In light of the day’s reading, pause to reflect on the specific areas you long to see made new and how Jesus’s ministry calls us to join in that restoration. Let these shape your prayers today.
Jesus’s resurrection is a model of what God is doing in the rest of creation. Jesus died and on the other side of death was physically transformed. His body and resurrection demonstrate what is true of the rest of new creation: it will be physical and spiritual, restored but familiar, scarred but whole.
After you’ve read, spend some time in prayer about what this kind of restoration of creation means for your life. Comment/share with the community anything that stood out to you or encouraged you from the reading or your time in prayer.
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105 thoughts on "The Model of New Creation"
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For our body will vanish and our Spirit will be with the Lord. We hold tight to God’s word that Jesus Christ will come one day and take us up, but while we are here on Earth, we must continue to cling to him and abide in his word.
We have the promise of resurrection and of eternity with the lord – although we have not seen but have believed –
One day we will bear His image.
ELIZABETH – grabbed itfrom the He Reads Truth site
Has anyone read the statements on page 129 yet? That was huge for me this morning!!
Sisters, Day 25 is now up.
Thank you, KELLY, for taking the time to post the devo! ❤️
58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Eternal work is not in vain
Amen!
How did you find today’s reading, Kelly (Neo)??
Posting again so you don’t have to dig to far
Day 25
The Continuing Work of New Creation
from the reading plan
Open Your Bible
Romans 8:23, John 15:2, John 16:8-15, Acts 2:1-47
In light of the day’s reading, pause to reflect on the specific areas you long to see made new and how Jesus’s ministry calls us to join in that restoration. Let these shape your prayers today.
God’s work on earth didn’t end after Christ ascended to heaven. Instead, the work of making all things new continues because God’s presence remains with us. The Holy Spirit came to continue producing the fruit of new creation in and through our lives.
After you’ve read, spend some time in prayer about where you need the Spirit to work in and through you. Comment/share with the community anything that stood out to you or encouraged you from the reading or your time in prayer.
Recently read psalms 126: 5-6 “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.”
parallels with 1 Corinthians 15:43-44 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. –
Have you all heard the new song “Come Jesus Come?” It’s by Steven McWhirter. The reading makes me think of that and our longing for the day Jesus comes!! And all will be restored! Even us, and these bodies, whoo, thank goodness! Thinking of @Jennifer Anapol!
Listening now!
GM She’s!
Great scriptures again! I love them all, especially Acts (Pentecost) and Peter’s great sermon! They are so powerful and convicting. You kinda nailed them all in your thoughts @SHARON as what I was thinking.
Sometimes the pruning of the fruitful branches scares me, I mean who wants to be pruned? But when we trust in Him and know he has the best for us, we just have to cling to him and let the new fruit come, and our life will be so full and fruitful!
Prayers for you all daily, those that comment and the She’s that do not. I was telling my friends yesterday about this powerful community and how it has deepened my understanding and wisdom of the scriptures over the years from “being women in the word daily” which is the SRT motto! And how we all have become “friends!” Love it!
@Lynn from Alabama- Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your heart with us. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. There is purpose in everything for good, hold on to that. I know you have a strong faith, rooted in good soil, but yet life is so hard when it turns and seems unfair. But know you have a circle around you here!
❤
ACTS 2:1-47, brought back sweet memories of when I first got saved especially the last two verses. Though we didn’t meet everyday as we were all teens, I remember “when” we got together we were SO happy and excited about our relationship with Jesus. Most of us got saved on the same day at a youth conference May 5, 1984. We would sing praises, pray aloud together, worshiped, cried, it was SO amazing! Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith worship music was a huge part of lives back then.
@Kelly Neo – thank you for posting today’s devotional, I would not have thought to go to HRT!
My thoughts from today’s readings…
Romans 8:23 – My body groans the awaiting of the redemption of my body, but does my heart? Am I truly with eagerness and anticipation waiting to be with Christ, or do I love this life way too much?
John 15:2 – What does my “tree” look like? Do I have many fruit bearing “branches”, or are my “branches” few and sparse?
John 16:16 – Jesus said, “…after a little while you will see me.” Although the disciples expected to return in their lifetime, after a little while – we are living in the “after a little while.”
Acts 2:42-47 – I love this passage of scripture! This new testament church was everything we model after today!…they devoted themselves to Christ’s teachings, to fellowship, and the Lord’s supper. They had everything in common, they met regularly, prayed together, ate and praised God together, AND people got saved daily…Sounds like a little bit of heaven to me!
@Taylor – prayers for your mom & dad to recover quickly from covid, and prayers that you do not get covid or the flu, that God will put His protective shield around you.
Have a blessed day my dear SRT sisters!
THANK YOU Kelly (NEO) for the posting the reading plan since its not open on the website yet! I’ll start reading.
Thank you for sharing Day 25, KELLY (NEO)!
KELLY (NEO)… thank you for posting the readings.
I read the Romans verse but then backed up and went forward. There is so much richness and context surrounding that one verse. We often take note of verse 22, but did you notice that verse 24 ends with the word PATIENTLY (emphasis, mine)? That’s so hard for me… anyone else? Heeheehee!
Be patient as we wait for the new creation that He has promised, sweet sisters. It is so hard to be patient, but we can do it! (One of my preschoolers often says,,, because I said it once, and she is just parroting me… but still… “It’s hard to wait.”)
I’m a day behind but since day 25 isn’t posted yet, I guess I’m right on time! I am sad to hear of Dorothy’s passing :( She was truly a light to this community. Also @Sarah D lifting you up in prayer and just want to encourage you that you are not alone as I am still single too.
Can you please pray for my parents? They both tested positive for COVID yesterday and aren’t feeling well. I sat with them at church on Sunday but just took a test and am thankfully negative. Also, can you pray for my health? We worked through a COVID outbreak at the retirement community I work at for the last 2 weeks and now there’s a stomach virus spreading throughout the community. Thank you for your prayers and lifting others up in prayer <3
Thank you @kelly (neo) for providing the verses and section to respond to on this day.
Romans 8:23 stands out to me. There are days when the world feels heavy and dark due to what is happening, how I hear and see people treating each other and I say come Lord Jesus come. I long for the resurrection and people’s pain and suffering to end, But God (as Tina would say) He has a plan and a purpose which is far greater!
@tricia, yes, Amen Glory Glory!
ALAYNA P. “Understanding that everything is moving towards a grand restoration is pushing me to live a life that means something.” Love this!! Reminds me once again how important having a Heavenly mindset as well as eyes and hearts are!! May He alone be our focus!! Amen. And thank you for sharing!!
May God bless you all my sisters!! Xoxo
KELLY (NEO) ❤️ I wondered the same thing and will reach out today and let you know. I think her family would love to know the impact she had on those of us in this community over the years. I’m not on any of the social media platforms but can be reached at searchingsrt at yahoo.
Will repost when day 25 comes online…
“For tthe promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
Thankful that it is God the Spirit who calls people to salvation and not dependant on my witness of living a righteous life! It is my responsibility to go and tell of God’s love and mercy to our broken world.
SEARCHING-thanks for the info on Dorothy. Can you tell us where you found the obituary? Sometimes the funeral home accept cards and forward them to the family. If so I’m going to send one to her son.
MERCY – how is your eye?
STACEY BROTHERS – praying you have relief today
CHANGED LIFE – continued prayers for your paster and his family
MARI V – thankful you received encouragement yesterday
HEATHER LANDERS – how is your husband’s recovery?
CATHERINE MCVEY – praying you have peace about your upcoming treatments
GAYLE CRAIK – praying you are encouraged and strengthened today by the Comforter
I’m working to better understand this. I want to be made whole and fulfilled in Christ. I understand that my earthly body and heavenly body will be different representations of Gods favor.
Day 25
The Continuing Work of New Creation
from the reading plan
Open Your Bible
Romans 8:23, John 15:2, John 16:8-15, Acts 2:1-47
In light of the day’s reading, pause to reflect on the specific areas you long to see made new and how Jesus’s ministry calls us to join in that restoration. Let these shape your prayers today.
God’s work on earth didn’t end after Christ ascended to heaven. Instead, the work of making all things new continues because God’s presence remains with us. The Holy Spirit came to continue producing the fruit of new creation in and through our lives.
After you’ve read, spend some time in prayer about where you need the Spirit to work in and through you. Comment/share with the community anything that stood out to you or encouraged you from the reading or your time in prayer.
Thank you!
“Scared but whole.” There is evidence of the brokenness endured. But it won’t hurt anymore.
It will reflect God’s Glory and goodness!!
I see the new devotional is not up, I’ll take this time to wish each and every one of you a very good and God blessed day so lovingly wrapped in hugs, love and prayers..
BUT GOD.. dear hearts.. BUT GOD..♥️
Hallelujah and Amen!
All I can think of
There will be no illness or disease. There will be no pain in the physical body or to the heart. Relationships will be celebrated and not jealous. Reunited with God. Will get to walk side by side with Him again.
Amen
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Understanding that everything is moving towards a grand restoration is pushing me to live a life that means something. To align my actions with love, justice, and compassion. To play my part in this bigger story of making things right.
I think being able to see in the reading today that we will be restored and resurrected into new bodies, going from the old to the new, is comforting in a way that brings a quiet joy to my everyday life. In God and through Jesus we are given a clear path to a new heaven and new earth with new spiritual bodies made in His glory. We have been offered a precious gift of renewal from our old and sinful ways into His righteousness. Our Lord has the power to change us mentally, physically, and spiritually. Thank you Lord!!!
I think being able to see in the reading today that we will be restored and resurrected into new bodies, going from the old to the new, is comforting in a way that brings a quiet joy to my everyday life. In God and through Jesus we are given a clear path to a new heaven and new earth with new spiritual bodies made in His glory. We have been offered a precious gift of renewal from our old and sinful ways into his righteousness.
Wow! I really did not think about the fact that when Jesus was resurrected, he still had his scars. Will we still have our scars? Either way, I will be in the presence of Jesus and all of the problems with my physical body won’t matter anymore. Hallelujah! 
Amen @TriciaC!!
I’m so thankful for this miraculous earthly body but wow do I look forward to a new one. How awesome will it be to not worry about calories and fat grams. To crave only Jesus!!
That said. I’m headed into week 4 of eating better and exercising. Prayers that I can persevere and not give up. And pray that my motives are pure and not vain. I’m thankful this reading is helping me grow spiritually while I’m also working on the physical.
follower, or a friend of Jesus than Mary Mag-dalene. The hope that surged in Mary’s heart upon seeing her risen Lord is the same hope offered you by His finished work on the cross and His victory over the grave:
Jesus gave Mary life when He healed her, and He made that life eternal when He emerged from the tomb. In the garden that day, He secured her rescue- and ours.
C. Austin Miles wrote a hymn about that meeting in the garden, one of my grandmother’s favorites:
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.
C. AUSTIN MILES, ‘IN THE GARDEN”
Go to the garden today. Listen for the voice of the risen Christ. Hear Him tell you that you are His own. Because the resurrection is true, you
See back to the garden on page 1837 in She Reads Truth Bible CSV
my mom’s favorite hymn, too!
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I look forward to a time where there will be no sickness or pain. Praying for all the caregivers, those who are grieving, those who waiting. Thank you Searching for investigating Dorothy’s whereabout. It is sad to receive this news but we know her destination. There are Shes that we don’t hear from and then wonder what has happened to them because they were frequent commenters like Dorothy, Angie, Churchmouse and others❤️
All thru the scriptures today Jesus says, “Peace be with you”. How many times do we need to hear it? Peace be with you. And I love in Luke where Jesus shows up unannounced, thru a locked door, and everyone is freaking out, so He has to show them His hands and feet, and He simply says, “Do you have anything to eat around here?” LOL He just scares the daylights out of everyone, tells them He brought peace and just moves on to a normal, everyday thing…. food, dinner, like Him being there is just the most normal thing. And we don’t think He has a sense of humor??!!?? His presence is normal. His peace is normal. Having a snack with friends is normal. He must get a good chuckle out of us….
I pray that I would know that this earthly body will never be perfect. I don’t know why I keep trying to find perfection in it. I feel like I am always searching after that perfection, that feels just out of reach. I pray that my focus would instead be on Jesus and how perfect he is. I know one day he will resurrect this imperfect body, but until then I pray I can really learn to love myself; imperfections and all.
Good afternoon, sweet SRT sisters! Thank you all for your prayers for Jack’s oncology appointment yesterday. It was an emotional day. The doctor said that there was nothing that could be done for the lymphoma without a very negative effect on his dementia. He strongly recommended calling in hospice. I knew he was going to say that but it was still very difficult to hear. We are not at the end of life yet but there are many things that they can help with to prepare us for that time. I am very emotional and trying to hold it together since Jack doesn’t realize anything is wrong and he gets upset when I cry. Pray l can be strong! I don’t know what the future holds but I definitely know who holds the future! ❤️
I was so sorry to hear about Dorothy’s passing. Thank you for getting this info for us, Searching. I praise God that she is already with our Heavenly Father and we will see her again.
Anonymous—Prayers that God will work in your husband’s heart. ❤️
Mary KAT—So sorry for your loss. May God comfort your heart. ❤️
Linda in NC—Praying that things will get easier for you and that you can get some much-needed help. ❤️.
Praying for all of those who have mentioned needs and all the unspoken requests too.
Have a blessed day! ❤️
Thank you dear Searching for letting us know that Dorothy passed away. I loved how she had been raised in the faith since she was a child and had such nice memories of her parent’s faith and even her stories about her grandparent’s faith! I loved how she cared so much about her family especially her sister. She was also so excited to be a first time Grandma! Feeling bittersweet about this news.
MARYA KAT.. Holding you close as I lift you and yours in prayer. Sending you hugs wrapped in prayers for peace.. He is near, God is close to the broken hearted..♥️
MIA FAITH.. I am sorry for your loss. The journey is long and difficult, BUT GOD, right?
Sending you much love and hugs covered in prayers.. He promises never to leave us nor forsake us..
Amen.♥️
I also wanted to share a worship song I have been loving. “Gratitude” by Benjamin William Hastings
“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed”
I continuously trust and believe in you Lord. I pray that I may always remain open to your guidance and plans… even when I cannot see the plan or result, I will still believe in your perfection vision for my life.
Endurance, and that the work in the Lord is never done in vain.
Something that stood out to me today about Jesus appearing to the disciples was the difference in description between John and Luke. Thank you Searching for finding out about Dorothy, she surely is at peace with her Savior. Prayers Anonymous for what you are struggling with in your family. Marya, I’m so sorry for the loss of your daughter. May the Lord pour His peace and comfort over you. Tina loved what you wrote! Prayers for all requests spoken and on hearts.
MARYA KAT, My heart hurts for you. My son died unexpectedly just over a year ago. The grief journey is long and hard, But God! He is with us every step. Lean in to Him and hold tight. A book by Tim Chillies called Seasons of Sorrow was very helpful to me. Praying for you dear sister!
Hello She’s! I am up early this morning for a blood test… I went too early and need to wait a bit before going back. I’ve missed you all and think of you often.
@SEARCHING: Thank you for letting us know about Dorothy’s passing. While I’m sad it took us awhile to find out, I know she’s in heaven with Jesus ❤️ praying for her loved ones..
Have a wonderful week ❤️ praying for you all, that you may be blessed and strengthened by Him as you continue to walk with Him…
SEARCHING thank you for looking up that news for us! I considered checking, too, and remembered that once she had posted her last name, but for the life of me couldn’t remember what it was. Appreciate you, always.
Single ladies, praying especially for you all. My story of waiting may not be all that encouraging, since I was 45 when I got married :D But I can promise you that God wasted not a moment of my singleness, nor the discipline of practicing joy and contentment. Just one day (sometimes one moment) at a time. He only gives GOOD gifts, so if you are single this morning, praise Him in faith for that. Just for today. Tomorrow, do it all over again. And then, sometimes, on one of those days you might get an email out of the blue that changes everything :P God knows what He’s doing. He knows your name, and He loves you beyond your greatest imagining.❤️
Praying for the other requests and heartaches.
I am so sorry to hear of Dorothy’s passing. I have often wondered about her and CHURCHMOUSE. I know she had been sick. It hurts my heart to think she passed and none of us knew this.
What do I want to see made new? Definitely myself. I love the fact that God is at work now making me new inside and out. It is a process that will continue on until we have our imperishable bodies.
But thanks be to God, who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work. Knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Cor 15:57-58.
We have to keep on persevering until we reach the goal, don’t give up! What you do is not in vain!
DANIELLE B – I would hear this song when I was driving to my sons house. It brought me to tears, but also gave me comfort. It came to mind when I read your comment.
The only scars in Heaven, they won’t belong to me and you
There’ll be no such thing as broken, and all the old will be made new
And the thought that makes me smile now, even as the tears fall down
Is that the only scars in Heaven are on the hands that hold you now
1Cor 15:40 There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is different from that of the earthly ones.
49 And just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we will also bear the image of the man of heaven.
God let me see my sons sweet face 3 times after he died. It was beautiful. He was smiling so big and telling me he was okay. I’m forever thankful for that vision.
Jesus is so personal, He speaks directly into our fears and our doubts, if we open ourselves up to hearing Him. If I’m honest, I think I would have reacted just as Thomas did. I so often demand proof that He cares and He gently and lovingly shows me He loves me, through His people, through my friends, through His Word and through the Holy Spirit. I may not be able to physically see Him but He is visible if I look for Him.
“Peace be with you.”
Good comments as usual! Not much more to add! But since I said “First off” below, I must add a Second!
I loved the scriptures today and how they “make all things new!” Restoration is such a powerful word. My career for thirty years was in restoration! As I worked in the fitness field I was restoring bodies to their fullest, (or trying). And I know how that brought enthusiasm, joy, energy to those that saw the transformation. Those that thought their bodies would never work properly again in my years of rehabilitation for chronic conditions. But then there were those that did not ever work properly again. Thank God our Savior is the Ultimate Healer!! Come, Jesus, Come!! Have you heard the new song of that title? It’s beautiful. Sometimes we are so broken and hurt that’s all we can say. Come Jesus, Come. I lay it all down.
But today, until He comes…I will hold on to this scripture today in Corinthians above and do my best to share the glory He has given me for the here and now.
58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work,because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
@Sharon–Thank you for sharing the verses!
@Mercy- Hope you felt our prayers
@Lynn-Still sending you hugs this morning!
@Anonymous-Prayers
@Praying for you for comfort for the loss of your daughter. Hold fast.
@ALL-keep commenting, we love to hear from each one of you!
These Scriptures really spoke to me about the identity of us being children of God is still hidden from the world (1 John 3:2). It made me think of Romans 8:18-25 that detail creation being subjected to suffering and the curse until the revelation of Christ at His second coming.
“For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revelation of the sons of God.” (Romans 8:19 NKJV)
God help us hold this in heart when we aren’t seen or treated as sons of God by the world around us. The enemy will use others to hurt us, because they aren’t sober and aware that we are children of God. We also have the capability of hurting others in this way, too, though … I raise my hand in my own weakness and sinful behavior… All of us fall short of His glory. Lord, we thank you for your grace and the ability to walk in your mercy that is new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness. ❤️ Morning by morning new mercies each day…
@Searching – thank you for the news of Dorothy’s passing. She is in paradise with Christ Himself. ❤️
@Kimberly Z ❤️
@Sarah D. – I know your heart is to obey the Lord and “rejoice with those who rejoice” (your roommate), but in the same line, Christ gives a command to “mourn with those who mourn.” Not to say you are mourning, but as my Christian counselor says, “It is ok to be two things at once.” You can be thankful for your friend’s new relationship, but also disappointed for your circumstances. It is ok to feel both joy and pain at the same time. You don’t need to plaster on a smile and fake happiness for your friend. If she is your friend, she will respect that this is difficult for you. ❤️ I pray you continue to work through it with the Lord. One day at a time.
One thing that stuck out with another She’s encouraging post to you last week was that meeting her husband was unexpected.
I have been reminding myself that.. that I can’t predict God. His character remains the same but His actions and timing are not to be assumed/predicted. Maybe that’s just for me to ponder, because I like control…
I open my hands and pray for the grace to continue.
God bless you all ❤️
GM She’s!
First off, Searching thank you for your search and finding our Dorthy. I actually felt in my Spirit something was so strangely amiss and could she have passed because she commented daily. I am glad she is with the LORD! She was SO passionate about that day and it came, what a blessing that she got to meet our Lord, Saviour and God. But I am left sadden for her son and nephew, and PRAY, Lord, may this please bring them closer to YOU LORD. Comfort them, and show them how YOU love them, and see them. It is a lot of loss for them. Their brother, cousin and Aunt for both of them. I know Dorthy said her son was a believer, but the cousin was struggling with addiction, and I will continue to pray for them for Dorthy, our beloved Sister in Christ. She WAS SUCH A JOY with HER CAPITOL LETTERS ALWAYS AT THE END OF HER POST propelling to find JOY in JESUS CHRIST, GOD OUR FATHER and HOLY SPIRIT! I will revisit some post from her. I knew our community had lost her when not hearing from her this long. Rest in Peace, fly high with our Saviour, DEAR FRIEND.
(Also, keeping her charge, little (!!!UGH, can’t think of the sweet little girls name, starts with a K…)
Happy WEDNESDAY sweet She’s! 1Cor 15:58 is what stood out to me the most this morning. Giving ourselves fully to the work of the Lord as our labor in the Lord is not in vain. And the verse that I reference with that is James 1:2 when it talks about considering it pure JOY when facing trials of many kinds. Yesterday I called my sweet friend Gretchen during my break. She and I have been friends for so long that we can tell each other we only have a few minutes to talk and be ok with it. I texted her and told her I would be calling during my 10 minute break as I need someone to talk to and pray. All this to day is she sent me a reel in IG regarding verse James 1:2 and reassured me I’m doing the right thing and on the right path. I was so ENCOURAGED! Wish you could all meet her! AND you will some day. Later that day, almost when my day was over our school principal walked in our class and sat down at a desk. I was busy with testing and then I needed to support a student (sweet little boy) who was crying. Few minutes later the principal left and she left a note on my desk. Sigh…..It was a VERY encouraging note! SO encouraging, that I took a picture of it and sent to my friend Gretchen. I know it was GOD’s way of telling me HE LOVES ME, MY JESUS LOVES ME! That note was perfect timing! I needed to “hear” that. God is SO good!
1 Corinthians 15:57–58 (HCSB): 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ!
58 Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
These words should be all caps because they need to be shouted!
What do I want to be made new? Such a good question. No more fear comes to mind instantly. The weight of guilt and the feelings of inadequacy. My stubborn rebellious will.
Amen, sister! My limited but sinful mind! Make it new!
What stands out to me today? 1 Corinthians 15:55-55. Death has been swallowed up – it’s lost it’s sting and we have victory through Jesus Christ our Lord! He has overcome, so can we. He is victorious, we can be too. The one thing that is asked of us – to give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord. Not partially, not half-heartedly, but fully. God wants all of our heart. So the question to myself is, “Am I holding back? If so, where?” There are so many scriptures that remind us that God wants all of us, every part – here are just a few…
Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”
1 Samuel 7:3 – “If you return to the Lord with all your heart…
and serve Him alone; and He will deliver you…”
Joshua 22:5 – “…love the Lord your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Deuteronomy 6:5 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”
Psalm 119:58 – “I sought Your favor with all my heart; Be gracious to me according to Your word.”
There are so many more, but we get the picture – God wants all of our heart. May each of us serve Him today in obedience to His will, whole-heartedly, with joy.
@Marya Kat – I am so sorry for your loss. I can not imagine the pain & heartache you suffer. May God comfort you as only He can and may He bring healing to your broken heart. Much love and prayers.
@Linda in NC – good to hear that some things improved with your husband yesterday, and that you felt encouraged from the prayers!
@Anonymous – Praying for your husband to have his eyes opened to the truth, and receive Christ, and that you will have the strength to stand firm in your faith.
@Lynn from Alabama – may God continue to give you strength as you care for your husband. How did the visit at the oncologist go yesterday?
Prayers for all my sweet sisters. So sad to hear of Dorothy’s passing – but praise God, she is in her forever home, healed, and in the presence of Jesus!
SEARCHING, this is truly sad news about DOROTHY. My heart hurts at the not knowing til now, but rejoices that she is a New creation and with her Father God now, her son and her niece.. Her troubles, no more.
Rest peacefully our dearest DOROTHY, until we meet to walk down that street with the flowing water of life.. Rest dear sister, rest..❤
Tina, thank you for these beautiful comments! Praying for you today, for continued strength and comfort, and thank you for sharing words of encouragement and comfort for all of us!
I am LOVING this study!
“Jesus’ resurrection is a model of what God is doing”. “restored but familiar” “scarred but whole”. Got did not toss out the physical body of Jesus when he was raised from the dead. He took it and restored it. He kept all the things Jesus went through on earth, all the experiences good and bad and lovingly healed it. Nothing discarded, nothing wasted. That’s the kind of guy he is. And that is what he is doing right now for me! All the things are working for my good. Oh what a Savior!
Oh, SEARCHING, thank you for letting us know about our sweet Dorothy.
All the mentions of seeds… This is one of the hardest things about teaching preschool… planting seeds. Like the parable of the sower the other day… what is the future of those seeds? I need to remember (and it is so hard!) what 1 Cor. 15:58 tells me… I need to be STEADFAST and IMMOVABLE… knowing that my labor is not in vain. Oh, how I hope those little people and their families will come to know the truth, so that the truth can set them free, and they be made new.
We are free, sweet sisters, and have a beautiful promise to be made new. Come, Lord Jesus.
I offer prayers for our caregiving sisters this morning… their needs and the needs of those they care for are so heavy on my heart today.
And, MARYA KAT, I cannot imagine the grief that you feel. Prayers for you and for ANONYMOUS too. ❤️
We will be changed! I cannot wait for our new bodies and the beauty of what will be. I will see my Savior face to face! Before I see, I believe…thank You Holy Spirit for Your breath of life in me!
Thankful beyond words that I have been made new in Christ Jesus, hallelujah!
MARI V – praying for timely completion of testing, and guidance for your son’s next steps
ANONYMOUS- praying for your husband, you and your marriage
MARYA KAT – praying for comfort only the Lord can provide. I am so sorry for your loss.
SARAH D – praying for patience in the waiting
LINDA IN NC – thankful things were better yesterday. I have a sign that says something similar to that – good reminder that God knows all and is not caught off guard
Sisters, I have wondered many times about DOROTHY, who commented in this community regularly, and always with such encouragement through many struggles, job uncertainty and more than one time of tough loss in her life. I am sitting here in tears after an online search this morning revealed her passing in July of last year, with a memorial service scheduled this spring. She loved the Lord with all her heart and I know she is rejoicing in heaven with Christ and many loved ones. She always ended her posts with an encouraging message. Here’s one from a couple of years ago – “Be blessed and know that God is with you ALWAYS!”
SEARCHING Thank you so much for that info about Dorothy. I know many of us were wondering. So grateful to know that we will see her again. 
New spiritual body that will be like Jesus…can’t wait!
As this world and its systems continue to decay and descend into evil, I long for the trumpet to sound and my departure.
SARAH D – praying God will help you change your heart toward those who have what you want.
MARI V – may God be with you as you wrap up testing today
SUSAN MAGAW – sorry for your loss.
LYNN FROM AL, NANCY S, LINDA IN NC, GRAMSIESUE – praying the Lord strengthens you today
John 20:22 (He breathed on them) reminds me of Breath of Heaven, Amy Grant’s Christmas song! “Breath of Heaven, hold me together; be forever near me, Breath of Heaven….”
1 John 3:2- Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when he appears, WE WILL BE LIKE HIM because we will see him as he is. (emphasis mine)
Have to scoot out the door Praying for needs! ❤ I, Lord willing, will catch up on comments this evening. ☺
Wow! Again so much in these verses! I did write notes.. but feel like I don’t quite have the words to express what God is showing..there is just so much depth!! God will have to translate!! May our spirits be open to His Spirit!! Amen.
1 John 3:1-6
*There is such depth in these verses!! SO much Love and so much to still be made known!! God doesn’t fit in our human understanding of things!! Let us let go of our human understanding and grab onto Heavenly living and what You are showing and revealing to us!! Help us to trust You completely and stay in Your Light and Truth!! Help us make You known!! Amen!
1 John 3:13-16
*experiencing hate means we are passing from death to life!! Wow!! That’s a LOT said right there!! So convicting and aligning!! So grateful for that!! Thank you Father!! Love, the Holy kind of love, overcomes EVERYTHING!!! Let us lay down EVERYTHING for You and Your children Father!! Help us to live in and spread Your Holy love wherever we go!! Amen.
1 John 3:18-24
*Action, Truth, state of my Heart, KNOWING God, Obedience, Confidence, Trust, Belief, Resting in His Presence.. these are all words that stick out and witness deep within!! Lord help us to receive from You, to live FOR You and to faithfully and honestly walk out what pleases You!! Amen.
John 20:22
*I feel God’s breath of life being breathed over me as I read this and it is giving me goosebumps!! Come Lord Jesus! Fill us with Your Holy Spirit!! Amen.
Have an AMAZING day today ladies!! Let us see God wherever we look!! We are SO Blessed!!!
To face the future without any hope of victory would be devastating!
Anonymous, I so much understand the feeling of enormously heavy❤ There are many on here who relate to that feeling. Just being able to share with these sweet sisters is a burden lifter.
Thank you for your prayers after my post yesterday. Your prayers encouraged and carried me. Things continually improved with my husband’s health issues throughout the day. He won’t be sell this side of heaven but by God’s grace and mercy we will deal with day as it comes
A quote (can’t remember where I saw it) that has been meaningful “When I get to tomorrow, God is already there” Nothing any of us face is faced alone. He a!ready knows!
Love you, dear ones❤ Blessings for today.
Jesus kept His scars as a reminder of where He had come from. Our newness will be that much more beautiful because of the brokenness it was born from.
“Therefore brothers and sisters… let nothing move you!” (1 Co 15:58) Such a powerful challenge. To stand firm. Through the storms. Through the doubts. Through the inevitable curve ball of life. Let nothing move you. Continuing to obey and doing what God called us to do, because it is not in vain. It’s for a bigger purpose greater than ourselves. Jesus says a few chapters later that we will do even Greater Things than Him which is always so wild to me. Leaving today so challenged to stand firm. And continuing to look for His guidance and leading while I do His good work here on earth. And just like in Psalm 1. I would stand firm like a tree planted by streams of water. Yielding its fruits in season. And whose leaves will not wither. Whatever they do prospers. For His glory.
I love that Jesus ate in front of them…and sign that he was truly resurrected and physical, not a ghost. I so look forward and anticipate with joy the new body, both physical and spiritual. No more cancer, no more addiction, no more depression, no more struggles with body image, no more dementia or Parkinson’s disease, no more strokes or heart attacks. We will be healed and restored to what we were truly meant to be. Thank you, Jesus!
MONIE MAG Wow, such good insight! Thank you!
ANONYMOUS ❤️ Praying for you and your husband
MARYA KAT I cannot imaging your loss. So sorry you have to go through this. Praying for you and asking the Lord meet you where you are and provide the comfort you need in surpassing and surprising ways.
Something that caught my attention today is while Jesus was restored after death He still had his scars. As I have envisioned a restored heavenly body, I assumed our scars would be gone. No more pain no more suffering, I thought meant our scars and for some deformities gone, yet Jesus had His scars. Something I will think on today.
DANIELLE B I was thinking the same. But when we are in his presence, our scars won’t matter. Glory, glory!

”Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.“
1 John 3:2 ESV
I am a child of God now. I don’t have to wait to be fully restored but I can rest knowing that I will be.
As the father has sent me, I also send you. Jesus breathed on them, and said receive the Holy Spirit. They were born again! Just as God breathed life into Adam, Jesus breaths new life into us. Jesus will not leave us alone and he doesn’t want us to be afraid. So many times Jesus said “peace be with you.” Jesus understands our fear, but we are to go and be fishers of men. Thanks be to God, who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Breathe on me Jesus. Amen
This is hope. Things will be new.
Poor Thomas, always getting a bad rap for his “doubting”. He was only asking for what the others had already been shown. I love how Jesus meets him and us where we are in our walk of faith and gives us what we need to believe, all we have to do is ask. He offers them proof upon proof that it is Him-he stands among them, offers his hands for them to see and touch, He breathes on them, He eats with them….
“Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”
Let my words and my life be a declaration, “My Lord and my God.!“ Amen
Have a wonderful Wednesday!! ❤️
Elle, this is the part that struck me most in my reading. God’s loving kindness and patience. Not unlike Moses asking to see God’s face in Exodus. God does these things for us- does not offend easily- it’s incredible.
Just.. my husband. Pray for him to be made new. A lot going on and a lot of understanding as to his resistance, but I wish and pray so deeply that God would break his heart and give him a heart of compassion and empathy that goes beyond himself. Everything feels enormously heavy.
I understand emotional heaviness. Praying for you now.
As I navigate the recent unexpected death of my daughter this series has been so helpful. I’m putting the passages into a Dwell playlist so I can listen over and over.
Hugs
(((Marya Kat))) <~ hugs
Praying for you, Marya Kat. I lost my son suddenly almost 10 years ago. It’s a difficult journey, but with God, we are more than conquerors! We can survive even this!
Finally being free of the weight of my sin and the sin of the world, that kind of joy is beyond comprehension!
Peace be with you!
I try to walk in the Peace of God each day. I fall short some days and in others even shorter… but here’s the thing..
I have not seen Jesus physically, but I know He is my Saviour. My Redeemer. My Friend. My Strength. My Hope. He is the song in my heart.
I will not, like Thomas, be asking to see His wounds, because I feel them each time I sin, each time I rebel, or fall short.
I have walked with Him proper, since the day He showed me a picture of where my daughter was, funny thing though, I wonder now, as I write, whether if He had not shown me that, I would have been ‘a doubting Thomas(Tina)’
BUT GOD..
He wants to win us, at any cost. He wants us with Him, whatever it takes, in proof of physical transformation, or by the realisation that this world is not our home, we are just passing through (as the song says), and though we get attached to it, there is a New Creation, waiting for us when the time comes, that trumps this one a thousand times over.. no more crying , no more sorrow, no more pain.. no more death.. of any kind..
I have been blessed to have seen a glimpse of where my girl is, and I know as I write, that if tomorrow never comes for me, it will be well, because I will be going home to my Father in Heaven..
Peace be with you..
AMEN.
Happy Tuesday my people! Sending much love and prayers across the pond..♥️