#Colossians 1:22–23

[tiand]

Today's Word With Joel and Victoria Osteen - Stay Positive Towards Yourself

Today’s Scripture Colossians 1:22–23, NLT He has reconciled you to Himself through the death of Christ in His physical body. As a result, He has brought you into His own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before Him without a single fault. But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the…

[thatgentlewife]

Becoming a Softer, More Gentle, and Appreciative Woman

Lately, I’ve felt a strong pull in my heart to grow into a softer, more gentle, and delicate woman—someone who radiates peace, grace, and genuine appreciation in every interaction. I want my words and actions to reflect the love of Jesus and create an atmosphere where people feel seen, valued, and loved.

I’ve realized that being soft doesn’t mean being weak. It means choosing humility over pride, patience over frustration, and kindness over anger, even in challenging situations. Being gentle means letting the Holy Spirit shape me into someone who carries the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Why I Desire This Change

In a world that can feel harsh and hurried, I want to stand out as someone who embodies Christ’s heart. I want my husband to feel my love and appreciation through my words and actions. I want to inspire others by showing grace in difficult moments and creating peace in my home. Ultimately, I want to honor God by reflecting His gentleness and tenderness in my life.

How I Plan to Grow in These Qualities

1. Speaking with Kindness

I’ll work on pausing before I speak to ensure my words are uplifting and thoughtful. A habit I want to develop is asking myself, “Is this kind? Is it necessary? Does it build up?” before saying anything.

2. Slowing Down

Busyness can harden my heart, so I’ll intentionally slow down to savor life’s little moments. This means stepping away from distractions to fully listen when someone speaks or simply enjoying the beauty of nature.

3. Practicing Gratitude

I want to be genuinely appreciative of everything and everyone God has placed in my life. Writing daily in a gratitude journal will help me focus on His blessings and shift my heart toward thankfulness.

4. Serving with Joy

Whether it’s cooking a meal for my husband, helping at work, or lending a hand to a friend, I want to serve with a joyful heart. I’ll remind myself that every act of service is an opportunity to reflect God’s love.

5. Nurturing My Spirit

Spending daily time in prayer and Bible study will be key in softening my heart. Meditating on Scriptures about gentleness and humility (like Philippians 4:5 and Colossians 3:12) will guide me in becoming more Christlike.

6. Responding with Grace

When things don’t go as planned, I want to respond with grace instead of frustration. I’ll practice breathing deeply, praying for peace, and choosing to see situations from a loving perspective.

7. Embracing My Feminine Energy

I want to lean into being delicate and nurturing, embracing the beauty of femininity that God created me to have. This means creating a peaceful and inviting home, taking care of myself physically and emotionally, and being a source of comfort to those around me.

I know I’ll stumble along the way, but I’m excited to grow into the woman I feel God calling me to be. With His guidance, I’ll cultivate habits and a heart that radiate gentleness, love, and appreciation. Here’s to walking this journey with grace and faith, one day at a time.

Thank you for listening

Thatgentlewife 🌷

[girlbloggercher]

how to read the Bible

this is in order!

1. John

2. Mark

3. Matthew

4. Luke

5. Genesis

6. Exodus

7. Leviticus

8. Numbers

9. Dueteronomy

10. Romans

11. Galatians

12. Colossians

13. Proverbs

14. Ecclesiastes

15. Job

16. 1 Peter

17. 1 Corinthians

18. 2 Corinthians

19. Ephesians

20. Philippians

21. 1 Thessalonians

22. 2 Thessalonians

23. 1 Timothy

24. 2 Timothy

25. James

26. 2 Peter

27. 1 John

28. 2 John

29. 3 John

30. Jude

31. Psalms

32. Joshua

33. Judges

34. 1 Samuel

35. 2 Samuel

36. 1 Kings

37. 2 Kings

38. 1 Chronicles

39. 2 Chronicles

40. Ezra

41. Nehemiah

42. Jeremiah

43. Lamentations

44. Ezekiel

45. Joel

46. Amos

47. Obadiah

48. Nahum

49. Habakkuk

50. Zephaniah

51. Haggai

52. Zechariah

53. Malachi

54. Micah

55. Hosea

56. Luke

57. Esther

58. Jonah

59. Song of Solomon

60. Acts

61. Titus

62. Philemon

63. Hebrew

64. Isaiah

65. Daniel

66. Revelation

[versegpt]

The Fourfold Path of Theosis: A Comprehensive Discipleship Framework

The Christian journey toward spiritual maturity and union with God—what the early Church and Orthodox tradition call theosis—unfolds through four interconnected pathways that form the essence of discipleship. Far more than personal growth or moral reform, theosis is the sacred process by which we participate in God’s divine nature (2 Peter 1:4), reflect His glory, and are conformed into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). It is both God’s gracious work and our faithful response.

These four pathways—Consecration, Compassion, Connection, and Conviction—are not linear steps, but overlapping dimensions of a Spirit-led life. They are grounded in the essential rhythms of salvation, lordship, repentance, baptism, devotion, church community, and missional discipleship. Together, they shape believers into living testimonies of God’s grace and glory in a fractured world.

1. Glorify God through Consecration

Consecration is the foundation of all Christian discipleship. It is the continual surrender of the whole self to God—mind, body, time, and resources—as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). This is not a single moment, but a daily rhythm of choosing God’s holiness over self-rule. To glorify God is to live a life wholly devoted to His purposes, recognizing that every detail of life can become worship (1 Corinthians 10:31).

The Greek word doxazo means “to magnify” or “to make known.” When we glorify God through consecration, we don’t add to His greatness—we reflect it through obedience, worship, and alignment with His will. This glorification is both personal and communal:

Personal Devotion—Practices such as Scripture meditation, prayer, fasting, and confession deepen our intimacy with God and realign our affections toward Him (Romans 12:2).

Corporate Worship—Gathering with the Church (Hebrews 10:24–25) magnifies God publicly and forms us into a people who exalt Him together.

Stewardship—When we offer our time, talents, and resources in service to God and others (Colossians 3:17), even the mundane becomes sacred.

Consecration is the believer’s continual “yes” to God’s Lordship. It declares that God is not an accessory to life—He is the center. Through theosis, this daily devotion becomes transformation, making our lives living vessels of God’s glory.

2. Emulate Christ through Compassion

To emulate Christ is to embody His heart. Jesus did not merely teach compassion—He lived it in word and deed, with divine humility and sacrificial love. This pathway of discipleship moves us beyond imitation to participation in His divine nature, allowing the Spirit to shape our character and mission (Galatians 5:22–23; John 15:4).

Christlike Character—Through abiding in Christ and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, we are formed in humility, love, gentleness, and truth. True lordship means that every area of life—thoughts, desires, decisions—is surrendered to Christ’s authority.

Repentance—Ongoing repentance is essential. It is not shame-driven but grace-filled, turning us continually from sin and back to God. The fruit of repentance is a life that looks increasingly like Jesus.

Spiritual Disciplines—Practices like fasting, prayer, and participation in the sacraments (especially communion and baptism) mold us into His likeness and connect us with the Church’s worship and mission.

Missional Compassion—Christ’s love moved Him toward the broken, the forgotten, and the outsider. As disciples, we are called to do the same—through evangelism, mercy, justice, and advocacy. Today, this includes digital mission—utilizing technology to proclaim the gospel and disciple others globally.

To emulate Christ is to carry His heart into every sphere of life. It is mission shaped by mercy, rooted in truth, and powered by the Spirit. It’s discipleship on the move.

3. Foster Relationships through Connection

The Triune God exists in eternal relationship—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and invites us into that same communion. The life of the disciple is never solitary. Through theosis, we are not only united with God but joined to His people in the Church and sent into the world in love (John 17:21–23).

Communion with God—Intimacy with God is the root of all meaningful relationships. Through personal devotion and the inner witness of the Spirit, we grow in union with the Father through the Son.

Unity in the Church—The Church is the context for shared worship, accountability, spiritual gifts, and discipleship (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Galatians 6:2). It is the family of faith where we are known, challenged, and nurtured.

Missional Living—We are called to reflect the gospel through relationships marked by reconciliation, hospitality, and peacemaking (2 Corinthians 5:18–20). This includes mentoring others, sharing the gospel, and building bridges across cultural and generational lines.

God uses relationships to sanctify us and extend His grace through us. Discipleship cannot flourish apart from community. In the love and unity of believers, the world sees a reflection of divine love.

4. Overcome Circumstances through Conviction

The journey of theosis does not shield us from suffering—but it does anchor us in truth. Conviction is the Spirit-empowered confidence that God is faithful, good, and sovereign—especially in trials. This pathway forms spiritual resilience.

Spirit-Anchored Conviction—Our hope is rooted in God’s promises, not our performance. Trials become opportunities to deepen trust and reveal the power of Christ within us.

Victory through Baptism and the Spirit—Baptism marks our union with Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6:4), and the Holy Spirit empowers us for victorious living, even in weakness (Romans 8:26–27).

Faithfulness over Ease—Conviction keeps us anchored when life feels uncertain. It strengthens perseverance, fuels obedience, and emboldens witness.

Suffering as Formation—Rather than detours, suffering becomes a means of deeper conformity to Christ, producing endurance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3–5).

This is the conviction that overcomes—not with denial of pain, but with the presence of Christ in the midst of it. Through theosis, our trials are not wasted—they are transformed.

Theosis as a Purposeful Calling

The Fourfold Path—Consecration, Compassion, Connection, Conviction—offers a holistic, Spirit-empowered vision of discipleship rooted in union with Christ. Each path reflects a vital aspect of our identity and mission as God’s people:

Consecration aligns us with God’s glory.

Compassion conforms us to Christ’s love.

Connection draws us into spiritual family and mission.

Conviction anchors us in hope amid hardship.

These are not merely moral goals or ministry strategies. They are manifestations of God’s grace drawing us into the divine life. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, and sustained by the fellowship of the Church, we are being transformed “from one degree of glory to another” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Through these pathways, our lives become not only reflections of Christ—but conduits of His presence in the world. Theosis, then, is not abstract theology. It is the beating heart of discipleship, the call to become what we already are in Christ—God’s redeemed image-bearers.

[scribeforchrist-blog]

Keeping Close to God

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK

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 + Job 10:9 Remember that you molded me like clay. Will you now turn me to dust again?

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VERSE OF THE DAY 

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+ Colossians  1:21 This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions

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** SAY THIS BEFORE YOU READ; HERE’S SOME CHRISTIAN TRUTHS **

I AM FILLED WITH JOY

I AM COMPLETE

I AM FREE

I AM HEARING GOD’S VOICE

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READ TIME: 8 Minutes & 20 Seconds

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THOUGHTS:

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 We are often separating people according to how they act or behave; we have villains and heroes, good guys and bad guys, top actors and top actresses, and we have awards separating people from the ones not so good to the good ones, recently I was award top devotional podcast. I was happy, but I knew others deserved that award just a lot or more than me, but that was separating people. Still, I am also thankful. 

    Do you see how the world separates people? Sometimes, we don’t have to do anything to separate ourselves. Are we just separated because of who we are? Other times, people are separated because of what they do. If we aren’t careful, we will separate ourselves from people who probably don’t deserve it or probably do, but the point, as you can see, is that everyone gets separated. When this happens, it's because of an action. 

  In this verse today, God separated us according to our actions and our thoughts, the evil from the saints, the righteous from the sinners when we decide to sin, and we decide to do what we want to do, and it's not the will of God we become separated from God because he didn’t tell us to do this he didn’t direct us to do those things, and a lot of us do things because it feels good, and we won't do things just because it feel good because that can get us into a lot of trouble,

  Verse 22 Yet ne has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.

   But we are no longer separated when we give our lives to God. We are no longer on our own because, through the physical death of Chris, we can now stand in his presence, holy and blameless, without any fault. Still, in the image, before we gave ourselves to Christ, we were separated because of who we wanted to be. I was separated from Christ because I wanted to drink and smoke and handle my life the way I wanted, but God allowed me to come back to him to live a holy life under him; some of us forget that our life doesn’t have to be complete with all these things as long as we are walking in God we can walk in him and be free to live in his presence.

  Verse 23: But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.

  We can't allow life to cause us to drift away, and it will be little moments; little things we say are little are big to God in his eyes. We can think that we are free to do what we want, but when we are a child of God, we aren’t free because we are his, and to be his, we must live in him and walk in him every day, not just when we feel like it so the things he says not to touch, not to do this not to do that we must listen to the voice of God.

  Luke 11:28 He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

  Obedience is the key to our life with God; when we are obedient, we won’t separate from God, and we won’t look for other things to fill the holes that God has already filled; some of us are filling our lives with things because we feel this is what we must do to be filled by God and it isn’t it’s separating us from him every day. The lord doesn’t want us to be separated from him; he wants us to be filled by him and his glory. 

  To do this, we must hear the word of God and obey it; a lot of us read our word, and we just read, and we don’t comprehend anything it’s saying, but God wants us to hear him and be with him to obey, obeying is one of the things we can do that can align us with the will of God some of us are out of the will of God and we keep wondering why we are having problems in our life it’s because we are out of alignment with God we are separate from him. 

   Jeremiah 7:23 This is what I told them: “Obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. Do everything as I say, and all will be well! 

  He tells us that everything will go well for us if we obey! Many of us are not doing well, so we must ask ourselves, am I away from God? Am I separate from him? Am I listening and obeying? We can listen all day, but that doesn’t mean our mind is where it should be and doesn’t mean we are obeying; I had God one day to tell me something, and when he did, I didn’t question whether it was him I knew by the pitch and by the way it was said this is my father speaking to me. I immediately corrected whatever it was because I wanted to be in alignment with God. 

   ***Today, we talked about being separated from God. A lot of us are separate from him, and we don’t even realize it; we don’t even understand what we have done to our lives when we are separate from God; we can’t hear him, we don’t obey him, and as long as we are on that road, we are always going to be wrong. The Holy Spirit is trying to tell us all something right now, and some of us can act like we don’t hear him, but he is speaking; he’s saying come back to me and obey me, and not just obey but hear him some of us can hear God and still ignore him but when you hear the voice of God people of God you need to take heed to his voice and obey his word. 

  Deuteronomy 5:33 Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess

 We live a longer life when we obey God, and we live a more prosperous life when we obey God; God has a calling on some of your life, and you not able to walk in the calling of God because you have walked from God, God wants your hand in his hand not to just have you walking with him but he wants you to obey to walk through his word . God is waiting for us to dwell in his presence some of you aren’t walking in the presence of God because your disobedient, start walking and hearing God voice today. ©Seer~ Prophetess Lee

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PRAYER

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 Heavenly Father, I want to take a moment to thank you for this day. Thank you for your faithfulness and your never-ending love for us. Thank you for your word, which shines a light on our path and guides us towards your will for our lives. Lord, I pray that you help us walk with you, never separating ourselves from your presence. Give us the strength and determination to live according to your word and to hear your voice when you speak to us. In Jesus' name, Amen 

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REFERENCES 

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+ Deuteronomy 28:1 If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the world.

 

+ Exodus 19:5 Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me

 

+ Joshua 1:8 Keep this Book of the Law on your lips; meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then, you will be prosperous and successful.

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FURTHER READINGS 

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 Proverbs 26

Psalm 99

2 Samuel 5

1 Kings 4

Isaiah 57

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[lilgreeneyes71]

The blinded mind

2 Corinthians 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

The Cure

2 Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.3:15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.3:16 (Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away).

The carnal mind

Romans 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

The Cure

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

The corrupt mind

1 Timothy 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

Ephesians 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

The Cure

Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

Ephesians 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

The double minded

James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

The Cure

James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.1:7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

The wicked mind

Proverbs 15:26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.

Isaiah 59:7 Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: (their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity); wasting and destruction are in their paths.

The Cure

Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

[solidrockistand]

SALVATION!!!

Jesus said to him, "For sure I tell you, unless a man is born again, he cannot see the holy nation of God." Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born again when he is old? How can he get into his mother's body and be born a second time?" Jesus answered, "For sure, I tell you, unless a man is born of water and of the spirit of God, he cannot get into the holy nation of God. Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh. whatever is born of the spirit is spirit. Do not be surprised that I said to you, "You must be born again.'" John 3:3-7.

They are reborn! This is not a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan this rebirth come from God. John 1:13 NLT

And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name." Acts 22:16 ESV

He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy, He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5 NIV

And peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 ESV

For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to a new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. Colossians 2:12 NLT

We were buried therefor with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the father, we too might walk in the newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. Romans 6:4-5 ESV

We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. Romans 6:6 ESV

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Galatians 5:24 NLT

For while were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. Romans 7:5 ESV

For the wages of sin if death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 ESV

The Earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin. Proverbs 10:16 NLT

Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between prosperity and disaster, between life or death. Deuteronomy 30:15 NLT

The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings them trouble. Proverbs 15:6 NIV

Therefor if anyone is in Christ, HE IS A NEW CREATION. The old has passed away behold the new has come. 2nd Corinthians 5:17 ESV

But the free gift is not like the trespass, for if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one-man Jesus Christ abounded for many. Romans 5:15 ESV

We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the special favor of the Lord Jesus. Acts 15:11 NLT

[steveezekiel]

AGAINST SUCH THERE IS NO LAW

22 BUT THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

23 gentleness, self-control. AGAINST SUCH THERE IS NO LAW."

Galatians 5:22–23 (NKJV)

Comment: The opposite of the works of the flesh are the fruits of the spirit which a believer is expected to grow after being born-again. The fruits are to replace the works of the flesh which are meant to be discarded or restrained or put off by the believer (Colossians 3:5,8,9).

These fruits of the spirit are grown in the recreated human spirit of a believer through the help of the Holy Spirit. There is no law against these fruits of the spirit—they are not in conflict with Jewish laws—because they are according to the principles found in the Bible (Galatians 5:23).

Note:

a. They are products of the new nature, the reborn human spirit. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways.

b. They are attributes of the Holy Spirit—God's nature, characteristics and features.

c. The fruits are grown in the midst of afflictions or tribulations (Romans 5:3,4; James 1:2,3).

d. The believers who succeeded in growing the fruits are the ones who are said to have gotten an approved character (Romans 5:3,4).

Why is it that the fruits are grown in the midst of tribulations? Because the fallen human nature is rebellious, It would not want to do the Will of God, thus, It takes sufferings or challenges or trials and afflictions for the human nature to be yieldable or surrendered (Romans 5:3,4; James 1:2-4).

The trials, testings, and sufferings or afflictions are meant to make the human nature, the flesh, bendable or submissive to the Will of God:

7 FOR THE SINFUL NATURE IS ALWAYS HOSTILE TO GOD. IT NEVER DID OBEY GOD'S LAWS, AND IT NEVER WILL. 8 THAT'S WHY THOSE WHO ARE STILL UNDER THE CONTROL OF THEIR SINFUL NATURE CAN NEVER PLEASE GOD" (Romans 8:7,8 NLT).

Thus, a measure of severeness or strictness had to be applied for the flesh to comply or submit or agree with the Will or Word of God:

5 AND HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN THE ENCOURAGING WORDS GOD SPOKE TO YOU AS HIS CHILDREN? HE SAID, “MY CHILD, DON'T MAKE LIGHT OF THE LORD'S DISCIPLINE, AND DON'T GIVE UP WHEN HE CORRECTS YOU. 6 FOR THE LORD DISCIPLINES THOSE HE LOVES, AND HE PUNISHES EACH ONE HE ACCEPTS AS HIS CHILD.” 11 NO DISCIPLINE IS ENJOYABLE WHILE IT IS HAPPENING—IT'S PAINFUL! BUT AFTERWARDS THERE WILL BE A PEACEFUL HARVEST OF RIGHT LIVING [a peaceable fruit of righteousness] FOR THOSE WHO ARE TRAINED IN THIS WAY" (Hebrews 12:5,6,11 NLT).

READ: Hebrews 12:5-11

Peace.

[anastpaul]

One Minute Reflection – 28 November – St Catherine Labouré DC (1806-1876) Virgin, Religious Sister of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul and the Marian Visionary of the Miraculous Meda – Feria Day of the Last Sunday after Pentecost – Colossians 1:9-14; Matthew 24:15-35 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/ “And then shall appear the Sign of the Son of Man in Heaven. ” – Matthew 24:30 

 REFLECTION – “Let us fix our eyes on the Father and Creator of the world and cling to His splendid and surpassing gifts of peace and His benefits. Let us see Him with our mind and look with the eyes of the soul at His patient purpose. Let us consider how free from anger He is toward all His creation … For He ordered the universe to be in peace and harmony, in His kindness to all things but especially, to ourselves, who have taken refuge in His mercy … Take care, dear friends that His many benefits do not bring condemnation upon us, if we do not live worthily of Him … Consider how near He is and, that none of our thoughts, nor the reflections in which we indulge, escapes Him. It is right, therefore, that we should not be deserters from that which He wills … . Far be it from us that Scripture, where it says: “How wretched are those who waver, who are of a doubting heart and say: “We heard those things even in our forefather’s time and here, we have grown old and none of them has happened to us.” You senseless people! Compare yourselves to a tree – take a vine. First it sheds its leaves, then a shoot appears, then a leaf, then a flower and afterward, a sour grape, then a ripe grape. You see in that, in a short time the fruit of the tree comes to maturity. In truth, His will, will be quickly and suddenly accomplished, as the Scripture also bears witness: “He will come quickly and not delay” (Is 13:22) and “The Lord will come suddenly to His Temple and the Holy One for Whom you seek.” (Mal 3:1).” – St Pope Clement I (c35-c101) Apostolic Father of the Church (Letter to the Corinthians 19-23)

(via One Minute Reflection – 28 November – ‘…Consider how near He is and, that none of our thoughts, … escapes Him. …’ – AnaStpaul)

[arclonecomics]

Can you imagine the world's richest man colonizing and populating planets of super geniuses people?

The Bible doesn't directly mention colonization of other planets. However, some people interpret biblical passages in the context of space exploration and humanity's role in the universe. For example: Genesis 1:28, where God gives humans dominion over the Earth, might be seen as a mandate for exploring and caring for other parts of the universe. Psalm 115:16, which says "The heavens are the Lord's, but the earth he has given to the children of mankind," could be interpreted as humans having a role in stewarding the Earth and potentially other celestial bodies. Isaiah 65:17 and 66:22, which speak of a new heaven and a new earth, have been interpreted by some as referring to a future renewal or expansion of God's creation, possibly including other planets. These interpretations vary widely among Christians and other religious groups. Some see space exploration as a way to understand God's creation better, while others focus on the biblical emphasis on caring for our current world.

The Bible doesn't directly address colonizing other planets, but it provides principles that can guide our understanding. Here's what we can learn: God's Creation and Sovereignty: The Bible affirms that God created the universe, including the heavens and the earth, and everything in them. This means that God's sovereignty extends beyond our planet (Genesis 1:1, Psalm 19:1, Colossians 1:16). Human Dominion: Some interpret Genesis 1:28, which gives humans dominion over the earth, as potentially extending to other parts of the universe, including space. Psalm 8:6 states that humans have dominion over God's works, which could include celestial bodies (Psalm 8:3). Exploring the Universe: Christians can view space exploration and potential colonization as a way to understand God's creation better and glorify Him. God's presence is not limited to Earth, and believers can glorify Him anywhere in the universe (Psalm 139:7-12, Jeremiah 23:23-24). Establishing Laws and Practices: If humans were to colonize other planets, it's essential for Christians to be involved in shaping laws and practices that align with biblical values, promoting justice, morality, and compassion. Some relevant Bible verses to consider: Genesis 1:1: God created the heavens and the earth. Psalm 19:1: The heavens declare God's glory. Psalm 8:3-4: Humans have dominion over God's works. Psalm 115:16: The heavens belong to God, but the earth is given to humans.

[coffeeman777]

Colossians 1

1 From: Paul, chosen by God to be Jesus Christ’s messenger, and from Brother Timothy.

2 To: The faithful Christian brothers—God’s people—in the city of Colosse.

May God our Father shower you with blessings and fill you with His great peace.

3 Whenever we pray for you, we always begin by giving thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 for we have heard how much you trust the Lord, and how much you love His people. 5 And you are looking forward to the joys of heaven, and have been ever since the Gospel first was preached to you. 6 The same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world and changing lives everywhere, just as it changed yours that very first day you heard it and understood about God’s great kindness to sinners.

7 Epaphras, our much-loved fellow worker, was the one who brought you this Good News. He is Jesus Christ’s faithful slave, here to help us in your place. 8 And he is the one who has told us about the great love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you.

9 So ever since we first heard about you we have kept on praying and asking God to help you understand what He wants you to do; asking Him to make you wise about spiritual things; 10 and asking that the way you live will always please the Lord and honor Him, so that you will always be doing good, kind things for others, while all the time you are learning to know God better and better.

11 We are praying, too, that you will be filled with His mighty, glorious strength so that you can keep going no matter what happens—always full of the joy of the Lord, 12 and always thankful to the Father who has made us fit to share all the wonderful things that belong to those who live in the Kingdom of light. 13 For He has rescued us out of the darkness and gloom of Satan’s kingdom and brought us into the Kingdom of His dear Son, 14 who bought our freedom with His blood and forgave us all our sins.

15 Christ is the exact likeness of the unseen God. He existed before God made anything at all, and, in fact, 16 Christ Himself is the Creator who made everything in heaven and earth, the things we can see and the things we can’t; the spirit world with its kings and kingdoms, its rulers and authorities; all were made by Christ for His own use and glory. 17 He was before all else began and it is His power that holds everything together. 18 He is the Head of the body made up of His people—that is, His Church—which He began; and He is the Leader of all those who arise from the dead, so that He is first in everything; 19 for God wanted all of Himself to be in His Son.

20 It was through what His Son did that God cleared a path for everything to come to Him—all things in heaven and on earth—for Christ’s death on the cross has made peace with God for all by His blood. 21 This includes you who were once so far away from God. You were His enemies and hated Him and were separated from Him by your evil thoughts and actions, yet now He has brought you back as His friends. 22 He has done this through the death on the cross of His own human body, and now as a result Christ has brought you into the very presence of God, and you are standing there before Him with nothing left against you—nothing left that He could even chide you for; 23 the only condition is that you fully believe the Truth, standing in it steadfast and firm, strong in the Lord, convinced of the Good News that Jesus died for you, and never shifting from trusting Him to save you. This is the wonderful news that came to each of you and is now spreading all over the world. And I, Paul, have the joy of telling it to others.

24 But part of my work is to suffer for you; and I am glad, for I am helping to finish up the remainder of Christ’s sufferings for His body, the Church.

25 God has sent me to help His Church and to tell His secret plan to you Gentiles. 26-27 He has kept this secret for centuries and generations past, but now at last it has pleased Him to tell it to those who love Him and live for Him, and the riches and glory of His plan are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ in your hearts is your only hope of glory.

28 So everywhere we go we talk about Christ to all who will listen, warning them and teaching them as well as we know how. We want to be able to present each one to God, perfect because of what Christ has done for each of them. 29 This is my work, and I can do it only because Christ’s mighty energy is at work within me.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Honor your Father and your Mother

Honour thy father and thy mother, that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest live long on the good land, which the Lord thy God gives to thee. — Exodus 20:12 | Brenton Septuagint Translation (BST) The English translation of The Septuagint by Sir Lancelot Charles Lee Brenton (1851) Cross References: Genesis 9:22-27; Leviticus 19:3; Deuteronomy 5:16; 1 Kings 2:19 Proverbs 1:8; Proverbs 6:20; Proverbs 23:22; Matthew 15:4; Matthew 19:19; Mark 7:10; Mark 10:19; Luke 18:20; Ephesians 6:1-3; Colossians 3:20; 1 Timothy 5:4

Read full chapter

What Does it Really Look Like to 'Honor Your Father and Mother'?

[theprayerfulword]

March 11

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Acts 1:8 Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Colossian 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

Psalm 84:11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Isaiah 44:22 I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.

May you always give to the Lord the worship and praise which arises from your heart when He has spent time with you on the threshing floor, revealing to you the chaff to remove and empowering you, in His love, to obtain that victory. Numbers 15

May you remember the words of the Lord that you may follow them and not turn away to go after the lusts of your heart and the desire of your eyes, for as you walk in the paths God leads you, you will be consecrated to the Lord Who brought you out of the world to be His own. Numbers 15

May you not be involved or entangled with anything pertaining to those who stand in pride and rebellion against the leading of God's Spirit, for by His mercy, their fall will be swift and complete, that they may be purged and refined, and know God's redemption. Numbers 16:26

May you walk in humility before God and man, realizing that your sentence of death for sin against God was fulfilled by the Son He loves, Who now draws you to Himself so that, just as He joined you in the flesh and took the punishment that was your inheritance, you may join Him in the Spirit to share the reward that is His inheritance. Mark 15

May you go boldly before the men in power with the God-given desires of your heart, for though they will be surprised, the power of God will make a way and open a door for His will to be done. Mark 15:43-45

My child, I have sought you out and hemmed you in. You have been searched for and pursued relentlessly, heedless of cost required or time taken. It was no chance encounter or casual, arbitrary selection that brought you to Me. You, specifically, were on My heart and in My thoughts through all that was required to bring you to a saving knowledge of Me. Having then found you, at odds with Me, wild, distrustful, independent, fearful from the past of being led or harnessed or yoked, I constrained you, limited your options, kept you close, responded to your needs, demonstrated My faithfulness, taught you to seek all good things from My hand. In patience, with gentleness and kindness, I showed your heart a safe and loving place in My household. As a good Father looks after His children, I sought a relationship with you personally, as well as through others, knowing your frailty and your weakness, yet not overlooking it when pride or flesh acted out, always guiding you by the courteous and caring strength of the Spirit, speaking a word of encouragement to your heart when needed, or a word of conviction to your soul when required. As you have learned not to shy away from My presence, but to draw near to Me, you have had many questions, and you have made many honest mistakes. My correction and rebuke is always in love to teach you and see you grow in understanding and knowledge, increasing in wisdom, never responding to you in anger or out of frustration, for I never grow tired of you, delighting in you constantly. My desire is for you to know the unity that I and the Father share as One, so I wait for you to join Me in silent times, quiet times, solitary times so that you can learn of Me, and thus, learn of the Father, coming into unity of mind, unity of heart, unity of purpose, letting go of your viewpoints and relinquishing your opinions that cause you to rush into action that I have not assigned. In this way, calmed, settled, at peace in your thoughts, at rest in My Spirit, with My Word hid in your heart, you can wait on Me as a loving child waits, confident that all is in control, ready to do the work of My kingdom when it is time, not off playing your own games when I call. Keep My vision always centered before you, fresh and vivid, letting what I have revealed to you be a light to your path and a lamp to your feet, recalling that which I have made known to you, minute by minute, hour by hour, for the work is Mine, and the power is Mine, but the joy and the fellowship of the victory is yours through obedience in My Name.

May the Lord hear your prayer, and save you by His name from ruthless strangers who have no regard for God but are attacking you through slander, and may He vindicate you by His might and sustain you by His faithfulness. Psalm 54

May you make a freewill offering to the Lord and give praise to His name, for it is good, because He has delivered you from all your troubles and your eyes have looked in triumph on the defeat of the spiritual powers which are arrayed in enmity against God and those He holds dear. Psalm 54

May you be directed in a straight way by honesty and integrity as all good and blameless people are and not fall beneath a load of sin as the wicked do. Proverbs 11:5

May you be delivered in righteousness as the upright are, so that you will not be trapped by evil desires as the unfaithful are. Proverbs 11:6

[neogathering]

Grow as a spiritual Christian.  Listen and adhere to the voice of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17, 15:26, 16:7, 13-15).

Practice the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23, Colossians 3:12-17) and reject the fruits of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21, Colossians 3:5-11).

Beware of Satan's attempts to lure you away from following Jesus Christ (1 Peter 5:8-10); but more importantly, remember Jesus Christ is praying that the devil stays away from you (Luke 22:31-32, John 17:15, Romans 8:34). 

Follow Jesus Christ at all costs (Matthew 16:24-25, Luke 14:25-34).  Nothing is more valuable than your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-13).

God empower you and bless you, always.

[lettersfromgod]

I Am The Passover and The Lamb, The New Covenant with Men

4/18/05 From YahuShua HaMashiach, Our Lord and Savior The Word of The Lord Spoken to Timothy For All Those Who Have Ears to Hear

Thus says The Messiah who is called Christ, The Holy One of Israel: I am The Lamb of God without spot or blemish, the blood which was shed and placed upon the doorposts,[1] delivering My people from the power of sin,[2] which is death.[3] I am The Passover.[4] For as it is written in The Law, all things must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there can be no remission.[5] Thus no one goes to The Father, unless they receive of Me. Unless they eat My flesh and drink My blood, they have no life in them. For whosoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has everlasting life, and I will raise them up at the Last Day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. Thus all who eat My flesh and drink My blood live in Me, and I in them. I am The Living Bread which came down from Heaven! If anyone eats this bread, he will live forever! And the bread that I gave was My flesh, which was given for the life of the world. This I have already told you.[6] Therefore keep the Passover in remembrance of Me and My Passion, according to The New Covenant.[7] For it is accomplished, and was sealed forevermore upon My resurrection. For The Lamb was slain, My people redeemed in all the earth; and behold, I am risen, crowned with glory and honor, forever and ever.[8] Amen.

Therefore, again I say to you, celebrate Passover, yet not as in the days of Moses; nor as the unbelieving in Israel, upon whom the veil remains, for they have yet to look upon Me.[9] For the Passover was a signpost, a shadow of glorious things to come.[10] Read the writing thereof and have understanding, take its meaning to heart.[11] For the Holy Days are revelation, the Plan of the Ages revealed.

Therefore rejoice, My people, for your Redeemer lives! Death has passed over you!…

Therefore eat, drink, and give thanks In remembrance of Me, and I shall also Remember you in the day I gather My own…

Then shall you truly know Me, Just as I have always known you, Even from the foundation of the world…

Says He who is, and was, and is to come,[12] YahuShua, The Salvation of God.

[1]↑ Exodus 12:1-27 [2]↑ John 1:29 [3]↑ Romans 6:23 [4]↑ 1 Corinthians 5:7 [5]↑ Hebrews 9:22 [6]↑ John 6:48-58 [7]↑ Luke 22:14-20 [8]↑ Hebrews 2:9 [9]↑ Zechariah 12:10 [10]↑ Colossians 2:16-17 [11]↑ Hebrews 10:1-19 [12]↑ Revelation 1:4, Revelation 1:8, Revelation 11:17

📖 Source: https://www.thevolumesoftruth.com/I_Am_The_Passover_and_The_Lamb,_The_New_Covenant_with_Men

🎬 Video (with voice over): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQNOSo5XNLw&list=PLE8FlkxQPQkM99Siv2xPqHtuLS9gEQ6FA&index=5

🎬 Video (excerpts set to music): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IB6TJi3Q92Y&list=PLSVchFJ22QYLFnEgsgioj_Lej_q1CzyfH&index=19

📚Bible Study: YahuShua… The Lamb of God: The TRUE Chronology of The Messiah’s Crucifixion and Resurrection: https://www.thevolumesoftruth.com/YahuShua…_The_Lamb_of_God:_The_TRUE_Chronology_of_The_Messiah%E2%80%99s_Crucifixion_and_Resurrection

▶ Video (with voice over) - YahuShua… The Lamb of God: The TRUE Chronology of The Messiah’s Crucifixion and Resurrection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rIMb-OwITA&list=PLCE66A6D0B16A400F&index=2

[lilgreeneyes71]

Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Don't allow the cares of this world to bring you down

Mark 4:18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,4:19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

Give your burdens to the Lord and he will sustain you

Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Psalm 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Laying aside sin

Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:3:6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:3:7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Ephesians 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:4:27 Neither give place to the devil.4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Romans 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

1 Corinthians 10:6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.10:7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.10:8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.10:9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.10:10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.