Tag Archive | Bible

Reviled? Blessing!

He (Jesus) opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,
“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
Matthew 5:2, 11 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/mat.5.11.NASB1995

We live in a world that seems to be disinterested in who Jesus is, what He does, or that He even exists. Sharing the gospel can be received with hostility and because of this God’s people seem to have replaced courage, confidence in the Lord, and being witnesses to the world with fear. But Jesus said, “Fear not for I am with you.” Jesus also warned us of retaliation so we would be prepared and gave us the Holy Spirit to speak through us. Jesus said, “blessed are”, so let us trust His Word!

You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.
Matthew 10:22 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/mat.10.22.NASB1995

These things they will do because they have not known the Father or Me.
John 16:3 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/jhn.16.3.NASB1995

but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.
1 Peter 4:16 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/1pe.4.16.NASB1995

🌹If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
Peter 4:14 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/1pe.4.14.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

Persecuted for Christ

He (Jesus) opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying
“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:1, 10 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/mat.5.1-10.NASB1995

But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled,
Peter 3:14 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/1pe.3.14.NASB1995

[19] For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly.
[20] For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.
[21] For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,
[22] who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth;
[23] and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; [24] and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.
1 Peter 2:19-24 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/1pe.2.19-24.NASB1995

Did you notice in verse 23, ‘Jesus entrusted Himself to the Father’?
Even while suffering he uttered no threats! What an example, of bearing up under persecution, Jesus is for us, and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously.

but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.
Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
1 Peter 4:16, 19 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/1pe.4.16-19.NASB1995

we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.
For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,
while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:8-10, 16-18 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/2co.4.8-18.NASB1995

The things not seen are eternal. The kingdom awaits the persecuted for the sake of Christ.

🌹Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

Salvation Gratitude

Though the fig tree should not blossom And there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail And the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold And there be no cattle in the stalls,

Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
Habakkuk 3:17-18 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/hab.3.17-18.NASB1995

Even in the midst of turmoil we can rejoice exceedingly with triumphant joy because of our salvation. We are headed to the promised land!!

Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the Lord God is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.”
Isaiah 12:2 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/isa.12.2.NASB1995

When was the last time you thanked God for your salvation?

🌹The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock; And exalted be God, the rock of my salvation,
2 Samuel 22:47 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/2sa.22.47.NASB1995

More beatitudes coming next week.
Have a blessed weekend exalting our God.

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

Peacemaker Pt. 2

He (Jesus) opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Matthew 5:1, 9 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/mat.5.1-9.NASB1995

Yesterday’s devotion was regarding abiding in Christ, the Holy Spirit living in us. By faith a person is saved, justified, and thereby we have peace with God.

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,
John 1:12 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/jhn.1.12.NASB1995

for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His children.’
Acts 17:28 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/act.17.28.NASB1995

A child of God is a peacemaker.

So, what is the responsibility of a peacemaker?

To shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Luke 1:79 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.1.79.NASB1995

So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”
John 20:21 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/jhn.20.21.NASB1995

The peacemaker spreads the “Gospel of Peace”.

For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,
Ephesians 2:14 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/eph.2.14.NASB1995

by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household,
Ephesians 2:15-19 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/eph.2.15-19.NASB1995

So children of God, let us put on gospel shoes and spread the gospel of peace.

and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Ephesians 6:15 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/eph.6.15.NASB1995

🌹But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
James 3:17-18 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/jas.3.17-18.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

Peacemakers Pt. 1

He (Jesus) opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Matthew 5:1, 9 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/mat.5.1-9.NASB1995

Peacemakers abide in Christ. Christian, you have the Holy Spirit abiding in you.
‭‭
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.
John 14:26 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/jhn.14.26.NASB1995

The Holy Spirit, provides fruit to those who abide in Christ.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, PEACE, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Galatians 5:22 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/gal.5.22.NASB1995

Faith = Peace

And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Luke 7:50 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.7.50.NASB1995

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Romans 5:1 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/rom.5.1.NASB1995

‭What a wonderful gift has been bestowed upon us by Jesus.

🌹Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
John 14:27 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/jhn.14.27.NASB1995

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/jhn.16.33.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

Pure in Heart

He (Jesus) opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying
‭“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Matthew 5:8 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/mat.5.8.NASB1995

Is seeing God a desire for you, believer; to see God face to face one day? The day we pass from this world to heaven isn’t the beginning of our seeing God. God is visible in the changed heart of a sinner. He is visible in the sanctifying change in believers. He is visible in answered prayers. He is visible to the pure in heart.

How can a young man (person) keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.
Psalms 119:9 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.119.9.NASB1995

Your word is very pure, Therefore Your servant loves it.
Psalms 119:140 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.119.140.NASB1995

The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
Psalms 19:8 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.19.8.NASB1995

The Word of God. Reading it, meditating on it, obeying it, applying it. This is beneficial to a pure heart and enlightened eyes.

Prayer is also beneficial for a pure heart. To seek forgiveness, to talk with God about everything. To be thankful for revealing Himself in answered prayers and rejoicingin Him.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalms 51:10 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.51.10.NASB1995

But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
1 Timothy 1:5 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.1.5.NASB1995

And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
1 John 3:3 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/1jn.3.3.NASB1995

🌹With the pure You show Yourself pure,
Psalms 18:26a NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.18.26.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
‭https://indasharonjesus.org

The Merciful Receive Mercy

He (Jesus) opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Matthew 5:1, 7 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/mat.5.1-7.NASB1995

God’s mercy opened the door to the inheritance of His kingdom.

“Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
Matthew 25:34 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/mat.25.34.NASB1995

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
Titus 3:5 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/tit.3.5.NASB1995

And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles.
Romans 9:23-24 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/rom.9.23-24.NASB1995

Just as Jesus poured out mercy on you and me, believers in Him, we are to be vessels of His mercy.

For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’
Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’
Matthew 25:35-40 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/mat.25.35-40.NASB1995

Freely you received, freely give.

For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.
James 2:13 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/jas.2.13.NASB1995

The merciful man does himself good (good to his soul), But the cruel man does himself harm (troubles his flesh).
Proverbs 11:17 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/pro.11.17.NASB1995

🌹And His mercy is upon generation after generation Toward those who fear (revere) Him.
Luke 1:50 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.1.50.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

God’s Glory in Prayer

Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, They would be too numerous to count.
Psalms 40:5 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.40.5.NASB1995

The wonder of God . . . His creation, from the universe all the way to the tiniest molecule . . . is simply amazing.

There is something that is simply amazing to me.
I am so thankful when God gives me opportunity to pray, especially for others. I talk with God all day long and it is wonderful to know that He hears me and answers my prays but it is spectacular when you pray for others and get to share the experience of God with them. It is amazing seeing the movement of God at work in them, myself, and the answers that reveal His glory!!

This past week God has given me opportunity to pray for others. It blesses my heart when someone trusts me enough to take their concern to the Lord.
What a privilege to share their burden with them in prayer. I have been blessed to pray for a couple at church as they take a journey for the Lord. To be asked to pray for a blogger sister-in-Christ. To pray for friends who are struggling in their walk. A blessing to be asked to pray and to be used by God for the sake of others.

Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you;
1 Samuel 12:23a NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/1sa.12.23.NASB1995

But my favorite part of prayer is sharing in the answer. When God answers!! When I am able to rejoice with others in praise to God. When I get to see the glory of God.

‭🌹Then Moses said, “I pray You, show me Your glory!”
Exodus 33:18 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/exo.33.18.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

Blessed Satisfaction

He (Jesus) opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Matthew 5:1, 6 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/mat.5.1-6.NASB1995

¹God is righteous! Seeking righteousness is seeking God the righteous One.

As the deer pants (longs) for the water brooks, So my soul pants (longs) for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God?
Psalms 42:1-2 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.42.1-2.NASB1995

“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, Who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were hewn And to the quarry from which you were dug.
Isaiah 51:1 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/isa.51.1.NASB1995

Sow with a view to righteousness, Reap in accordance with kindness; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord Until He comes to rain righteousness on you.
Hosea 10:12 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/hos.10.12.NASB1995

Seek the Lord, All you humble of the earth Who have carried out His ordinances; Seek righteousness, seek humility. Perhaps you will be hidden In the day of the Lord’s anger.
Zephaniah 2:3 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/zep.2.3.NASB1995

How do we seek?

Through His Word:

Great are the works of the Lord; They are studied by all who delight in them. Splendid and majestic is His work, And His righteousness endures forever.
Psalms 111:2-3 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.111.2-3.NASB1995

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
2 Timothy 3:16 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/2ti.3.16.NASB1995

‭The Blessing of seeking:

To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
Isaiah 61:3 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/isa.61.3.NASB1995

Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’ ”
John 7:37-38 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/jhn.7.37-38.NASB1995

for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.”
Romans 10:10-11 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/rom.10.10-11.NASB1995

and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
Ephesians 4:24 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/eph.4.24.NASB1995

If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him.
1 John 2:29 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/1jn.2.29.NASB1995

For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, And the hungry soul He has filled with what is good.
Psalms 107:9 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.107.9.NASB1995

🌹At night my soul longs for You, Indeed, my spirit within me seeks You diligently; For when the earth experiences Your judgments The inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.
Isaiah 26:9 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/isa.26.9.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

#righteousness #hunger #thirst #Scripture #soul #salvation #God #Jesus #HolySpirit #Bible #Christian

¹Ezra 9:15 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/ezr.9.15.NASB1995
‭Psalms 71:19 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.71.19.NASB1995
‭Psalms 98:2 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.98.2.NASB1995
Psalms 119:137 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.119.137.NASB1995
Psalms 145:17 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.145.17.NASB1995
Jeremiah 12:1 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/jer.12.1.NASB1995

Blessed Are the Gentle

He (Jesus) opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying
“Blessed are the gentle (humble, meek), for they shall inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:2, 5 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/mat.5.2-5.NASB1995

¹The imperishable quality of a gentle spirit is precious in the sight of God and is known by others around them. ²The humble spirit will obtain wisdom and honor, for humility comes before honor. ³Beware, whoever exalts himself will be humbled but the humble will be exalted.

Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.
James 4:10 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/jas.4.10.NASB1995

The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord Are riches, honor and life.
Proverbs 22:4 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/pro.22.4.NASB1995

But the humble will inherit the land And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity.
Psalms 37:11 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.37.11.NASB1995

🌹For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being,” declares the Lord. “But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.
Isaiah 66:2 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/isa.66.2.NASB1995

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon
https://indasharonjesus.org

¹1 Peter 3:4 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/1pe.3.4.NASB1995
-Philippians 4:5 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/php.4.5.NASB1995
²Proverbs 11:2 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/pro.11.2.NASB1995
-Proverbs 29:23 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/pro.29.23.NASB1995
-Proverbs 15:33 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/pro.15.33.NASB1995
-Proverbs 18:12 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/pro.18.12.NASB1995
³Luke 14:11 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.14.11.NASB1995
-Matthew 23:12 NASB1995‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/mat.23.12.NASB1995