We Need God’s Help Connecting Truth and Love

Do you solemnly swear (affirm) to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?

While no longer mandatory in every United States courtroom, we affirm this promise of truth with left hand placed on a book, right hand raised. 

The book remains closed, yet held as a mighty writing considered worthy to swear and affirm by.

The Bible. The Holy Scriptures. God’s truth to inspire man’s truth.

Yet, our present world often questions biblical principles as valid, relevant, or relatable. 

So, people try to convince us truth is relative. Culture whispers in our ear, We each have our own version of truth—and that’s okay.

We Need God’s Help With Truth

But it’s not okay. God’s Word not only never returns void, it also never goes out of style along with changing times. Consider how the Bible helps us live out our faith, a how-to manual for a godly life.

Because the more we are in God’s Word, the more we do the right thing, the godly thing, the Jesus thing, and do it all more often. 

The Bible describes truth as a fundamental characteristic of God, the Creator of all things, including truth. Biblical truth means that which is from God and born of God. Jesus, born of God, declared, “I am the truth” (John 14:6). 

God is Truth. And He is the giver of truth. 

People try to convince us truth is relative. Culture whispers in our ear, 'We each have our own version of truth—and that’s okay.' But it's not okay. God is Truth and the giver of truth. #truth #love Share on X Read More…

Promises Even Though We Walk Through the Valley

Sometimes we travel on a journey we never chose. A valley experience. And the place I currently find myself. 

But I never made reservations, packed my bags, or headed off in that direction.

Besides, my heart’s GPS is wired to stay on the mountain top. Isn’t that what we secretly or openly wish the Christian life promised? 

Still, we often forget God’s glory and presence dwells wherever we are, and in whatever we go through. Further, the Bible says we will have trouble in this world, valleys to walk through. It’s not “if” but “when.”

Perhaps, you relate to valleys of emotional suffering, physical pain, heartbreak, tragedy, grief, spiritual warfare, or other.

Three years ago during another valley journey (no promises for how many life-valleys), the Lord revealed a comforting message of truth for any and all valleys. 

And it comes from two phrases and two passages in the Bible.

(1.) Even though. Psalm 23.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4, ESV). 

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Part 2: 8 Powerful Head-to-toe Prayers in Scripture

Ever wondered how to pray over yourself and your loved ones from head to toe? In this 2-part series, we use Scripture to address some of the issues we face as believers.

Part 1 covered 1-4, prayers for our mind, eyes, ears, and mouth.

This week we discuss 5-8; shoulders, heart, hands, and feet. 

(5.) Shoulders

Often, we bear weight on our shoulders we were never meant to carry—only our heavenly Father. But Scripture also calls us to help lighten the load of others. 

Scripture:

In Isaiah 10, the Assyrians oppressed God’s people. The Lord promises judgment and to remove the burdens. “In that day their burden will be lifted from your shoulders, their yoke from your neck; the yoke will be broken” (verse 27a NIV). 

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me…and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” Matthew 11:28-30 ESV.

“Then Jesus told them this parable: ‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home’” Luke 15:3-5 NIV.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” Galatians 6:2 NIV.

Prayer: Lord, I carry burdens only meant for You. Please lift any worry and anxiety. Your burden is light and frees me to rest from the heaviness of life’s struggles. Grant me compassion to help carry the burdens of others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Lord, I carry burdens only meant for You. Please lift any worry and anxiety. Your burden is light and frees me to rest from the heaviness of life’s struggles. Grant me compassion to help carry the burdens of others. #Prayer Share on X

(6.) Heart

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8 Powerful Head-to-toe Prayers in the Bible: Part 1

Often, we forget to pray specific, powerful prayers. Like prayers taken directly from God’s Word that are powerful when spoken over our lives.

So, in this 2-part series, we address 8 of the issues we face as believers from head to toe. And the powerful help we need from the Bible. 

This week we cover prayers for our mind, eyes, ears, and mouth. But, please, also use these powerful prayers for your spouse, children, family, and friends.

(1.) Mind

Scripture: 

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” Colossians 3:2 NIV.

“What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but…from God, so that we may understand….We have the mind of Christ” 1 Corinthians 2:12,16 NIV. 

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” Romans 12:2a NIV. 

“…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable…think about such things” Philippians 4:8 NIV.

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV.

Prayer: Father God, You created my mind, so I submit it to Your care. Help me set my mind on eternal things. And taking every thought captive, making it obedient to Your truth. I cast out every lie from the enemy. Help me meditate on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and excellent of praise. Let Your Spirit renew my mind daily in Your Word. Give me the mind of Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Father God, You created my mind, so I submit it to Your care. Help me set my mind on eternal things. And taking every thought captive, making it obedient to Your truth. Let Your Spirit renew my mind daily in Your Word. #Prayer Share on X Read More…