Love in Action

Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth - 1 John 3:18.

              God wants us to love others in the way He loved us not just with words or speech but with actions and in truth. Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God - Ephesians 5:2. Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you - Luke 6:27.

Romans 12:9-21

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 

10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 

11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 

12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 

13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 

16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 

18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 

19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 Corinthians 13 

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.

 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 

5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 

6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 

7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 

9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part.

10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 

12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins - 1 Peter 4:8.

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PRAYER: Dear Lord, Let us love others in action like how You loved us and gave Yourself for us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.  

Above All

One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all - Ephesians 4:6. 

Above all gods

          For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods - 1 Chronicles 16:25. For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods - Psalm 97:9. For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods - Psalm 95:3. 

Above all power

           Far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all - Ephesians 1:21,22. One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: Power belongs to you, God - Psalm 62:11. 

Above all wisdom

           In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge - Colossians 2:3.

Above all creation

            For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.  And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist - Colossians 1:16-17.

Above all our ways

           My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” - Isaiah 55:8-9.

            Let us thank and praise our God who is above all. For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods - Psalm 96:4. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure -  Psalm 147:5. You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created - Revelation 4:1. Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise! - Revelation 5:12.

                                                                    

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We thank You and praise You for You are above all gods, power, wisdom, creation and our ways. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 

Faith In Action

For we walk by faith, not by sight - 2 Corinthians 5:7.  

1. Mark 10:52

“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

2. Hebrews 11:11

And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise.

3. Luke 8:50, 54,55

Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.” Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately

4. Romans 4:20–21

Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.

5. Hebrews 11:7

By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.

6. Matthew 15:28

Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

7. Matthew 21:22

And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith. 

8. Hebrews 11:8-10

       By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

8. Hebrews 11:23 

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command.

9. Hebrews 11:4

By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. 

10. Hebrews 11:31     

By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.

11. Acts 14:10

Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.

12. Mark 5:34

 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction”.

13. Hebrews 11:29, 30

By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.

14. Romans 1:17

The righteous shall live by faith.

15. James 2:26

The walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days by faith. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

16. Matthew 17:20

Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you”.

17. Matthew 21:21

And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen”.

18. Hebrews 11:7

Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him - Hebrews 11:6.

                                                             

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Let us walk by faith and not by sight. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Nothing Will Harm You

Nothing will harm you - Luke 10:19.

               Nothing can harm us when we fear God and make Him as our refuge. The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm - Proverbs 19:23. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death - Proverbs 14:27. If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent - Psalm 91: 9,10. 

             Paul who served God suffered no harm when a viper fastened itself on his hand as he feared God and made Him as His refuge. But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm - Acts 28:3,5. The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned - Psalm 34:22.

              Let us fear God and make Him as our refuge and thank God who protects us from all harm. The fear of the Lord prolongs life - Proverbs 10:27.  But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy - Psalm 5:11. The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore - Psalm 121:7-8. 

How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you - Psalm 31:19.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We fear You and make You as our refuge. We thank You for protecting us from all harm. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 

The Lord Has Done Great Things For Us

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad - Psalm 126:3. 

Israelites 

             The Israelites recalled how God brought them back from captivity and did great things for them. It was like a dream and their mouths were filled with laughter and tongues with songs of joy. When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations,“The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy - Psalm 126:1-3.

 Job

             Job praised God for doing countless great things that are beyond understanding. Who does great things, and unsearchable, Marvelous things without number - Job 5:9. He does great things beyond our understanding - Job 37:5.

Mary

                Mary magnified, rejoiced and praised the Mighty God for doing great things for her. And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of His servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name" - Luke 1:46-49. 

              Let us consider what great things the Lord has done for us in our life and rejoice and be glad. Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you - I Samuel 12:24. It was your own eyes that saw all these great things the Lord has done - Deuteronomy 11:7. Do not be afraid, land of Judah; be glad and rejoice. Surely the Lord has done great things! - Joel 2:21. 

                                                                                            

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We rejoice, thank You and praise You for doing great things in our life. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 

Fear Not For I Am With You

Fear not, for I am with you - Isaiah 43:5.

                   Our God Immanuel is with us always even to the end of the age and so there is no need to fear about anything in our life. I will fear no evil; For You are with me - Psalm 23:4. And the Lord, He is the one who goes before you.  He will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.  Do not fear nor be dismayed – Deuteronomy 31:8. I am with you always, even to the end of the age - Matthew 28:20.

God is with us - To strengthen us, help us & uphold us

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand - Isaiah 41:10.

God is with us - To come with us wherever we go

Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go - Joshua 1:9.

God is with us - To never leave us nor forsake us

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you - Deuteronomy 31:6.

God is with us - To be with us in all situations

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you - Isaiah 43:2.

God is with us - To be our refuge

The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge - Psalm 46:7. 

God is with us - To save us

The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save - Zephaniah 3:17. 

God is with us - To defeat our enemies

Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man - Judges 6:16.

God is with us - To protect us from attacks and harms

For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you - Acts 18:10.

God is with us - To bless us and multiply us

Do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants - Genesis 26:24.

                                                                

PRAYER: Dear Lord, You are Immanuel. We thank You for being with us always. Let us not fear about anything in our life as You are with us always even to the end of the age. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Wait Patiently For Him To Act

Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act - Psalm 37:7.

              We need to wait patiently for God to act in our life as His timing is perfect, and His ways are always higher than ours. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts - Isaiah 55:8,9. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord - Psalm 27:14. The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him - Lamentations 3:25.  

 1. Abraham's wait for Isaac 

Abraham waited 25 years for God's promise to be fulfilled. Abraham and Sarah had a son, Isaac at God's appointed time.

And the Lord visited Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as He had spoken. For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him - whom Sarah bore to him - Isaac - Genesis 21:1-3.

2. Joseph's wait to Leadership 

Joseph waited 13 years to become leader of Egypt after his brothers sold him into slavery. Pharaoh appointed Joseph as in charge of the whole land of Egypt, and used him to save Egypt from famine.

And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” - Genesis 41:39-41. Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt - Genesis 41:43. When all Egypt began to feel the famine, the people cried to Pharaoh for food. Then Pharaoh told all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph and do what he tells you.” - Genesis 41:55.

3. David's wait to become King 

David waited for15 years to become as king. He was anointed as king by Samuel, but he didn't become king immediately. Instead, he faced many challenges that helped him to develop the skills that are needed to become a great king.

All the elders of Israel came to Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them before the Lord. They anointed David king over Israel. David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years -2 Samuel 5:3-4.

                Let us wait patiently for God to exalt us in His perfect timing. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time - 1 Peter 5:6. But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint - Isaiah 40:31. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful - Hebrews 10:23. 

                                                                                    

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Your timing is perfect and Your ways are higher. Let us wait patiently for You to exalt us. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.