Our pain, tears, and struggles will vanish, replaced by everlasting joy in His wonderful presence.

A Love Before Time

This verse also reveals the eternal nature of Christ’s love for us. He speaks of the Father loving Him “before the creation of the world.” And because of this love, the Father gave Him glory which He now desires to share with us. Isn’t that remarkable?

Before time even began, before we were formed in our mothers’ wombs, Christ’s love for us already existed. This magnificent, unconditional love transcends space, time, and circumstance. It will never fade or falter.

Meditate on the depth and constancy of His love. Let it overwhelm you and transform you. No matter what happens in this life, nothing can separate you from it. You are adored with an everlasting love!

Certainty of Eternity with Him

As Jesus prays these words on the eve of His crucifixion, He speaks with complete certainty about the future glory that awaits all believers. He doesn’t say “if” or “maybe” we will be with Him in paradise.

No, He says definitively that we WILL be there by His side, beholding His glory! We can be absolutely sure of this. It’s a promise etched in stone. One day we will enjoy intimate fellowship with Him in a place of indescribable beauty and joy.

With this hope secure, press on; your trials are temporary but your reward is eternal. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith.

The splendor of heaven infinitely outweighs the suffering of earth. Just imagine – soon we will be home with our Savior!

Our Certain Hope

As you go through your day, remember that you have an incredible hope ahead.

Jesus guarantees that if you have put your faith in Him, you will one day be united with Him in eternal paradise.

Let this promise give you strength and perspective when trials come your way. The pain is only temporary, but the glory is eternal.

Stay focused on Him, your loving Redeemer who desires your presence with Him. You are deeply loved, now and forevermore!

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
25
Dec
2023
The Word Made Flesh

The Word Made Flesh

Luke 2:7 – “And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”

The eternal Word of God, creator of the cosmos,  stepped into His creation on that miracle night.

Fully divine yet fully human, the infant Messiah was born to redeem and reign over God’s people.

This long-awaited birth ushered in hope for the hopeless.

Yet Jesus made His entrance in startling humility, anonymity, and accommodating love.

The King of Kings was born not in a palace but a stable then cradled in an animal’s feeding trough. This humble birth foreshadowed His entire mission.

God with Us

Jesus left His throne to meet us in the mess and meanness of real life.

His willingness to enter this dark world signals that no place or people are beyond the reach of His transforming love.

Emmanuel came to be God with us – meeting us right where we are.

A Mother’s Love

Though Jesus is the mighty Son of God, He entered the world dependent on a mother’s care like any newborn.

With tender love, Mary wrapped the tiny Savior in strips of cloth, holding him close to nourish him.

Jesus relinquished His power to fully experience messy human frailty and vulnerability. He desires intimacy with us even in our weakest places. His heart is bound to us in understanding compassion.

Draw Near

Don’t hide your vulnerabilities from Jesus. He welcomes you just as you are, covering you in mercy.

Draw near to Him, confess your needs and unwrap your heart.

Nestle in His unconditional love and find your strength in surrendering weakness to Him.

An Unexpected Throne

The King of Kings was enthroned on a bed of hay, cradled in a trough where beasts fed. His first visitors were poor shepherds, not royalty.

Once again, Jesus upended human expectations of power and prestige.

He cares nothing for status, riches or achievement. Humility and love are the only credentials that impress Him. The Lord identifies with outcasts and elevates the lowly.

Throned in Your Heart

Is your heart a manger ready to receive the King this Christmas?

Make room to enthrone Him within. Clear out everything that competes for that sacred space.

Adore Jesus in the simple moments. He is knocking; open wide!

No Guest Room

Jesus was reluctantly born in a Bethlehem stable because there was no guest room for Mary and Joseph.

The true Lord of all was shockingly turned away to enter the world in despised poverty.

But this exclusion and inconvenience paved the way for later glory.

Christ’s ultimate sacrifice would tear down barriers to welcome all people into God’s family. No longer alienated, we have a home in Him.

If you like these daily devotionals; you may be interested in our daily
“One Minute with God”
YouTube videos.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
18
Nov
2023
The Silent Lamb

The Silent Lamb

Isaiah 53:7 – He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.

Bearing Injustice

Though completely innocent, Jesus endured horrific oppression and affliction.

He suffered injustice in silence, absorbing punishment not meant for Him.

The Lamb’s Humility

As a sheep surrenders to the shearers, Jesus willingly gave Himself up to be slaughtered for our sins.

His humility silenced all claims to personal rights.

Willing Obedience

No one took Jesus’ life from Him. He chose to lay it down in obedience to the Father so we could be saved.

His death fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy.

Our Sacrificial Lamb

Praise God that Jesus, the Lamb of God, gave Himself silently and willingly so we might live!

His sacrifice achieves what religion never could – full atonement.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
03
Apr
2023
Salvation

Salvation

As believers in Christ, we know that our faith in Him leads to the ultimate result: the salvation of our souls. In 1 Peter 1:9, we are reminded that our faith in Christ is not in vain, but rather it leads to eternal life with Him.

The salvation of our souls is not something that we can earn or achieve on our own. It is a gift from God that we receive through our faith in Jesus Christ. We cannot save ourselves, but we can put our faith in Jesus who has already paid the price for our sins.

As we continue to grow in our faith, we can have confidence that we will receive the end result of our faith: eternal life with Christ. This hope and assurance can bring great comfort and peace to our hearts, especially in times of difficulty and uncertainty.

Peter reminds us in this Scripture, that the end result of our faith is the salvation of our souls. It is not something that we can earn or achieve on our own, but rather it is a gift from God that we receive through our faith in Jesus Christ. As we continue to grow in our faith, let us have confidence in the hope and assurance of eternal life with Christ.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith, Trust
26
Sep
2020
Woke

Woke

Over the last few years I have witnessed a growing trend often referred to as “wokeness;” which actually has become a new word; as defined by the Cambridge Dictionary:
 
 
Wokeness – noun – “a state of being aware, especially of social problems such as racism and inequality”
 
 
I have noticed that our Americanized culture has become “woke” to a myriad of societal problems that include; sexual abuse and intimidation, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (or questioning), abortion rights, or lack thereof, racial issues, right to free speech, gun control issues, and on and on it goes!
 
 
I have witnessed the “church” react, often predictably, to each of these injustices in varying degrees of capitulation to the worldly wisdom proffered by the “learned” establishment types purporting to be in the know.
 
 
I have observed denominational leaders, from multiple organizations; touting how very proud they are of their heritage, doctrine, and posture on all of these issues. Sadly, the mention of Jesus` Name in most of these discourses is strikingly absent, a sad commentary of the condition of the heart. One may consider reading what Jesus had to say about the churches described in the first few chapters of Revelation.
 
 
I think Jesus is earnestly praying for the “church” in America to become “WOKE” to His Spirit in these waning days of a great country. I can feel His hot tears running down His cheek; much like He experienced while riding down into Jerusalem many years ago when He said:
 
 
“If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” – Luke 19:42-44
 
 
It’s NOT about an election, as important as this one is; it’s about a Savior, a Redeemer, a very Holy Spirit, crying softly for a people to return to Him.
 
 
The window is very, very short, and time is slipping away. Listen to His still small voice, DO NOT ignore it:
 
 
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
 
Look full in His wonderful face
 
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
 
In the light of His glory and grace
 
Posted by onthesolidrock in Faith, Holiness, Humility, Prayer, Trust, 0 comments
01
Dec
2017
A Christmas Story

A Christmas Story

Christmas has arrived so quickly this year! Perhaps it’s the “age thing” or the “busy-ness” of life, whatever the case may be, Christmas is here! 

One of the things I like to do each year, to help me spiritually as Christmas nears, is to read and re-read the Christmas story from the Bible.

I often begin reading these accounts in late October and early November. I like to go to the Old Testament and read Isaiah’s account of the coming Savior (Isaiah 9:2 – 7) not forgetting to look at Micah 5:2, for the reference to Bethlehem, as the place of His birth.

I also love the account in the New Testament from Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2:1-20, each giving their own flavor to what took place.

While I know I have read these accounts dozens, if not hundreds of times, I never tire of reading them. Each time my heart leaps with joy, and my mind races with wonder, as our great God engages the most miraculous plan ever!!!

I am bedazzled by the audacity of His move. To usher in the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, by allowing Himself to be born and raised by imperfect parents, is beyond imagination! What risk! What adventure! Talk about shock and awe, my God is the author of it all!

My whole being revels in the story each time I read it. I feel as though I was kidnaped by an evil marauding pirate and trapped in a dungeon on a faraway island with no hope of escape.

The ocean was too far and my rescuers could not make the journey. Even if I could escape on my own, I would only be re-captured and sent back to the dark recesses of the gloomy den; only darkness, evil, and despair awaited me! Who would be my rescuer?

Alas, rather than come with warships and armor to my rescue, He devised a plan to enter the dungeon with me, and make the extraction from within, not from without! The plan was risky, fraught with danger!

In spite of the risks; the dangers inherent in this plan, He came anyway!

I recall in vivid details the day I woke up in that dark dungeon to find the Master standing there, with arms open wide, His face beaming with joy, beckoning me to come.

I could hardly believe my eyes, it was Him in all His glory, looking at me, in my sin and disgrace. I could hardly look at Him, I felt so ashamed! I expected words of condemnation, criticisms, and punishment, as that was all I ever received while locked in this frightful dungeon.

Instead, He lifted me up, then gently opened the shackles on my feet and hands. He tenderly began to bring light to my darkened eyes, and we began our journey out of the dungeon into His kingdom.

He has never once been critical of me, has never judged me as unworthy, nor has He spoken evil of me in any way. He continues to be my very best Friend!

How about you? Has the Savior been to your dungeon yet?

This Christmas, as we celebrate the wonder and the joy, let the Master free you, and allow Him the joy of a complete rescue on your behalf; after all, He risked everything for you.

God is Awesome

Posted by onthesolidrock in Faith, 0 comments