Dangelo68⚔️🔥

di JDangelo

Cristianità Spiritualità

Stagione 233

Has God Really Moved

Has God Really Moved “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you…” James 4:8 (KJV) There is a question many Christians carry for years but rarely say out loud. “What happened?” Not, “Does God exist?” Not, “Is Christianity true?” Something much quieter. “Why doesn’t my relationship with God feel the way it used to?” You remember a time when talking to God came naturally. Opening your Bible wasn’t another task on the list. Worship wasn’t something you endured until the sermon started. There was a freshness. A warmth. You looked forward to being with Him. Then life happened. Work became demanding. Family needed your attention. Bills had to be paid. Ministry became busy. Ironically, you can even spend your life doing things for God while slowly spending less time with Him. One day you realize you’ve been functioning on yesterday’s fire, and you have no fresh Fire on your altar. That’s a painful discovery. The first conclusion many of us reach is that God has somehow become distant. We assume He has withdrawn because we’ve disappointed Him, become inconsistent, or simply failed too many times. But stop for a moment. Where and how do you think that picture of God was formed? Certainly not from Jesus. When you read the Gospels, you find Him moving toward people everyone else avoided. He welcomed failures, restored those who had denied Him, and made room at His table for people who believed they no longer deserved a seat. If Jesus perfectly reveals the Father, then we must stop imagining a God who is eager to distance Himself from His children when they fail or feel unworthy. To know how God really feels about you, you see through the lens of Jesus because He came to show us the Father. James writes, “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.” That isn’t the language of a reluctant Father. It’s an invitation. Maybe your awareness of God has faded. Maybe your attention has wandered. Maybe your heart has grown tired. But His heart has not changed, and no matter what, He longs to have you back. Before you spend another day trying to figure out whether God still wants you, settle this in your heart. He is still inviting you to come close. Prayer Father, thank You that Your heart toward me has not changed. Quiet every voice that tells me You have turned away from me. Give me the grace to draw near again, not with fear, but with confidence, knowing that through Jesus I am welcomed into Your presence. Teach me to enjoy fellowship with You again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Stagione 231

Problem Was Never the Miracle

The Problem Was Never the Miracle Luke 9:49–50, NIV "Master," said John, "we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us." "Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you." Notice what troubled John. It wasn't false teaching. It wasn't a counterfeit miracle. The man really was casting out demons, and he really was using the name of Jesus. What bothered John was ownership: he is not one of us. That's worth sitting with. Sometimes what unsettles us about another believer's ministry, gifting, or visibility isn't that something is wrong with it — it's that it isn't ours, or it isn't happening through people close to us. Jesus doesn't correct the man doing the work. He corrects the disciples watching it. It's easy to read this story and side with Jesus against John from a safe distance. It's harder to ask where in our own lives we've quietly wanted to say, "Tell them to stop" — not because they were wrong, but because they weren't "in our group." Four lessons from this passage: Even as a disciple, you are prone to jealousy. Pride may creep in when someone who doesn't hold the same title or position steps up to do what you believe must be done by you alone — or does it better than you, or succeeds where you haven't. Just because someone isn't part of your group doesn't mean you should dismiss them. Share in Jesus' joy whenever they bring people to Christ. Reflect: When was the last time I felt uneasy about someone else's spiritual fruit, influence, or success — even though nothing about it was actually wrong? Whose "group" do I unconsciously use to decide whose ministry I'll celebrate? Prayer: Jesus, show me the difference between discerning truth and simply protecting my own circle. Where I've confused the two, forgive me and realign my heart with Yours.

Stagione 229

God's Will God Has Already Revealed

God's Will God Has Already Revealed Most of His Will Colossians 1:24-29 "If I just knew God's will for my life,! would do it." How many times have you said that? You know that God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and almighty. You say you want to do His will. You ask Him for direction and guidance, yet you feel like you don't know what He's telling you to do. Did it surprise you when you read the title of this note? You may feel that you can't figure out if God wants you to move, marry this person, take that job, go back to school, or retire. But you really can. You know so much of God's will: You know He wants you to love your neighbor, submit to the government, put on Christ (Rom, 13:1-14), stop acting like your before-Christ self, renew your mind, be righteous, be holy (Eph 4:20-24), forgive, love, and submit (Col. 3:1-25). So be certain you're not just delaying what you know to do. The majority of God's will is not a mystery. It is revealed in three ways. In His Word (Deut. 29:29). God has revealed so much of Himself to us through the inspired Word of God, the very Word you hold in your hands at this moment. You don't have to wonder if you should lose your temper, quit in anger, or marry someone who does not honor God. As you come to know God's character through His Word, you'll learn to recognize His voice. Through His Spirit (Rom. 8:26, 27). You cannot know God's will if His Spirit does not live in you. And His Spirit isn't speaking clearly to you unless you're living full of the Spirit. This means obeying in the day-to-day, everyday things you already know, and choosing to bear the right kind of fruit (Gal. 5:19-26). The Spirit will speak; you must be ready to hear. Through Jesus-honoring believers (Prov. 11:14; John 6:29). If God-honoring believers have concerns about your plan, it's very possible you're disobeying God. Most particularly God will speak through believers who have known you a long time and who have loved you wisely during those years. You can always find a believer to affirm your plan; but listen to the ones who refuse to say only what you want to hear. Run from those who say things like, "No one understood you before I came along." If believers, God's Spirit, and the Bible don t align with your intended course of action, heed the warning bells. If they do align, and you've spent time in prayer, obey God by moving forward. next: Ephesians 5:1-21

Stagione 227

Jesus is enough

Jesus is enough Paul said that the best way to discern heresies about Jesus was to know the truth about Him. So he provided a sweeping description of Christ, confirming that • The image of God: He is Not a secondhand image like a photograph or a painting, but the complete and perfect visible representation of the invisible God (John 14:9). • The firstborn over all creation: Firstborn reters to rank rather than time, Jesus was not God's first creation, He reigns supreme over creation (Ps. 89:27). • Creator: Jesus is the architect, agent, goal, and sustainer of all creation. Even while He was on earth in human form, the world revolved around the Son. • Before all things: Jesus surpasses everything and everyone in importance and rank. • The Head of the church: Jesus is the church's founder, leader, authority, sustainer, provider, and center. • Firstborn from the dead: Others were raised from the dead before Jesus (1 Kin. 17:17-22; 2 Kin. 4:32-35; Luke 7:11-15; 8:49-55; John 11:43, 44). Jesus' STUDY THE BOOK Colossians 1:15-20 resurrection guaranteed the resurrection of all who trust in Him (1 Cor. 15:20-23. He was raised from the dead never to die again. • The fullness of God: The entirety of God's being resides in Jesus (Phil. 26). • Reconciler: Jesus restored peace between a holy God and depraved human beings by bearing on the cross the penalty for our sins. Jesus, fully God and fully Man, supreme Lord and sacrificed Lamb (Is. 53:7), is the only means of reconciliation with God. When we grasp that God's plan for redemption revolves around Jesus, we wont be duped by any teaching that denies the deity, humanity, or centrality of Jesus Christ. Nothing else is needed for salvation. Jesus is enough. MORE INSIGHT Many Bible students believe Colossians 1:15-20 is an early Christian hymn. Find other examples of Paul's use of hymns at Philippians 2:6-11; 1 Timothy 1:17; 3:16; 6:15, 16; and 2 Timothy 2:11-13. next: Colossians 3:5-14

Stagione 225

God the Son,

God the Son, Specially is the epitome of excellence. As mentioned in Colossians 1:9-18, Jesus is the pinnacle of God’s revelations of Himself and serves as the ultimate model for living a life that honors God. Jesus is the most effective relationship coach, demonstrating unwavering love for His followers. His teachings are both cleverly presented and deeply selfless, offering profound insights and illumination. The reason behind this is that Jesus is the “image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15). As we began this concept series, we established that Jesus is God. COLOSSIANS 1:20 | 1679 And we’ve come full circle to again affirm Jesus as the One to follow because He is God. Every other religious leader is flawed and finite. Jesus is complete and truly selfless. Every other religious leader tries to get to God. Jesus is God who has come to us. God sent Moses, the judges, the kings, and the prophets to teach about Himself. But His most complete revelation was coming Himself in Jesus Christ. Jesus gives all knowledge, wisdom, spiritual understanding, and the strength to carry those through (VV. 10, 11). previous: Matthew (26) V64

Stagione 224

Hope✨Part 3

God’s presence is our great treasure, and His hope and grace carry us there. If your view of God and His goodness has been tainted by the world and you are not confident in His character, hope begins to leak. Remember that God not only communicates but also demonstrates His grace and hope through the death and resurrection of Jesus, and also daily through the Holy Spirit. Taste and see that God is good. His grace is not merely a covering over us; it saturates our soul and is pervasive in all that we are and do. The apostle Paul rejoiced that God’s grace is greater than our sin. God’s hope is not merely studied academically; it is like a refreshing lake on a summer day to be enjoyed. This lake is full of His peace, promises, and faithfulness. God is good, and His love endures forever. Just Choose Hope HOPE POINT We can be overflowing with grace and hope. REFLECTION QUESTIONS How do you receive the grace of Jesus, and how has His indestructible hope changed your life? How often do you extend grace to others freely, without expecting anything in return? How are you demonstrating God’s grace as you disciple and reach others? Give some examples. Do your neighbors, co-workers, or acquaintances who don’t know Jesus see you as someone overflowing with hope? PRAYER Father God, thank You for Your grace and loyal love. You have been so kind to me. Your goodness gives me hope in every situation. I live for Your glory and pray in Jesus’ name, amen.

Stagione 222

Hope -DEVOTIONAL- Part 2

DEVOTIONAL Hope is based on the goodness of God. His grace is evident both historically and personally. Saving grace means that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the grave. It is by grace, through faith in our Lord, that we are forgiven and have peace with God for eternity. Sustaining grace means that God will give us everything we need to be faithful. He gives us what we need for life and godliness, one day at a time. Each day has enough trouble, but His power is made perfect in our weaknesses. Strengthening grace means that God is committed to make us more like Jesus. The hope of God fuels us to press on to the goal and grow in our character, relationships, and service. Jesus came to give us an abundant hope. Grace and hope are like parallel train tracks that always travel side by side. They cannot be separated but highlight each other as an incredible duo that glorifies God. In the book of Genesis, the devil approached Adam and Eve to tempt them. His scheme was to undermine the goodness of God. If we think that we cannot trust God and His ways are not good, then we will try to move God out of the way and lead by ourselves. When you push your Creator away, you will try to find a substitute in creation. This is called idolatry. The truth is nothing created can take the place of our good God. The pathway to hopelessness includes pride, lies, transgression, guilt and shame. The good news is that the hope of God leads us to His grace, which begets more of His hope.

Stagione 220

A Life Shaped by Ordinary Prayer

A Life Shaped by Ordinary Prayer A life of prayer is shaped through small, faithful attention to God over time. Prayer is a tool that trains us to notice God’s presence, trust God’s care, listen for his guidance, and live with intention. We’re reminded that Jesus promises to be with us always—not only in moments of clarity or crisis, but in the routines, responsibilities, and in-between spaces of daily life. Prayer helps us live into that promise. It trains us to notice God’s presence, to speak honestly, and to listen more closely as we move through our days. As this study comes to a close, the invitation isn’t to pray more impressively but to keep praying more attentively. To carry prayer into your mornings and evenings, your work and rest, your joys and frustrations. A Prayer for Faithfulness in Small Things God who multiplies, you take the smallest offerings—a mustard seed of faith, a widow’s coin, a boy’s lunch—and make them more than enough. When my efforts seem unnoticed, remind me that you see. When my work feels insignificant, remind me that you bless what is done in love. Help me be faithful in the little things today, knowing that the smallest acts of kindness and faithfulness are the building blocks of your kingdom. Amen. Reflect: What has shifted in how you think about prayer? Where do you want prayer to become more integrated? Who can you share this with so they can grow in their prayer life, too?

Stagione 218

It’s Not Just for the One

It’s Not Just for the One Have you ever looked at someone doing amazing things for God and thought, “That’s just not me”? Maybe you’ve felt like sharing the gospel is for the “professional Christians.” Here’s some great news: God’s mission is for all of us, not just a few! When we read Acts, it can seem like it’s all about the apostles—Peter, Paul, and a few bold leaders. But the truth is, behind the scenes, hundreds of ordinary believers were sharing the gospel wherever they went. The Holy Spirit was poured out not just on the 12, but on the whole 120 (Acts 2:1-4) and then, on 3,000 more (Acts 2:41)! Jesus showed us the way first. Luke 3:21-22 says that he was filled with the Holy Spirit before launching into his ministry. He was empowered, and then he empowered his followers. Luke 4:18 captures Jesus’ mission: to preach good news to the poor, set captives free, and heal the broken. That mission didn’t stop with him, it continues with us. You don’t have to be a preacher, evangelist, or full-time missionary to be part of this story. You just have to be willing. Your story, your style, and your obedience matter to God. The Spirit isn’t reserved for a few, it’s for all who believe. Today, thank God for inviting you into His story. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh and open your eyes to the opportunities around you to share His love.

Stagione 216

All Glory To God (2)

All glory to God (2) “And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who is seated on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne.” (Revelation 4:9-10 ESV) The first humans were “a little lower than the heavenly beings.” They held a place of honor in God’s creation. But they were not content with their status; they wanted to be like God themselves. In doing so, they robbed their Creator of the honor that was due to Him. In heaven, we see the opposite. Believers who have remained faithful to the Lord God, receive a crown of glory. But they do not keep that honor for themselves. On the contrary, they cast down their crowns before the throne of God in worship, saying: “Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power…” (Revelation 4:11 ESV) This is the final chorus of creation. All voices that contradict and dishonor God will be silenced. Those who are saved find perfect joy in worshiping the King of the ages and join in the hymn of praise by the heavenly beings before His throne. No discord will be heard anymore, and God will be all in all. Are you looking forward to joining this heavenly choir? Don’t let that only be a dream for the future. Even now, you can honor and worship God—personally or together with fellow believers. He is more than worthy!

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