Father God, my mind is open to Your Thoughts, and closed today to every thought but Yours. I rule my mind, and offer it to You. Accept my precious gift, for it is Yours to me. Amen and Amen.
07/13/2017 OCM-83656272 {Member of ULC 9/23/22
7545620-0414Susan Ruth Robertson202004377}
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. -1 Corinthians 1:27-29
And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. – 1 John 5:14-15
“Strength in Kneeling” With weary knees, I knelt to pray, Through whispered words, the doubts gave way. The weight I carried, heavy and worn, Was met with grace at every dawn. Each prayer, a bridge, each tear, a light, Through silent storms, through endless night. The ground below became my stone, A place where strength was gently sewn. So now I rise, no fear, no doubt, For faith within has found its route. The knees that bent now stand so tall, By prayer, by love, I rise through all.
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. – Proverbs 3:3-4
Wisdom and gentle strength. Mercy and truth are meant to be woven into our lives, not just as passing thoughts but as deep, unwavering principles that shape our hearts. When they are bound close, they guide us in favor and understanding, both with God and with those around us.
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. – Romans 1:26-27
The consequences of turning away from God. The passage describes how people, rejecting God’s truth, were given over to “vile affections “engaging in behaviors that go against His intended design. Specifically, it mentions women and men abandoning natural relationships for unnatural ones, emphasizing the moral and spiritual consequences of such actions. Humanity’s tendency to reject God, leading to various forms of sin. Paul uses this example to illustrate how distancing oneself from God results in distorted desires and behaviors.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. – 1 John 2:16-17
Temporary nature of worldly desires, such as physical cravings, materialism, and arrogance, and contrasts them with the eternal value of following God’s will. The verse warns against being consumed by earthly temptations, reminding believers that these things do not come from God but from the world, which will eventually fade away. However, those who live according to God’s will are promised eternal life.
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.- – Proverbs 31:10-12
Have a nice day! 🙂
A virtuous woman is truly rare and immensely valuable. She is trustworthy, bringing a sense of security and confidence to her husband. Her unwavering goodness and integrity ensure she consistently acts in ways that benefit her family and household. This paints a beautiful picture of a woman whose character and actions bring strength and stability to her home. She is worth far more than material wealth, and her impact is deeply profound. The passage highlights qualities such as trustworthiness, wisdom, and steadfast goodness, showing how she nurtures and protects her loved ones. Her value lies not just in her actions but in the heart and integrity she carries. She fears the Lord, holding reverence, trust, and obedience toward Him. Her strength, wisdom, and kindness stem from her faith, and she lives in a way that reflects God’s love and righteousness. Instead of relying on outward beauty or material success, she is celebrated for her godly character and faithfulness, making her a blessing to her family and community.
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. – 1 Corinthians 3:6-7
Human effort, while important, is not the ultimate source of success or growth—God is.
Mocking someone for their faith in Dear Blessed Lord Jesus is wrong. Everyone has the right to believe and worship freely without ridicule. The passage from 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 reminds us of that spiritual growth and understanding come from God, not from human judgment or approval. Even when others don’t understand or respect your beliefs, you can stand firm, knowing that your relationship with God is personal and deeply meaningful. If people mock or look down on your faith, it says more about their misunderstandings than about you. Jesus himself faced opposition, yet He responded with love and grace. That’s a powerful example to follow. Stay encouraged, your faith is valuable, and no one else’s opinion can take that away.
Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. – John 6:68-69
The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. – Isaiah 50:4
This speaks of divine wisdom and guidance, emphasizing the ability to offer words of encouragement to those who are weary. The imagery of being awakened morning by morning suggests a continuous, intimate relationship with God, where one listens and learns as a disciple.
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: – Romans 5:3-4
This speaks to the incredible growth that can come from life’s challenges. Tribulations shape patience, which builds experience, and ultimately leads to hope—a powerful reminder that struggles are not in vain but part of a greater journey.