Statements of Faith Friday 12-12-2025

As we set sail into the future God has prepared for us, our statements of faith serve as anchors, ⚓ keeping us grounded and aligned to His Way. Set in the powerful truths of Obadiah, these declarations are more than words—they are spiritual affirmations that strengthen our resolve and renew our hope. Whether spoken aloud, written in a journal, or quietly meditated upon, they carry the potential to give us a lift and empower us like wind in our sails. Let them be a source of encouragement this weekend as the Spirit guides throughout the week ahead, reminding us that God’s Way is steadfast, victorious, and full of promise.

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Thoughts for Thursday 12-11-2025

Our thoughts are powerful catalysts, sparking the momentum that propels us forward on the path God has designed. They shape our perspective, energize, direct our steps, and ignite our passion like fuel to a flame as we carry out God’s plan for us. Below is a thought from Obadiah.

Like stone weathered yet unwavering, the truths of God’s Word endure through generations—firm, faithful, and unshaken by the battles of life. These living lessons, etched into eternity, offer a blueprint for restoration and renewal, guiding us to build what lasts beyond time. From the ruins of pride, we rise with courage, humility, and grace, rewriting futures once fractured. In the spirit of Obadiah’s vision, even former enemies are redeemed and restored, now working together for the good of all. Justice and peace become our shared pursuit as we follow Jesus—the Way, the Truth, and the Life—stepping ahead upon the solid foundation of God’s enduring Word.

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Walking in His Footsteps

Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. – Proverbs 13:10

In the study of Obadiah as written about in “Walking in the Light of Truth”, we see that Edom was a nation constantly at war, driven by pride and a lack of humility. Their arrogance led them to oppose their own kin and rejoice in others’ misfortune. Sadly, this spirit still exists today in certain people and nations — those who elevate themselves while sowing division and conflict. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called not to wish disaster upon those against us, but to pursue peace and extend grace. We should pray for their transformation, hoping they will turn from pride, follow Jesus, and become a force for good in the world.

The song I Will Follow by Maranatha Singers is a heartfelt declaration of devotion to Jesus, who sets us free from the burdens of sin and leads us into a life of purpose and peace. Its lyrics reflect a journey of trust—following Christ not just in moments of clarity, but through every season, knowing He guides us to where we truly need to be. As we walk in His footsteps, we’re drawn toward eternal values like love, grace, humility, and a deeper sense of purpose that transcends worldly pursuits. The song is both a prayer and a promise, echoing the call to live a life shaped by the freedom and truth found in Him.

Index of devotionals

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Walking in the Light of Truth

Just north of Abilene, Texas, the enduring remains of Fort Phantom Hill whisper tales of resilience and time—only stone fireplaces and the stone jailhouse still stand, defying decay. Stone, by its very nature, holds firm through generations, much like the enduring truths found in God’s Word. When we build our lives upon the solid principles He offers—love, justice, grace, and truth—we lay foundations that will outlast the storms of life. The timeless lessons of scripture aren’t relics of history but living stones we can carry forward. And as those weathered ruins remind us, sometimes the best way to grasp the future is by honoring the strength that still rises from the past.

In a world tangled with conflict and shifting alliances, the prophets were the original visionaries. Instead of business plans developed for future earnings, their forecasting communicated God’s purpose. Take Obadiah, for example. His vision didn’t come with spreadsheets or marketing pitches, but it carried a strategy more enduring than any empire. During a time of relentless war with Edom—a nation born from Esau, who famously traded his birthright for a bowl of stew—Obadiah spoke with clarity and conviction. His words revealed God’s justice, long-range vision, and ultimate sovereignty. The prophets didn’t just forecast outcomes; they delivered eternal blueprints—calling people to invest in righteousness, and warning that shortcuts for fleeting satisfaction would never yield lasting returns.

In the vision of Obadiah, God casts a piercing light on Edom’s heart—one swollen with pride and overconfidence. Though they nestled high in the rocks and boasted of impenetrable defenses, their arrogance blinded them to the reality of divine justice. Edom’s trust in its own strength, alliances, and wisdom became its downfall. Through Obadiah, the message is clear: no human elevation can rival the sovereignty of God. Pride may build strongholds, but it cannot shield a nation from the humbling hand of heaven.

A stark contrast emerges between the destiny of God’s people and that of Edom. While Edom’s pride leads to its downfall—its future darkened by divine judgment—God’s people are shown walking a different path: one toward victory, clarity, and purpose. They reject worldly confusion and fill their minds with the wisdom and truth of God. What awaits them is not ruin but restoration, not obscurity but elevation. Their spiritual posture secures a future shaped by the favor of God, while Edom’s misplaced confidence ends in collapse. In this prophetic vision, we see that where pride falls, surrender rises—and in that rising is God’s plan fulfilled.

The vision of Obadiah reminds us that even in the face of injustice or opposition, God’s heart calls us to something higher. Rather than wishing disaster upon our enemies—as Edom once reveled in Judah’s downfall—we’re challenged to pray for transformation and renewal. Our hope should be that those who oppose us might one day become contributors to healing and justice, not recipients of ruin. Success isn’t about defeating others — it’s about building a society where even former enemies can be redeemed, restored, and used for the good of all. Obadiah’s warning against pride and gloating becomes a call to humility, compassion, and grace that rewrites futures.

The vision is more than a warning—it’s an invitation to pursue a higher path. When strife and pride threatened to sever the bonds between nations, God’s call to justice was also a call to peace. Striving for peace means stepping forward with courage, not waiting for others to move first. It means listening deeply, empathizing with their pain, and focusing on solutions over blame. Flexibility softens hardened hearts, and reconciliation rebuilds what pride has broken. Through Obadiah’s words, we’re reminded that peace is never passive — it’s a deliberate pursuit, rooted in humility and led by love.

🙏 Father God, we thank you for Your Truth that anchors and steadies us. In a world that shifts depending on popular thought, we can count on Your Word to lead us forward. Help us to follow Your Word with boldness because victory is promised when we follow Jesus. The Way, the Truth, and the Life – the One who sets us free. Lead us toward your values of love that heals, grace that covers, humility that honors, and with purpose that glorifies You. Today, we step ahead into Your Truth and with every step, may the Holy Spirit guide us further towards freedom by following Jesus. Amen.

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Questions for Reflection for the Study of Obadiah

As we turn the page into the book of Obadia, we get a sobering vision: a prophetic warning of imminent judgment against Edom for its pride and betrayal. In just a few verses, Obadiah paints a stark picture of downfall and devastation, a near-term reckoning that cannot be escaped. Yet woven into this brief but potent message is a thread of hope—a promise that beyond the ruins, restoration awaits. Though the present holds doom, the future glimmers with redemption, as God’s justice gives way to His mercy and the faithful are lifted up in triumph.

The reading plan below will be used to hold me accountable as I share about God’s Word. To share about Habakkuk, it’s important to have a plan in place. I am thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us, and by accepting Christ as Savior, we have taken the essential steps to make each day amazing. This plan will guide our journey, ensuring that we gain a deeper understanding of the scriptures and apply them meaningfully in our daily lives.

Questions for Reflection

Obadiah – How does God look upon Edom? Why? What should be your attitude toward the disaster of other people and other nations (even those who have wronged you? How do you obtain peace? What is the difference between Edom’s future and with the promise given to God’s people?

Feel free to respond with a thoughtful note or a comment about any of the questions discussed. Additionally, I warmly invite you to share your favorite inspirational videos, photos, or Bible verses that have touched your heart. Please contribute your ideas and reflections in the comments or post them on the dedicated Facebook page: This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey. Together, let’s build a nurturing community that uplifts and supports one another in our spiritual growth and journey through faith. Your voice and inspiration can spark hope and encouragement in someone else’s day!

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Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts

Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.

“Sermons.” Sermons | FUMC Waco. N.p., n.d. Web.  <https://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.

“Bible.” The Bible – The Word of God – ChristNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 2017. <http://www.christianity.com/bible/>.

Nicholes, Lou. “Recent Commentaries.” Family-Times.net – Devotional Commentary Index. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/>.

“Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>.

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