Tag: faith

Philippians 3:20,21 – Citizenship

by northwestjim, posted in Thought For The Day

Philippians 3:20,21
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

Sometimes I read “THESE VILE BODIES” (KJV), and I smile and think I’m certainly Biblical in that respect…true enough.

But the question is, do I get the CITIZENS OF HEAVEN part?

It’s easy to act like this goofy, Chicken Little world is all there is, like the scandal de jour is reality.

But it isn’t. This is but a wisp of vapor in the grand scheme of things.

This verse is saying: REALITY is what’s eternal… and you are a part of it now.

Looking to live in light of
WHATS ETERNAL.

Hebrews 4:13 – Draw Near

by northwestjim, posted in Thought For The Day

Hebrews 4:16
Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Draw near…. to the THRONE of GRACE

Another great word image.

It is also a great reminder that He rules from the position of mercy…
AND
we can be certain of that… Certain enough to approach Him boldly.

He WANTS us near Him.
He WANTS to provide mercy and grace.

Don’t know which is harder to grasp.
Grateful for both.

Ephesians 4:15 – Grow

by northwestjim, posted in Thought For The Day

Ephesians 4:15
But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,

We Grow.

Everything grows.

Paul is explaining what direction we are to grow: Into HIM.

Into Christ.

In ALL aspects of our lives; even the aspects that no one ever sees.

It is fascinating to me that this growth is tied to speaking the truth…. IN LOVE. As we mature, being right isn’t the goal… it is about the truth itself.

Working to defend the truth,
and not being right.

1 Corinthians 16:13 – Act Like Men

by northwestjim, posted in Thought For The Day

Father’s Day is coming…

1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”

There are many out there who see this verse and it’s sentiment as toxic.

I think that’s mainly because men have not taken up the charge to act like men, and that has been the root cause of many problems we face in the world today.

Men not manning up…

  • As fathers
  • As husbands
  • As just plain Godly.

When men are men,
society benefits.

Connecting to God by Praying in the Spirit

by northwestjim, posted in Garden Moments

We want to connect with God, but what is Praying in the Spirit? It might not be what we tend to think it is.

The Bible, in Ephesians 6:17–18, invites us to “take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” But what exactly does it mean to pray “in the Spirit”?

While some might connect this to speaking in tongues, it’s more likely that Paul had a broader, more foundational meaning in mind. Rather than just one method among many, praying “in the Spirit” is presented as the very essence of how we truly connect with God.

Consider Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman by the well in John 4. When she brought up the historical disagreement about where to worship, Jesus shared a profound truth: “The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth” (John 4:23). This isn’t about worshipping anywhere sincerely; it’s a beautiful revelation that only those who have received the Holy Spirit can genuinely worship God. It’s through the Spirit, and by His guidance, that our worship—and our prayers—become truly pleasing to Him.

Paul further clarifies this in Romans 8:15-16, reminding us, “You did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” God has generously given us His Spirit, and it’s this Spirit within us that empowers us to call out to Him, even and especially when we feel weak (v 26).

This is also why, as 1 Corinthians 12:3 says, “no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit.” While anyone can speak those words, truly understanding and embracing their meaning comes from the Spirit’s work in our lives. In the same way, our ability to pray stems from our adoption into God’s family and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

So, as you come to God in prayer today—perhaps even right now—and lovingly call Him “Father,” you are truly “praying in the Spirit.” Trust in the Spirit who lives within you by faith. He will be there to help you, to prompt you, to guide you, and to fill you with the wonderful, undeserved joy of speaking to the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, knowing you can call Him your “Abba, Father.”