God's Power is made perfect in Weakness

 

God's Power is made perfect in Weakness

The Bible reveals a paradox: God's power is perfected in our weaknesses. This challenges the world's view of strength, inviting us to rely on God's power rather than our own.

Jesus embodied this principle. His strength in adversity was remarkable, but His greatest display of power came through His weakness on the cross. This sacrifice brought salvation to humanity.

Key scriptures illustrate this concept:

Mark 14:38 - Watch and pray to avoid temptation, acknowledging the spirit's willingness but the flesh's weakness.
Psalm 119:62 - Rise at midnight to thank God for His laws, seeking guidance and strength in darkness.
Matthew 16:18 - Jesus builds His church on a rock, demonstrating power beyond human limitations.
Isaiah 54:17 - No weapon prevails against God's servants; they are vindicated by Him.
Luke 10:19 - Authority is given to overcome the enemy's power.
James 4:7 - Submit to God and resist the devil.
Deuteronomy 28:7 - Enemies are defeated before God's people.

These scriptures showcase God's power in weakness.

Credit to Keith M. Craddock's family Bible study, introduced by Isaac Craddock.

Meta AI Response: God's Power in Weakness The Bible reveals a paradox: God's power is perfected in our weaknesses. This challenges the world's view of strength, inviting us to rely on God's power rather than our own. Jesus embodied this principle. His strength in adversity was remarkable, but His greatest display of power came through His weakness on the cross. This sacrifice brought salvation to humanity. Key scriptures illustrate this concept: Mark 14:38 - Watch and pray to avoid temptation, acknowledging the spirit's willingness but the flesh's weakness. Psalm 119:62 - Rise at midnight to thank God for His laws, seeking guidance and strength in darkness. Matthew 16:18 - Jesus builds His church on a rock, demonstrating power beyond human limitations. Isaiah 54:17 - No weapon prevails against God's servants; they are vindicated by Him. Luke 10:19 - Authority is given to overcome the enemy's power. James 4:7 - Submit to God and resist the devil. Deuteronomy 28:7 - Enemies are defeated before God's people. These scriptures showcase God's power in weakness. Credit to Keith M. Craddock's family Bible study, introduced by Isaac Cra

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"Obedience: The Key to Unlocking God's Blessings"

 

"Obedience: The Key to Unlocking God's Blessings"

As Christians, we often talk about the importance of faith, love, and forgiveness. But another crucial aspect of our walk with God is obedience. In this post, we'll explore what the Bible says about obedience and how it can transform our lives.

Trusting in the Lord

In Proverbs 3:5-6, we read, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." These verses remind us that obedience starts with trusting in the Lord. When we trust Him, we can submit to His will and plans, even when we don't understand them.

Obedience as a Demonstration of Love

In John 14:23, Jesus says, "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." Here, Jesus emphasizes that obedience is a demonstration of our love for Him. When we obey His teachings, we show that we value our relationship with Him and are committed to following His ways.

Guidance and Instruction

In Psalm 32:8, we read, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you." This verse reminds us that God is always guiding and instructing us. When we obey Him, we can trust that He will lead us in the right direction and provide us with the wisdom we need.

Peace and Provision

Finally, in Philippians 4:6-7, we read, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." When we obey God and trust in His provision, we can experience peace and freedom from anxiety.

Conclusion

Obedience is not always easy, but it is essential for our spiritual growth and development. As we seek to obey God's Word and follow His teachings, we can trust that He will guide us, provide for us, and bless us abundantly.

Credits

This blog post was inspired by Keith M. Craddock's leadership in family Bible study. Special thanks to Keith for his guidance and insight.

Assistance provided by Meta AI.

May God bless you as you seek to obey His Word.

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#Obedience #Trust #Love #Guidance #Peace #Provision #BibleStudy #Faith

Love as an Action, Not a Feeling

Love as an Action, Not a Feeling

As humans, we often associate love with feelings of warmth, affection, and attachment. We may feel love for our family, friends, or our romantic partner

, and we may even feel love for activities, hobbies, or causes that bring us joy. But what about when those feelings aren't there? Does that mean we don't love anymore?

Loving People When Feelings Aren't There

Sometimes, we might not feel love for certain people in our lives. Maybe we're going through a tough time with a family member, or perhaps we're struggling to connect with a friend. But here's the thing: love is not just a feeling, but an action. We can choose to love people even when we don't feel like it.

We can show love through our actions, such as:

Spending quality time with them
Listening to them when they need someone to talk to
Helping them out when they're in need
Being present for them during difficult times

Even when we don't feel love for someone, we can still choose to love them with our actions.

Applying the Same Principle to Our Relationship with God

I've found that the same principle applies to my relationship with God. There are times when I don't feel His presence or love, but that doesn't mean I stop loving Him. Instead, I choose to love Him through my actions, such as:

Showing up to prayer and worship
Reading Scripture and seeking to understand His character
Serving others and loving my neighbor
Trusting in His sovereignty and goodness

By choosing to love God with my actions, even when I don't feel like it, I'm able to deepen my relationship with Him and experience His love in new and powerful ways.

Conclusion

Love is not just a feeling, but an action. We can choose to love people and God Himself, even when we don't feel like it. By showing love through our actions, we can build stronger relationships, deepen our faith, and experience the power of love in our lives.

 

Failure

A family bible study by Keith M. Craddock

Failure is a universal human experience. We all fail at some point in our lives, and it can be a painful and discouraging experience. But what does the Bible say about failure?

The Righteous Fall Seven Times

In Proverbs 24:16, we read:

"For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again."

This verse reminds us that even the righteous, those who are living according to God's ways, will experience failure. But the key is that they get back up again. They don't let failure define them.

God's Mercy and Compassion

In Psalm 78:38-39, we read:

"Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them. Time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his full wrath. He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return."

This psalm reminds us that God is merciful and compassionate, even when we fail. He remembers that we are human and prone to weakness.

Satan's Schemes and God's Redemption

In Luke 22:31-32, we read:

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

This passage reminds us that Satan wants to destroy us, but God wants to redeem us. Even when we fail, God is working to restore us and use us for His purposes.

Failure and Restoration

In John 21:3-4, we read:

"Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 'I'm going out to fish,' Simon Peter told them, and they said, 'We'll go with you.' So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing."

This passage reminds us that even after a significant failure, like Peter's denial of Jesus, we can still experience restoration. Peter and the other disciples went back to fishing, but Jesus met them on the beach and gave them a new commission.

Feed My Sheep

In John 21:17, we read:

"Jesus said, 'Feed my sheep.'"

This verse reminds us that even after we fail, God can still use us for His purposes. Peter, who had failed so spectacularly, was given a new commission to feed Jesus' sheep.

Conclusion

Failure is not the end. It's a stepping stone to success. God is merciful and compassionate, and He wants to redeem us, even when we fail. Let us remember that failure is not defining, and that God can use us for His purposes, even after we fail.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas of your life where you've experienced failure?
How has God redeemed you in those areas?
What does it mean to you to be restored by God?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mercy and compassion. Help us to see failure as a stepping stone to success, and to trust in Your redemption. Give us wisdom and guidance as we navigate the ups and downs of life. In Jesus' name, Amen