mattjbloomfield-blog

[mattjbloomfield-blog]

God’s motivation is that He loves us so much that He wants each one of us to live with Him, in a close personal relationship, forever. That is love! And further, the sins we have done, are doing or still will do, make no difference to His love. He loves 100%, no matter whether we love Him or hate Him. We cannot make Him love us less if we are utterly sinful and reject Him, and we cannot make Him love us more, if we are His closest friends. . And how do we measure God’s love for us? Look at John 17:23 below, where Jesus tells His Father that He (the Father) loves us (you and me), as much as He loves Jesus. Let that sink in. You are loved by the Father as much as He loves Jesus! And of course, that goes the same for Jesus and the Holy Spirit. None of us deserves to be saved, for we are all sinners. But Jesus took our sins, died our death, and gives us salvation and eternal life, just because He loves us. That is grace. . John 17:23 (NLT) - “I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” . Jeremiah 31:3 - The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” . Hebrews 13:5 - .... For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” . . . . . #godislove #1john4 #jeremiah313 #jeremiah #john17 #jesusdiedforyou #jesuslovesyou #jesuslovesme #godslove #bibleverse #biblequotes #instabible #wordofgod #bibleverseoftheday #jesusistheway #truelove #youareloved #everlastinglove #bibletruth #biblewisdom #lovingkindness #neveralone #biblepromises #notalone #friendswithgod #lovejesuschrist #knowgod #whoisgod #helovesme #loveofgod (at Wairarapa NZ) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0UAehynQsk/?igshid=r11w52zpcaqp

[mattjbloomfield-blog]

What if I am feeling spiritually low? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 2 Corinthians 12:9 - And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Look at anyone of the Bible characters who were close to God, like Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Daniel, etc. They had experiences of great intimacy with God, when God was very near, and helped them through situations which no man could have done. But then, as in the case of Elijah, the lack of faith came, the fear of death, and we forget to turn to God, and run from our fears. If we look at Psalm 23, we see that David not only spent time in the green pastures, and next to calm waters, but he was also led through the valley of the shadow of death. But with God, we get through any terrible situation, where we would normally get stuck if we tried on our own. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The thing that we should remember above all else, is that God never leaves us or forsakes us, whatever crazy things we may do. It is us who have moved, not God, when we find ourselves far from Him. The answer is that we should make sure that we are always in the closest possible position to Him, irrespective of whether we are filled with joy, or with despair. That means that every day, there should be quality time set aside for God, early in the morning before you start your day. This is your quiet time of prayer and Bible study, before anyone is awake to disturb you. Relationship is talking, conversation, spending time together, and it works in exactly the same way with God. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 1 John 4:8 - He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ John 17:3 - “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #biblequestions #spirituality #2corinthians #godsgrace #faithwalk #psalm23 #1john4 #john17 #closertogod #biblequotes #scripture #scriptures #eternallife #fearnoevil #shadowofdeath #spiritualquotes #spiritualawareness #thebible #bibleverses #biblescripture #biblestudy #strongfaith #faithquotes #faithfulness (at Wairarapa NZ) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0Oy7R-nMAA/?igshid=yr5j7stlvcdj

[mattjbloomfield-blog]

What about those who don’t know anything about God? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ God loves every person on the planet the same, whether they know about Him or not, whether they love or hate Him, whether they accept His free offer of salvation or reject it. So why would He even think to punish people for what they do not know? The Bible says that the Holy Spirit speaks to each person on earth, drawing them with love, and that God’s grace has appeared to every person on earth. Some have more knowledge of Him, and some have less, others know nothing at all. All of these things God takes into consideration when making a judgment, and He is never wrong. But of course, once you know what is right, you are responsible for your actions. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Titus 2:11 - For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men (and women!). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Exodus 34 - And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering (patient), and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin ...” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is … not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ God loves us all, and is trying His utmost to have us all in heaven, to live with Him forever. Cling to Him, and you will be saved. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ God bless! . . . . . #nightsky #titus #graceofgod #whoisgod #biblequestions #godlovesyou #godlovesus #newtestament #youareloved #christian #bibleverseoftheday #biblequotes #scriptures #bibleverses #salvation #knowgod #exodus #2peter #forgiving #godforgives #forgiveness #savedbygrace #exodus34 #titus2 #jesussaves #godloveseveryone #bibletruth #godswill #verses #biblereading https://www.instagram.com/p/B0MKS1-H2FB/?igshid=1hco41egklic5

[mattjbloomfield-blog]

Here are some passages that tell about the devil’s aims here on earth, but also what God can do to help us. . 1 Peter 5:8 - Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. . John 10:10 - The thief (the devil) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. . 1 John 3:8 - ... For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. . James 4:7 - Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. . Psalm 91:2 - I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.” . Proverbs 3:5,6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. . God bless as you stick close to Him! . . . . . #1peter5 #john1010 #1john3 #james4 #psalm91 #proverbs3 #trustgod #godsway #wisdom #myrefuge #godsplan #trustinthelord #psalms #proverbs #newtestament #thedevil #thethief #steal #kill #destroy #abundantlife #closertogod #trustingod #trustinggod #godbless #godsprotection #safeplace (at Wairarapa NZ) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0Fgz06nEFJ/?igshid=13381ny2mdcwr

[mattjbloomfield-blog]

I’m sure your question at this stage would be, so how do I place myself as close as possible to this wonderful, awesome God? In other words, how do I start, and grow, a close personal relationship with Someone who is invisible? It is actually extremely easy, and that is why we miss it so easily. . Let’s start with what a human relationship is all about. Say you have someone who you think would make a good friend. How do you become friends? Well, you introduce yourself, talk and tell the person all about yourself. Then you ask the person to tell you all about him/herself, and you listen and learn. You spend more and more time together, find all the points you have in common, and before you know it, you are best friends. . Time spent talking - that’s it. . And it works the same way with God! . . . . . #Prayer #prayerispowerful #prayerlife #prayerchangesthings #powerinprayer #prayermakesadifference #awkward #maxlucado #communication #communicate #communicationskills #friendshipgoals #relationshipgoals #godtalk #howtopray #relationshiptips #christianquotes #keeppraying #relationshipmatters #powerofprayer #differencemaker #prayerworks #instapray #neverstoppraying #godisfaithful #godlovesyou #timewithgod #bestill #talkingwithgod #connected #closer (at Wairarapa NZ) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0E4kuen54W/?igshid=t7p62i4zp2os

[mattjbloomfield-blog]

Can I trust God, even when I don’t feel His presence? . We falter, we doubt, we question. . God strengthens, God assures, God answers. . Hebrews 13:8 tells us that Jesus is the one constant thing in our lives. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He also tells us that He is always with us, even to the end of the world (Matthew 28:20). How good is that?! . So if you’re feeling rejected or abandoned by God, remind yourself of His promises. Jesus, who promised, is faithful (Hebrews 10:23). He hasn’t left you. He’s right there with you. . Always. . . . . . #hebrews #rcsproul #trustgod #doubt #doubts #integrity #godspromises #promises #withyoualways #havefaith #whenindoubt #godisfaithful #godspresence #standingonthepromises #godistrue #godisreal #trusthim #faithnotfeelings #notalone #faithful #christian #faithquotes #trustinthelord #matthew #bibletruth #wisdomquotes #christiansofinstagram #seekinggod #searching #godlovesyou (at Wairarapa NZ) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz_5AqOn6J7/?igshid=gziyt9opq993

[mattjbloomfield-blog]

In 2 Kings 7 & 8 there is a really interesting and horrific account of a famine that took place in Samaria. They were held captive in their own city by the Syrians. The siege went on so long that a donkey’s head was a prized feast. . Through a miraculous event, God dispersed the invading army. But the people in the city didn’t realise this. Instead, some lepers, who were outside the city and at their wits’ end, went to investigate the camp of the raiding army, hoping they may take pity on them. To their delight they found a deserted camp, full of food and treasures. After satisfying their hunger, their consciences were touched, they couldn’t keep it to themselves. They shared their joy with all. . . That’s why I am and will be sharing more online. I have been feasting a lot longer than those lepers! . In God I have found a treasure, a present hope, a truth, a deeper understanding and a changed heart. . I’ll be sharing some thought provoking quotes and also making original content - bible studies, devotionals and, what I’m MOST looking forward to, answering your bible questions. . Follow my page and join me on my journey. . . . . . #2kings #lepers #changedheart #discipleofchrist #mediaministry #myhope #walkthetalk #samaria #feasting #famine #mytreasure #disciple #discipleship #lovejesus #savedbygrace #wordofgod #lovegod #witness #searching #praisegod #blackandwhite #dogsofinstagram #bordercollielab #dogcuddles #bloomfield #ministry #preach #christian (at New Zealand) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzPjPRjno2L/?igshid=jpr31a5f00im