Your Actions - His Response

I don’t know about you, but while growing up, I heard the saying, “Actions speak louder than words” countless times from my grandmother. I was quite the chatterbox in school, frequently receiving notes from teachers about talking too much in class, and I had a habit of dragging my feet when it came to chores. I often made promises to improve, but my grandmother would remind me, in no uncertain terms, that words alone meant nothing without action. As a child, I didn’t fully grasp the wisdom in her words and tended to overlook them. However, as an adult, I’ve come to understand that this old adage is not just a piece of advice but a profound truth. In both relationships and life, the principle that actions speak louder than words reveals itself as a guiding beacon, showing that the depth and sincerity of our commitments are truly measured by what we do, not just by what we say.

In relationships, hearing the words "I love you" from someone special can be deeply reassuring. For many of us, those words are enough to dive in heart-first, ramping up our emotional investment and often leading us into a physical relationship prematurely. However, it's crucial to remember Proverbs 19:2 (NLT), which says, "Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes." This verse highlights the danger of rushing into a relationship full force without seeking God's guidance and green light, and without waiting to see if this person’s actions match their promises. This impulsive approach can leave us vulnerable if their commitment isn't supported by consistent, loving actions.

The reality is that someone can profess their love to you from sunup to sundown, but if their actions don’t align with their words, their love might not be as deep or committed as you deserve. This truth also puts a beaming spotlight on our own commitment to God and its impact on our relationships. We often overlook the reality that our relationships are a reflection of our commitment to our Heavenly Father. He blesses us with marriages and connections that support and uplift us, but the care we demonstrate in stewarding and nurturing our relationship with Him plays a crucial role in this as well.

Many of us may profess our love for God, but if our actions don’t mirror the depth of intimacy and commitment He deserves and desires from us, our relationship with Him is not where it needs to be. Just as we seek genuine, action-backed love from others, God also calls us to demonstrate our love for Him through our actions and devotion. Having a hunger to know more about our Heavenly Father through His Word, praying often, and spending more time with Him by meditating on His Word are practices that convey our honor and devotion to God. As James 2:26 (NLT) states, “Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.” Our actions must align with our professed love, reflecting the true depth of our commitment to both God and our relationships.

A relationship with someone special is a treasure, but it must be a part of our God’s plan and purpose for our individual lives. Proverbs 19:21 (NLT) tells us, “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” This verse points out that while we may have our own visions for our relationships, it is ultimately God’s purpose that will stand. His plan is designed to lead us closer to Him as we follow the example of Christ and grow stronger in faith.

However, we have a subtle and cunning enemy, Satan, who seeks to use our relationships to distance us from God. The enemy understands how significant and cherished these connections are and will attempt to exploit them to further his own agenda. It is crucial for us to be vigilant and make it a priority to seek God's guidance in our relationships. By ensuring that our connections align with His purpose and are nurtured in faith, we protect ourselves from the enemy’s schemes. This discernment helps us confirm that the person in our lives is truly sent by God and is part of His divine plan for our growth and well-being.

We cannot afford to be lax in our responsibility to seek God’s Will and to ensure that our actions align with it. James 2:26 reminds us that faith demands not just any action, but the right kind of action—the kind that clearly demonstrates our commitment to God and to being led by His Spirit. It requires us to be diligent in aligning our desires and decisions with God’s guidance, ensuring that our relationships reflect His purpose and bring us closer to Him rather than pulling us away. Our actions should consistently show that we are dedicated to following His plan, reinforcing that our most cherished relationships are indeed part of His divine purpose for our lives.

Galatians 6:7 (NLT) tells us, “Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.” Our actions, whether good or bad, lead to consequences, affirming that the events and outcomes in our lives are directly influenced by what we sow through our behaviors and decisions. Life’s occurrences are a reflection of the choices we make. The encounters, occurrences, and events we experience are responding to the seeds we have planted.

In this way, our most cherished relationships reveal the quality of our spiritual investment and commitment. They mirror the depth of our faith and the alignment of our actions with God’s Will. The love, support, and challenges we experience in our relationships are all part of the harvest of what we have sown. So, let’s be dedicated to sowing actions of love, honor, and obedience towards God. When we live a life that honors Him and aligns with His purpose, we cultivate relationships that reflect His blessings and fulfill His desires for our lives. ■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“Your Actions - His Response”, written by Kim for https://rescuefromdomesticviolence.blogspot.com© 2024. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Keep A Clear Mind

 

Life often brings distractions, difficulties, and emotional turmoil, especially with significant relationships. They can appear to start out on solid footing but some of them quickly devolve into confusion and disappointment. This can be overwhelming, but God calls upon us to respond differently. As 2 Timothy 4:5 (NLT) instructs: “But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.” No matter the circumstances, God desires us to stay spiritually alert, following the Spirit's guidance towards peace and truth. 

Jesus Christ declared in John 8:32 (NLT), “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” The answers to our problems and issues lie in the truth of God's Word. While emotions may tell us something different or make us doubt the relevance of Scripture in our relationships, faith dictates that we seek God and His Word. The Scriptures remind us of His promises, and it also plants our feet firmly on a path that is pleasing to God and fulfilling for us. 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT) tells us, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” Our Heavenly Father desires what is best for us and never wants us to be sad, confused, lonely, or distressed. In times of hardship, He provides a way of escape. Psalm 34:19 (NLT) tells us, “The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.” However, we must recognize that God's rescue often includes guidance that corrects us and teaches us to behave righteously, so that we avoid falling into similar troubles repeatedly.

The life of the Apostle Paul is a powerful example of keeping a clear mind while dealing with overwhelming situations. If you take a closer look at his transformation, his relentless drive to share God's love is truly inspiring. Here’s a guy who once persecuted Christians without hesitation, but everything changed dramatically on his road to Damascus experience. He went from persecutor to preacher in just a few days. For many of us, this kind of major shift in our hearts and minds is exactly what's needed. 

We should recognize that what kept Paul going was his rock-solid faith. He was absolutely confident that God was with him in every situation, which gave him the strength and courage to face any challenge head-on. In your own life, you might be facing a job that you dread every morning, or dealing with family members or even your own children who make you feel like you've given all you can. Life can be incredibly messy and unpredictable, often throwing obstacles and hardships our way that might make us feel like giving up. However, Paul's unwavering faith shows us that, even in the midst of difficulties, we need to shift our focus back to God and His promises. By anchoring our thoughts on God's faithfulness and His assurances, we can lean on His strength to navigate through life's trials and keep moving forward, just as Paul did.

I encourage you to pray continuously and seek transformation in your thoughts and perspective by focusing on God and His promises. Do not allow depression or discouragement to define you; instead, pursue a renewed mind. As Romans 12:2 (NLT) instructs, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” Embracing this renewal from the Lord will enable you to see beyond your current struggles with clarity and to approach life with a heart filled with encouragement and confidence in His goodness.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“Keep A Clear Mind”, written by Kim for https://rescuefromdomesticviolence.blogspot.com© 2024. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

 

When Life Happens

 

Hebrews 12:11 (NLT) tells us: “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening – it’s painful!  But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” This verse informs us that God is very much aware that discipline isn’t fun; it can be uncomfortable and even painful. However, the reality is that discipline is a necessary and unavoidable part of the Christian life. During the process, we might be tempted to have a pity party or believe that others have it better and that the grass is greener on the other side. Thinking this way might offer temporary relief, but it will not change the fact that discipline opens the door wide to growth in Christ. It’s crucial that we view it this way.  

God’s discipline might lead us to fall back into old habits and questions like, “What did I do to make God angry with me?” We might revert to attitudes that suggest God is punishing us, but this is not the truth. Regarding God’s unconditional love for us, 1 John 4:18 (NLT) says, “Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.” God’s love drives out fear, and if we are still afraid, it is due to our worries about punishment. By loving and honoring our Heavenly Father, we can move beyond these fears and trust in His perfect love.

Although we might have witnessed or endured domestic violence and abuse from childhood well into adulthood, that is not a space we should call home. Domestic violence and abuse is not God’s discipline, make no mistake about that. Living in fear is never where God wants us to be. Instead, He wants us to live continually in His love, protection, and care. He doesn’t inflict pain on us. He is a loving Father who disciplines His kids because He cares about us and wants us to lead fulfilling lives. Psalm 103:8-12 (NLT) beautifully expresses this: “8 The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. 9 He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. 10 He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. 11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. 12 He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.”

1 John 1:5 (NLT) declares, “This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.” God doesn’t cause our troubles and tribulations, but through them, He opens our eyes. We may have been walking around with blinders, unable to see the goodness of His faithfulness and promises, or to be guided along the path of our purpose in Christ. We must recognize that through our brokenness and pain, He illuminates the victory that faith in Him will ultimately win for us.

Life happens—we make mistakes, and sometimes things go terribly wrong. Facing these situations is never easy, but it’s often in these challenging moments that God’s light shines the brightest. They offer us a clearer view of the times where we didn’t trust Him as wholeheartedly as we should have. It’s important to understand that domestic violence, abuse, and fear are not signs of divine discipline; they’re just harsh realities that don’t reflect God’s love and Will for us. Our true home is with our Heavenly Father, and when life happens to throw obstacles our way, we can move through them by trusting His sovereignty, grace, and power.

In Isaiah 43:19 (NLT), He said, “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” Even in the toughest situations, God is at work, creating new paths and refreshing our dry places with His promise of restoration and hope. When we’re in the midst of life's struggles, it's easy to feel lost or abandoned. But this verse assures us that God is not only aware of our situation, but He is also creating new possibilities where we see none. Let’s trust Him with all our hearts, minds, and souls. He’s greater than any challenge we face, and if we stay close to Him, He’ll guide us through the wilderness into our eternal home of peace, love, and joy. So, hold firm to this promise, knowing that God’s transformative power is working even in our darkest moments to bring forth a future filled with His abundant grace and blessings. ■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“When Life Happens", written by Kim for https://rescuefromdomesticviolence.blogspot.com© 2024. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.