Romans 12:11-13, Galatians 6:9, Revelation 2:4, Matthew 26:36-40, 1 Thessalonians Nations and individuals can cry out for God's blessing in times of crisis, yet quickly return to earthly concerns and casual faith. Believers might begin with a fervent love for God, lose their first love, growing weary in doing good, and becoming slothful in zeal. Scripture calls us to remain watchful, fervent in spirit, constant in prayer, and to grow more and more in faith. #FirstLove #DontGrowWeary #FerventInSpirit #ZealForGod

John 11:45-57

To see God one must have a pure heart. This requires us to have a new heart. Once God has given us a new heart, we are responsible to guard it "with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life" (Pro. 4:23).

The sign of raising Lazarus from the dead was a manifestation of God's glory and designed to give faith or increase the faith of God's people. Many saw the glory, and thus believed in Jesus. Unfortunately, others merely saw a raw display of power, and went to tell the Pharisees what they witnessed. Salvation and sanctification only occurs when we see the glory.

Forgiveness is not a matter of calculation, but an ongoing disposition of the heart.

David is confident that God is going to answer his prayer. It seems that this assurance is the result of providing God with reasons for why he should answer. David doesn't merely ask for what he wants. He explains to God precisely why he should grant his request.

'Blessed are the merciful,' stresses that mercy—both in practical help to the suffering and in forgiveness toward those who wrong us—is a defining mark of a genuine Christian. To such people God will extend his mercy.

John 11:17-27

Jesus redefines blessing in Matthew 5:5 by declaring the meek—those who embody Christlike gentleness and self-control—will inherit the earth, subverting worldly values that exalt power and conquest. Far from weakness, biblical meekness is strength under divine restraint, reflecting Christ's own nature and exemplified in His victory over evil through suffering rather than force.