Maria †

hi :) i'm maria posting bible verses and talking about God

[maria-tf]

The Restoration and Suffering of Christ

And he answerd them and told them "Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought."

Mark, 9:12

As believers in Christ, we have faith in his teachings and sacrifices. In Mark 9:12, Jesus states that Elias mist come first to reatore all things before the Son of Man suffers many things and is set at nought. This passage not only foreshadows Christ's cruxification but also emphasizes the importance of restoration in our lives.

Restoration means to bring back something that has been lost or broken. Christ's restoration was necessary to reconcile humanity with God. Similary, in our daily lives, we may experience brokenness, wether it be through relationships or pur own mistakes. However, restoration can be found trough forgiveness and seeking redemption. It may not be easy, but it is necessary for growth.

The passage also highlights the invetability of suffering in life. Even the Son of Man, who was without sin, suffered greatly. For us as humans, we will undoubtedly exprience hardship and pain. However, we must remember that trough Christ's suffering, He brought about salvation and eternal life. Our suffering may have a purpose beyond what we can understand.

In moments of despair or difficulty, let us look to God for guidance and comfort. Let us also seek restoration by forgiving others and seeking forgiveness ourselves. Remember that even in our darkest moments, Christ is with us.

[alwaysrememberjesus]

The God Who Never Walks Away

“Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with such things as you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 NKJV

There is a kind of promise that shakes you to your core. A promise that steadies your breath and quiets your fears. A promise that doesn’t depend on how strong you feel, how much money you have, or how well life is going. Hebrews 13:5 carries that kind of weight. God Himself speaks and says, “I will never leave you. I will never forsake you.”

Notice what the writer does first. He tells us to let go of the love of money and the restless craving for more. Not because money is evil, but because dependence on anything other than God will always leave you empty. God isn’t asking you to be careless, He’s calling you to be confident that what you have is enough because the One who provides it will never abandon you.

The world will teach you to cling to possessions; God teaches you to cling to His presence. The world will tell you security comes from your bank account; God tells you security comes from His character. The world will say you need more to be safe; God says, “You already have Me, and I am enough.”

Think about it… people may walk out, opportunities may dry up, seasons will shift, strength will fade, but God makes you a vow with no expiration date: “I will never leave you.” That means in the midnight hour when fear shows up, He’s there. When bills pile up, He’s there. When relationships fail, He’s there. When sickness hits, He’s there. When you don’t know how to take the next step, He is there. This promise is covenant. It’s the voice of the eternal God telling your trembling heart, “You are not alone. You will not be abandoned. You will not be forsaken.”

So today, rest your mind, quiet your fears, loosen your grip on everything that can’t hold you, and hold on to the One who has held you from the beginning. The God who stays, the God who keeps, the God who provides, the God who never walks away.

[maria-tf]

The Incarnate Word

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John, 1:14

The gospel of John tells us that "the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us". This is a powerful statement about the nature of Christ, and it should not be taken lightly. When we think about the fact that God himself became flesh and walked among us, it should fill us with awe and wonder.

The idea of God becoming man is not always easy to understand, but it is essential to our faith. It means that Jesus Christ is not just a great teacher or a wise prophet, but He is the Son of God, fully God and fully man. He came to earth to live among us and show us what it means to love God and to love others.

I'm reminded of a story of a young woman named Sarah who was going through a difficult time in her life. She had lost her job, her relationship had ended, and she felt like everything was falling apart. One day, as she was walking through the park, she saw an elderly man who appeared to be homeless. He had a sign that read "Will work for food".

Sarah felt compelled to help the man, so she went to a nearby restaurant and bought him a meal. As they sat and talked, she realized that this man was full of wisdom and compassion. His words gave her hope and reminded her that there was still good in the world.

As she left the park, Sarah realized that the man she had just met was one example of God in the world. Just like Jesus, he was humble and compassionate, and showed her the love of God in a way she had never experienced before.

We too can be like Christ in the world. We can show love and kindness to those around us, and we can be a beacon of hope to those who feel lost and alone. The incarnation of Christ reminds us that God is not distant or removed from the world, but He is present among us, working through us to bring about His Kingdom.

[maria-tf]

The Unexplainable Peace of God

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians, 4:7

Have you ever experienced a peace that just doesn't make sense? A peace that shouldn't exist given the circumstances you're facing, but somehow does? That's the peace of God. It is a peace that cannot be explained by the logic of the world, but comes from Almighty God, who is above all understanding.

As Christians, we are blessed to have access to this peace. We can experience it even in the midst of the storms of our lives because we know that our God is always with us. When we are faced with uncertainty, pain or challenges, we can pray and trust in the One who holds our lives in His hands.

But how do we access this peace? It begins by surrendering our fears, doubts, and concerns to God in prayer. We need to recognize that we cannot handle everything on our own and that we need God's help. Once we do that, we can trust that He will give us peace that surpasses all understanding.

Let us not forget that this peace is not only for ourselves, but also for others. As we experience God's peace, we will be agents of His peace in our relationships and communities. Let us offer love and kindness to those around us, especially those who are going through difficult times.

May God's peace guard our hearts and minds, and may we be a reflection of that peace in a world that desperately needs it.

[maria-tf]

The Most Excellent Way

Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.

1 Corinthians 12:31

As christians, we wish to receive excellent gifts from God. Many times, we ask for financial blessings, good health, success and happiness. There's nothing wrong with asking for these things. However, the apostle Paul reminds us that there is a better way.

The most excellent way is love. Love is the base of everything we do in our walk with Christ. Is the reason why Jesus died in the cross for us. Love is the best gift we can give and receive. Actually, without love, any talent or gift we have is insignificant.

In 1 Corinthians 13, also known as the chapter of love, Paul wrote: "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." (verse 1). He keeps saying that if he had the gif of prophecy, faith to move mountains and gave his possessions to the poor, but didn't have love, it would not benefit him at all (verses 2-3).

Love is the ultimate expression of our faith. It is through love that we can connect with God and with others. It is by love that we can forgive and be forgiven. Love covers a multitude of sins. Love is also patient, kind, not envious, does not boast, is not proud. Does not dishonor others, is not selfish, does not get irritated easily or holds grudges. Love always protects, trusts, waits, preserves and never fails (verses 4-8).

Let's do our best to follow the most excellent way of love. Let's love each other just like Christ does. By doing that, we not only honor God, but we also experience His blessings and favor in our lives.

[maria-tf]

God's consoling voice

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.

Isaiah, 40: 1-2

In Isaiah chapter 40, God calls his people to find comfort in Him. He tells them that the war is over and that their sins are forgiven. It's amazing how even after living in disobedience, God is still willing to forgive us!

It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the mistakes we've made in the past. We may believe that our sins are too great for God to forgive us or that he has abandoned us. But God's word tells us that we are never that far from his grace.

God's love for us is infinite, and He wants nothing more than to comfort us in our times of need. However, we have to be willing to leave behind our burdens and accept the comfort He offers us. It can be difficult to leave the past behind, but with God's help, all things are possible.

So, if you're feeling overwhelmed by your past mistakes or sins, cry out to God. Ask Him to pour out His love and mercy on you, and He will answer your prayer. Let Him comfort you and guide you along the right path. Remember, His love for you is infinite and His grace is sufficient.

[maria-tf]

The Power of Words

Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!”

Mark, 11:21

Words have immense power. They can build or destroy, comfort or hurt, heal or harm. In Mark 11:21, we see the power of Jesus' words when he cursed the fig tree and it withered away.

In the same way, in our daily lives, the words we speak to ourselves and to others have the power to shape our reality. We must be attentive to the words we use and the impact they have on those around us.

It's easy to get caught up in negative thoughts or gossip about others, but this only brings negativity into our lives. Instead, let's choose to speak words of encouragement, love and positivity. Let's raise others up and bring light into their lives.

In addition, we must be aware of the words we speak to ourselves. We often get stuck in negative monologues, but we must remember that we are wonderfully made by God. Let's speak words of affirmation and believe in our ability to accomplish great things through Him who strengthens us.

[maria-tf]

The search for Peace and Holiness

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Hebrews, 12:14

As followers of Christ, we are called to seek peace with everyone and holiness. It's not an easy task, but it's necessary if we want to see the Lord. For many of us, we live in a world full of chaos, violence and conflict. We are surrounded by negativity and it can be easy to get caught up in it. However, as believers, we are called to be different. We are called to be peacemakers, to bring the light of Christ to the darkness of this world.

Finding peace isn't always easy, but it's worth it. That requires us to put aside our own desires, our own schedules, and seek for the good of others. It means forgiving those who have wronged us, even when it hurts. It means being patient with those who bother us, even when we want to fight back. It means seeking understanding, even when we disagree.

Holiness is another aspect from our faith that we need to seek for. It's easy to fall into the traps of this world, giving in to temptation and compromising our beliefs. But the call to holiness is a call to be separate, to be different from the world around us. That requires us to be intentional about our choices, to seek for the pureness of our thoughts and actions and to seek for the will of God above ours.

Let's remember that seeking for peace and holiness is not something that we can do alone. We need the help of the Holy Spirit to guide us, to strengthen us and enable us to move forward. That we be diligent in our pursuit of these virtues and that we bring glory to God in everything we do.

[maria-tf]

The Nobel Search for Truth

Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

Acts of the Apostles, 17:11

In today's fast-paced world, we often forget the importance of taking the time to truly understand God's word. We can read some verses here and there, go to church on Sunday and feel that we've done our bit. But are we really doing everything we can to understand and connect with God?

The Jews of Berea, described in Acts 17:11, were praised for their willingness to examine the scriptures daily and receive God's Word with an open mind. They didn't blindly accept what they were told; they spent time studying and analyzing the scriptures for themselves.

This is a valuable lesson for us today. We must strive to have a deeper understanding of God's Word and actively seek the truth. We shouldn't rely solely on the interpretations and teachings of others, but rather take the initiative to learn and grow in our faith.

It can be daunting to embark on this journey, but it's so worth it. Reading the bible every day, studying commentaries and other theological works and engaging in discussions with other believers can help us better understand God's plan for us and for the world.

Let's follow the example of the Bereans and commit ourselves to seeking the truth with an open mind and a humble heart.

[maria-tf]

God's inclusive love

He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.

Acts of the Apostles, 10:28

In our world today, we see many divisions between people. There are those who think they are superior to others because of their social status, race, gender or religion. Those divisions cause a lot of pain, hate and violence. However, as Christians, we are called to be different.

The verse in Acts, 10:28 reminds us that the love of God is inclusive. Peter was a Jew and it was forbidden for him to associate with non-Jews. But God showed him that he shouldn't consider anyone impure or uncommon. That message is still relevant today.

God loves each person, regardless of their origin or social status. God doesn't choose favorites among his children, but shows them all equal love and respect. As Christians, we must strive to accept and love everyone, just like how God does. We shouldn't discrimination against anyone because of their race, gender or religion, but embrace them with open arms.

In addition, we can also extend God's love to those who feel rejected and marginalized. The world needs more people willing to build bridges between different groups and promote unity and understanding. By showing compassionate love to others, we can make a real difference in people's lives and bring hope to the hopeless.

[maria-tf]

From Death to Life: the Power of Belief in Jesus

Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.

John, 5:24

In John, 5:24, Jesus proclaims a powerful promise for those who listen to His Word and believe in God who sent Him - they will have eternal life and won't be judged. This promise has the power to transform our lives and give us hope beyond our earthly existence.

As believers, we know our time here on Earth is limited. We all experience physical death at some point, but through our faith in Jesus Christ, we can pass from death to life. That means that, even though our bodies may die, our spirits will live eternally with Christ.

But faith in God offers more than just the promise of eternal life. It also has the power to transform our lives here on Earth. When we put our faith in Christ, we become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17) and receive the power to overcome sin and temptation. We need no more to be slaves of our past mistakes or current struggles - we can be free by the power of His love and grace.

I met a man who struggled with addiction for many years. He had tried everything he could think of to free himself from his addiction, but nothing seemed to work. One day, a friend shared with him the truth of the gospel and he found himself drawn to the message of hope and transformation offered by faith in Christ. As he began to trust in Jesus, he found the power he was looking for to win against addiction and live a new life.

The belief in Jesus not only transforms our lives individually, but it also has the power to transform the world around us. As we share this message of hope with others, we can be part of God's plan to bring healing and restoration to a broken world.

That we never underestimate the power of belief in Jesus Christ. Through Him, we can pass from death to life, be transformed in the present and have hope for the future.

[maria-tf]

In God we trust

If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”

Acts, 25:11-12

The verses of Acts 25:11-12 portray Paul's courage and faith, who was willing to face death for his beliefs, but was also willing to fight for his innocence. His unwavering trust in God is an inspiration to all of us.

In our daily lives, we are often faced with difficult situations that challenge our faith and put our trust in God to the test. We can feel powerless and alone, questioning if God abandoned us. But Paul's story reminds us that God is always with us, even in the darkest moments.

When Paul appealed to Caeser, he didn't know what the future held. He didn't know if he would live or die, but he trusted in God's plan for his life. In the same way, we might not know what the future holds, but we can trust that God has a plan for us. We can trust that everything will work out for our good in the end.

In moments of doubt or fear, we can turn to God for strength and guidance. We can trust Him to provide for us, just as He did for Paul. We can be sure that He will never leave us or forsake us.

Let's strive to have the same unwavering trust in God that Paul had. Let's trust in his plan for our lives and have faith that everything will work out in the end.

[maria-tf]

Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.

Proverbs, 31:7

Life can be difficult and, for many of us, the weight of our struggles can weigh heavily on our minds. It's easy to get carried away by difficulty, by the pain and poverty we experience and forget that there's something bigger than our struggles. Reflecting on Proverbs, 31:7, we are reminded of a fundamental message - "Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more".

When we hold on to the past, we limit our ability to see the beauty of the present and the potential of the future. Often, we get caught up in our misery, feeling overwhelmed by the pain we experience, and remain stagnant in our suffering.

This verse reminds us to not let our circumstances define our happiness or our future. We should not worry about our struggles, but enjoy the simple pleasures of life. When we concentrate too much on our problems, we lose sight of the blessings that God has already given us. Thinking about drinking and forgetting about our poverty, we must release our burdens to God and trust that He will guide us trough our struggles.

God doesn't want us to focus on our struggles, but in his loyalty. Instead of dwelling on the negative, let's appreciate the gift of life and all that comes with it. Let's enjoy the memories we've made, make new ones and trust that God's goodness will shine through us.