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Praise God for being the Light and bringing us his promise!

[musingongoodness]

How to Pray

Colossians 4:2 AMP

Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving.

Context: Paul (with Timothy) writes to the believers in city of Colosse. This verse comes after Paul focuses on what Christ has done (1:1 to 2:23) and then encourages what Christians should do (3:1 to 4:18). Book starts with Pauls’ Greetings and Prayer and ends with an encouragement for prayer and final personal greetings.

Life application:

Pray persistently despite busy life, emotional struggles, or opposition from others or even ourselves.

Pray devotedly even if there are no prayer requests to ask God because the focus is communication with God, not just getting answers to prayers requests.

Pray specifically rather than generally so that you are alert to what’s happening in your own life and others.

Pray in focus without distractions since it’s rude to be in a conversation while only paying half attention to the other person.

Pray with an attitude of thanksgiving since our God loves us, listens to us, knows and takes care of our needs, and blesses us

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Is it wrong to question God?

Short answer, NO. Long answer, what's your motive? Is it sincere confusion or unbelief with lack of trust, bitterness and rebelliousness?

If still unsure, consider what your response will be if you know for certain that you WILL NOT find the answer? Would you still believe in God or will back away? That will clarify whether it's coming from confusion or unbelief.

Either way, you're not alone. Many unbelievers and godly people questioned God and continue to question Him. Make sure that the questions and answers (if or when provided) do not lead you astray from God.

Learn more at Got Questions

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Matthew 5:8 Reflection on Purity

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Matthew 5:8

"Pure" in my little understanding connotes that the intention of such blessed people is to SEEK God with pure intentions of seeking HIM for HIMSELF, not just for our needs, wants and desires. Such blessed people shall seek God and God's promise is that they WILL find Him! Praise God!!!

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Joshua 2:2 Bible Study Verse Reflection

Joshua 2:2 Chapter Summary:

Two Israelite spies sent by Joshua enter the city of Jericho and stay with Rahab, a prostitute. She hides them from the king of Jericho in return for their promise of protection for her and her family during the Israelite invasion.

Joshua 2:2 in context:

1 Then Joshua secretly sent out two spies from the Israelite camp at Acacia Grove. He instructed them, “Scout out the land on the other side of the Jordan River, especially around Jericho.” So the two men set out and came to the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there that night.

2 But someone told the king of Jericho, “Some Israelites have come here tonight to spy out the land.” 3 So the king of Jericho sent orders to Rahab: “Bring out the men who have come into your house, for they have come here to spy out the whole land.”

4 Rahab had hidden the two men...

Joshua 2:2 Verse Reflection:

Who is this "someone" and why does God let "someone" act against his people?

Sometimes God will use "someone(s)" who can do actions against you to test your motives and save others (ex: Rahab, Job among others and Cross-Refs: Proverbs 16:2, Proverbs 21:2, Proverbs 24:12, 1 Samuel 16:7, Luke 16:15, Jeremiah 17:10, Romans 8:27, Revelation 2:23)

In this verse, this "someone" could have been a jealous Israelite, or a random lover or hater of Rahab, or even someone extremely patriotic since only a strong emotion caused them to risk going all the way to the king of Jericho to share this news confidently. This could even have been an angel of God though this theory is most unlikely since it would have been made clear in bible.

What can we learn about God: There are likely plenty of people who are readily available for God and Satan to use for their purposes and such people in terms of morality could be willing to do immoral or unwise actions, or even moral actions that still negatively impact you but praise God since ultimately they are still under the control of God's sovereign power. (Romans 8:28)

Questions for ourselves: If you are aware of such "someone(s)" in your life, are you willing to trust in God's sovereignty that they are still under God's plan (like Judas Iscariot was under God's plan by betraying Jesus Christ intentionally)? Are you willing to forgive and pray for this person(s) like Jesus prayed "Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing?" (Luke 23:34)

Praise God for everything He has planned for us to make us more Christ-like on this earth. (Romans 8:29)

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A quick tip to memorize verses or chapters or books! WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!

I was already starting to do bible study but hope to do this as well as time allows. Just feels like work, home chores, and other stuff get in between causing procrastination on bigger things... is that just me?

Anyone in same boat? Share your tips or burden! Otherwise, please keep me in prayers.

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Amen!

Pray for all believers including me to have grace and mercy to become pure and pleasing in sight of God. It feels like impossible Lord but I remember yet again that you are the who chose us and at least for the glory of your namesake, help us be more holy and live lives pleasing to you before Second Coming!

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Colossians 3:2 NLT Bible Study

YouVersion Verse of the Day: Colossians 3:2 NLT Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.

I read a quote before saying "Writing is thinking made visible." Therefore, I thought I should explore by writing to study better. Sharing since I'm blessed by God and want to share His Blessings.

What are Heavenly things? Col. 3:12-17

Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness, Patience, Forgiveness, unselfish Love, Peace of Christ, Word of Christ, and Doing everything in word/action in the name of the Lord Jesus with thanksgiving.

What are Earthly things? Col. 3:5-9

Immorality, Impurity, Sinful passion, Evil desire, Anger, Rage, Malice, Slander, Obscene language, Lying

Why is it important to set our minds on heavenly things and not on earthly things?

Col. 3:6 Because of [these earthly things], the wrath of God is coming.

John 3:36 …whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

What is the promise for those who set their minds on heavenly things?

John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life…

How can one set their mind on heavenly things and keep habitual focus?

More Word of God

Less of everything else

Consistent Prayer life

Fostering Healthy (Spiritually-edifying) Fellowship From: https://bible.org/seriespage/10-developing-heavenly-mindset-colossians-31-4

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Navigating a God-Ordained Transition: 5 Key Insights

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A post shared by Ryan Delling (@ryan_delling)

Embrace Movement for Growth: Transition is like movement; it's essential for growth. Without it, both people and movements tend to stagnate. Just as Peter wanted to linger on the mount of transfiguration, we must heed Jesus' call to build His church in new places.

Discerning Different Forms of Transition: Transition can be physical, spiritual, or a blend of both. Discerning which type you're experiencing is crucial. Seek guidance through fasting, prayer, and wise counsel to navigate this journey effectively.

Harvesting What You've Sown: The new season reaps what was sown in the old. Beware of the enemy's attempts to taint your new season with negative seeds like offense, bitterness, or hate.

Navigating Opposition with Love: The religious spirit often opposes transitions. Respond with love, honor, and intercession, rather than accusation, towards those resisting your transition and calling in the new season.

Overcoming Fear and Comfort: Fear and comfort are formidable obstacles in God-ordained transitions. Conquer them with the stones of faith and surrender: faith dispels fear, and surrender breaks the grip of comfort.

Remember, You're Not Alone: If you find yourself in a season of transition, know that you're not alone. God is preparing all of us for what's new and ahead!

Praying for everyone who's going through or about to go through such transitions from one position to another. May God give you guidance and wisdom so that you can follow his direction well. May the voices of dissension and bitterness and hatred be dispelled in name of Jesus. Pray for godly counsel to shared and be taken wisely with discernment of intentions and may there be prophetical guidance as well by God to show His glory throughout the whole process. Praise God for his love and concern in all our lives. Amen!

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Temptations of Spiritual Leaders

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A post shared by Dr. Frank Damazio (@frankdamazio)

Administrative Focus Over Serving People: The temptation to prioritize managing things over serving people out of love and calling.

Mechanical Approach to Spiritual Matters: The temptation to become mechanical and robotic in handling spiritual matters, risking becoming a professional minister rather than a servant.

Coasting on Spiritual Maturity: The temptation to coast on one's own spiritual maturity, mistakenly equating leadership with maturity.

Seeking Joy in Material Security: The temptation to seek joy and happiness based on material security, rather than spiritual fulfillment.

Becoming Hardened Toward People: The temptation to become hardened and distrustful toward people due to past disappointments and disillusionment.

Finding Satisfaction in Others' Failures: The temptation to find satisfaction in the failure of another leader, often driven by jealousy.

Measuring Success by Numbers: The temptation to measure success in ministry by numbers, buildings, and budgets, rather than focusing on spiritual quality and maturity.

Reacting Against New Truth: The temptation to react against new truths based on who proclaims them, rather than evaluating them objectively.

Excusing Little Sins and Shortcomings: The temptation to excuse minor sins, habits, and shortcomings due to stress or sacrificial lifestyles.

Using People for Personal Gain: The temptation to use people for personal gain, to boost ministry status, or to achieve personal goals.

Relying on Habits Over Living Christ's Life: The temptation to rely on learned habits and legalistic principles instead of living out the life of Christ through abiding in Him.

Becoming Presumptuous About Sacred Things: The temptation to let the things of God become too familiar, leading to presumptuousness regarding sacred matters.

Replacing the Precious with Lesser Substitutes: Drawing from 1 Kings 14:26, where leaders replaced shields of gold with shields of brass, symbolizing the danger of replacing what is precious with lesser or second-best substitutes.

Please pray for your church leaders, elders, and all those are in authority so that they may not fall into temptations and if they are already in temptations, then they get delivered from them by power of Holy Spirit. Praise God for interceding for all of us in heaven so that we all may have chance to repent of our sins and come closer to you. May we all have the necessary wisdom to help live lives that bring glory to you daily. Amen!

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Are we Serving or merely Volunteering in Church?

Term "volunteer" may give a believer the idea that he has an option to serve and if he does, then it will seem "meritorious" causing pride and disappointment if not acknowledged or appreciated enough

Everyone's responsibility is to learn what our gifts are and use them joyfully. They do not need to be perfected before practicing, only an opportunity or need will help determine when they should be used

Church leadership needs to honestly counsel insufficiently trained or unqualified believers trying to serve but failing or not serving well enough.

Notes from: https://founders.org/articles/serving-in-the-church-volunteerism-or-responsibility/

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A post shared by Monte Dugger (@montedugger)

Amen! Lord help me see sin as you see it and help me love as you do as well!

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Prayer is a war-time walkie-talkie, not a domestic intercom for ringing up the butler to change the thermostat. It is a war-time walkie-talkie to call in firepower because the enemy is greater than we are. If you try to turn this into a domestic intercom to bring another pillow, it malfunctions, and you wonder why. It's not made to be an intercom. It's made to be a war-time walkie-talkie. – John Piper

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A post shared by Light Of Salvation (@light.ofsalvation)

This is a reminder for me that God can turn any mistake into miracle where his will will still get done at end of the day!

Praise God for his wisdom! Meanwhile I need to keep in mind to never lose hope and get discouraged.

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A post shared by NEWLIFE4YOU (@newlifeforu)

This is great reminder to pray before acting on our own. Our intentions might seem good to us but they may misguide others unintentionally. Satan will try his best to misguide as well.

Therefore, let us pray continually so we may live wisely, bearing good fruits and be useful for God's kingdom in positive way.

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A post shared by Teaira Taylor (@imteairataylor)

The post that encourages me to keep going! Praise God for this!

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Purpose of Bible Study

Under old covenant, the emphasis was on meditation of Law. Under new covenant, it's on knowing God Himself in revelation from the Holy Spirit.

The purpose of your Bible Study must be to get revelation from the Holy Spirit. It is only when we get revelation that we have really heard God through His Word. We need the revelation of the Holy Spirit to see what we are in Christ Jesus.

We also need the Power of the Holy Spirit to live the life that is going to be described in Eph. 4-6. Holy Spirit fills us so that Christ can feel perfectly at home within us.