(Not) Seeing and Believing http://bible.com/r/7hM

(Not) Seeing and believing takes me right to Hebrews 11:1. Faith. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

It is sometimes hard to believe for something when we cannot see anything happening. We lose hope and we become discouraged along the way while we are waiting. One thing we can be sure of is this, if God said it, it will come to pass. This reminds me of those who had faith and believed but did not get to see the promise come to pass, but they died in faith.

Let’s look at Noah- By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house, by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. (Hebrews 11:7 NKJV)

Noah: Genesis 6:14, 22) : This is what God told Noah (v.14.)- Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.

God is giving Noah directions as to how He wants things done. Noah followed God’s orders to the letter. He did not do it how he wanted to do it, but just exactly how God said to do it.

Do we always do things to the letter concerning the Word of God? Do we always do what God tells us to do when He tells us to do something that we don’t understand, or make since to us?

Maybe at the time when God told Noah to build the ark, he did not understand at first, but He obeyed God and did not question God about the matter. Are we like that? Do we do what we are told without asking why? Do we believe God by faith? Why is it so hard to obey God? He does not ask us to do things that He knows we cannot do. Even when we don’t understand the plan, or the purpose, we must still obey God.

(v. 22.)- Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.

So, Noah did what God told him to do. He did not ask God a lot of questions as we do when God tells us to do something. He believed what God said.

When we do what God says for us to do, our lives will be better for us. He knows what is best for us. He knows how to protect us from the things that we do not know how to protect ourselves from. He can see the things that we cannot see, such as the flood. If everyone knew that God was going to flood the earth, I am quite sure they would have wanted to help Noah build the ark just to save themselves and their families..

This is why we must believe without seeing. Having eyes of faith and belief in what God says, one can never go wrong. Faith gives one hope that they may not have had.

Reading and studying about faith helps to keep my faith in God strong. It helps me to always remember that God is always working things out for my good. It helps me to remember that God is faithful when the enemy tries to make me believe that God is not faithful. It helps me to remember what God has brought me through in my life. It helps me to remember that He is always with me every day of my life.

What are you believing God for today? Is it something you have been wanting, or needing? Is it healing that you need? Whatever it is you are believing God for today, believe in faith, trust God, and He will bring it to pass. He will answer your every prayer.

This is a collaboration on the article and show I did on faith. The devotional study above is a 10 day audio Bible Study that can be found on You Version.

WORD STUDY: Romans 1:7

Romans 1:7- To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be *saints: Grace to you and *peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:7 THE SAINTS of GOD

“Saints” is the word that God uses for those who have taken Jesus Christ as their Saviour. It means set – apart ones (Numbers 6:2). In Greek it is the same word as “holy”, “consecrated”, or “sanctified”. It has nothing to do with a person’s own efforts at godliness. Saints are not special Christians addressed as “Saint” who are adored and appear in pictures, stained – glass windows, and altars. Rather, for His own purpose, God has set apart for Himself (Romans 8:29 and its note, “Predestination”) all who have believed in Jesus Christ as their Saviour. He calls them saints, though they are in themselves no better than other people. Other names for saints are Christians, children of God, the church of Christ, born – again believers. (Numbers 6:2)– Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, separate themselves to vow a vow of a *Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the LORD:

NUMBERS 6:2 A NAZARITE

The word must clearly to be distinguished from a Nazarene (an inhabitant of Nazareth). It can also be spelled “Nazirite” and means one who is separated.

Sometimes people wanted to give themselves to work for the Lord in a very special way. They might have decided that they wanted to do this special work for one or two months, or for one or two years, or even longer. To show that they had taken this vow of the Nazarite, they promised also to keep certain signs:

1. They would drink no wine.

2. They would let their hair grow long (men and women both took this vow).

3. They would not touch anything that was dead.

What corresponds to this in the New Testament is that we are urged to present our bodies to God as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1); and the Nazarite’s three signs correspond to self-control, willingness to bear reproach for Christ’s sake, and separation from sin. Well- known Nazarites were Samson (Judges 13-16) and John the Baptist (Luke 1:15).

ROMANS 8:29- For whom he did foreknow, he also did *predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

ROMANS 1:16-17 – SALVATION by FAITH

Salvation is in three tenses: past- every believer has been saved from the guilt and penalty of sin (Romans 3:19); present- every believer is being saved daily from the power of sin in his life (Romans 6:14); future – every believer will be saved from even the presence of sin in his nature, so that in heaven he will be without sin and become more like the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:11).

In bestowing salvation on us, God uses the way of faith instead of the way of works. He offers His righteousness only to those who believe (Romans 3:22). Faith, in the cases of salvation and righteousness, is distrusting self and trusting another- in this case, true before we see that it is.

So, we see faith throughout the whole Bible. We can go to the Word for faith, hope, truth, and salvation. Everything we need to know about life is in the Word of God. Open the Word up today and let it fill your spirit. Let it open your eyes today that you will be able to see the truth about life.

This has been very interesting. I was sharing a Bible reading audio plan when God spoke to my spirit again on faith, so, here is the message.

Normally I just post the plan, but today was different. I hope you all enjoy the plan, and the message God has given me to share. ©2022

Prayers for a Fresh Start http://bible.com/r/7dw

and thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. Deuteronomy 6:5 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/deu.6.5.KJV

We are to love the LORD with every fiber of our being. How can we not love Him? Look at all of the things He does for us. Look at what God did for us by sending His One and ONLY SON into this world to take the punishment we deserved. How can we NOT Love Him! If it were not for God, nothing would have been created in this world that we see with our own eyes, and that which we cannot see with our own eyes. We would not even be alive if it were not for Him. This is why this Scripture is so important. It is what we must always do for as long as we live and have our being. He loves us unconditionally, and His love for us will never fail. When we look through our spiritual eyes, loving God is the most important thing in the world. We are important to Him, but the question is this: IS HE IMPORTANT TO US? I ask this question because there are some who does not realize just how important God is. Just always know and remember that we are loved by God. When we feel as if no one else loves us, God does.

Jesus is waiting to hear from you today. Tell Him how much you love Him, and how much He means to you. Have a wonderful day. God bless, and stay safe.©2022

For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalm 30:5 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.30.5.KJV

And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 1 Peter 3:13 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/1pe.3.13.KJV

Because we believe in God and follow His Son Jesus, nothing can harm us because we are followers of that which is good.

God is with us to protect us from harm and danger. He can see the things that we cannot see and move them out of the way to protect us.

It would be good if we could actually see Him as the disciples did, and talk with Him as they did, but we have to know that even though we cannot see Him with our eyes, we can see some of the things that He does for us through faith. We see the things come to pass that we have and have not prayed for. He gives us blessings that we sometimes do not even ask for, such as waking us up the next day. Giving us our health and strength, our senses. God only wants to give us good things, not things to harm us.

Life isn’t perfect, but we serve a God who is. He will always be with us. Even when we don’t feel His presence, He us with us. What would we do if He were not with us in our life?

If you have not talked with Jesus today, or if you do not have a relationship with Him, go to Him today in prayer and invite Him to come into your heart to be your Lord and Savior. Repent of your evil, wicked, and selfish worldly ways, believe that He is the Son of God and that God raised His Son on the third day just as He said, and live your life for Him until He returns, or until He calls you (us) home. You are now apart of God’s family. Hello sisters and brothers in Christ! Have a beautiful Sunday. God bless you all in the name of Jesus our soon coming King.©2022

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.5.7.KJV

The LORD shows us mercy everyday. He has been since we came into this world. It is good to know that His mercies are new every morning. We serve a merciful God, and I am so glad we do, because without it what would we do? We can show others mercy because of Jesus. It is all because of Jesus. He is the reason we want to be better people. We want to live how we should live. We want to love our enemies, and do what He would have us to do to bring God glory, honor, and praise. Show someone mercy today, and it will be shown right back to you.

If you have not spoken with Jesus today, speak to Him in prayer. He is ready to listen to all you have to say. Pour out your heart to Him and let Him give you joy beyond compare. Just know that He loves us all. Stay safe, and God bless.©2022

https://spark.bible/5zzo3MLFYmb

The birth of Jesus is very important. We must never forget what kind of world it was then when Jesus was born, and how His very life was in danger because of Herod. We cannot forget how God protected His Son from danger, and we cannot forget how He protects us from the danger that’s around us everyday. Stay safe, and God bless.©2022

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/1co.10.13.KJV

I know I have been distant and have drifted far away.

I know I have been distant with not a lot of words to say.

I know I have been distant and it is not because of you.

I know I have been distant because of what my heart has been going through.

So, when you see this written word please understand and know that I am screaming inside and only God knows.

Therefore, until I converse again, this is not the end. I am just giving my heart time to mend again.©2022

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.19.14.KJV

For thou hast possessed my reins: Thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:13‭-‬14 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.139.13-14.KJV

https://spark.bible/PMnzvqAQQmb

Click on this link above to watch this video on the Tree of Life.

You can also read about the Tree of Life in Genesis in the Holy Bible.

Peace Of Christ http://bible.com/r/3DZ

This reading plan can be found on You Version. I thought this would be a great plan to look into. If you choose to, I pray that God will reveal His heart to you through the message. Have a wonderful day, and stay safe.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/2ti.1.7.KJV

Good morning everybody! I pray that you all are doing well on today. I want to talk about the Scripture Verse above: 2 Timothy 1:7. The question is this: What Do We Have To Fear? There is power in the name of Jesus! All we have to do is speak His name and the enemy will flee. We do not have to walk around being filled with fear, because we were not given the spirit of fear. Look at what we do have. But of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. We can walk in faith, and believe in faith, and know in faith that God has given us these things that we do not have to be in fear about anything. He has covered us with His protection under the shadow of the Almighty. We are covered by the Holy Ghost. The love of God is perfect, so it casts out all fear. We have the love of God living in our heart, so fear cannot live there. Fear has no place where there is love and faith.

If there is something that’s causing you to be afraid today, or any other day, read this verse and give it all to God. He will, and already has given you peace, and replaced that fear with faith and love. ©2022

http://divasinspirational.poetry.blog/2021/12/31/red-and-gold/

http://divasinspirational.poetry.blog/2022/01/14/where-is-the-snow/

Your past is behind you. You are a new creation.

Mrs. Shaunelius L. Sterns

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/2co.5.17.KJV

Good morning everyone! Today is a beautiful day that we have never seen before, so thank God for another day to be on this side of heaven. Let us not forget all of the wonderful things that the Lord has done for us.

I want to talk about the Scripture Verse 2 Corinthians 5:17. Here in this Scripture, Paul is telling us that when we give our life to Christ, we become new; a new creature, which is a new creation in Him. We do not live like we once did. We do not continue to do the things that we once did before we came to Christ. We are no longer the person we once were; we are a new creation. We start to do the things that Jesus teaches us through the Word of God. It is not easy to do a complete 360° turn, but Jesus is always there to help us along the way. We have been reborn again, we are like new born babies learning how to do things that we have never done before, such as reading the Bible everyday. I can admit that when I first got Baptized, I had not read the Bible in years, but I had always known Jesus. I had a hard time staying awake when I would try to read. I know I have spoken about this before, but when I read this Scripture Verse, it takes me back to when I first got Baptized.

We all have to start somewhere in life to get to know Jesus. Let’s start here today. Just remember, it is not where you are coming from, but where you are going. All things are made new when you come to Christ. He will not turn anyone away. He wants to make you new all over again, flaws and all. We all have a past, present, and a future. We all have had struggles in life, but during all of those struggles we have all faced, Jesus has been there with us through them all.

Let Him change your life for the better. Let Him put His love into your heart. Let Him give you a new life in Him, but the only way that is going to happen is through repentance. You must repent, which means to turn from your sinful and wicked ways, and apologize to God. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Believe that on the third day, God, His Father raised His Only Son from the dead, and ask Him to come into your heart and be your personal Lord and Savior. That is all there is to it. Jesus will forever live in your heart. When you do that, you have been made new and you are now apart of God’s family forever. Praise God!

Do not worry about your past any longer. You are no longer who you were then. You are a new creation in Christ Jesus. If you have not talked to Him today, do so. He is waiting to hear from you. Jesus loves us all. He will never leave us nor forsake us. He will be with us even until the end of the age. World without end, Amen, Amen. Have a blessed and wonderful day.©2022

Explanation of Scripture: 2 Corinthians Chapter 5: Various Verses

5:1-An house not made with hands. This is the spiritual body that believers receive at the resurrection, in contrast to the earthly house (the natural body) , which is like a tent in the sense that is just a temporary abiding place (see 1 Corinthians 15:40, 42-44).

5:3- We shall not be found naked. Nakedness is the result of sin. Unbelievers are spiritually naked and can never be clothed with the glorified body that Christians will enjoy.

5:9- Labour. Are ambitious- make it a point of honor.

5:9- Accepted of Him- Well pleasing to God.

5:10-We must all appear before the judgement seat.- This must not be confused with the Great White Throne Judgement before which unbelievers will appear. All Christians will appear before the Judgement seat of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 3:12).

5:14-If one died for all, then were all dead.- All believers are regarded by God as having died with Christ upon the cross (Romans 6:6). The old self- life must therefore be considered dead by faith (Romans 6:11).

5:16- Know we him no more.- We have entered a new relationship with Christ through the Spirit, so the old fleshy relationship (or lack of relationship) is over.

5:17-Creature. – Creation.

5:18- The ministry of reconciliation.- All Christians should share this ministry, that is, the privilege of telling sinners that they may be “reconciled to God” (verse 20).

5:19- The world. – Mankind.

5:20- Ambassadors.- Speaking the Word of and working as led by Christ our King.

5:20- Reconciled.- This means to be thoroughly changed. It speaks of the sinner becoming a new creature through Christ before he can meet with God.

I hope these Scriptures will inspire you to continue reading through 2 Corinthians to see all that God has to say to us through the Apostle Paul.

Until we meet again, be blessed in the Lord Jesus, our King. ©2022

Jesus is coming again. Will you be ready when He returns?

Found By You Video Devotion http://bible.com/r/7dN

I thought this would be a great devotional to share. I will be going through this video of God’s Word to see what He has to say to me today. I hope you enjoy it should you decide to go through it. God always has something to tell His children through His Word. God bless. Have a wonderful day.©2022

https://spark.bible/uu4IK5stMmb

I wanted to share this video with you all. I am sharing this from Spark Bible. This is a great app. It has so much to offer. It is free to download, and there are so many videos and Scripture. There is so much to do and to learn from lots of teachers in the Word. I really enjoy using it. I hope you enjoy the video. Click on the link above. Have a blessed day.©2022

The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; The world, and they that dwell therein. Psalm 24:1 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.24.1.KJV

We all belong to the Creator of the universe. Everything that was created was created by Him.

Mrs. Shaunelius L. Sterns

Good morning everyone! I pray everyone is safe and well. We all belong to God. He created all life on this earth. He spoke everything into existence. When reading this verse, we are reminded of who we belong to. We are reminded of what belongs to God.

He holds it all in His hands.

Everything is going to be alright. We must hold on to our faith in God. We cannot give up on our God because He will never give up on us. Even in these dark times Jesus is shining light for the whole world to see, but it can only be seen through the eyes of faith. God bless. Jesus loves us all, stay safe.©2022

But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. Amos 5:24 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/amo.5.24.KJV

Today is a beautiful day! God is Great! Let His love shine in you today, and every day. I pray everyone is doing alright.

I chose this picture because it makes since according to the Scripture Verse. The red leaves makes the reflection of the water look red. The redness reminds me of the blood that Jesus shed for us. Doesn’t it make you think about that? To me, the waterfall represents the water which flowed from His side when He was pierced with the spear; blood and water flowed from His side. What does this remind you of concerning Jesus? God bless you all. Have a blessed day.©2022

with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Ephesians 4:2 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/eph.4.2.KJV

I know all to well about long suffering, and I know I am not the only one. During that long suffering, we have to learn to forebear one another with all lowliness, meekness, and love. That can be hard to do if the person, or people are hard to get along with. We have to turn the other cheek and keep moving forward. God bless. Have a wonderful day.©2022

https://anchor.fm/shaunelius-sterns/episodes/Hebrews-131-25-The-End-of-the-Hall-of-Faith-e1coeal

This is my third episode for this year on Food for the Soul. I have enjoyed sharing my faith with you all. I hope you are inspired and lifted up by it. May God bless you all. Stay safe. I welcome all comments. Have a wonderful day.