The Bible says that if you draw near to God, He will draw near to you (James 4:8). This requires effort on our part. That’s the thing about relationships. Both parties must make an effort for it to work. In our relationship with God, surrender and obedience is necessary. This is what proper worship is … Continue reading Making the Effort
Tag: presence of God
Watching for Judgment
Today’s verse from Mark 3:2 really gets me. It says this: "Everyone was watching Jesus closely to see if He would heal the man on the Sabbath, giving them a reason to accuse Him of breaking Sabbath rules” (TPT). People were watching Jesus closely to see if He would heal a man. However, they were … Continue reading Watching for Judgment
A Foolish Turn
Galatians 3:3 says: “Your new life began when the Holy Spirit gave you a new birth. Why then would you so foolishly turn from living in the Spirit by trying to finish by your own works?” (TPT). This is a foolish turn we all make from time to time. Though we declare Jesus our Savior, … Continue reading A Foolish Turn
Stand Firm
Today, we focus on the importance of standing firm on the Word. In 2 Corinthians 4:2, Paul says, “We reject every shameful cover-up and refuse to resort to cunning trickery or distorting the Word of God. Instead, we open up our souls to you by presenting the truth to everyone’s conscience in the sight and … Continue reading Stand Firm
Privileged to Drink
The Message translates today’s verse this way: “You can easily enough see how this kind of thing works by looking no further than your own body. Your body has many parts—limbs, organs, cells—but no matter how many parts you can name, you’re still one body. It’s exactly the same with Christ. By means of His … Continue reading Privileged to Drink
You Deserve Happiness
As I took my usual morning walks with the dogs, I noticed my neighbor’s yard sign — “You Deserve Happiness.” The sign provides some positivity to the neighborhood at a time when most would agree positivity is needed. The Declaration of Independence declares that we have the right to the pursuit of happiness. Most people … Continue reading You Deserve Happiness
Before You
Most people do not like to go first. I remember in high school, it was occasionally a good thing to volunteer to go first so you could get a little extra grace from your teacher when it comes to grading. Usually most people would hide in fear. Uncertain territory is not fun, at least not … Continue reading Before You
The Form of the Lord
Moses was very humble. He was more humble than anyone else. He was faithful. Moses was so faithful that God spoke to him “directly, openly, and not in riddles.” The Message says God spoke to Moses “intimately.” Moses was able to see “the form of the Lord.” Other translations say he was able to “behold” … Continue reading The Form of the Lord
In Step
I’m currently reading through the Book of Numbers and I had to stop at today’s verses and reread it a few times. It’s not a verse you will likely see on a t-shirt or shared on social media, but it reminded me of our need to be in step with the Lord. Isn’t that what … Continue reading In Step
My Saving Grace
In Psalm 42, the Psalmist is crying out for revival. We read of a soul thirsting for God—the desire to drink deeply—and a memory of past gatherings for worship. When we look around the world, it always appears to be in need for a revival. Today, as we are experiencing life behind closed doors in … Continue reading My Saving Grace
Tania Gutekunst 