Tag: god

Winter Lean

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Psalm 147:16-18

“He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast? He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.”

December is a wonderful month to lean into God’s presence, perspectives, priorities, and purposes for us. Just what does He desire for and from us in the coming new year? The past is gone and by God’s will and grace, a blessed tomorrow awaits us. So how will we determine to proceed on earth with God’s abundant life?

With the possible entrance of December’s white cleansing snow, what things might we purge from our lives that would present a hindrance to our growth and success? What a great time it is to assess our habits, relationships, goals and overall desires for the future. Do they align with God’s plans for us? Are we seeking Him to gain His perspectives on our decisions? Or do we just want and strive for those things that interest only us? Hence, now’s the time to lean into our Creator more than ever.

Leaning in requires positioning ourselves with laser focus to hear from God clearly. More prayer, fasting, Bible study and meditating on God’s promises and instructions are likely in order. Do we have a consistent quiet time of meeting with the Lord? Are we activating the discipline of fasting? (I’ll admit I could use a lot more of that one.) Are we meditating on what God has sovereignly declared as well as taught us to do that brings glory to Him?

Now’s the time to see Bible study as paramount as it provides us more familiarity with God’s character. Just what does He specifically love or hate? What brings Him joy? By this we grow in the faith we need to navigate this life in an environment that most often functions much differently from God’s best. Leaning in strengthens us to make the right decisions being led by God’s Holy Spirit. More time with Him provides more clarity.

December is often a time that sparks awareness of the closing of one chapter, and the opening of a new one. We anticipate a better future that follows the path the Lord has ordained for each one of us. Therefore, let’s lean into God this month and recall what He has for and expects of us individually, as well as the Church, globally. Examining the Bible’s timeline and prophecies, we’re in for some incredible events ahead!

A Special Place for Trust

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Psalm 25:1

“In you, Lord my God, I put my trust.”

“Trust” is a very important word in the Christian life. Merriam-Webster defines trust as firm belief in the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something; a person or thing in which confidence is placed.

In Psalms 25:1, the Hebrew word for “trust” is a form of the verb “batach,” meaning to secure, be confident, or rely upon. It suggests refuge in God, implying a feeling of safety and security obtained from God’s steadfastness and protection.

Today, I’m pondering David’s talk with, or prayer to, the Lord in Psalm 25, highlighting his confidence in the Lord and his statements of supplication, faith, encouragement and remembrance.

When reading this chapter, I’m reminded of the blessing of receiving and believing One who can be relied upon for the utmost trustworthiness. Isn’t it wonderful that this actually exists?

This chapter begins with David reiterating his trust in the Lord while requesting that the Lord would not allow his enemies to win or triumph over him, humiliating him. He reminds the Lord (and us) that no one who trusts in the Lord will ever be put to shame, but those who are “treacherous without a cause” will incur it. This reminds me of Proverbs 17:13 that says, “Evil will never leave the house of one who pays back evil for good.”

David then declaring God as his Savior, requests God’s guidance into His truth, teaching him His ways and paths, as his hope is all day in God. We see David reiterating God’s mercy and love, asking him not to remember his rebellious ways or the sins of his youth. Citing the Lord’s goodness and uprightness, he recalls the Lord’s instruction toward sinners and his guidance and teaching of what is right, and His way, to the humble. In addition, stating that all the Lord’s ways are loving and faithful toward those who keep the requirements his covenant.

When we think of David’s story which is transparently provided for us all to read, we see some of the terrible mistakes he made in addition to his great successes. Now we see David praying, for the sake of the Lord’s name, that his iniquity (described as great) is forgiven.

David then highlights the blessings of those who fear the Lord:

  • God will instruct them in the way that they should choose.
  • They will spend their days in prosperity, and their descendants will inherit the land.
  • The Lord confides in them making His covenant known to them.

Regarding David’s enemies, he acknowledges that only God can release his feet from captivity and that his eyes were ever on the Lord, asking Him to turn to him and be gracious to him. He also confesses being lonely, afflicted, troubled and in need of freedom from the anguish in his heart. David again requests God’s removal of his sins, noting the number of his enemies and the fierceness of their hate, asking God to rescue him and guard his life, declaring the Lord as His refuge.

Because of David’s hope being in the Lord, he asks that integrity and uprightness protect him. Then, in conclusion, we see David asking for the deliverance of Israel from all their troubles.

This passage shows me the sincere transparency of a man with His God. He speaks freely of all his troubles, but also godly beliefs, putting his hope and trust in the only one with the power to save him. I’m sure God loves this about David and it’s graciously recorded for us to consider.

The Wise Small Ones

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Proverbs 30:24

“Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise:” …

The Bible doesn’t describe these things in Proverbs 30 as wise alone, but rather as extremely wise. This means they exceed the average level of wisdom, possessing good judgment and sense, and applying their knowledge and experience to achieve good results.

Ants: They are “creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer” (Proverbs 30:25). The Bible also highlights their wisdom in Proverbs 6:6-8. It speaks of how their ways are to be considered–how they have no overseer, but they store food in the winter and gather it at harvest.

They can carry 10 to 50 times their own body weight, and they have no ears, but detect vibrations in the ground using a sensory organ below their knee. Not only that, they communicate by releasing chemical signals called pheromones that act as alarm signals, food trails, or indicators of death.

As tiny as they are, ants have two stomachs, one for their own consumption and the other for storing food to share with other ants in the colony.

Remarkably, they’ve been around for 130 million years, having survived an extinction that killed the dinosaurs. A more in-depth study of these individuals reveals how wonderfully they are crafted. To us, they may seem a nuisance, but what I’ve gathered of them recently reminds me of how fascinating they actually are.

Hyraxes: They “are creatures of little power, but make their homes in crags” (Proverbs 30:26). Crags are steep, rugged masses of rock that project upward or outward from larger rocky masses, cliffs, or mountains. Hyraxes have rubbery, suction-cup-like feet for climbing, have tusk-like incisors, and live in colonies. Though they look like rodents, they are closest to the elephant family. Hyraxes are also mentioned in Psalm 104:18, where crags are described as a refuge for them.

Locusts: They “have no king, yet they advance together in ranks” (Proverbs 30:27). The Bible mentions locusts as a tool of God’s wrath and judgment, a devastating force, multiple times, particularly in the plague of locusts in Exodus 10, and the prophetic descriptions in the books of  Joel and Revelation.

Lizards: Interestingly, these creatures “can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces” (Proverbs 30:28). In the Bible, this indicates how they are easily captured, yet found in high places, symbolizing the power of perseverance and ability to overcome limitations and achieve great things, even in high-status environments. 

Moreover, lizards have shown how the seemingly weak or humble can demonstrate great wisdom and resilience, finding their way into positions of influence through shrewdness and an unwavering spirit. 

These are just a few amazing creatures, among others, that apparently God thought interesting enough to mention in His wonderful book. They are just small masterpieces that God has so graciously given them unique qualities, and He counts them as wise. Though small, they are great at their jobs. Upon further study, you may find various other amusing things that they are all known for.

Akin to Our Dad

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Genesis 1:27

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

Remarkably, we humans were created in the image of the Almighty God, our Heavenly Father. As we know, an image is a likeness of a person or thing.

And what might we gather from God’s image as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? That we share a tripartite existence, a commonality that unites us. We, His children, are spirit, soul, and body.

As we study the Bible, we begin to see that God has emotions and feelings just like we do. He feels joy, anger, gladness, and sadness, among other things. He has many ways about Him, and we are blessed to even know Him, not to mention be called His children and heirs. Do we realize the magnitude of such a wonder?

We were actually given the ability to be reborn of the Spirit and to receive forgiveness of all of our sins. We have been redeemed through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and we are now His.

He graciously shares His eternal life as well as the fruit of His Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Our God is love, and His image reflects it as should ours. In His Bible, we are told in 1 Corinthians 13 that: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” This essence, or some would say commitment, called love, is unmatched.

When God created mankind, He didn’t intend for them to sin and be separated from God. Likewise, he never desired the act of rebellion from any of His angels. However, it occurred because He’s given us the will to choose.

Would we have our children love us as puppets manipulated with strings? No. We’d prefer a free will of love toward us from those we hold dear, not adoration or intimacy we’ve programmed or forced.

As we desire companionship, fellowship, love, respect, and attention, so does our Dad. Moreover, He desires to be involved in our decision-making, as we sometimes want our involvement in others’. Thankfully, He generously shares His wisdom, along with His fruit of patience and self-control, as we proceed by faith toward a blessed outcome.

Should we desire to be like anyone, it is surely our heavenly Father–living consistently, with the fruit of His Holy Spirit, being whoever we are, and doing whatever we do, with love.

Regarding the Weak

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Psalm 41:1

“Blessed are those who have regard for the weak;
    the Lord delivers them in times of trouble.“

Psalm 41:1-3 reminds us of the blessing that comes to those who consider the weak. Weak in the first verse of this passage refers to those who are poor, needy, or helpless, rather than someone who is physically frail or lacking in intellect.

God promises to deliver those who consider the poor in their time of trouble. What comfort to realize that Almighty God will provide help when we are facing trials and tribulations. We are not left alone. In delivering us, he releases us from the pain and pressure of our troubles in his way and timing.

The Lord also protects and preserves those who regard the needy. There are many events we may never realize that God protects us from, and in preserving us, this passage indicates he guards and keeps us.

When one considers the weak, they are “counted among the blessed in the land”. Being counted is taken into account or considered, which means their blessing is evident; it can be seen. Also, thankfully, God doesn’t give them over to their foes. The Hebrew word translated as foes means enemies concerning those who wish them ill and do not want deliverance from trouble for the blessed.

Finally, in this passage, we see that God sustains them on their sickbeds. This denotes to support, uphold, or provide strength to them when they are sick. He also restores them. How wonderful is that? This is the promise given regarding considering the helpless in Psalms 41:1-3.

The Bible offers a good picture of how God feels about those who are impoverished. It tells us, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (Proverbs 19:17). In addition, “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor” (Proverbs 22:9). Moreover, “Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses” (Proverbs 28:27).

Graciously, the Bible provides us with ample instructions on how to help the weak. We want to always choose ways that align with God’s Holy Spirit in the matter–wise and just ways that show compassion for the weak with wisdom in our procedure.

There are many methods and avenues to supply whatever help we’ve chosen to give the poor, (e.g., practical actions like sharing food or clothing or speaking up on their behalf). Key principles include being generous without showing off, treating the poor with dignity, and recognizing that aiding them is a way of serving God himself. 

Whether it be money, food, prayer, clothing, furniture, etc., God takes note and provides the benefits of one’s actions. Not to mention the joy one receives when they provide something of necessity to someone who could really use the help.

——————————

Psalm 41:1-3

“Blessed are those who have regard for the weak;
the Lord delivers them in times of trouble.
The Lord protects and preserves them—
they are counted among the blessed in the land—
 he does not give them over to the desire of their foes.
The Lord sustains them on their sickbed
 and restores them from their bed of illness.“

If You’re Happy and You Know It, Enjoy It!

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Psalm 68:3

“But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.“

If you have children, consider them for a moment. Don’t you want the best for them? Don’t you want them to be happy? Synonyms for happy are delighted, glad, satisfied, and pleased, among many others. Don’t you want this for your children or other people you love? Then why wouldn’t your Father in heaven desire this for you?

I’d like to submit to you that it makes good sense to reject any idea that suggests that God does not want you to be happy or that your happiness is not valid. God created happiness. The Bible more frequently uses terms like “blessed,” “glad,” and “joy” to describe a state of well-being and contentment that aligns with God’s will.

Happiness does not always come from the receipt of gifts, though often giving can produce happiness. We should keep in mind the generosity of our heavenly Father and how He has brought us joy in our lives. Matthew 7:11 tells us, “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

Most of us can probably testify that we’ve received good gifts from the Lord without even asking. So, clearly, he is pleased to see us happy. Psalm 35:27 tells us “… the Lord delights in the well-being of his servant.” This means wonderful things for us.

No doubt there are things we might not always find enjoyable that the Lord expects us to do in obedience to Him and for our own good. These things only cause us to reap the blessings from our agreement and action. Nevertheless, when our hearts are right, but we fall short, that does not stop our Father from blessing us with happiness, without harm. I would define this to be allowing some undeserved blessing that does not bring harm to us or others. God does this all the time, if we’re honest.

Feel free to rejoice in the Lord and his kindness and lavishness toward you and your family. If you read your bible, you will find it is His way to be generous. Not to mention, He’d like us to be this way, too.

Don’t allow people to influence you with false attributes that aren’t of God’s character, but may sound good or spiritual. He came that we might have life and life more abundantly. This has to do with eternal life and God’s life now in the spirit in general. Walking by the spirit allows things to go well with us.

Aren’t you glad God wants you to be happy? The wellness of God encourages happiness. In specific terms, we may desire different things. Yet God takes care of supplying those things as well, never giving us anything that will hurt us. However, sometimes we may insist and learn lessons of desiring the wrong things, or the right things at the wrong time.

Just imagine the pleasures of heaven, and the fact that Jesus told us to pray that his Kingdom would come on earth as it is in heaven. Of course, there are many things to relate to his Kingdom rule. However, any of them would inspire happiness. So, as citizens of heaven, we should welcome the happiness of the Lord. Therefore, “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise (James 5:13).”

True happiness comes when we pursue God and His kingdom first, so patience is necessary. But don’t think God won’t shower you with blessings in various surprises that spark happiness throughout your life. So, don’t worry, be unapologetically happy!

_________________________________

More blessings to savor:

You make known to me the path of life;  you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11)

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. (John 15:11)

Peace Like a River in the Midst of a Storm

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Judges 6:23-24
“But the Lord said to him, ‘Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.’ So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord Is Peace. …”

How are you today? Do you sense God’s peace in your soul? How are you navigating your life’s journey amidst its difficulties? There’s good news if you’re struggling, as we all do from time to time.

Our difficulties may be:
(1) spiritual – blatant attacks of deception by our spiritual enemy, the devil, whose aim is to steal, kill, and destroy;
(2) relational – struggles with offense, forgiveness, starting, keeping, or avoiding various kinds of relationships; or
(3) financial – lacking resources for necessities

We have a God, our heavenly Father, who provides not only wisdom but peace in times of trouble or struggle. He is “Jehovah Shalom”, which means “The Lord is Peace” in Hebrew. It’s one of the names of God used by Gideon in the Book of Judges. The name denotes that God provides peace and wholeness, even in the midst of turmoil and uncertainty.


Judges 6 tells a powerful story of Gideon and God’s choosing of him to do a courageous thing in the peace of God.

Be sure to read Judges 6 and 7 to find out the amazing things that transpired after Gideon built an altar to the Lord called “The Lord Is Peace”, as well as how he defeated the Midianites in Judges 7.

Here are some scriptures to meditate upon when you are facing difficulties or struggles in life:

God’s Promises of Peace:

Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

God’s Pathways to Peace:

Job 22:21
Agree with God, and be at peace; thereby, good will come to you.

Psalm 119:165
Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.

Isaiah 32:17
And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.

Accept Your Calling to Peace:

Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Who’s Blessed?

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Psalm 128:1-2 (NIV)

“Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.”

I love this passage. It shows us who the blessed are and their reward. We may have many personal definitions of blessed, but the Hebrew word, in this context, is ašrê and indicates happiness, joy, and favor.

This is promised to all, not just some, but all who fear the Lord. Fear, as written here, is a reverential awe and respect for God, rather than a feeling of terror, leading to obedience. The blessings of obedience come from aligning one’s life with God’s will and promises.

In these blessings of obedience, we eat the fruit of our labor and receive from the work or effort of our hands. With this comes prosperity: “You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you” (Psalm 128:2 KJV). The Hebrew word for prosperity here is tov, which signifies a state of flourishing and positive outcomes resulting from one’s work.

Thankfully, we have the Bible to aid us in knowing what God’s will and ways are as we move in reverential fear of him. However, sometimes God’s will for us personally, in various practical parts of our lives, may not look like what we, or others, think it should.

That’s why it’s not wise to be hasty, but seek the Lord in prayer as to His desires for us in our decision-making. He’ll be faithful to give us the signposts to follow, so that we’ll stay on his blessed pathway. All we need to do is sincerely ask and wait for His answer, remembering the Lord sees our honor and respect for Him.

Transformation Travel

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Are there things about you that you know just aren’t good? You know, those things you don’t like about yourself that you know need to change, but you’ve so far been unsuccessful? Well, there’s good news for all of us!

God has given us instructions on how we can be transformed: by the renewing of our minds. This is how we change. The consistent reading of the Bible is just that powerful. It’s a process by which we persistently take in the scriptures to learn the principles and patterns of God’s love, works, and ways. We learn what he desires of us and those actions and disciplines we need to set in place in our journeys toward change.

How seriously we embrace His instructions determines the time or pace at which we experience successful change. With our various upbringings, environments, jobs, hobbies, leaders, friends, etc., the rate of change will differ. However, given the Bible, God’s Holy Spirit, our commitments, and other resources the Lord uses specifically in our lives, we will experience change.

Most of all, recognition of our need for change and the willingness to do it are huge factors in successful transformation. Not to mention, that miraculous supernatural thing God does, while “we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

What’s really comforting is Philippians 1:6 assures us that we can be confident that he who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. We aren’t abandoned to try to figure everything out on our own. God has given us the Holy Spirit as a helper to guide us into all the truth we need to mature in the faith.

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to resist temptation and live a life of holiness, overcoming sinful patterns and developing godly character. This includes cultivating virtues like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, often referred to as the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23). The Holy Spirit faithfully assists to make us more like Christ.

Our transformation involves a change of heart and mind, leading to a new identity and a desire to live according to God’s will. It’s a process of spiritual formation that is initiated and enabled by God but also requires our active participation and cooperation. 

One might simply list the things we’d like to change and then pray earnestly about those things, seeking God’s truth on the matter. He’s so creative and helps us in many unique ways to modify our behavior in order to bring about positive results. I’ve found the Lord to be a masterful teacher using many life lessons in various forms to get me to see his necessary points. Yet we are responsible to check the condition of our behaviors to assess if we are learning and doing what God says.

The Bible says, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” (2 Corinthians 13:5) We must be humble enough to submit our weaknesses to the Lord with a repentant and intentional attitude to do better by the grace of His presence within us and the strength of discipline that he provides.

Moreover, we can move bravely knowing that God has said in Hebrews 13:5 that He will never leave or forsake us and in John 14:18, he would not leave us as orphans but would come to us.

Questioning Pursuit

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Matthew 6:33

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

As human beings we all have desires, interests, and our own personal ways of doing and being. We have our own definitions of success and how to obtain it. We seek happiness and contentment in various ways and pursue those things that we think will fulfill our souls.

However, do we ever consider what God wants us to pursue? What are His desires for each of us and what truly fulfills those personal longings we possess? I ponder this often as sometimes I can get distracted but find joy in the answers God has given.

1 Timothy 6:11 provides those things God wants us to pursue. These things are of utmost importance that spill over into everything else in our lives: “… pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” 2 Timothy 2:22 adds “peace” to the list. To look a little closely to each of these traits:

  1. Pursuing righteousness we seek being morally right or justifiable, decent, just, principled and virtuous among other things. As the Body of Christ, we’ve already spiritually received God’s gift of righteousness. However, our proof of repentance and living for Christ include the aforementioned characteristics.
  2. Godliness is living a life that reflects the character and will of God. We are told in 1 Timothy 6:6 that righteousness along with contentment is great gain.
  3. The Bible also teaches us in Hebrews 11:6 that faith is the confidence, or substance of things we hope for, the assurance, or evidence of things we can’t see.
  4. 1 Corinthians 13 is an entire chapter that defines the attributes of love, a wonderful state encompassing patience, kindness, and selflessness. 1 John 4:8 and 4:16 tell us that God is love.
  5. Endurance is the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity, or to withstand hardship or adversity.
  6. We display gentleness when we are kind, tender and mild-mannered. It also involves humility, patience and empathy.
  7. When we pursue peace, we pursue harmony and tranquility; freedom from emotional distress, worry, or public disturbance.

The traits listed in 1 Timothy 6:11 are preceded by Paul’s warning on how the love of money is the root of all evil and how people so eager for it have caused themselves many griefs and wandered from the faith because of it. He encourages his son in the faith, Timothy, to flee from those things and to fight the good fight of faith.

This, of course, is also a warning to all believers in Christ. Fleeing involves running away to escape danger; to move quickly and with urgency.

There’s nothing wrong with having dreams, goals, ideas or visions for our lives, but we must keep in close contact with our Wonderful Counselor, Peleh Yoetz (in Hebrew), to make sure our desires align with his. “Grinding” to achieve success is not always healthy or safe, especially when it moves us away from God’s ideals.

We don’t want to add any more weights to our lives than that with which we already have to contend. The Lord knows the best ways for us to do anything to achieve success. We need only ask for his wisdom which he’ll provide generously without finding fault according to James 1:5.

In our pursuits of happiness, contentment or whatever it is we desire in life, keeping our focus first and foremost on heavenly goals leads to joy and fulfillment for God’s children. Steering away from distractions can sometimes prove difficult, but doable.

We have the Spirit of the living God on the inside of us and this is marvelous. Now may we continue to fight the good fight of faith in our endeavors to do his will.