Surrounded by idyllic portrayals of winter wonderlands and an overweight, jolly bearded man, with a magical sleigh, pulled by reindeer; we are flooded with countless enticements to overspend, as we try and fulfill the gift-giving requirements of this imaginary friend.
So caught up in the “𝗝𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘆” madness of the season; many well-meaning parents foist upon their unsuspecting children, the idea that this mythical character is actually real!
To be sure; there is 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗬 𝗢𝗡𝗘 who actually knows when you’ve been sleeping, and knows when you are awake; who truly knows if you have been bad or good, and it is 𝗡𝗢𝗧 the chubby guy in the red suit!
Is it any wonder that children have a hard time believing in Jesus, later in life, after having been spoofed, regarding the fat man in the red suit, and his com-padre, the Easter Bunny.
Now, don’t get me wrong; we all have traditions regarding many things; they are not all inherently wrong or evil. There are a host of traditions that we get caught up in; holidays, sports games, hunting and fishing seasons, hobbies, and a host of other things.
When it comes to Christmas, take a moment and tell your kids about the real reason for the celebration; it is 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗝𝗲𝘀𝘂𝘀.
Do your best to tell them that 𝗝𝗲𝘀𝘂𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼 𝗺𝘆𝘁𝗵, and if you are courageous enough, let them in on the whole Santa and Easter Bunny thing; in the end, you 𝗔𝗡𝗗 them, will be glad!
Have you ever thought about the word “jealous” when it comes to God? It might seem strange at first.
After all, we usually think of jealousy as something negative – that uncomfortable feeling when someone has something we want.
But God’s jealousy is completely different.
A Different Kind of Jealousy
Think about a parent watching their child run toward a busy street. The parent’s protective response isn’t controlling – it’s love in action.
God’s jealousy works like that. He’s not insecure or needy; He’s protective and passionate about your well-being.
Why It Matters Today
In your world, there are countless things competing for your attention.
Your phone buzzes with notifications. Your calendar fills with commitments. Advertisements promise fulfillment through purchases.
But God says, “I want your whole heart” – not because He’s demanding, but because He knows what’s best for you.
The Heart of the Matter
Consider these truths about God’s jealous love:
He wants your best, not just your leftovers
His love is active, not passive
He sees when other things steal your heart
His jealousy protects you from harmful substitutes
Making It Real
Imagine you created something incredibly beautiful – perhaps a piece of art or music.
How would you feel if someone tried to give credit for your work to someone else? God created you, knows you, and loves you.
His jealousy means He won’t stand by while anything else claims the place in your heart that belongs to Him.
Practical Ways to Respond
Take a moment to think about what captures most of your attention and affection.
Your career?
Social media?
Relationships?
None of these things are necessarily bad, but they can easily become substitute gods if we’re not careful.
Your Daily Choice
Start your morning by acknowledging God’s rightful place in your life. Before checking your phone or reading the news, spend a few moments focusing on His love for you.
Let His jealous love remind you that you’re incredibly precious to Him.
Something to Think About
You might be wondering if you’ve disappointed God by placing other things before Him. Remember – His jealous love isn’t about condemnation. It’s about restoration and protection. He wants you back, not to scold you, but to shower you with true love.
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank you for loving me enough to be jealous for my heart. Help me recognize anything that’s taking Your rightful place in my life. Draw me back to You, knowing that Your jealous love protects and provides what I truly need. Amen.
Reflection Questions
What areas of your life might God be jealous for today?
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!
In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul lists the nine fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. But how do we develop these qualities in our lives?
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
The key to producing the fruit of the Spirit is the power of the Holy Spirit.
When we surrender our lives to Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to work within us, He will transform our hearts and minds.
Crucifying the Flesh
Paul tells us that those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh, along with its passions and desires.
This means that we must actively resist the sinful tendencies that draw us away from God, and willfully yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit.
When we crucify the flesh, we are not simply trying to suppress our sinful desires. We are also allowing the Holy Spirit to produce the fruit of righteousness in our lives.
The Fruit of Righteousness
The fruit of the Spirit is a beautiful and powerful manifestation of God’s grace in our lives.
When we allow the Holy Spirit to work within us, we will naturally begin to exhibit these qualities.
Love: A selfless and unconditional love for God and others.
Joy: A deep-seated sense of peace and contentment that comes from knowing God.
Peace: A calm and serene spirit that is not easily disturbed.
Patience: The ability to endure hardship and wait for God’s timing.
Kindness: A gentle and compassionate heart that seeks to help others.
Goodness: A moral uprightness and integrity that reflects the character of God.
Faithfulness: A steadfast loyalty to God and His promises.
Gentleness: A meek and humble spirit that is free from arrogance and pride.
Self-control: The ability to discipline our thoughts, words, and actions.
By surrendering our lives to Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to work within us, we can develop these qualities and experience the fullness of life that God intends for us.
Someone asks the question; “Do we get ALL of the Holy Spirit when we come to Christ?” A better, and more revealing question might be; “Did the Holy Spirit get ALL of you?“
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!
In the spiritual battle that we face, we need all the protection we can get. Ephesians 6:16 reminds us of a crucial piece of spiritual armor: the shield of faith.
. . . above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
The “fiery darts” mentioned in the verse are a metaphor for the temptations, doubts, and attacks that we face from the enemy.
These fiery darts can be subtle or overt, but they all aim to discourage us, weaken our faith, and lead us astray.
Shield of Faith
The shield of faith is our defense against these fiery darts.
It is a symbol of our trust in God and our unwavering belief in His promises.
When we hold up the shield of faith, we are declaring our reliance on God and His power to protect us.
How to Strengthen Your Faith
To strengthen your shield of faith, you can:
Spend time in prayer: Prayer is a powerful tool for deepening your relationship with God and strengthening your faith.
Study the Bible: The Bible is a source of truth and wisdom that can help you grow in your faith.
Fellowship with other believers: Surrounding yourself with people who share your faith can provide encouragement and support.
Trust in God’s promises: Remember that God is faithful and that His promises are true.
The Power of Faith
When we hold up the shield of faith, we are declaring that we trust in God’s power to protect us. This can be a powerful weapon against the enemy’s attacks.
The apostle Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). When we trust in Christ and His power, we can overcome any obstacle that comes our way.
The shield of faith is a vital piece of spiritual armor. By strengthening your faith through prayer, Bible study, fellowship, and trust in God’s promises, you can protect yourself from the fiery darts of the evil one and emerge victorious in your spiritual battles.
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!
This verse presents God as a source of both warmth and protection.
God as Provider
Sun: Representing warmth, life, and sustenance. God provides for our basic needs and nourishes our souls.
Shield: Symbolizing protection and defense. God safeguards us from harm and danger.
Giver of Favor and Honor: God grants us His blessing, uplifting us and giving us dignity.
Source of All Good: God withholds no good thing from those who follow Him.
Walking Blamelessly
The verse emphasizes the importance of a righteous lifestyle. God’s blessings are often associated with obedience and faithfulness.
Integrity: Living a life of integrity aligns us with God’s heart.
Trust: Trusting in God’s provision allows us to experience His goodness fully.
Gratitude: Acknowledging God’s blessings cultivates a heart of thankfulness.
Psalm 84:11 offers immense comfort and assurance. It reminds us that God is our constant source of warmth, protection, and provision. By walking in obedience, we position ourselves to receive all that He has to offer.
