The Joy of Salvation: Living in the Freedom of God’s Grace

Salvation is more than a theological concept or a promise of eternal life—it is a transformative gift that infuses our lives with joy, peace, and purpose. When we embrace the grace of God and step into the freedom that salvation offers, we begin to experience a profound and lasting joy that transcends circumstances.

Psalm 51:12 says, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit” (NKJV). This verse is a reminder that salvation is not just a past event but a present reality that can continually refresh and sustain our hearts. Let’s explore how living in God’s grace through salvation brings us joy and freedom.

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The Transformative Power of Salvation

Salvation is the process through which God redeems us from sin and restores us to Himself. This transformation is beautifully described in 2 Corinthians 5:17:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (NKJV).

Through salvation, we are made new. The weight of guilt and shame is lifted, replaced by the assurance of God’s love and forgiveness. This renewal allows us to live with a sense of freedom, no longer bound by the chains of our past.

The joy of salvation is rooted in knowing that we are loved unconditionally by God and that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). It is the joy of knowing that we are no longer defined by our sins but by the righteousness of Christ.

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Freedom Through Grace

Grace is the unmerited favor of God, and it is through grace that we are saved. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (NKJV).

This freedom liberates us from striving to earn God’s approval. Instead, we can rest in His finished work on the cross. Grace allows us to approach life with confidence, knowing that we are secure in His hands.

The Apostle Paul emphasizes this freedom in Galatians 5:1:
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (NKJV).

When we walk in this liberty, our hearts are filled with gratitude and joy. We no longer live under the burden of performance but in the delight of God’s presence.

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A Lasting Joy That Transcends Circumstances

The joy of salvation is not fleeting or dependent on external circumstances. It is a deep, abiding joy that sustains us through trials and hardships. Jesus promised this kind of joy to His followers:
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11, NKJV).

When life becomes difficult, the assurance of our salvation becomes an anchor for our souls. We are reminded that our hope is not in this world but in the eternal life we have in Christ.

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Living Out the Joy of Salvation

To live in the joy of salvation, we must nurture our relationship with God daily. Here are a few practical ways to cultivate this joy:

1. Abide in Christ: Spend time in God’s Word and in prayer. Jesus said, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you” (John 15:7, NKJV).

2. Worship with Gratitude: Worship shifts our focus from our problems to God’s greatness. It reminds us of His goodness and faithfulness.

3. Serve Others in Love: Sharing God’s love with others allows His joy to flow through us. “The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself” (Proverbs 11:25, NKJV).

4. Remember Your Testimony: Reflect on the moment you encountered God’s saving grace. This remembrance rekindles the joy and gratitude of your salvation.

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Living in the freedom of God’s grace brings us lasting joy—a joy that is not rooted in our circumstances but in the unchanging truth of who God is and what He has done for us. Salvation transforms us, liberates us, and fills our hearts with a joy that nothing in this world can take away.

Let’s hold fast to the joy of our salvation, allowing it to overflow into every area of our lives. As we do, we become living testimonies of God’s grace, inspiring others to experience the same freedom and joy in Christ.

May the joy of the Lord be your strength today and always. Amen.

Standing on the Promises of God

In a world filled with uncertainty, standing on the promises of God is one of the greatest assurances a believer can hold on to. These promises are more than just words; they are a firm foundation for those who trust in Jesus. 

God's promises give us hope, strength, and peace as we navigate life’s challenges. The Word of God reassures us of His faithfulness and power.

The Foundation of God’s Promises

The Word of God is unchanging. 

In Isaiah 40:8 (NKJV), it says, 

“The grass withers, the flower fades, 

but the word of our God stands forever.” 

This verse highlights the eternal nature of God’s promises. They remain steadfast through all generations and circumstances. When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, we inherit these promises, becoming co-heirs with Him (Romans 8:17).

In 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NKJV), Paul writes, 

“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes,

and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” 

This reminds us that God’s promises are fulfilled in Jesus. As believers, standing on these promises means believing in their fulfillment through Christ.

The Power of Jesus' Name

One of the key aspects of standing on God's promises is understanding the authority given to us in the name of Jesus. (Hallelujah and Amen!)

In John 14:13-14 (NKJV), Jesus said, 

“And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, 

that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask 

anything in My name, I will do it.” 

There is POWER in the name of Jesus to unlock the promises of God and bring them into reality in our lives.

The name of Jesus is not merely a phrase we say in prayer—it is the key to accessing God’s promises and divine power. Through His name, we can have confidence that God hears us and will act according to His perfect will.

Living with Confidence in God’s Promises

When we live in faith, believing in God’s promises, we walk in victory. 

Hebrews 10:23 (NKJV) encourages us: 

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope 

without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” 

No matter what trials or tribulations we face, we can rest assured that God is faithful and His promises will never fail. (Hallelujah and Amen!)

One of the greatest examples of this is found in Philippians 4:19 (NKJV), where Paul writes, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” 

This verse reminds us that God is our provider, and He will meet all our needs in abundance as we trust Him.

Standing Firm in Times of Difficulty

The storms of life may come, but standing on God’s promises gives us the strength to persevere. 

Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) provides reassurance: 

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, 

for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, 

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” 

We can stand confidently, knowing that God’s promises will hold us up even when things seem difficult.

To stand on the promises of God in the name of Jesus is to embrace the fullness of His grace, love, and power. When we declare His promises over our lives, we are declaring that His Word is true, and His power is real. Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of our faith, assures us that every promise of God is “Yes and Amen” in Him.

May we continue to trust in God’s promises, knowing that they are a sure foundation in every season of life. Amen.

Pruning Season - Not Ideal But Necessary

A "pruning season" refers to a period in a person's life where they undergo trials, challenges, or changes that are meant to remove anything that hinders their spiritual growth or relationship with God. This concept is often drawn from passages in the Bible that describe God as a gardener who prunes his vines to make them more fruitful.

    Prune means to reduce; to remove as superfluous (not needed; unnecessary) to cut off or cut back parts of for better shape or more fruitful growth.  Before God can elevate you to the next level, He has to prune away the unnecessary things that are weighing you down.

      John 15:1-2, Jesus says:  "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful," (NIV)

The Passion Translation says, “I am a true sprouting vine, and the farmer who tends the vine is my Father. He cares for the branches connected to me by lifting and propping up the fruitless branches  and pruning every fruitful branch to yield a greater harvest."

    Here, Jesus uses the metaphor of pruning to illustrate how God works in the lives of believers. The pruning process can be uncomfortable or painful, as it involves the removal of things that may be dear to us, such as certain habits, relationships, or circumstances. 

    However, this process is ultimately for the purpose of spiritual growth and bearing more fruit, such as developing a deeper faith, greater character, and a closer relationship with God.

    Pruning seasons are seen as times of refinement and preparation for greater things. They teach believers to trust in God's wisdom and timing, knowing that He has a purpose for every challenge they face. Through these experiences, believers learn to depend more fully on God and grow in their spiritual maturity.

                                      

Remember, although not ideal, Pruning season is necessary for growth.  Think about it:  Would you rather be pruned or gutted?

A Journey of Faith - It's a New Season!! Embrace it!!

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********Please note:  

Key Verses or passages are highlighted and/or categorized by a number.

    *Click on the highlighted verses to see it's application on the Daily Living page.  

    *Click on the highlighted numbers to see what category or subject each verse 

      falls under on the Number Guide Bible Reference Chart .  Some bible 

      verses may have more than one number beside it.

    *Unless stated otherwise, all bible verses are New King James Version.

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Let's get started. 😊

In the journey of faith, we often experience different seasons—times of joy and sorrow, of growth and pruning, of waiting and breakthrough. As we navigate through these phases, we are reminded that in Jesus Christ, every season has its purpose and promise. It's a new season, and in His name, we can embrace it with hope and confidence. Let's explore what this means with key biblical references and principles.

Embracing the New Season

        In Ecclesiastes 3:1, the Bible tells us, "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven."  2

        This verse reassures us that change is a natural and divine part of life. Each season is orchestrated by God and serves a distinct purpose. When we recognize this, we can find peace and trust in the transitions we face.

A Season of Renewal

Isaiah 43:19 proclaims, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."  1 

God promises to bring forth new things in our lives, even in the most barren places. In Jesus, we can anticipate renewal and transformation, knowing that He is at work, making ways where there seems to be none.

Moving Forward with Courage

Philippians 3:13-14 encourages us, "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."   2

        

    This passage motivates us to let go of past failures and disappointments and to press forward with the vision and calling God has for us.

Strength for the Journey

Entering a new season often requires strength and endurance.

 

          Isaiah 40:31 gives us this promise: "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."   1 

When we place our trust in Jesus, He renews our strength and equips us for the journey ahead.

Trusting in God's Timing

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord," 

(Psalm 27:14).  4 

        Patience is essential in the transitions of life. God's timing is perfect, and as we wait on Him, we can be assured that He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).  1 

New Beginnings in Christ

2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"   2

        

        In Jesus, we are made new. Our past sins and failures are forgiven, and we are given a fresh start. This new identity empowers us to live differently, with the hope and assurance that we are beloved children of God.

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As we step into this new season, let's do so with the confidence that comes from knowing Jesus is with us. He guides our steps, renews our strength, and opens new paths before us. Embrace the change, trust in His promises, and look forward with hope and faith. In the name of Jesus, it's a new season—one filled with His grace, purpose, and blessing.

Let this be a time of renewal, growth, and divine breakthrough. Remember, He makes all things new.

"Behold, I am making all things new" (Revelation 21:5).   4 

May this truth resonate in your heart as you journey through this season with Jesus by your side.

A Prayer Thanking God for a New Season and Embracing It!

A Prayer Thanking God for a New Season

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You with hearts full of gratitude, acknowledging Your sovereignty and grace in every season of our lives. Thank You for the new season that You have ushered us into. We are deeply grateful for Your endless love and faithfulness.

Lord, we thank You for the promise that to everything there is a season and a purpose under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1). As we step into this new chapter, we recognize Your hand at work, orchestrating our lives according to Your perfect plan. We are humbled and awed by Your wisdom and care.

Father, thank You for the new things You are doing in our lives. As You have promised in Isaiah 43:19, You are making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. We are excited and expectant for the renewal and transformation that comes from Your mighty hand.

In Jesus' name, we thank You for the courage to move forward, leaving behind what is past and pressing on toward what lies ahead (Philippians 3:13-14). We trust that You are leading us toward the prize of Your heavenly calling.

Lord, we are grateful for the strength You provide as we embark on this new journey. Your word in Isaiah 40:31 reassures us that those who hope in You will renew their strength. We trust in Your promise to make us soar on wings like eagles, to run and not grow weary, and to walk and not be faint.

Thank You for teaching us to trust in Your timing, as we wait upon You with courage and hope (Psalm 27:14). We know that You are working all things together for our good, as declared in Romans 8:28.

Father, we rejoice in the new beginnings we have in Christ. Thank You for making us a new creation, for the old has gone, and the new is here (2 Corinthians 5:17). We embrace our new identity in Jesus, and we are filled with hope and assurance of Your unfailing love.

As we navigate this new season, may we continually seek Your guidance and walk in Your ways. Let Your presence be our constant companion, and may we be a testimony of Your grace and faithfulness.

We offer this prayer in the precious and powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

Commit to Follow; Follow to Lead; and Lead by Example (Bible Study) Part 1

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********Please note:  

Key Verses or passages are highlighted and/or categorized by a number.

    *Click on the highlighted verses to see it's application on the Daily Living page.  

    *Click on the highlighted numbers to see what category or subject each verse falls 

      under on the Number Guide Bible Reference Chart .  Some bible verses may have 

      more than one number beside it.

    *Unless stated otherwise, all bible verses are New King James Version.

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Let's get started. 😊

     Commit your works to the Lord,   

    and your thoughts will be established." (Proverb 16:3)  1 

Commit means to obligate, bind; 

                    [Hebrew (galal: pronounced gaw-lal') Strong's# 1556] 

                        to roll down, roll away, and remove.

*Roll your works into God's care.

*Visualize a camel burdened with a heavy load.  When it's time to remove it, the camel kneels down, tilts far to one side, and rolls off the load.

Note:  If you commit your plans, turn all of it over to God, you will succeed.

                                "Commit your way to the Lord; Trust, also, 

                        in Him and He shall bring it to pass."(Psalm 37:5)   2

*Set your heart on the Lord.  Intentionally commit all your plans to God daily.  Trust Him and wait patiently for Him.

*To commit ourselves to the Lord means entrusting everything, our lives, families, jobs, possessions, dreams, goals, and plans, to His control and guidance.

*To commit ourselves to the Lord means to trust in Him, believing that He can care for us better than we can ourselves.  We should be willing to wait patiently for Him to work out what is best for us.

*There are different ways to fail to commit whatever we do to the Lord.  

      1) Some people commit their work only superficially. They say the project is being done for the Lord, but in reality they are doing it themselves. 

      2) Others give God temporary control of their interests, only to take control back the moment things stop going the way they expect.

      3) Still others commit task fully to the Lord, but put forth no effort themselves, and then they wonder why they do not succeed.

Note:  We must maintain a delicate balance trusting God as if everything depended on Him, while working as if everything depended on us.

                      There is a process to maintaining the balance of trusting God.

                                           Commit >>>>> Roll Over >>>>> Cast

In part of 2 of this series, we are going to begin with defining the word cast and digging a little deeper. 

The Complete Bible Study for Commit, Follow, and Lead is HERE.

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Click HERE to see my personal List of Bible Study Tools and Resources that I used to help me dig a little deeper in God's Word.

Commit to Follow; Follow to Lead; and Lead by Example (Bible Study) Part 2

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********Please note:  

Key Verses or passages are highlighted and/or categorized by a number.

    *Click on the highlighted verses to see it's application on the Daily Living page.  

    *Click on the highlighted numbers to see what category or subject each verse falls 

      under on the Number Guide Bible Reference Chart .  Some bible verses may have 

      more than one number beside it.

    *Unless stated otherwise, all bible verses are New King James Version.

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Let's get started. 😊

In part 1 of this series, we ended with the process of maintaining the balance of trusting God.  Cast is part of the process.

                                    Maintaining the balance of trusting God Process:  

                                           Commit >>>>> Roll Over >>>>> Cast

Cast means to throw off or away; to get rid of; discard something unwanted; shed.  Look at it from this point of view, a snake casts off its old skin to make way for new growth.  And we cast (throw away) our trash into bins to clear our living spaces of clutter and waste. 

"Cast your burden on the Lord, He shall 

sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous 

to be moved." (Psalm 55:22)  4  and  3 

If you want to grow and declutter your spirit, then cast throw, fling your burdens on the Lord.  Do not hold onto them yourself.  God is able to take your burdens, your desires as well as your troubles and carry them for you.

        

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7, NIV)  3 

God wants us to give our burdens to Him, but often we continue to bear them ourselves even when we say, "We are trusting Him." Give God your burdens, your cares, your anxieties, your worries; And know with full confidence that He will care for you. 

Man is commanded to do one thing, then God will do two things.  Never is there a promise without a condition.  Christians are in the habit of magnifying the promises and ignoring the terms of their fulfillment.  Then when the promises are not fulfilled they murmur and complain.  To cast one's burdens on the Lord is refreshing.  

Remember:  The Lord is the one constant in life and the one True Friend.  He can always bear the burden.

In the Bible, there are examples abound of faith in God regardless of circumstances.  Though situations arise that seem overwhelming, hopeless, oppressive, and fearful, we should look to God as our refuge.  

Bottom Line:  We need to learn to leave our burdens in God's hands, not fretting in the least as to the outcome.  When we do this, God will sustain us.

          sustain [Hebrew word: chul; Strong's# 3557] - to maintain, nourish, 

                provide food, bear, hold up, protect, support, defend, 

                to supply the means necessary for living; to contain, 

                to hold, to receive

Trust the same strength that sustains you to carry your cares also.

In part 3, we are continuing the series by digging a little deeper in Philippians 4:6.

The Complete Bible Study for Commit, Follow, and Lead is HERE.

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Click HERE to see my personal List of Bible Study Tools and Resources that I used to help me dig a little deeper in God's Word.

Commit to Follow; Follow to Lead; and Lead by Example (Bible Study) Part 3

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********Please note:  

Key Verses or passages are highlighted and/or categorized by a number.

    *Click on the highlighted verses to see it's application on the Daily Living page.  

    *Click on the highlighted numbers to see what category or subject each verse falls 

      under on the Number Guide Bible Reference Chart .  Some bible verses may have 

      more than one number beside it.

    *Unless stated otherwise, all bible verses are New King James Version.

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Let's get started. 😊

We are going to continue the series by exploring Philippians 4:6 a little further.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything 

by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your 

requests be made known to God;"  (Philippians 4:6)   4 

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Anxious [Greek word: merimnao; Strong's# 3309] a distraction; 

    a preoccupation with things causing anxiety, stress, and 

  pressure; experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness, 

typically about something with an uncertain outcome

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*Jesus speaks against worry and anxiety because of the watchful care of a Heavenly Father who is ever mindful of our daily needs. 

*Prayer and peace are closely connected.  One who entrusts cares to Christ instead of fretting over them will experience the peace of God to guard them from nagging anxiety.  (see also Philippians 4:7) 

*Pray about circumstances instead of worrying over them. (Be anxious for nothing.)

*Commit your problems, anxieties to God in prayer (instead of worrying about them) trusting that He will provide deliverance. 

*Imagine never worrying about anything.  It seems like an impossibility; we all have worries on the job, in our homes, at school.  But Paul's advice is to turn our worries into prayers.

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  Question:  Do you want to worry less? 

If the answer is "yes", then, pray more.  Whenever you start to worry, STOP and PRAY. 

*Do not tolerate anxiety or worry for it will injure your own souls.  God alone can help you and He will do it if you will pray about everything that happens and give thanks for everything.

In part 4 of this series, we are going give 10 tips to encourage you not to worry.

The Complete Bible Study for Commit, Follow, and Lead is HERE.

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Click HERE to see my personal List of Bible Study Tools and Resources that I used to help me dig a little deeper in God's Word.

        

Commit to Follow; Follow to Lead; and Lead by Example (Bible Study) Part 4

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********Please note:  

Key Verses or passages are highlighted and/or categorized by a number.

    *Click on the highlighted verses to see it's application on the Daily Living page.  

    *Click on the highlighted numbers to see what category or subject each verse 

      falls under on the Number Guide Bible Reference Chart .  Some bible 

      verses may have more than one number beside it.

    *Unless stated otherwise, all bible verses are New King James Version.

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Let's get started. 😊

Here are 15 Bible verses (NIV Translation) to inspire and remind you to let go of worry and trust in God. Write them on index cards or save them in your note app for easy access whenever you need a boost of encouragement through God's Word.

1. Trust in God's Plan:

   • "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) 1

2. Seek God's Kingdom First:

   • "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33) 2

3. Cast Your Cares on Him:

   • "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7) 3

4. Do Not Be Anxious About Anything:

   • "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6) 4

5. God Is with You:

   • "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9) 4

6. Peace That Surpasses Understanding:

   • "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7) 3

7. God Will Supply All Your Needs:

   • "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19) 1

8. Do Not Fear:

   • "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10) 4

9. God Is Your Refuge and Strength:

   • "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1) 4

10. Let Tomorrow Worry About Itself:

    • "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34) 4

11. Be Still and Know He Is God:

    • "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10) 1

12. God Knows Your Needs:

    • "Your Father knows what you need before you ask him." (Matthew 6:8) 4

13. The Lord Is My Shepherd:

    • "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing." (Psalm 23:1) 3

14. Don't Let Your Heart Be Troubled:

    • "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me." (John 14:1) 4

15. Perfect Love Casts Out Fear:

    • "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." (1 John 4:18) 3

These tips and verses serve as reminders of God's presence, provision, and peace, encouraging you to trust in Him and not to be consumed by worry.

Take time to search the bible verses. Read and meditate on what the word of God is saying in reference to worrying. Declare and decree that your free from worrying, free from anxieties, and other cares that try to hold you down and keep you bondage.

-------------------------------------------------------------------- In part of 5 of series, we will discuss being free to follow Jesus and doing the work God has called you to do.

The Complete Bible Study for Commit, Follow, and Lead is HERE.

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Click HERE to see my personal List of Bible Study Tools and Resources that I used to help me dig a little deeper in God's Word.