To be completely honest with you, I didn’t fully realize the beautiful connection shared between John 3:16 and I John 3:16.
The all favorite John 3:16 and perhaps most memorized scripture says, ”For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”
Now take a look at 1 John 3:16, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”
Do you see the beautiful connection between the two verses?!
Here’s a grease perspective to embrace; salvation is not us giving up our life to Jesus; it’s Jesus giving up His life to us!
Beloved of God (this means you), I am so ever undeservedly grateful for God’s gift (JESUS)! Personally, I know there is absolutely nothing I could ever do to repay God for what He selflessly did for me. That’s why I am humbled and motivated to lay down my life for my brothers and sisters, so that you too may experience the brevity and abundance of Jesus’ all embracing love in your respective lives!
Let me be the first to tell you that the devil is not in the details…God is! Did you know that God knew everyone of your days even before one day came to be?
So, if you’ve ever doubted or questioned who is the boss of your life take a look at what David said in Psalm 139:13-16, “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.”
I don’t know about you but for me whilst I am journeying through the process of coming to terms with my personal struggles and with the absence of my beloved embryonic twin brother, I find joy and comfort in being reminded that God is in control of my life!
Family, I truly hope you find joy, comfort, and peace in knowing that God is truly the boss of everything!
Genuine and authentic gratitude for God opens the door to our spiritual eyes. There’s a beautiful cycle in giving God thanks: the more we thank Him, the more we see Him working in us and around us. Gratitude helps us sense God’s presence, His personal care and His perfect timing.
The power of gratitude far outweighs the few minutes it takes to practice it. There are so many reasons to intentionally cultivate gratitude! However, this world, our flesh, and the enemy whispers reasons why we shouldn’t cultivate gratitude. It’s incumbent upon us to silence the noise we hear and see because God (contrary to the junk we are constantly exposed to) is always good; even when we’re not! True gratitude for God and the abundance He gives protects us from caving to the lies and partial truths we hear and the mess we see scrolling through every social media platform.
Therefore, I encourage you to take some time out of your busy day to thank God for all that He has done! You see, the overflow of gratitude (thanksgiving) is joy. Recognizing God’s abundant goodness in the good and even in the hard-pressed times, is our gateway for joy. In Psalm 28 David cried out to God, and praised Him for hearing and answering his prayer(s). In verse 7 he said this, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him.”
I don’t typically post on Sundays because I view it as my day off, but the Lord placed this burden on my heart for someone today (including myself).
That being said, if you are harboring any form of resentment, bitterness, hostility, anger, animosity, and/or antipathy towards a person in your past or present forgive them today. I am not going to delve into a lengthy spiritual discussion about the power of forgiveness and the benefits it brings, but I will strongly encourage you to discharge, release, relinquish, and exonerate the offender(s) no matter how big the offense was or is.
Some of you might be thinking that’s impossible and saying to yourself, “I can’t forgive him/her for what they did to me.” Well, the Lord promises that forgiveness is possible. Even when hurt seems too great to repair or restore, God tells us “I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 11:19). We experience a heart of stone when we are too angry, too selfish, or too frozen by the pain others have caused us. A heart of flesh, while it may be vulnerable, it is compassionate. A heart of flesh sees that while we are feeling pain, the other person may also be hurting for that pain they caused us. We can get so caught up in ourselves that we do not even notice another may be equally struggling from the offense. It is true that people need to be held accountable for their actions. But these people should not be bound in your mental prison forever at your expense.
When we forgive others there is a freedom where we are no longer shackled by our own anger. It moves us from our selfish illusions to a beautiful reality. Yes, I know it’s not easy. In fact, it’s hard work! But letting go of the fantasies that we can change the past, that we can change others, or even that we are the ones who can change ourselves opens room for God to help us ward off the resentment, bitterness, hostility, anger, animosity, and antipathy we feel. Each time we forgive, it paves the way for the next time we need to forgive. Practicing the courage and patience, and letting the Lord into the process of forgiveness becomes like exercising a muscle, it grows stronger and stronger. Together with Him we can come to a point where forgiveness is as intuitive to us as it is for God! Application Action:
(If you can’t speak to that person by phone or face-to-face, all you have to do is automatically and wholeheartedly forgive them in your spirit and the deed is complete.)
I don’t typically post on Sundays because I view it as my day off, but the Lord placed this burden on my heart for someone today (including myself).
That being said, if you are harboring any form of resentment, bitterness, hostility, anger, animosity, and/or antipathy towards a person in your past or present forgive them today. I am not going to delve into a lengthy spiritual discussion about the power of forgiveness and the benefits it brings, but I will strongly encourage you to discharge, release, relinquish, and exonerate the offender(s) no matter how big the offense was or is.
Some of you might be thinking that’s impossible and saying to yourself, “I can’t forgive him/her for what they did to me.” Well, the Lord promises that forgiveness is possible. Even when hurt seems too great to repair or restore, God tells us “I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 11:19). We experience a heart of stone when we are too angry, too selfish, or too frozen by the pain others have caused us. A heart of flesh, while it may be vulnerable, it is compassionate. A heart of flesh sees that while we are feeling pain, the other person may also be hurting for that pain they caused us. We can get so caught up in ourselves that we do not even notice another may be equally struggling from the offense. It is true that people need to be held accountable for their actions. But these people should not be bound in your mental prison forever at your expense.
When we forgive others there is a freedom where we are no longer shackled by our own anger. It moves us from our selfish illusions to a beautiful reality. Yes, I know it’s not easy. In fact, it’s hard work! But letting go of the fantasies that we can change the past, that we can change others, or even that we are the ones who can change ourselves opens room for God to help us ward off the resentment, bitterness, hostility, anger, animosity, and antipathy we feel. Each time we forgive, it paves the way for the next time we need to forgive. Practicing the courage and patience, and letting the Lord into the process of forgiveness becomes like exercising a muscle, it grows stronger and stronger. Together with Him we can come to a point where forgiveness is as intuitive to us as it is for God! Application Action:
(If you can’t speak to that person by phone or face-to-face, all you have to do is automatically and wholeheartedly forgive them in your spirit and the deed is complete.)
Everything has an expiration date. If you want to challenge me on this just look in your refrigerator and read the label on the gallon of milk.
Now then, there’s a difference between the sell-by date and an expiration date. The sell-by date is actually use a guide for how long an item should be displayed for sale before quality deterioration. Items sold on or after the sell-by dates (aka) discounted items are generally safe for consumption after this date, but may begin to lose flavor or eye appeal. On the other hand, items that are deemed expired are probably less tasteful for consumption just like that expired gallon of milk in your refrigerator. (Did you check the label?)
Let me lift this up for you!
We’ve all got things in our lives that are way past the expiration date, so to speak. We’ve all felt like there is no hope at times, like the promises of God have expired. You may have prayed for a certain situation for a long time, and nothing seems to be changing. It’s past due.
There are several biblical examples in the Bible where people’s life tasted just like that gallon of expired milk. One account that always come to mind is the story of Abraham and Sarah (Read Geneses 17-18).
Abraham and Sarah had to face this same problem. Hebrews 11:11 says, “By Faith even Sarah herself, when she was barren, received power to conceive an offspring, even though she was past the age, since she considered that the One who had promised was faithful.”
The Bible says that Abraham was as good as dead. That’s sounds like his ability to have children had pretty much expired. Sarah had already gone through the change of life, but God had given her a promise! God’s promises never expire!!! That’s great news. The Bible says “By FAITH Sarah received strength to conceive when she was past the age.” Her womb had physically expired but God’s promise was spiritually alive.
Paul reminds in 1 Corinthians 1:20, “For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for His glory.”
Beloved of God don’t just take my word for it! If you can believe, you can give birth to the promise too! God wants to astound you! He wants to blow your mind away!! Therefore, whatever it is that you are believing for… don’t stop. Don’t lose heart or begin to doubt God. He is so ever faithful and He will bring it to pass. Remember He has an appointed time and His promises never expire, even if the milk in your fridg does….
Father God, even if it’s by a thread, I ain’t letting go of your unchanging hands because your timing is impeccable and flawless!
2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.”
When 500 battle ready Roman soldiers journeyed from the Antonia fortress to arrest One praying Jewish Rabbi who was accompanied by 11 sleeping disciples and 1 betraying disciple they said we come seeking JESUS of Nazareth to which JESUS responded, “I am He!” Right after JESUS confirmed His identity the very same 500 suited for battle Roman soldiers drew back and literally fell to the ground (John 18:6)!
Did you catch that?! 👀
The Bible doesn’t tell us why this happend, but perhaps the righteousness produced by JESUS’ undeniable majesty of His person and by His response which to Jewish ears conveyed the unutterable name, JEHOVAH (I AM) cause these men to drew back and fell to their knees. Another thought perhaps is their guilt echoed and trembled before the calmness of His undeniable innocence!
All I know is these men came to take JESUS by force, but conscience paralyses set in on their ill intentions, and they had no other choice than to fall and lay helpless before a righteous and just JESUS!
That being said, those soldiers didn’t take JESUS by force because they obviously had no authority to do so. Not to mention in John 10:18 JESUS made this powerful declaration prior to His arrest; “No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.”
I don’t know who this message is for today, but I do know this message hits my present situation at the center! You may be asking JESUS who is with “me” in “my” present battle and JESUS is saying, “I AM HE!” Beloved of God, trust me when I say, whatever is in front of that declaration will have to draw back and fall in the presence of a Holy and righteous in every way God!
Hallelujah and glory to God; anything that stands before “I AM” will bow and that’s not limited to grief, pain, brokenness, uncertainty, lack, discouragement, depression, betrayal, burdens, debts, marital tension, conflict, disappointment, familial tension, hardships of all kinds, illnesses of all kinds, death, worry, anxiety, division of all kinds, and political/social unrest (Isaiah 46:4).
I can keep going but I need somebody to please join me in giving the great “I AM” the praise, glory, and honor He rightfully and unequivocally deserves!!
When 500 battle ready Roman soldiers journeyed from the Antonia fortress to arrest One praying Jewish Rabbi who was accompanied by 11 sleeping disciples and 1 betraying disciple they said we come seeking JESUS of Nazareth to which JESUS responded, “I am He!” Right after JESUS confirmed His identity the very same 500 suited for battle Roman soldiers drew back and literally fell to the ground (John 18:6)!
Did you catch that?! 👀
The Bible doesn’t tell us why this happend, but perhaps the righteousness produced by JESUS’ undeniable majesty of His person and by His response which to Jewish ears conveyed the unutterable name, JEHOVAH (I AM) cause these men to drew back and fell to their knees. Another thought perhaps is their guilt echoed and trembled before the calmness of His undeniable innocence!
All I know is these men came to take JESUS by force, but conscience paralyses set in on their ill intentions, and they had no other choice than to fall and lay helpless before a righteous and just JESUS!
That being said, those soldiers didn’t take JESUS by force because they obviously had no authority to do so. Not to mention in John 10:18 JESUS made this powerful declaration prior to His arrest; “No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.”
I don’t know who this message is for today, but I do know this message hits my present situation at the center! You may be asking JESUS who is with “me” in “my” present battle and JESUS is saying, “I AM HE!” Beloved of God, trust me when I say, whatever is in front of that declaration will have to draw back and fall in the presence of a Holy and righteous in every way God!
Hallelujah and glory to God; anything that stands before “I AM” will bow and that’s not limited to grief, pain, brokenness, uncertainty, lack, discouragement, depression, betrayal, burdens, debts, marital tension, conflict, disappointment, familial tension, hardships of all kinds, illnesses of all kinds, death, worry, anxiety, division of all kinds, and political/social unrest (Isaiah 46:4).
I can keep going but I need somebody to please join me in giving the great “I AM” the praise, glory, and honor He rightfully and unequivocally deserves!!
It doesn’t matter what kind of brokenness (financial, mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical) you experience in life because brokenness on all platforms hurts like hell!
It’s of no surprise that brokenness reveals itself in so many ways. However, one definition according to the Cambridge Dictionary kind of hits the universal nail on the head; “Brokenness is a condition in which something is badly damaged and unable to continue or work correctly.”
The reasons for feeling broken vary from person to person. Some people feel broken because of things they experienced in childhood or after the loss of a friend or loved one. Others may feel broken after losing a job or a home, or even after experiencing a serious illness.
Although brokenness may feel isolating, overwhelming, or even frightening, it’s important to know that you are not alone. Everyone deals with feelings of brokenness and pain. Being able to recognize these feelings and knowing when to seek help so that you can heal from the hurt and live an emotionally healthy life is crucial for you long-term wellbeing and happiness.
Personally, I am learning that facing my brokenness leads to healing because my brokenness points me to the cross and to God’s word. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28,“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Jesus understood the weight of brokenness (Matthew 27:45-46, and Hebrews 2:9-18) and He knew that brokenness on all levels can be damaging, but He equally knew that laying our cares and worries before God gives us the support, strength, and stamina we need to get through our storms. Jesus knew that no matter the size, source, or severity of our brokenness, God can repair our wounds. Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
As we continue to press closer to God’s presence and working in our lives, we can find hope in knowing that our brokenness isn’t pointless. On the contrary, it’s worth something of immeasurable value (Romans 8:18). It will drive us further into the heart of the only One who makes us whole and complete (James 1:1-2).
4GIVEN 