Search results for tag #faith
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ππ©΄π©΄ππποΈπβ±οΈππβ²π£πΌββοΈπππΌββοΈπ€½πΌββοΈπͺπΎππβ΅π€ΈββοΈπΊπΏππΌππππββοΈ*DEAR BELOVED LOVING!*& BRIGHT LIGHT HEARTED!*& KIND FRIENDS GOOD MONDAY MORNING!ππ
(Matthew 13:44-46)
#World #Jesus #Monday #Devotional #Father #GOD #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #People #Remember #Pray #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Caring #Hospitality #Helping #Others #Gentleness #Understanding #Everyone #Unity #Prayer #Love #One #Another #Mercy #Forgiveness #Saved
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A picture of two Beautiful Tropical Island young women
ππ©΄π©΄ππποΈπβ±οΈππβ²π£πΌββοΈπππΌββοΈπ€½πΌββοΈπͺπΎππβ΅π€ΈββοΈπΊπΏππΌππππββοΈ*DEAR BELOVED LOVING!*& BRIGHT LIGHT HEARTED!*& KIND FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD GOOD MONDAY MORNING!ππ
(Matthew 13:44-46)
#World #Monday #Devotional #Father #GOD #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #People #Remember #Pray #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Caring #Hospitality #Helping #Others #Gentleness #Understanding #Everyone #Unity #Prayer #Love #One #Another #Mercy #Forgiveness #Saved
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Philippi and Fort Worth: The Same Battle Across the Centuries
By Elizabeth Prata
NOT the Fort Worth street preachers. I am grateful for street preachers. Photo by Ryunosuke Kikuno on Unsplash
The scene: Acts 16:19-40. Paul and Silas are preaching in Philippi. A demon possessed slave girl was following them and making pronouncements positive to them, but the source of course was all wrong. So Paul cast out the demon from the girl. The slave girl’s owner became angry that his source of income was gone, so he accused them of advocating for unfamiliar customs and causing chaos and uproar. The result was the duo were arrested, beaten without a conviction, and put into jail- and in stocks no less.
The July 11 entry in the John MacArthur Daily Bible explains the situation from a historical perspective:
It was true that Roman citizens were not to engage in any foreign religion that had not been sanctioned by the state. But it was a false charge that they were creating chaos. Every Roman colony had two magistrates serving as judges. In this case, they did not uphold Roman justice: They did not investigate the charges, conduct a proper hearing, or give Paul and Silas the chance to defend themselves. Instead, the magistrates had them beaten with rods. This was an illegal punishment since they had not been convicted of any crime. The officers (v. 35) under the command of the magistrates administered the beating with rods tied together in a bundle. Paul received the same punishment on two other occasions (2Co 11:25).
False charges, abuse of authority, injustice done because it was done in anger.
As Paul and Silas sang in prison, an earthquake came and the prison walls fell and the chains of all the prisoners were opened. Obviously, a violent earthquake can’t loosen chain locks while the people attached to them remain unhurt and untouched. It’s a divine intervention.
To continue the JMac note:
Later, when Paul told them they were “Romans” (v. 37), it was a real problem. To inflict corporal punishment on a Roman citizen was a serious crime and made more so since they did not receive a trial. As a result, the magistrates faced the possibility of being removed from office and having Philippi’s privileges as a Roman colony revoked. John MacArthur Daily Bible, July 11
OOPS!
It was interesting that I read this section of Acts on the day I was observing another scenario occurring in today’s day. Two police officers in Fort Worth TX harassed a Christian street preacher at a Pride Festival this past June. They warned the Christian street preacher he could be ticketed for his speech if it offended others. This is a blatant violation of the First Amendment. It is also an abuse of authority as a law enforcer. One of the preachers actually was ticketed, for being too loud with a bullhorn. The officer was also noted to have done the same in a prior encounter in June 2025 at a similar Pride event where she stopped Christians from attending the event, while again warning for citations about offensive speech.
The news organization LibsofTikTok brought the issue forward and put pressure on the Ft. Worth Police Department to handle this appropriately. In response the Police Department official social media account on Twitter…banned LibsofTikTok. This also is a violation of the First Amendment of free speech. A government entity cannot ban citizens from access to their facilities or social media accounts, even if they are critics, due to the First Amendment protection of free speech.
Fort Worth, TX noise ordinances do restrict amplifiers and bullhorns. Those items are banned entirely with just a couple of exceptions: Noise ordinance from Ft. Worth, “Amplifiers in Public ROW and on City Property. The use of a bullhorn, loudspeaker, or other amplification is prohibited in the public right-of-way and on City of Fort Worth property.”
The only exceptions are the police using one in an emergency, or a citizen who had obtained an event permit.
So like Paul and Silas technically being in the wrong by promoting a religion not authorized by Rome, they were unjustly accused of causing chaos. Similarly, the street preachers were technically in the wrong if they used a bullhorn on a right of way or on City property without a permit, (and I believe they did not possess a permit), but the officer was wrong to warn them of citations for their speech.
In reading about the Paul-Silas situation from the Bible, and reading the ongoing news about the struggle for free (Christian) speech in Fort Worth, I’m struck by not only the similarity but the lengths to which people who oppose the Lord will go.
I mean, yes, we know this in our heads because we read our Bibles. We are told this will happen-
“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they followed My word, they will follow yours also. But all these things they will do to you on account of My name, because they do not know the One who sent Me.” (John 15:18-21)
We know it in our head, but then our hearts become heavy when we see it played out again and again. Certainly Christians in the 10/40 window of the globe’s unreached areas know the hard persecution that can come, often persecution to the death. Here in the US other kinds of troubles pop up similar to the Paul-Silas issue of false accusations, abuse of power, and arrests.
These things happen because they hate the Light. “For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light, so that his deeds will not be exposed,” says John 3:20.
I am grateful for street preachers who promote the Gospel in public and call sinners to repentance. We are familiar with abuses of authority in the Bible. The Pharisees/Sadducees/Scribes killed Jesus unjustly. Nero and other Roman Emperors did the same to the brethren. We should not be surprised when softer persecutions occur even in a free country like ours. Sinners everywhere hate the light and will do what they can to squelch it.
As a side note, many cities do ban amplification devices on their public ways. In my opinion, cities with ordinances banning certain kinds of amplification offer a legitimate way they can arrest someone with whose speech they do not agree. Street preachers could start learning how to amplify their own voices like Whitfield or Spurgeon, whose voices carried over the heads of thousands of listeners assembled, in order to remove any means of squelching the voice of street preachers any abusive powers may try to exploit.
What a relief to know the Light of Jesus will remain forever, until the whole world is filled with His glory!
#faith #gospel #persecution #streetPreachers
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How Can I Make AΒ Difference?
It's easy to think we need to do something extraordinary to make a difference. But God often uses the smallest acts of kindness to create life-changing and eternal impact. In today's Gem of Knowledge, the Lord reminds us, "Giant impacts can come from small things. Think of a meteor. They are fairly small compared to the impact they make. Your loving kindness can be like that to a hurting heart. Amen." What a beautiful picture. A meteor is tiny compared to a planet, yet when it collides with the earth, its impact can be enormous. In much the same way, a simple act of kindness may seem insignificant to us, but we rarely see the lasting effect it has on another person's heart. Do something loving today. π [SENSITIVE CONTENT]
Today’s One Year Bible Verses: 1 Chronicles 15:1β16:36, Romans 1:18β32, Psalm 10:1β15, Proverbs 19:6β7
Small Acts. Eternal Impact.
It’s easy to believe that making a difference requires doing something big.
We imagine changing someone’s life by giving a large gift, leading a ministry, or accomplishing something extraordinary. Yet God often works in exactly the opposite way. Throughout Scripture, He delights in using what seems small to accomplish what seems impossible.
In today’s Gem of Knowledge, the Lord reminds us,
“Giant impacts can come from small things. Think of a meteor. They are fairly small compared to the impact they make. Your loving kindness can be like that to a hurting heart. Amen.”
What a beautiful picture.
A meteor is tiny compared to a planet, yet when it collides with the earth, its impact can be enormous. In much the same way, a simple act of kindness may seem insignificant to us, but we rarely see the lasting effect it has on another person’s heart.
As I read today’s passages, I was drawn to David’s celebration as the Ark of the Covenant was finally brought to Jerusalem. It was a day filled with worship, rejoicing, music, and thanksgiving. But one detail especially stood out to me. After the celebration, DavidΒ blessed the people in the name of the Lord, and then he gave every man and woman a loaf of bread, a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins.
At first glance, it doesn’t seem like much.
It wasn’t a fortune. It wasn’t a grand display of wealth.
It was a simple gift.
Yet it communicated something far greater. David wasn’t simply feeding people. He was reminding every person that they were seen, valued, included, and cared for. Sometimes love is expressed through remarkably ordinary acts of generosity.
Isn’t that how God often works in our lives?
A timely phone call.
An encouraging text.
A warm smile.
A handwritten note.
A sincere prayer.
A meal delivered to someone who is overwhelmed.
None of those things seem particularly large on their own. Yet at just the right moment, they can become the very evidence someone needed to believe that God still sees them.
Paul reminds us in Romans that our world desperately needs God because without Him, hearts become darkened and people drift farther from His truth. In a culture that often chooses selfishness over compassion, every act of Christlike kindness becomes a light pointing people back to the heart of God.
David declared in today’s psalm,Β “Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them”Β (Psalm 10:17, NLT). What an incredible thought. God hears the cries no one else hears. And sometimes He answers those prayers by sending one of His children to offer a simple act of love.
Even Proverbs reminds us how lonely life can become for those who are struggling. It says,Β “The poor are avoided even by their own neighborsβwhile the rich have many ‘friends'”Β (Proverbs 19:7, NLT). The world is often drawn to people who have something to offer, but Jesus was drawn to those everyone else overlooked.
As His followers, we are called to do the same.
Never underestimate the power of your kindness.
You may think it’s only a conversation.
Only a hug.
Only a prayer.
Only an invitation.
Only a few encouraging words.
But God specializes in taking what seems small and using it to accomplish something eternal.
You may never know this side of Heaven how one simple act of loving kindness changed the course of someone’s life.
So don’t wait until you think you can do something great.
Do something loving today.
God can make the impact far greater than you ever imagined. π
Action (5 Minutes with God)
Take 5 minutes to be with the Lord today. Ask Him:
- βLord, what do You want me to know about this personally?β
- Journal what He gives you through His Holy Spirit.
- Then ask, βWhat do You want me to do?β
- Journal what He reveals βΒ then do it!
Allow the Lord to direct you to someone who may need your loving kindness today. Trust Him to use your obedience in ways you may never see.
Prayer
Dear Lord,, thank You for showing me kindness over and over again, even in the smallest ways. Help me never overlook the opportunities You place before me to encourage someone else. Fill my heart with compassion and open my eyes to those who are hurting. Teach me to be faithful in the little things, trusting that You can use even the smallest act of love to make an eternal difference. May my words, my actions, and my kindness always point others to You. In Your mighty name I pray, amen.
To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.
If Gems of Knowledge has blessed your walk with Christ, please subscribe or consider partnering with us today. Your gift helps keep these devotionals free for everyone and carries Godβs Word to more hearts. Every seed mattersβthank you for sowing into this work! π
Test everything by the Word and the Spirit (John 16:13)
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A tiny meteor strikes the earth, creating a massive impact crater and brilliant explosion, illustrating how small acts of kindness can create life-changing and eternal impact through God's power.
Sisters in Christ, don't forget about the Women's Ministry meeting happening this Saturday at 14:00.
Led by Pastor Penny, this will be a quiet time of reflection and restoration as we discover the importance of coming into God's presence and being held by God's grace.
All women are welcome to join us!
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A flyer from Bedfordview Methodist Church, with a black sidebar on the left, and a photo on the right, of a woman sitting on a beach hugging her knees and looking up to the sun. The caption reads, "Women's Ministry: Dear Sisters in Christ, on the 18th July we will discover the importance of coming into God's presence & being held by His Grace with Pastor Penny. May you experience restoration and wholeness as we have times of quiet and reflection. Sat 18 July 2pm." The photo on the right contains the Women's Ministry logo, and the following text: "Come with me. Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). Find rest in God. Release Worry. Renew Your Spirit. You are not alone. He cares for you." The flyer's footer contains the church's name, logo, physical and email addresses, and social media handles.
π€βοΈπβοΈβ€οΈβπ₯πππ«βοΈπποΈπ¦π©ππ£οΈπ©΅π€*[JESUS said!*βThe kingdom of God is like this!*A man scatters seed on the ground!*& while he sleeps!*& rises!*night!*& day!*the seed grows!*though he does not know how?*The ground produces the full grain!*& When the crop is ready!*he swings the sickle without delay!*because the harvest has come!β]π€β€οΈβπ₯πππποΈπ¦π«π©πβοΈβοΈπβοΈπ£οΈπ©·π€
Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29
#The #Parable #of #the #Seed #Growing #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #Pray #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth #Understanding
π€βοΈπβοΈβ€οΈβπ₯πππ«βοΈπποΈπ¦π©ππ£οΈπ©΅π€*[JESUS said!*βThe kingdom of God is like this!*A man scatters seed on the ground!*& while he sleeps!*& rises!*night!*& day!*the seed grows!*though he does not know how?*The ground produces the full grain!*& When the crop is ready!*he swings the sickle without delay!*because the harvest has come!β]π€β€οΈβπ₯πππποΈπ¦π«π©πβοΈβοΈπβοΈπ£οΈπ©·π€
Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29
#The #Parable #of #the #Seed #Growing #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #Pray #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth #Understanding
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βFor I am not ashamed of the Good News (the gospel), because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to Godβs chosen people (the Jews), then to everyone else (the Gentiles).
For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed β a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: βThe righteous will live by faith.ββ
ββ
Romansβ¬ β1β¬:β16β¬-β17β¬ βNIVUKβ¬β¬
(adapted)
#bible #gospel #faith
π€βοΈπβοΈβ€οΈβπ₯πππ«βοΈπποΈπ¦π©ππ£οΈπ©΅π€*[JESUS said!*βThe kingdom of God is like this!*A man scatters seed on the ground!*& while he sleeps!*& rises!*night!*& day!*the seed grows!*though he does not know how?*The ground produces the full grain!*& When the crop is ready!*he swings the sickle without delay!*because the harvest has come!β]π€β€οΈβπ₯πππποΈπ¦π«π©πβοΈβοΈπβοΈπ£οΈπ©·π€
Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29
#The #Parable #of #the #Seed #Growing #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #Pray #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth #Understanding
π€βοΈπβοΈβ€οΈβπ₯πππ«βοΈπποΈπ¦π©ππ£οΈπ©΅π€*[JESUS said!*βThe kingdom of God is like this!*A man scatters seed on the ground!*& while he sleeps!*& rises!*night!*& day!*the seed grows!*though he does not know how?*The ground produces the full grain!*& When the crop is ready!*he swings the sickle without delay!*because the harvest has come!β]π€β€οΈβπ₯πππποΈπ¦π«π©πβοΈβοΈπβοΈπ£οΈπ©·π€
Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29
#The #Parable #of #the #Seed #Growing #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #Pray #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth #Understanding
π€βοΈπβοΈβ€οΈβπ₯πππ«βοΈπποΈπ¦π©ππ£οΈπ©΅π€*[JESUS said!*βThe kingdom of God is like this!*A man scatters seed on the ground!*& while he sleeps!*& rises!*night!*& day!*the seed grows!*though he does not know how?*The ground produces the full grain!*& When the crop is ready!*he swings the sickle without delay!*because the harvest has come!β]π€β€οΈβπ₯πππποΈπ¦π«π©πβοΈβοΈπβοΈπ£οΈπ©·π€
Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29
#The #Parable #of #the #Seed #Growing #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #Pray #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth #Understanding
π€βοΈπβοΈβ€οΈβπ₯πππ«βοΈπποΈπ¦π©ππ£οΈπ©΅π€*[JESUS said!*βThe kingdom of God is like this!*A man scatters seed on the ground!*& while he sleeps!*& rises!*night!*& day!*the seed grows!*though he does not know how?*The ground produces the full grain!*& When the crop is ready!*he swings the sickle without delay!*because the harvest has come!β]π€β€οΈβπ₯πππποΈπ¦π«π©πβοΈβοΈπβοΈπ£οΈπ©·π€
Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29
#The #Parable #of #the #Seed #Growing #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #Pray #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth #Understanding
π€βοΈπβοΈβ€οΈβπ₯πππ«βοΈπποΈπ¦π©ππ£οΈπ©΅π€*[JESUS said!*βThe kingdom of God is like this!*A man scatters seed on the ground!*& while he sleeps!*& rises!*night!*& day!*the seed grows!*though he does not know how?*The ground produces the full grain!*& When the crop is ready!*he swings the sickle without delay!*because the harvest has come!β]π€β€οΈβπ₯πππποΈπ¦π«π©πβοΈβοΈπβοΈπ£οΈπ©·π€
Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29
#The #Parable #of #the #Seed #Growing #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #Pray #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth #Understanding
π€βοΈπβοΈβ€οΈβπ₯πππ«βοΈπποΈπ¦π©ππ£οΈπ©΅π€*[JESUS said!*βThe kingdom of God is like this!*A man scatters seed on the ground!*& while he sleeps!*& rises!*night!*& day!*the seed grows!*though he does not know how?*The ground produces the full grain!*& When the crop is ready!*he swings the sickle without delay!*because the harvest has come!β]π€β€οΈβπ₯πππποΈπ¦π«π©πβοΈβοΈπβοΈπ£οΈπ©·π€
Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29
#The #Parable #of #the #Seed #Growing #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #Pray #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth #Understanding
π€βοΈπβοΈβ€οΈβπ₯πππ«βοΈπποΈπ¦π©ππ£οΈπ©΅π€*[JESUS said!*βThe kingdom of God is like this!*A man scatters seed on the ground!*& while he sleeps!*& rises!*night!*& day!*the seed grows!*though he does not know how?*The ground produces the full grain!*& When the crop is ready!*he swings the sickle without delay!*because the harvest has come!β]π€β€οΈβπ₯πππποΈπ¦π«π©πβοΈβοΈπβοΈπ£οΈπ©·π€
Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29
#The #Parable #of #the #Seed #Growing #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #Pray #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth #Understanding
π€βοΈπβοΈβ€οΈβπ₯πππ«βοΈπποΈπ¦π©ππ£οΈπ©΅π€*[JESUS said!*βThe kingdom of God is like this!*A man scatters seed on the ground!*& while he sleeps!*& rises!*night!*& day!*the seed grows!*though he does not know how?*The ground produces the full grain!*& When the crop is ready!*he swings the sickle without delay!*because the harvest has come!β]π€β€οΈβπ₯πππποΈπ¦π«π©πβοΈβοΈπβοΈπ£οΈπ©·π€
Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29
#The #Parable #of #the #Seed #Growing #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #Pray #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth #Understanding
π€βοΈπβοΈβ€οΈβπ₯πππ«βοΈπποΈπ¦π©ππ£οΈπ©΅π€*[JESUS said!*βThe kingdom of God is like this!*A man scatters seed on the ground!*& while he sleeps!*& rises!*night!*& day!*the seed grows!*though he does not know how?*The ground produces the full grain!*& When the crop is ready!*he swings the sickle without delay!*because the harvest has come!β]π€β€οΈβπ₯πππποΈπ¦π«π©πβοΈβοΈπβοΈπ£οΈπ©·π€
Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29
#The #Parable #of #the #Seed #Growing #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #Pray #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth #Understanding
π€βοΈπβοΈβ€οΈβπ₯πππ«βοΈπποΈπ¦π©ππ£οΈπ©΅π€*[JESUS said!*βThe kingdom of God is like this!*A man scatters seed on the ground!*& while he sleeps!*& rises!*night!*& day!*the seed grows!*though he does not know how?*The ground produces the full grain!*& When the crop is ready!*he swings the sickle without delay!*because the harvest has come!β]π€β€οΈβπ₯πππποΈπ¦π«π©πβοΈβοΈπβοΈπ£οΈπ©·π€
Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29
#The #Parable #of #the #Seed #Growing #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #Pray #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth #Understanding
π€βοΈπβοΈβ€οΈβπ₯πππ«βοΈπποΈπ¦π©ππ£οΈπ©΅π€*[JESUS said!*βThe kingdom of God is like this!*A man scatters seed on the ground!*& while he sleeps!*& rises!*night!*& day!*the seed grows!*though he does not know how?*The ground produces the full grain!*& When the crop is ready!*he swings the sickle without delay!*because the harvest has come!β]π€β€οΈβπ₯πππποΈπ¦π«π©πβοΈβοΈπβοΈπ£οΈπ©·π€
Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29
#The #Parable #of #the #Seed #Growing #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #Pray #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth #Understanding
π€βοΈπβοΈβ€οΈβπ₯πππ«βοΈπποΈπ¦π©ππ£οΈπ©΅π€*[JESUS said!*βThe kingdom of God is like this!*A man scatters seed on the ground!*& while he sleeps!*& rises!*night!*& day!*the seed grows!*though he does not know how?*The ground produces the full grain!*& When the crop is ready!*he swings the sickle without delay!*because the harvest has come!β]π€β€οΈβπ₯πππποΈπ¦π«π©πβοΈβοΈπβοΈπ£οΈπ©·π€
Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29
#The #Parable #of #the #Seed #Growing #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #Pray #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth #Understanding
π€βοΈπβοΈβ€οΈβπ₯πππππ«βοΈπποΈπ¦π©ππ£οΈπ©΅π©·π§‘πππ€²πβοΈπ€*(JESUS said!*βThe kingdom of God is like this!*A man scatters seed on the ground!*& while he sleeps!*& rises!*night!*& day!*the seed sprouts!*& grows!*though he does not know how!*The ground produces fruit on its own!*first the blade!*then the head!*then the full grain in the head!)π
Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29
#The #Parable #of #the #Seed #Growing #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #World #Pray #Believe #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Understanding
π€βοΈπβοΈβ€οΈβπ₯πππππ«βοΈπποΈπ¦π©ππ£οΈπ©΅π©·π§‘πππ€²ππ€*(JESUS)*[He said!*βThe kingdom of God is like this!*A man scatters seed on the ground!*& while he sleeps!*& rises!*night!*& day!*the seed sprouts!*& grows!*though he does not know how!*The ground produces fruit on its own!*first the blade!*then theπ
(Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29)
#The #Parable #of #the #Seed #Growing #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #World #Pray #Believe #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Understanding
π€βοΈπβοΈβ€οΈβπ₯πππππ«βοΈπποΈπ¦π©ππ£οΈπ©΅π©·π§‘πππ€²ππ€*The Parable of the Seed Growing!π€β€οΈβπ₯πππβοΈπποΈπ¦ππ«π©ππ£οΈβοΈπβοΈπ©΅π©·π§‘πππ€²ππ€
βοΈπβοΈππΊπΏππΌππ€²π«βοΈπποΈπ¦ππβοΈπβ΅π©ππ£οΈπππππΌββοΈ*(JESUS)*[He said!*βThe kingdom of God is like this!*A man scatters seed on the ground!*& while he sleeps!*& rises!*night!*& day!*the seed sprouts!*& grows!*thoughπ
(Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29)
#The #Parable #of #the #Seed #Growing #Devotional #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #World #Pray #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Understanding
*The Parable of the Seed Growing!
βοΈπβοΈππΊπΏππΌππ€²π«βοΈπποΈπ¦ππβοΈπβ΅π©ππ£οΈπππππΌββοΈ*(JESUS)*[He said!*βThe kingdom of God is like this!*A man scatters seed on the ground!*& while he sleeps!*& rises!*night!*& day!*the seed sprouts!*& grows!*though he does not know how!*The ground produces fruit on π
(Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29)
#The #Parable #of #the #Seed #Growing #Devotional #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #World #Pray #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Understanding
βοΈπβοΈππΊπΏππΌπβοΈπβ΅ππ€²π«βοΈπποΈπ¦π©πβ€οΈβπ₯π©΅π©·π§‘π«Άππ£οΈπππππΏββοΈ*[JESUS said to them!*βTo you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God!*but for those outside everything is in parables!*so that*ββthey may indeed see but not perceive!*& may indeed hear but not understand!*lest they should turn!*& be forgiven!ββ]π
(Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29)
#The #Parable #of #the #Seed #Growing #The #Purpose #of #the #Parables #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #World #Heaven #Hope #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Understanding
βοΈπβοΈππΊπΏππΌπβοΈπβ΅ππ€²π«βοΈπποΈπ¦π©πβ€οΈβπ₯π©΅π©·π§‘π«Άππ£οΈπππππΏββοΈ*(when JESUS was alone!*those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables!)*[& he said to them!*βTo you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God!π
Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29
#The #Parable #of #the #Seed #Growing #The #Purpose #of #the #Parables #Devotional #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #World #People #Pray #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Hospitality #Gentleness #Understanding #Unity
βοΈπβοΈππΊπΏππΌπβοΈπβ΅ππ€²π«βοΈπποΈπ¦π©πβ€οΈβπ₯π©΅π©·π§‘π«Άππ£οΈπππππΏββοΈ*(JESUS Starts Explaining to his disciples the purpose of teaching in parables!)*[&when JESUS was alone!*those around him with the twelve asked π
(Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29)
#The #Parable #of #the #Seed #Growing #The #Purpose #of #the #Parables #Devotional #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #World #People #Pray #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Hospitality #Gentleness #Understanding #Unity
βοΈπβοΈππ€²π«βοΈπποΈπ¦πβοΈπβ΅π©ππβ€οΈβπ₯π©΅π©·π§‘π«Άππ£οΈπππππΌββοΈ*[IN THIS CHAPTER {Mark 4} JESUS TEACHES!*& DEMONSTRATES MANY THINGS TO US ALL!*& MOSTLY WHEN JESUS IS TEACHING IT IS WITH βPARABLES!β*& The Purpose of the Parables!*WHICH IS a short!*simple story used to illustrate a moral!*or spiritual lesson!]π
(Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29)
#The #Parable #of #the #Seed #Growing #The #Purpose #of #the #Parables #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #World #Pray #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Understanding
βοΈπβοΈππ€²π«βοΈπποΈπ¦πβοΈπβ΅π©ππβ€οΈβπ₯π©΅π©·π§‘π«Άππ£οΈπππππΌββοΈ*[DEAR BELOVED FRIENDS IN THIS CHAPTER {Mark 4} JESUS TEACHES!*& DEMONSTRATES MANY THINGS TO US ALL!*& AT THE END OF THE CHAPTER JESUS CALMS A STORM!*BUT MOSTLY WHEN JESUS IS TEACHING IT IS WITH βPARABLES!βπ
Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29
#The #Parable #of #the #Seed #Growing #The #Purpose #of #the #Parables #Devotional #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #World #People #Pray #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Gentleness #Understanding
βοΈπβοΈππ€²π«βοΈπποΈπ¦πβοΈπβ΅π©ππβ€οΈβπ₯π©΅π©·π§‘π«Άππ£οΈπππππΌββοΈ*[DEAR BELOVED FRIENDS ON THIS ENTIRE EARTHLY REALM IN THIS CHAPTER {Mark 4} JESUS TEACHES!*& DEMONSTRATES MANY THINGS TO US ALL!*& AT THE END OF THE CHAPTER JESUSπ
(Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29)
#The #Parable #of #the #Seed #Growing #The #Purpose #of #the #Parables #Devotional #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #World #People #Pray #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Hospitality #Gentleness #Understanding #Unity
π©΅ππ©πππ«πππ»π©΄π©΄πποΈπβ±οΈπ¬πββοΈπ©²π΄πͺπ π‘πΌπΌπ’ππ€²πΊπΏππΌπ§βπ©°πͺπ¦’π§βπ©°π€ΈπΌββοΈπ₯³πππ©·πββοΈ*DEAR BELOVED UNIQUELY GIFTED!*& MADE AWESOME JUST THE WAY GOD INTENDED FRIENDS I HOPE!*PRAY!*& WISH YOU ALL A BLESSED!*PROFOUND!*FUN!*WHIMSICAL!*& ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL WONDERFUL DAY!*AMEN!β π€π©·π©΅ππ©πππ«πππ»π©΄π©΄πποΈπβ±οΈπ¬πββοΈπ©²ππ΄πͺπ π‘πΌπΌπ’π₯³π€π
(Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29)
#Devotional #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #World #People #Pray #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Hospitality #Gentleness #Understanding #Unity
π©΅ππ©πππ«πππ»π©΄π©΄πποΈπβ±οΈπ¬πββοΈπ©²π΄πͺπ π‘πΌπΌπ’ππ€²πΊπΏππΌπ§βπ©°πͺπ¦’π§βπ©°π€ΈπΌββοΈπ₯³πππ©·πββοΈ*DEAR BELOVED UNIQUELY GIFTED*& MADE AWESOME JUST THE WAY GOD INTENDED FRIENDS I AM FEEDING MY SPIRIT WITH GOOD!*& LOVING THINGS (π»*TODAY NOW ON THE BACK PORCH BECAUSE THAT BEAR WOULDNβT LEAVE THE FRONT YARD βTHE LITTLE BUGGER!β)π€£π»π*SO STILL I AM SHARING WITH YOU ALL KNOWLEDGE TO OBTAIN!*& CONTINUED POSITIVE HOPE FOR US ALL!*AMEN!ππ
(Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29)
#GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Pray #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness
π©΅ππ©πππ«πππ»π©΄π©΄πποΈπβ±οΈπ¬πββοΈπ©²π΄πͺπ π‘πΌπΌπ’ππ€²πΊπΏππΌπ§βπ©°πͺπ¦’π§βπ©°π€ΈπΌββοΈπ₯³πππ©·πββοΈ*DEAR BELOVED UNIQUELY GIFTED*& MADE AWESOME JUST THE WAY GOD INTENDED FRIENDS GOOD SUNDAY MORNING!π*& I AM FEEDING MY SPIRIT WITH GOOD!*&π
(Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29)
#The #Parable #of #the #Seed #Growing #The #Purpose #of #the #Parables #Sunday #Devotional #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #World #People #Pray #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Hospitality #Gentleness #Understanding #Unity
π©΅ππ©πππ«πππ»π©΄π©΄πποΈπβ±οΈπ¬πββοΈπ©²π΄πͺπ π‘πΌπΌπ’ππ€²πΊπΏππΌπ§βπ©°πͺπ¦’π§βπ©°π€ΈπΌββοΈπ₯³πππ©·πββοΈ*DEAR BELOVED UNIQUELY GIFTED*& MADE AWESOME JUST THE WAY GOD INTENDED AROUND THE WORLD FRIENDS GOOD SUNDAY MORNING!π*& I AMπ
(Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29)
#The #Parable #of #the #Seed #Growing #The #Purpose #of #the #Parables #Sunday #Devotional #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #World #People #Pray #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Hospitality #Gentleness #Understanding #Unity
Alt...
A bright multi color painting of a pastor on his pulpit preaching in glowing light!
π©΅ππ©πππ«πππ»π©΄π©΄πποΈπβ±οΈπ¬πββοΈπ©²π΄πͺπ π‘πΌπΌπ’ππ€²πΊπΏππΌπ§βπ©°πͺπ¦’π§βπ©°π€ΈπΌββοΈπ₯³πππ©·πββοΈ*DEAR BELOVED UNIQUELY GIFTED*& MADE AWESOME JUST THE WAY GOD INTENDED AROUND THE WORLD GOOD SUNDAY MORNING!ππ
(Mark 4:10-12*& 26-29)
#The #Purpose #of #the #Parables #Sunday #Devotional #GOD #Love #Jesus #Christ #Holy #Spirit #Savior #Light #World #People #Remember #Pray #Believe #Christian #Heaven #Hope #Peace #Faith #Truth #Goodness #Kindness #Caring #Hospitality #Helping #Others #Gentleness #Understanding #Everyone #Unity #Love
Love from a SoftΒ Heart
Have you ever noticed how easy it is for our hearts to become a little harder with each disappointment? In today's Gem of Knowledge, the Lord lovingly says, "Soften your heart towards all people, specially those who are struggling. Find it within yourself to help them and love them as you rely on Me as your Source. Amen." Perhaps today you'll encounter someone who is struggling, or maybe you struggle with them. Instead of allowing your heart to harden, ask the Lord to soften it. Ask Him to let you see that person through His eyes and love them with His love. When we rely on God as our Source, our compassion doesn't run out. Because His never does. π [SENSITIVE CONTENT]
Today’s One Year Bible Verses: 1 Chronicles 12:19β14:17, Romans 1:1β17, Psalm 9:13β20, Proverbs 19:4β5
A Soft Heart Begins with God
Have you ever noticed how easy it is for our hearts to become a little harder with each disappointment?
Someone betrays our trust. Another person takes advantage of our kindness. We help someone who never says thank you. Before long, we begin protecting ourselves. We become more cautious, less patient, and a little slower to show compassion because we don’t want to be hurt again.
While those feelings are understandable, they are not where God wants us to remain.
In today’s Gem of Knowledge, the Lord lovingly says,
“Soften your heart towards all people, specially those who are struggling. Find it within yourself to help them and love them as you rely on Me as your Source. Amen.”
I love that last phrase:Β “as you rely on Me as your Source.“
God never asks us to love others out of our own limited strength. If He did, we would eventually run dry. Instead, He invites us to receive His love first, then allow it to overflow into the lives of others. The more we draw from Him, the more compassion we have to give.
1 Chronicles 12-14Β gives us a beautiful picture of this. As David’s kingdom grew stronger, people from every tribe continued coming to him. Some had once stood on the opposite side. Others came from different backgrounds, experiences, and loyalties. Yet David welcomed those whom God was bringing to him. He wasn’t building a kingdom based on favoritism or past mistakes. He was allowing God to unite people with different stories into one purpose.
That is still how God works today.
The church is filled with people from different walks of life. Some are mature in their faith. Others have only recently come to know Christ. Some are overcoming addiction. Others are healing from deep wounds, broken relationships, or years of guilt and shame. None of us arrive without scars.
Instead of asking, “Why are they like that?” perhaps we should begin asking, “Lord, what have they walked through?”
That simple change in perspective softens our hearts.
Paul understood this as well. As he opened his letter to the Romans, he declared that he wasΒ “not ashamed of the Good News about Christ, for it is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes”Β (Romans 1:16, NLT). The gospel is forΒ everyoneβthe wealthy and the poor, the religious and the rebellious, the successful and the struggling. If God’s grace is offered so freely to all, then our hearts should never become selective in who we choose to love.
David also reminds us in today’s Psalm that God sees those who suffer. He prays,Β “LORD, have mercy on me. See how my enemies torment me”Β (Psalm 9:13, NLT). God hears the cries that no one else hears. He notices the pain that others overlook. When we choose compassion, we begin reflecting the very heart of our Father.
Proverbs warns us thatΒ “Wealth makes many ‘friends’; poverty drives them all away”Β (Proverbs 19:4, NLT). Sadly, the world often values people for what they can offer instead of simply loving them because they bear God’s image. As followers of Christ, we are called to be different. We don’t love people because they can benefit us. We love them because Christ first loved us.
Perhaps today you’ll encounter someone who is struggling, or maybe you struggle with them.
Maybe they’re discouraged.
Maybe they’re lonely.
Maybe they’re difficult to love.
Instead of allowing your heart to harden, ask the Lord to soften it. Ask Him to let you see that person through His eyes and love them with His love. You may not be able to solve every problem they face, but you can offer kindness, encouragement, a listening ear, or a sincere prayer.
Sometimes the best thing we can do for someone is simply reminding them they are seen, valued, and loved.
When we rely on God as our Source, our compassion doesn’t run out.
Because His never does. π
Action (5 Minutes with God)
Take 5 minutes to be with the Lord today. Ask Him:
- βLord, what do You want me to know about this personally?β
- Journal what He gives you through His Holy Spirit.
- Then ask, βWhat do You want me to do?β
- Journal what He reveals βΒ then do it!
Let God soften your heart today and deepen your love and understanding towards all people.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for loving me with patience, mercy, and grace. Forgive me for the times my heart has become hardened by disappointment or hurt. Fill me again with Your love and help me rely on You as my Source so I never grow weary of loving others. Open my eyes to those who are struggling and give me the courage to encourage them, serve them, and point them to You. May my heart reflect the compassion of Jesus in every conversation and every opportunity You place before me. In Your precious name I pray, amen.
To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.
If Gems of Knowledge has blessed your walk with Christ, please subscribe or consider partnering with us today. Your gift helps keep these devotionals free for everyone and carries Godβs Word to more hearts. Every seed mattersβthank you for sowing into this work! π
Test everything by the Word and the Spirit (John 16:13)
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Jesus stands beside an overflowing stone fountain in a peaceful garden while a believer fills a clay pitcher with water to carry to weary, hurting people, symbolizing Christ as the endless source of love, compassion, and spiritual strength.
"Jcob replied, 'First sell me your birthright.'
'Look, I am about to die,' Esau said. 'What good is the birthright to me?'
But Jacob said, 'Swear to me first.' So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.
Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left.
So Esau despised his birthright."
