Contributed by @jeff.crtv

Whoever you are, God is for you. Whatever you`ve done, God is with you. Wherever you`ve run, God is with you. His grace is greater than any mistake you have made.

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved! (Ephesians 2:4-5)

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Contributed by @stiggycreative

Wait patiently for the Lord.⁣
Be brave and courageous.⁣
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.⁣
⁣
Psalm 27:14⁣
⁣
🤍⁣

#artistfeature #christiancreative #christianliving #encouragement #reclaimtoday #verse #bibleverse #verseoftheday #bible

Trees are more alive and amazing than we could ever imagine! Mother Beech trees protect their younglings. Families of trees share nutrients through their roots and keep each other alive. Messages are sent via roots or scents from one tree to other trees to warn them of bug attacks. Maybe Isaiah’s idea of the trees clapping their hands in worship isn’t as far-fetched as we may think (Isaiah 55:12)!

In the Scriptures, the story of trees tells the story of the Bible. The first big mistake happened when two folks named Adam and Eve ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 3:6). But then the first rescue happened, when God protected them from eating also of the tree of life (3:22). Later, the Bible describes those who stay planted in God’s ways, as those who are like trees planted by streams of water (Psalm 1). Christians see the Cross as a metaphorical tree of life— where Jesus laid down his life to save us from sin and death. And then the story of the Bible ends in Revelation with God’s invitation to eat from the tree of life (Revelation 2:7).

So basically, any time you see a tree, it’s a beautiful reminder of God’s love and rescue!

That’s why we decided to make a prayer for the trees. It’s not only about caring for Creation, although we’re big fans of that too, it’s also about protecting these monuments to the goodness and love of God.

𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞
“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7).

𝐀 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐬
Arborist-God, Tree-planter, Forester, you created trees to provide shelter and food, and as monuments of your love and beauty. Thank you for the trees. Help us to be good stewards of these ancient giants. Help us pause to enjoy the way they look, feel, and smell. And, when they sway in the wind, may we join them in clapping our hands to worship you. Amen.

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Contributed by @stiggycreative
 
He is with you every step of the way.⁣
⁣⁣
🤍⁣⁣
 
#artistfeature #christiancreative #christianliving #encouragement #reclaimtoday #verse #bibleverse #verseoftheday #bible

So, your boss pulls you aside to talk about your performance and gently points out some areas for improvement. Or your friend tells you about something you said that hurt them, even though it’s not what you intended.

How do you react when you receive constructive criticisms like this?

Some people feel embarrassed, or blame others for their mistakes. Some respond in anger, either at the person, or at themselves.

Proverbs 9:7-9 describes the kind of person who receives correction well, and the kind of person who doesn’t.

Oftentimes, we want to reject any criticism because our pride is hurt. But we serve a God who only corrects us out of love (Proverbs 3:11-12), and he sometimes uses people in our lives to do it. We can humbly ask for wisdom as we examine our hearts, and because of his love,  we know we’re forgiven when we repent of whatever he reveals.

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝟗:𝟕-𝟗
“Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.”

𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭
The “mocker” attacks the person correcting them and takes correction too personally (v. 7-8)
A wise person learns from correction and loves the one who corrects them (v. 8-9)

𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞
Wise and loving Father, I praise you for putting people in my life like _______ to gently correct me.

God who instructs, I know your correction is good for me, even if it doesn’t always feel good to receive.

𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬
Humble Shepherd, lead me into humility and clarity as I consider the correction I received about _______.

Gracious God, fill me with kindness and compassion when I have to give feedback to others.

𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬
Guiding Savior, I lay down my pride as I listen for your voice.

Loving Father, my heart is open to learning from your instruction as I’m trying to figure out _________.

#scripture #dailydevotional #bibleverse #verseoftheday #christianliving #reclaimtoday