Month: November 2025

Posted in Faith, Uncategorized

Obedience — Living in Love

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Obedience — Living in Love

When you accept Jesus as Lord of your life, you declare your trust and commitment to obey Him because of His incredible love for us. True faith produces obedience—it’s the natural response to God’s grace. As Paul taught in Romans, obedience of faith is vital, and disobedience stems from unbelief. If we truly believe in Jesus, our actions will reflect that belief; we will walk in love.

Reflection and Application:

  • What does it mean to be connected to Jesus?
    Being connected to Jesus means trusting Him completely, following His teachings, and allowing His love to guide our actions.
  • Have you been involved in church or small groups?
    Engaging in fellowship helps us grow in faith and walk in obedience. If you’re not yet involved, consider joining a community of believers.
  • Have you been baptized or are working toward it?
    Baptism is a step of obedience that publicly declares your faith in Christ.
  • Are you spending regular time with God in His Word and prayer?
    Daily devotional time helps deepen your relationship with God and reinforces your faith.

What Is True Love? (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Love is patience, kindness, humility, and endurance. It’s not jealous, boastful, proud, rude, self-seeking, easily angered, or keeps records of wrongs.


Most challenging?
Being patient and forgiving is often hardest to practice. Because people can hurt our feelings, especially those we love. When they are mean to us or do foolish things.


How to allow the Spirit to produce this love?
Pray daily, ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with love, and practice these qualities intentionally.

The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
Love is just one fruit of the Spirit. Others include joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

What qualities need growth?
If you notice a lack of patience or gentleness, ask the Spirit to cultivate these traits.


How to let the Spirit work?
Stay close to God through prayer and Bible study, and be receptive to His guidance.

Loving God and Others
Jesus summarized the greatest commandments: Love God and love your neighbor.

  • Why two commands?
    Because loving God naturally leads to loving others, and vice versa. They’re inseparable.
  • What does it mean to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind?
    To love Him completely—putting Him first in everything, seeking His will, and obeying His Word.
  • How does loving God influence loving others?
    It fills us with His love, making us more compassionate, forgiving, and patient.
  • Who is my neighbor?
    Anyone in need—family, friends, strangers, even those difficult to love.
  • Who are the people in your life who may not feel loved?

Living in Full Obedience
Obedience to God isn’t optional; it’s about living all His Word—both the easy and the hard parts. Don’t come to church for appearances or pick what fits your lifestyle. Live fully in His love, practicing what He teaches, and let His Spirit guide you toward genuine obedience.

Heavenly Father, Guide our hearts and minds to walk faithfully in Your way. Help us to be obedient to Your will and draw closer to You each day. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we may shine Your light brightly to others, illuminating their paths with love and truth. May our lives be a beacon of hope and grace, bringing glory to Your name. Amen.

Posted in The Women of Scripture

Women in scripture – Sarah

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Sarah: A Testament of Faith, Patience, and Divine Promise

Sarah’s journey is a powerful story of faith, patience, and God’s miraculous power. Her life teaches us that even when circumstances seem impossible, trusting in God’s promises and timing can lead to divine fulfillment. Her story, primarily found in Genesis 12, 18, and 21, offers timeless lessons about hope and unwavering trust in God’s plan.

Her Name and Role

Originally called Sarai, which means “my princess,” God changed her name to Sarah as part of a divine covenant, declaring she would be the “mother of many nations.” She was the wife of Abraham, and together they traveled from Ur to Canaan in obedience to God’s call. Sarah is recognized as one of the four great matriarchs of the Jewish faith, symbolizing faith and trust in God’s promises.

Her Struggles and Doubts

For many years, Sarah eagerly desired children, but she remained infertile well into her old age. She was 90 years old when she finally conceived Isaac—an astonishing miracle that defied human expectations. Throughout her years of waiting, Sarah experienced doubt and disbelief, famously laughing when she overheard God’s promise that she would bear a son. Her laughter was mixed with both skepticism and joy, illustrating the complex emotions we face when God’s promises seem far beyond our reach.

In Genesis 18, we see her doubting God’s promise as she laughs quietly to herself, thinking, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” Yet, despite her doubts, God’s promise remained true.

The Conflict with Hagar

In her impatience and desire for God’s promise, Sarah gave her maidservant, Hagar, to Abraham, hoping to facilitate the birth of a child. Hagar’s pregnancy led to jealousy and conflict—something many of us can relate to when plans don’t unfold as expected. Eventually, Sarah and Hagar’s relationship became strained, resulting in Hagar fleeing into the wilderness. This part of her story reminds us that when we try to help God along, we often face unintended consequences, and trusting in His timing is crucial.

The Birth of Isaac and Her Legacy

God’s promise was fulfilled in His perfect timing. Despite her advanced age, Sarah conceived and gave birth to Isaac, fulfilling the divine promise made to Abraham. Her laughter of doubt turned into a joyful expression of faith and gratitude. Isaac was a son of promise, a symbol of hope and God’s unwavering covenant.

Sarah’s story is a testament that God’s promises are infallible, even when human circumstances suggest otherwise. Her life encourages us to hold onto hope with faith—that God’s timing is perfect, and His promises will come to pass.

What We Can Learn from Sarah

  • Trust in God’s promises, even when they seem impossible.
  • Be patient and wait on God’s timing, not our own.
  • Understand that doubt is natural, but faith can overcome it.
  • Remember that God works through our weaknesses and doubts to strengthen our faith.
  • Embrace hope as a divine gift, knowing that God’s plans exceed our understanding.

Reflecting on Genesis 12, 18, and 21

Sarah’s story reminds us that faith involves trusting God’s Word and His promises, regardless of how long the wait may be. Her journey from doubt to joy teaches us that God’s plans are always for our good, and His promises are sure—even when we feel uncertain and fearful.

A Prayer for Faith and Patience

Heavenly Father, thank You for the inspiring story of Sarah—her faith, her doubts, her perseverance, and Your divine faithfulness. Help us to trust You fully, even when Your promises seem far away or impossible from our perspective.

Teach us patience as we wait on Your perfect timing. Strengthen our faith so we can believe in Your Word beyond our limitations and circumstances. Remind us that You are the God of miracles, and nothing is too difficult for You.

Help us to hold onto hope, regardless of how long the wait, and to remember that You are always working for our good. Fill us with peace as we trust in Your promises, and give us the courage to believe with unwavering faith.

Guide us, Lord, to walk in obedience and trust, knowing that Your plans for us are greater than we can imagine. Thank You for Your mercy and grace, demonstrated so powerfully through Sarah’s life.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Have a blessed day

Deb

Posted in Bible

Woman of Scripture -Eve The Mother of Humanity

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Eve: The Mother of All Humanity – Her Life, Lessons, and Legacy

Eve holds a unique place in biblical history as the first woman and the mother of all humankind. Created by God from Adam’s rib, she was designed to be a companion and helper—reflecting God’s love and creativity. Her life begins in perfect harmony within the Garden of Eden, where she walks with God and enjoys a life of abundance.

However, even in paradise, Eve faced a crucial test of responsibility and trust. When the serpent tempted her to doubt God’s command not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, she made a choice that would change everything. She succumbed to temptation, ate the forbidden fruit, and shared it with Adam. Her decision introduced sin into the world, resulting in pain, toil, and separation from God’s perfect presence.

Attributes and Lessons from Eve

Eve’s story reveals both her strengths and her weaknesses. She was created with intelligence, curiosity, and the ability to make choices. Her willingness to listen and respond—though misguided—shows her capacity to learn and grow. Even after her mistake, she faced the consequences with humility, and her life became a testimony of human fallibility and God’s mercy.

From her life, we learn that responsibility lies with us when making decisions. Eve’s choices remind us to trust in God’s Word and rely on His guidance rather than our own understanding. Although she failed to listen to God and was persuaded and tricked by Satan, she also displayed an important attribute: the ability to accept accountability and seek redemption.

Her Legacy and Her Children

Eve’s life continued after her fall, and she became the mother of many children. Some of her most notable offspring include:

  • Cain: The firstborn, a farmer who later murdered his brother Abel.
  • Abel: The shepherd who offered a faithful sacrifice to God and was tragically killed by Cain.
  • Seth: Born after Abel’s death, seen as a continuation of God’s righteous line.
  • Other children: Genesis 4 and 5 mention that Eve had many sons and daughters, making her the ancestor of all humanity.

Eve’s legacy as the “mother of all living” (Genesis 3:20) underscores that, despite her mistakes, she was chosen by God to be the beginning of the human family. Her life reflects both human frailty and God’s unending grace.

What We Can Learn from Eve Today

Eve’s story encourages us to accept responsibility for our decisions and to trust God fully. When faced with temptation, we should choose obedience, remembering that God’s guidance leads to life and peace. Her life reminds us that failure is not final; God’s mercy is greater than our mistakes. With humility and faith, we can rise again, learn, and grow closer to God each day.

A Short Prayer for Obedience

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Eve—her life, her mistakes, and her lessons. Help us to trust and obey You in all we do. Strengthen us when we face temptation, and give us the humility to turn back to You when we falter. Guide us to walk faithfully and live in obedience to Your Word. May we always seek to honor You with our choices. In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

Next we will discuss Sarah

Wishing you all a blessed day

Deb

Posted in The Women of Scripture

Starting November 04, 2025 Women of Scripture

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Hello, fellow believers, and welcome to our Bible study series focused on some of the incredible women of Scripture.

Throughout this journey, we will explore their stories, which beautifully illustrate timeless truths and profound life principles. Starting November 2, 2025, our first focus will be on Eve—her life, her challenges, and her divine calling as the mother of all humanity. From Eve’s experiences, we’ll learn valuable lessons about faith, obedience, and God’s grace.

As we continue, we’ll meet women like Sarah, whose unwavering faith; Ruth, with her loyal heart; Esther, known for her courage; and many others who exemplify collaboration, service, and divine strength. Each woman’s story offers unique insights and spiritual growth opportunities.

I invite you to join us on this journey of discovery. Bring your Bible and an open heart as we uncover the divine truths woven into their lives. Let’s grow closer to God together and deepen our understanding of His purpose for us all.

Have a blessed day

Posted in Uncategorized

Monday Prayer

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb 

Monday Prayer

Heavenly Father, as I begin this new week, I come to You with a heart full of hope and gratitude. Thank You for the gift of today and the opportunity to serve You in all I do. 

Lord, I ask for Your guidance and wisdom to start this week with positivity and passion. Whether I am working diligently in my business, self-employed, retired, or pursuing other goals, help me to do everything as unto You. May my efforts bring glory to Your name and reflect Your love and excellence. 

Give me strength to work hard with integrity, patience, and joy. Fill me with a renewed sense of purpose, and remind me that my work is a service to You. 

Help me to remain focused and resilient, trusting in Your plans even when challenges come. Let my attitude be one of gratitude, and may my actions inspire others around me to seek You also.

Father, I commit this week into Your hands. Help me to work heartily for You, knowing that my labor is not in vain and that You reward those who diligently seek You. 

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.