the good news john 316

Aug 4, 2023

Here are my reflections and comments from today’s scripture from Our Daily Inspirations App.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, before I read or comment on God’s word, I pray That He prepares my heart to receive his guidance and ask that He uses me as his vessel to comment on His word.

The scripture is from 1 Kings 17:24, “The woman said to Elijah, ‘Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the Lord’s word in your mouth is truth.’”

The devotion is titled God Will Never Forget You by Darla Noble.  These are troubling days, and we have many anxieties, fear, and worries. As Jesus was saying goodbye to his disciples, they understood that he will still be with them. He promised to be with them until the end of time. Our face, our thoughts, our hearts desires, everything about us is forever engraved on God’s heart and mind. Praise God! He and His son, our savior, Jesus, will be with us always.

Reflection: Do people recognize God’s presence in our lives when they interact with us?

Here was my response: People can recognize God’s presence in my life through my thoughts, words, and actions.

My Prayer for us: Dear God, Please let us feel Your presence in our lives every day. Let us open our heart, soul, and minds to know we are Yours and You are ours. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/04/08) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com God Will Never Forget You by Darla Noble.  

Aug 3, 2023

Here are my reflections and comments from today’s scripture from Our Daily Inspirations App.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, before I read or comment on God’s word, I pray That He prepares my heart to receive his guidance and ask that He uses me as his vessel to comment on His word.

The scripture is from Habakkuk 3:4, “His splendor is like the sunrise. Rays shine from his hand, where his power is hidden.”

The devotion is titled According to Scale by John Michalak.  This devotion is to remind us that when we see the face of God through the scripture, worship, and creation then compare Him to man it becomes apparent that God towers over anything that man could ever create.

Reflection: How often do we view God according to His Omnipotent scale? Do you think we should ask God for greater awareness of His wisdom and strength?

Here was my response: I always view God as omnipotent. If you are ever in doubt, ask God for greater awareness of His wisdom and strength.

My Prayer for us: Dear God, You are the biggest, grandest, most all-encompassing experience we will ever experience. Help us to never presume that we can contain Your works or comprehend your power and love. Thank you for loving us. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/03/08) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com According to Scale by John Michalak.  

Aug 2, 2023

My brothers and sisters in Christ, before I comment on God’s word, I pray that He inspires me on what to say. Here are my reflections and comments from today’s scripture from Our Daily Inspirations App

The scripture is from Psalm 100:1-2, “Shout for joy to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before his presence with singing.”

The devotion is titled Music to God’s Ears by Darla Noble.  This devotion is to remind us that shouting out to the Lord with joy, serving Him gladly, and coming into his presence with gladness and thanksgiving will result in receiving blessings that are far more wonderful than anything we could do ourselves. God’s blessings will always make life’s trials less bearable and troubling.

Reflection: What are some the good things God has done in in our lives? Can we share them on social media accounts or face to face? What are other ways we can praised God every day?

Here was my response: Some good things God has done in my life is He freed me from my sins and personal addictions. God has placed me in situations and jobs where I can openly praise Him and tell others about His saving grace. I am personally sharing the good things He has done for me on Facebook, Twitter, and blogs.

My Prayer for us: Dear God, we want to praise You in all circumstances. When we come before You, we ask that You always put a song in our hearts. You are our joy and our salvation. We want to serve You with gladness, regardless of what trials and hardships we might experience. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/02/08) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com Music to God’s Ears by Darla Noble.  

Aug 1, 2023

Here are my reflections and comments from today’s scripture from Our Daily Inspirations App

The scripture is from Matthew 6:17-18, “But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.”

The devotion is titled A Fast Reward by Pastor Ken and Joyverse.  This devotion is to remind us that fasting is an effective way to focus the mind on God or to ask for divine guidance. Whatever you choose to do for fasting, keep your fasting a secret between you and God. In conclusion, whether it’s fasting, service, prayer, or going about of your daily routines, do it cheerfully and with the motivation to honor God.

Reflection: When did someone secretly do something nice for you? How did it make you feel? How did you respond?

Here was my response: I remember one church member who gave a check to help cover our rent. It made us feel great and loved by our church. We (my wife and I) praised God.

My Prayer for us: Dear Lord, help us to do everything for Your glory, rather than for attention and praise from other people. Help us to humbly ask for Your guidance. Please give us the direction and clarity that we seek. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/01/08) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com A Fast Reward by Pastor Ken and Joyverse

July 31, 2023

Here are my reflections and comments from today’s scripture from Our Daily Inspirations App

The scripture is from Proverbs 4:23, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life.”

The devotion is titled The Real Wellspring by Heather Tietz.  This devotion is to remind us to guard our hearts. Jesus is our fountain of living water, The Wellspring. When we draw nearer to Him, all our life loves will fall into place. When this happens, we are a fountain to those around us. We will shower love from the eternal Holy Wellspring that everyone needs.

Reflection: How can each love of our lives be used for God’s glory?

Here was my response: for me, I would align each love of my life to God’s plan for me.

My Prayer for us: Dear Lord, thank You for extending Your mercy to our hearts. Please purify us, wash us clean and draw us nearer to You. We will love You forever. In your name we pray, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/31/07) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com The Real Wellspring by Heather Tietz.

July 28, 2023

Here are my reflections and comments from today’s scripture from Our Daily Inspirations App

The scripture is from John12:24-25, “Most certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who love his life will lose it. He who hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life.”

The devotion is titled I Almost Gave Up, But Then… by Darla Noble.  This devotion is to remind us that God never gives up on us. When we are spiritually shriveled, He doesn’t give up. He keeps taking care of us until we realize all that care and provision will help us grow into so much more than what we would be without Him. We are instructed to continue to be rooted in the love and salvation of Jesus.

Reflection: What incident in your life has left you felling angry, hurt, or resentful? Have you turned this over to the Lord, asking Him to help this make you stronger in your faith?

Here was my response: I had two incidents in my life that left me feeling angry, hurt, and resentful. One was when Mr. Cortez became principal at Silver Wing elementary School and later, the principal at Rice Elementary. I turned both incidents over to the Lord. He resolved them. As a result my faith became stronger because I did rely on the Lord.

My Prayer for us: Dear Heavenly Lord, Please open our eyes to see you clearly. Let us grow in Your ways, thriving in the hope of salvation. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/28/07) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com I Almost Gave Up, But Then… by Darla Noble.

July 27, 2023

Here are my reflections and comments from today’s scripture from Our Daily Inspirations App

The scripture is from Psalm 33:20-22, “Our soul has waited for the Lord. He is our help and our shield. For our heart rejoices in him because we have trusted in his holy name. Let your loving kindness be on us, Lord, since have hoped in you.”

The devotion is titled God’s Waiting Room by John Michalak.  This devotion compares a doctor’s waiting room with God’s waiting room. This time it is God who is the doctor we are waiting to see. Just like an earthly doctor, we know we need God. We know He can help us. But we are told we must wait before we can enjoy the full benefits of seeing Him face to face.  

Reflection: In what ways has God helped us lately? In what ways has He been our shield?

Here was my response: God has help me come face to face with my fears and sins. He has shielded me from my fears and sins through His son, Jesus.

My Prayer for us: All-powerful God, Thank you for helping us and shielding us as we go through life on this earth. We will wait, confident in Your mercy. We will trust in Your promises. Thanks to Your love and care, we are filled with hope for the future. In Your Son Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/27/07) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com God’s Waiting Room by John Michalak.

July 26, 2023

Here are my reflections and comments from today’s scripture from Our Daily Inspirations App

The scripture is from Luke5:4-6, “When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch.’ Simon answered him, ‘Master, we worked all night, and caught nothing; but at your word I will let down the net.’ When they had done this, they caught a great multitude of fish, and their net was breaking.”

The devotion is titled Not All fishing Nets Look Alike by Darla Noble.  This devotion reminds me of our situation. It is almost identical to what Darla and her family went through. We were a family of 6. Our situation got so bad that our children were wrapping old toys so there was something underneath the Christmas tree. Like Darla I spent more time worrying about our lack of finances. I felt sorry for what was happening in our lives. Like her, realized how much we really had. We had a place to live, food to eat, healthy children, and a loving supportive church. God never failed us. God had shown us evidence of His miraculous provisions.

Reflection: What are some doubts you have about trusting God to work miracles in your life? Are you going to give them to God and ask him to prove your fears wrong?

Here was my response: After what my family and I had gone through, I have no issues or doubts. If I had any doubts, I will ask Him to prove me wrong.

My Prayer for us: Dear God, Thank you for your many blessings. Thank you for directing us when and where to go “fishing”. Help us to always listen to Your guidance that You provide. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/26/07) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com Not All fishing Nets Look Alike by Darla Noble.

July 25, 2023

Here are my reflections and comments from today’s scripture from Our Daily Inspirations App

The scripture is from Numbers 6:24-26, “The Lord bless you, and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine on you, and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up his face toward you, and give you peace.”

The devotion is titled The Old Testament’s “Lord’s Prayer” by Pastor Ken.  This devotion is summarized that is a promise of divine love, protection, and blessing; authored and spoken by God. There are valid reasons to apply this blessing to our lives. 1. We need God’s protection in this unsafe world. 2. We need God’s grace because we are all sinners. 3. We need inner peace that can only be found in God. God never calls us to do anything without His peace and protection, and presence.

Reflection: What is something from which you need protection? What is something for which you want grace. What is something that disturbs your peace? Give them all to Jesus today.

Here was my response: I need protection from scams. I am very gullible to them. I need grace when I fall to temptation. I still focus too much on mistakes and passed sins I committed. Today, Lord Jesus, I give all the above to You. I strongly suggest you do the same.

My Prayer for us: Dear Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace, so please fill us with Your peace. Please bless us and keep us. Make Your face shine upon us. Let us enjoy every moment of our lives knowing You are with us. In Your name we pray, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/25/07) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com The Old Testament’s “Lord’s Prayer” by Pastor Ken.

July 24, 2023

Here are my reflections and comments from today’s scripture from Our Daily Inspirations App

The scripture is from Philippians 3:13-14, “Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do: forgetting the things which are behind and stretching forward to the things which are before, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

The devotion is titled “Press on to the Impossible Goal” by Heather Tietz.  This devotion is summarized that it is impossible to be like God. We will not be as good as God until Jesus has fitted us with our new bodies, in our new home. Looking back at our past sins and trying to be as good as God is too discouraging. God doesn’t count our sins as we do. He forgets them. God doesn’t love us because we are good. He knows that is an impossible goal. Without Jesus we can never be as good as God. My advice is to not dwell on your past sins and failures. Keep going trusting in Jesus. Pray for strength. Every step you take closer to Jesus is one step closer to perfection.

Reflection: How has God already changed you? How are you more like Jesus now than you were in the past?

Here was my response: God has changed me in multiple ways. Now I put God’s will and glory above my own needs and wants. I am much more like Jesus through my actions, words, and thoughts than I was in the past.

My Prayer for us: Dear Jesus, we want to press closer and closer to You. Help us forget our sins of our past, as You have. Please give us eyes and a heart only for you. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/24/07) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com “Press on to the Impossible Goal” by Heather Tietz.