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Dianne Thornton

Dianne Thornton

May 16, 2016 · 17 Comments

Are You and God Friends with Benefits?

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The Christian Life

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I was challenged to consider the idiom, friends with benefits, in regard to our relationship with God. What I discovered might surprise you!

A couple of weeks ago I was challenged to consider the idiom, friends with benefits, in regard to our relationship with God. I certainly raised my eyebrows! In our culture, this phrase describes a relationship between two people that crosses the boundary of friendship and moves into the area of sexual intimacy. But the relationship does not include the “strings” that go along with an exclusive, intimate relationship.

I was challenged to consider the idiom, friends with benefits, in regard to our relationship with God. What I discovered might surprise you!

In fact, friends with benefits is the opposite of what true friendship is. True friendship is committed, self-sacrificing, and seeks the best for another. Friends with benefits is self-serving and self-gratifying, without regard for what’s best for another. There is no commitment; it’s all about “what you can do for me.”

While our relationship with God is spiritual and not physical, we can consider what it looks like to have a friends with benefits relationship with Him. It might surprise you!

Friends With Benefits — The Up Side

Several people in the Old Testament shared a close, personal friendship with God. Abraham and Moses are two.

And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. (James 2:23)

Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. (Exodus 33:11)

We also observe God’s relationship with the Nation of Israel. He chose Abraham to father the new nation. Under the oppression of Egypt, Israel grew from a large family into a sizable people. They even had a kingly lineage. Because of their disobedience, however, they were eventually taken captive by foreign nations.

God blessed the Nation of Israel when they obeyed Him. Even when they were disobedient, God still provided for them. Psalm 103 lists many of those blessings. The Psalmist begins by reminding us not to forget all the good things God does for us.

Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits. (Psalm 103:2)
Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. (Psalm 103:2)

Friends with benefits? May I never forget the good things God does for me! Click to Tweet

In the New Testament, God pursues us with faithful love. He wants to save us from the penalty of sin and spend eternity with Him. He wants us to experience a full and meaningful life while we live on earth. And He wants to be our friend!

I was challenged to consider the idiom, friends with benefits, in regard to our relationship with God. What I discovered might surprise you!Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? (Romans 2:4)

My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. (John 10:10)

I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. (John 15:15)

Friends With Benefits — The Down Side

But we have to be careful!

We don’t want to move into the self-serving side of friends with benefits in our relationship with God. It’s easy to do.

We can treat Him like a heavenly vending machine. We bring Him our list of needs and wants. Plunk in an apropos Scripture or two, and then expect our own results. When things don’t work out the way we want–we may be tempted to pitch a little fit. Worse yet, we spend time with Him only when we want something from Him–rather than simply experiencing the joy of His company. Maybe we do a little extra service here, give a little extra money over there–in hopes that will tip the scales so that God will bless our lives more.

We can cheapen His priceless grace, too. We know He loves us and forgives us. But when tempted, rather than obey–we choose our own way.

Sounds more like the teenagers living in my house than a mature adult. Unfortunately, I have found myself in these places more times than I want to admit.

No longer loving the Giver, but His gifts.

Maintaining the Balance

So how do we stay on the up side of this friends with benefits relationship? It takes some effort and purpose, but David gives us an example in Psalm 103.

He specifically praises the Lord for His attributes and His actions–listing them out one by one.

When we focus on the Lord’s attributes, we praise Him for qualities that make Him uniquely Him. Things like …

  • His perfection and holiness
  • His sovereignty—or control over all of life
  • His unfailing love

Examples from Psalm 103

  • “The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love,” (vs. 8).
  • “For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth,” (vs. 11).
  • “The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him,” (vs. 13).
  • “But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him,” (vs. 17).

I’m sure you are filling in the blanks with other attributes that are important to you.

When we focus  on the Lord’s actions, we praise and thank Him for things like …

  • His forgiveness
  • His salvation
  • His provision and protection

Examples from Psalm 103

  • “He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases,” (vs. 3).
  • “He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies,” (vs. 4).
  • “He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!” (vs. 5).
  • “He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west,” (vs. 12).

What else comes to mind when you think about what God has done for you?

Remembering all the great things God has done for us deepens our love for Him. Click to Tweet

Remembering all the great things God has done for us, deepens our love for Him. It’s the springboard for the next step–spending quality time with Him in His Word.

You might be asking, What benefit does God receive from my relationship with Him?

Truthfully–it’s quite lopsided. God doesn’t need anything from me to satisfy His needs or to accomplish His purposes. However, He invites me to be a part of His great plan.

The Bottom Line

God loves to meet our needs! (1 Peter 5:7) He loves to do for us more than we can think or imagine! (Ephesians 3:20)

God wants us to experience a friends with benefits relationship with Him! Even though we are not the perfect friend, He is! He is 100% committed to us. He has our best interest at heart. He gave His life for us.

Are you living on the down side or enjoying the upside of friends with benefits in your relationship with God?

Image: Pixabay (ArtsyBee)

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Gayl Wright says

    May 16, 2016 at 9:02 am

    “Remembering all the great things God has done for us, deepens our love for Him. It’s the springboard for the next step–spending quality time with Him in His Word.” This is so true. Thanks for reminding us of who God is and to think on his attributes. Blessings to you!

  2. Dianne Thornton says

    May 16, 2016 at 1:03 pm

    Thanks for taking time to read and comment, Gayl!

  3. Katie M. Reid says

    May 17, 2016 at 6:19 am

    Good reminders! Glad to be neighbors on the #RaRaLinkup today

  4. Julie Lefebure says

    May 17, 2016 at 6:30 am

    Hi Dianne! I’ve never thought about “friends with benefits” with God before. Thank you for these reminders! I always want to be on the upside of being God’s friend with benefits. I’ll pondering this throughout my day. Blessings to you! Following you at Holly’s today.

  5. Mary Geisen says

    May 17, 2016 at 7:08 am

    Great food for thought today, Dianne! I can say that I have been on both sides of the coin. There are times that my relationship with God is one that is self-serving and other times that it is not. I love the how you tied “friends with benefits” all together. You chose good scripture references and provided ideas as to how to maintain the balance. Great words today!

  6. Dianne Thornton says

    May 17, 2016 at 7:18 am

    Thanks, Katie.

  7. Jill says

    May 17, 2016 at 8:20 am

    Yes to this entire post! You have hit it head on.. in our culture of instant gratification, we may come to our relationship with God in the same way… wanting the same instantaneous fulfillment of our needs without every having to give back to Him. It’s amazing the things He does for us. I couldn’t imagine not being thankful for all his grace and goodness, especially when there have been many wretchful times in my life. Thanks for sharing this needed perspective!

    Commenting from TestimonyTuesday 🙂 Have a blessed day!

  8. Dianne Thornton says

    May 17, 2016 at 8:49 am

    Thanks, Jill. We definitely need these times if reflection to remember all He does for us–so our love for Him deepens! Thanks for taking time to read and comment!

  9. Dianne Thornton says

    May 17, 2016 at 8:51 am

    Thanks, Mary. When I remember the times I’ve not been so grateful, my heart hurts. I want to always remember!

  10. Dianne Thornton says

    May 17, 2016 at 8:52 am

    Thanks, Julie. It is something interesting to consider. These idioms always go deeper than we think, don’t they.

  11. Carly says

    May 18, 2016 at 12:45 pm

    This is great- it’s definitely important to remember the benefits of knowing God but we also have to remember that he is not there to serve us but we are to serve him. As you say, it’s all about getting the balance.

  12. Dianne Thornton says

    May 18, 2016 at 9:05 pm

    Thanks, Carly. Balance is not always easy to find!! Thanks for taking time to read and comment. 🙂

  13. Horace@pleasingtothepotter.com says

    May 18, 2016 at 9:09 pm

    I love this Diane! We are blessed by God with so many benefits but our relationship with Him comes with great responsibility. We me may always cherish the relationship the relationship with our Savior! I am sharing this insightful aand poignant post. Blessings to you and yours!

  14. Dianne Thornton says

    May 18, 2016 at 9:51 pm

    Thank you, Horace! I’m blessed by you today!! Praying more of God’s blessing on you and yours.

  15. SUSAN SHIPE says

    May 19, 2016 at 8:52 am

    This was an awesome post.

  16. Dianne Thornton says

    May 19, 2016 at 9:04 am

    Thanks, Susan.

  17. Ruthie Gray says

    May 23, 2016 at 9:51 am

    I love the direction you took with this, friend! That we can abuse his grace (downside of friends with benefits) or accept his love, friendship, and help living as He would have us (upside)!

    Wonderful thoughts, such a great post! And the “heavenly vending machine”? YES and LOL!!!

    Love you, friend, thanks so much for sharing this with us on Tuesday Talk last week (I’m still catching up on my reading before tomorrow)!

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THERE IS NOTHING QUITE LIKE THE FEELING OF LOSING YOUR FOOTING.⁠
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I should know. I’m an expert at the slip-and-fall. In the rain with flip flops that have lost their tread. On frozen snow in hiking boots that are supposed to have grip. Even in my kitchen when I’m wearing my slippers. (Why are they called that???) Then there was that time I trekked out across some sand to grab a bucket and ended up knee deep in drilling mud.⁠
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🎵I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. (Ps 40:1-2)⁠
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Our road seems slippery, and we may feel we have no hope. But God is near, and He hears our cries. As we draw near to Him, He gives us a new perspective and firm footing. He also gives us a song of joy amid our suffering.⁠
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🎵 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. (Ps 40:3)⁠
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This song of praise is for the express purpose of encouraging others who are suffering so they too can draw near to the Lord and experience His peace and the abundant life He came to give. ⁠
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This is how a watching world comes to know God. They see our suffering. But they also see a heart that trusts God during it. A heart that is not bitter, but one that sings for joy. ⁠
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Do you know a fellow sufferer who willingly shares their song of joy? How has their example encouraged you?⁠
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Feb 17

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AS HIS FAITHFUL SERVANT, GOD HAS **SET YOU APART** ➡️ FOR HIMSELF!!⁠
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Wow. That's powerful. ⁠
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Do you have something very special that you keep in a special place -- just for you? (I'm not talking about hiding those special cookies. 😉😂)⁠
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I love coffee mugs. But certain mugs are different than the others. One was a gift from a special friend. One looks a lot like one my grandfather let me drink from when I visited my grandparents. One is from Disney, and I don't let ANYONE use that one! ⁠
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Yes, these are "just things." But they are special to me, and anytime I pull one of these mugs out of the cabinet, I remember why it's special. Why it's different from the mugs that match my dishes.⁠
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In the Old Testament, “set apart” means to be ...⁠
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=> distinctly different.<= ⁠
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You are God’s faithful servant. He made you distinctly different from everyone else—for His purposes. God’s purposes for you are distinctly different from anyone else’s. ⁠
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In the New Testament when we read the words “set apart,” they have the added meaning of being sanctified, or holy.⁠
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God created you => to be holy for holy purposes. <=⁠
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One such purpose is to be a messenger of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15)--showing others how they can be reconciled to God. What a privilege we have to be His messengers!⁠
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My prayer for you is the same as that of Paul's at the close of his letter to the Ephesian church: ⁠
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Whenever you speak [or write], may God give you words so you will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel and that you may declare it fearlessly, as you should. (Ephesians 6:19-20)⁠
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Be blessed today as you proclaim the gospel of peace to a world that is crying out for it!!⁠
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✨ What other holy purposes has God called you to?⁠
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#GodsPurpose #SetApart #TheGospel ⁠
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Feb 10

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PSALM 15 IS SHORT, YET JAM-PACKED WITH GOODNESS.⁠ ⁠⁠
Tough goodness, but goodness all the same. I had to include all of it in my images. Scroll through the pages so you don't miss any of it.⁠⁠
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When I journaled through this Psalm, I was knee-deep in the edits for my Bible study, STANDING FIRM IN CHRIST: Biblical Principles for Fighting Spiritual Battles. Edits from my awesome editor and edits from my sweet friends who wanted this Bible study to be its best.⁠⁠
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Let me tell you, allowing trusted friends inside your writing world is scary! It's a good thing, but it can also sting. As I read through the psalmist's words, God brought a principle to my mind. You know the one--what's in our hearts shows up in our words (and even our thoughts!!).⁠⁠
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Psalm 15, explains that the *blameless person* enjoys a close relationship with God, and describes this person in detail. ⁠⁠
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This person SPEAKS TRUTH FROM THE HEART. In other words, it's not just the words this person speaks, but the response to difficult words! I wrote the following in my journal:⁠⁠
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"A blameless person's speech is wholesome. She doesn't just not curse--she encourages. AND she accepts criticism without being critical."⁠⁠
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Wow. That can be hard to do. Receiving edits can be a challenge. But what about when someone who cares about you confronts you (in love) about a difficult life issue? ⁠⁠
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How we respond to criticism is a test of what's really in our hearts.⁠⁠
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When our hearts are tender and match up with God's truth, our lives are built on a firm foundation that will never be shaken.⁠⁠
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✨ What other truths can we remember to keep our hearts tender instead of tough and critical?⁠⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠ #StandingFirmBibleStudy⁠⁠
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#TruthInLove #Psalm15 ⁠⁠
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Feb 8

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OUR THOUGHTS OF GOD ARE NOT GREAT ENOUGH. -- J. I. Packer⁠
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The Scripture focus for Chapter 3 of ENJOYING INTIMACY WITH GOD, is Isaiah 40, which holds many favorite passages, including:⁠
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"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." (Isaiah 40:31, NIV)⁠
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Isaiah 40 is lengthy, but oh, so beautiful. It was written to encourage Israel after her discipline (captivity in Babylon) was completed. God wanted them to know that He was fully worthy of their trust. ⁠
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It is an interesting contrast. It describes man’s utter weakness—and God’s transcendence. But this God who is so other than anything we know, LOVES **US**. The God who made the universe, who holds the oceans in His hands, who never grows weary—is our friend. ⁠
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Sanders shares the first verse from “How Great Thou Art.” It is fitting. ⁠
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O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder⁠
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made⁠
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder⁠
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.⁠
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In what ways, as you move forward to serve our King, do you need to fully depend on God? ⁠
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I've been on somewhat of a social media hiatus--working tirelessly with my husband on some much needed household repairs/updates. Finding my way and rhythm back into this special world is a bit overwhelming!⁠
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Let's remember, God goes before us and strengthens us for all He calls us to do.⁠
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#JOswaldSanders #EnjoyingIntimacyWithGod #HowGreatThouArt #JIPacker⁠
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Nov 18

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HOLY FATHER, GIVE ME GREAT LOVE FOR YOUR WORD AND THE TRUTH IN IT.⁠
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May the Holy Spirit illumine truth as I read its pages. Teach me to use your Sword as my weapon against Satan.⁠
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Help me to study it well, hiding its treasures in my heart.⁠
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Bring to mind truth from Your Word for my needs today. ⁠
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In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
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Collecting Scriptures as we read God's Word can be a great help for when we face temptation. Writing them in a journal on an index card or a sticky note keeps them "at the ready" for when we need them.⁠
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If you struggle with memorizing Scripture, I have a resource to help you hide God's Word in your heart:⁠
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The PSALMS Meditation Method is a set of worksheets that guides your meditation process so that you know a verse thoroughly, even though you may not have "memorized" it.⁠
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You can find it in my SHOP under "Bible Study Helps." (See the Instagram links in my bio.)⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#SwordOfTheSpirit ⁠
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#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod  #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus⁠

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Nov 12

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HOLY FATHER, PROTECT MY MIND WITH THE TRUTH FROM YOUR WORD.⁠ Bring to mind Scripture I have stored in my heart for my needs today. ⁠
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Where my mind is too busy, remind me to be still and know that You are God (Psalm 46:10) so I can sense the Holy Spirit's leading. ⁠
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For any thoughts that do not honor You, remind me to ⁠
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--set aside these thoughts⁠
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--shift my thinking⁠
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--and focus on things that are true, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise. ⁠
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In essence, I choose to worship YOU rather than anything else.⁠ (Philippians 4:8-9)⁠
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As I study Your Word, please move that truth from my mind to my heart so I experience life change.⁠
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Help me think properly about my circumstances today. ⁠
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In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
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Think about how your thought life affects your spiritual battles. Do any thoughts need to come under the authority of Jesus Christ?⁠
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Drop an emoji if you are wearing the Helmet of Salvation today! 🙏🙏🙏⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#HelmetOfSalvation⁠
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#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod  #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus

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Nov 9

Open
DO YOU CARE FOR LITTLE ONES OR AGED ONES?⁠
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Do you teach students?⁠
Do you move within the corporate world?⁠
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Are you walking through a valley of suffering?⁠
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What task has God given you in your arena of ministry? ⁠
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It doesn’t matter what it is, God wants us to give ourselves *fully* to the work He assigns us. ⁠
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And here’s the “why.”⁠
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“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58-59 NIV)⁠
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Our labor is in not in vain! Because, as the verses prior to these say, Jesus has conquered the sting of death. Through Him we have victory. ⁠
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Everything we do can point to Jesus so He receives glory in all our tasks. ⁠
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So if you’re feeling discouraged today, take heart. Victory is yours. God will use your efforts for His kingdom.  He loves you so. ⁠
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What work has God given you today? ⁠
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Double tap if you agree!⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠ #StandFirmInChrist⁠
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#StudyScripture #LampToMyFeet #WordOfGodSpeaks #LovetheBible #LoveGodsWord #StudyGodsWord #BibleCommunity  #JesusIsTruth #BibleBeliever #BibleWisdom #LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments  #InTheWord #BibleTruth #SeekHimFirst

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Nov 6

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HOW TO CULTIVATE AN ATTITUDE OF THANKSGIVING ALL YEAR ROUND.⁠
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If you're like me, your mind is spinning with all the craziness of this week. You might even be a bit afraid of what the future holds. I know that I am doing a good amount of "instructing my heart" to trust the Lord. ⁠
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The best cure of worry and fear is a shift in focus -- from our circumstances to the One who controls them. With Thanksgiving approaching, this shift can include listing all the the wonderful ways God has cared for us in the past -- which builds our trust that He will continue to care for us in the coming days. ⁠
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Would you join me in focusing on the wonderful deeds of the Lord as Thanksgiving approaches? ⁠
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This 5-Day Mini Bible Study is a special Thanksgiving treat that will help you cultivate an attitude of thanksgiving (and trust) all year long.⁠ ⁠
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🦃 Get your copy from the Instagram link in my profile. 🦃⁠
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⁠Psalm 77:11-12 “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” 

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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠
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#GiveThanksAlways #GiveThanksEveryDay #GiveThanksToTheLord #GiveThanksDaily #GiveThanks🙏 #GratefulHeart #Psalm136 #Psalm107 #Psalm100 #CountYourManyBlessings #CountYourManyBlessingsNameThemOneByOne #Psalm100 #PsalmOfTheDay #Psalms #Thanksgiving2020 #EnterHisGatesWithThanksgiving #EnterHisCourtsWithPraise⁠
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Nov 4

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HOLY FATHER, I'M GRATEFUL THAT YOU PROTECT ME WITH THE SHIELD OF YOUR FAITHFULNESS (Psalm 91:4). ⁠
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Where the enemy tries to get me to doubt, remind me of the truth in Your Word that ... ⁠
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... although much in life changes, You remain the same (James 1:17). ⁠
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⁠Thank You for meeting my needs in the past. Because You are our Faithful God, I know You will meet my needs today. ⁠
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I know You can grow my small faith.⁠
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In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
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In your spiritual battles, where are you tempted to doubt God's plan? How has God met your needs in the past? Trust Him meet you now!!⁠
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Drop an emoji if you are using the Shield of Faith today!! 🙏🙏🙏⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#ShieldOfFaith⁠ #GodIsFaithful #James117⁠
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Nov 2

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ISN'T IT JUST LIKE GOD TO USE SMALL THINGS TO ACCOMPLISH BIG THINGS?⁠
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Psalm 8:2 “Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.”⁠
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The NIV Application Commentary says, “The recognition of one’s own weakness is the starting point for recognizing dependence on the strength of God.”⁠
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Do you feel small in your efforts to serve God and others?⁠
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That’s okay!! ⁠
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God takes our meager offering and multiplies it to accomplish His purposes—not only in our lives, but in the world!!⁠
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What are some small efforts that make a big difference?⁠
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Oct 28

Open
⁠HOLY FATHER, I WANT YOUR PEACE TO RULE MY LIFE.⁠
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First, I confess my sin and thank You for Your forgiveness. ⁠
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Thank You that through Jesus, the Prince of Peace, I can have peace with You.⁠
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Please show me where I need to make amends in my relationships. ⁠
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Help me to humbly approach my friends and family and ask for forgiveness so peace can be restored in our relationships. ⁠
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And in my circumstances, where I am anxious and afraid, I fix my eyes on You and trust You to settle my heart and mind.⁠
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Father, please give me courage to share the Gospel of Peace with those who cross my path today. ⁠
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You've given me the great privilege of partnering with You to spread the gospel. Give me sensitivity to recognize when to speak up so others can hear the good news and know salvation.⁠
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In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
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In your personal spiritual battles, is there anyone with whom you need to reconcile?⁠
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How does Satan disrupt your peace? ⁠
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Drop an emoji if you want to share the gospel of peace today! 🙏🙏🙏 ⁠(kinda scary, huh!)⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#GospelOfPeace #PrinceOfPeace⁠
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Oct 26

Open
HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU READ 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13?⁠
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I've read it many times, but something new popped out to me.⁠
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“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NIV)⁠
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It’s that last phrase … SO YOU CAN ENDURE IT.⁠
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Prior to the other day, whenever I thought about this verse, I thought about temptation LEAVING once I ESCAPED, by being obedient to take God’s way out.⁠
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But that’s not what the last phrase indicates. It says that we can ENDURE TEMPTATION. ⁠
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If you're like me, this offers great hope. Sometimes temptation sticks around. It doesn't just go away. That’s why it’s so important to wear the Helmet of Salvation and protect our minds with the Truth from God’s Word. ⁠
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Whatever temptation you are facing, God’s “way out” will help you ENDURE your temptation, especially if it is a lingering one. ⁠
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He is present—you don’t face it alone. He strengthens you each step of the way until you are clear of it.⁠
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Drop an emoji if you agree!⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠ #HelmetOfSalvation #BeltOfTruth #StandingFirmBibleStudy ⁠
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Oct 21

Open
⁠HOLY FATHER, THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS⁠ ⁠protects my heart--which is the core of who I am. ⁠
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May the truth of Your Word guard and protect my heart (Proverbs 4:23).⁠
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On my own, it is impossible to live righteously. ⁠
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As I yield my will to the Holy Spirit, however, You give me the power to live in victory. ⁠
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Give me the courage to surrender the areas of my life You put Your finger on.⁠
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May my time in Your Word work change in my heart so I can live the righteous life You desire.⁠
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In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
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In your personal spiritual battle, is there any area of your life where you need to surrender? ⁠
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What do your thoughts, words, and actions reveal about your heart?⁠
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Drop an emoji if you are wearing the Breastplate of Righteousness today! 🙏🙏🙏⁠
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I would consider it a privilege to partner in prayer with you. Feel free to send me a DM!⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#BreastplateOfRighteousness⁠ #Proverbs423 #Ephesians 518⁠
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