the Father - Cup of Faith

The Father Heart of God

Beulah Kleinveldt — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 13:40:49 +0000

There was a period in my life I broke God’s heart. A time I thought God had surely forgotten about me. Caught in a web of deceit and betrayal my recovery and restoration was a bloody and tragic one.

I grovelled in a murky pit of despair,
wrapped in inconsolable sorrow.
Fear scurried about like a frenzied rat
and so fierce was my terror that I cowered in a grove where tears turn to
blood; my shrieks unrecognisable even to my own ears. My need for God’s forgiveness threw me on my face before him.

“No God, not me, that cannot be me! Who is this aged woman I see with
soured pallor and skin as burnt wood.
Slumped over my own mess across the bathroom floor, my sin ever before me.
It was there before the face of mercy that I fully understood how intimately God knows us.
How much he loves us and how fully acquainted he is with everything that concerns us; our innermost workings,
even our distorted vanity.
How utterly beautiful truth is at our bloodiest moments. How liberating our frailty when God knows who and what we truly are, yet loves us evermore. He knows what we go through and the fires we walk through. The storms that threaten to destroy us. God knew me.

“I will never ignore abuse against you. I was right there in your pain; walking through your wilted rose garden.
It is I who upheld you in your disappointment and mourned the ruins of your picket fence. I felt all your
pain”.

Something happens when we realise our own nakedness before God. Our hearts are forever transformed when we acknowledge that we’ve come to the end of ourselves.
“Who may stand in your holy
place Lord?
Only he who has clean hands and
a pure heart”.

It is indeed therefore a defining moment when we encounter God’s true love. We look at the blood on our hands and yet here we are, standing in a place designed only for perfection. In his presence where the heart of God sees his son who wrought our redemption by sacrificing his life for us.
In his presence; wrapped against his heart we find an incomprehensible mercy.
I found this love when I whimpered my pain into his God’s chest – curled on my bathroom floor.

“I will never leave you. I am by your side….even unto death—even at the crushing of your bones”.

My grief and relief splattered across wilted roses. It fell into all the broken places, cracks and crevices. I
sobbed over all the untold misery. I held tightly to my Lord who still loved me despite me. It felt as if the torrent would
never stop—so burdened was I.

“Oh Lord, nothing about me is
hidden from you. You know me. You love me. But please tell
me—what shall I lay at your
feet—what can I bring to you
that will have you blot out this
bloody stain from my hands.
Deliver me from the guilt of
bloodshed, O God,
you who are God, my
Saviour”?

Repentance requires more than words. More than a
sacrifice of time and effort.
I needed to know who God was. Many of our carnal
decisions would starve if we understood this truth.
Who is God?

“Out, out you damned stain!

“Create in me a clean heart, Oh God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from
your presence and do not take your Holy Spirit from me”. (Psalm 51:10-12)

God was silent but I felt his breath against my cheek and I reached up to touch his face. He held me close
to his heart; wrapped me in his arms like a baby.
I knew God was with me. That He loved me so much was the greatest and most overwhelming wonder of all wonders. The unmerited gift of redemption.
I love him so tenderly—because he loved me only with tenderness. Even in chastisement he loved me.

“You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
You take no pleasure in burnt offerings
for the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken spirit and a contrite heart,
O God, (these) you will not despise”.
(Psalm 51: 16-17)

Your hand reaches for me even as I slip and fall.
There is no greater love than the love of a father who gives his life away for his children.
You love me.
This my heart knows very well.

No matter where you may find yourself;
buried to your ears – darkness sucking the very breath from you.
God loves you.
He knows everything about you.
Call out to him and he will answer you and show you great and mighty things.

May you know the beauty of the Father’s love.

Beulah Kleinveldt

An (adapted) excerpt from my book Redemption and the forthcoming 3rd edition Katy’s Redemption.

Beulah Kleinveldt

Beulah Kleinveldt or Ms B”, as she is fondly known is a mother, grandmother and mentor. Her journey speaks of success and victory, failure, shame and restoration. A passion to live an intentional life.

4shadesofscarlet.blogspot.com/

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Deepen Your Spiritual Journey: Engaging with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Marthe Badibanga — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 13:38:28 +0000

By Marthe Badibanga

Ever wondered how to weave the concept of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—into your everyday routine? It’s one thing to understand the Trinity as a theological concept, but living it out can make a real difference in how we experience our faith. Understanding and relating to each Person of the Trinity can profoundly enrich our spiritual journey.

Connecting with God the Father

Think of God the Father as the ultimate parent—one who’s always there, supporting and guiding you. He’s the creator of everything and the One who keeps the universe ticking. Relating to the Father often starts with seeing Him as the loving source of everything in our lives (James 1:17). One of the primary ways we get to know the Father is through prayer. Prayer is like having a heart-to-heart with a trusted friend or parent. It’s our chance to share our day, our worries, and our gratitude. Imagine sitting down for a chat with someone who’s always eager to listen and help. That’s how talking to God the Father can feel—comforting and personal. Jesus encouraged us to pray to God the Father through Him, and by the Spirit (Matt. 6:9; Eph. 2:18).

1. Start Your Day with Gratitude

Kick off your day by acknowledging God the Father as the source of all good things. Spend a few moments in the morning giving thanks for the new day, for the blessings you have, and for the opportunities ahead. This simple act can set a positive tone for your day.

2. Seek Guidance in Decision-Making

When faced with choices, big or small, turn to God the Father for guidance. Pray for wisdom and clarity.

3. Reflect on Creation

Sometimes, it’s helpful to step outside and just breathe in the beauty around you. Whether it’s a stunning sunset or the intricate details of a flower, seeing God’s handiwork can remind you of His presence and power. It’s like God saying, “Look, I made this just for you!”

Embracing God the Son, Jesus Christ, in our Life

Jesus Christ is like the ultimate friend who’s been through everything we’ve been through. He came to show us how to live, love, and even how to handle tough times. Jesus represents God’s love and redemption. His life, death, and resurrection are central to understanding how deeply God values us. Relating to Jesus involves recognizing His sacrifice and how it brings us into a new relationship with God and how it changes everything for us. This can be a source of profound gratitude and inspiration in our own lives.

1. Learning from His Teachings

Jesus’ teachings are not just historical accounts; they are living words that guide us today. By studying the Gospels and reflecting on Jesus’ life, we can learn how to live with compassion, forgiveness, and purpose. His example of love and humility serves as a model for how we can navigate our relationships and challenges.

2. Building a Personal Connection Through Worship

Worshiping Jesus, whether through church services, personal reflection, or acts of service, helps to build a personal connection with Him. This can involve singing hymns, participating in communion, or simply spending time in silent reflection on His life and teachings. It’s in these acts that we draw closer to Jesus and experience His presence in our lives.

3. Model Your Actions After Jesus

Jesus lived a life full of compassion, grace, and service. Try to mirror these qualities in your interactions with others. Whether it’s showing kindness to a stranger or forgiving someone who’s wronged you, let Jesus’ example guide your actions.

Inviting the Holy Spirit into our Daily Routine

The Holy Spirit is often seen as the active presence of God in our lives, guiding, comforting, and empowering us. Relating to the Holy Spirit involves being open to His influence and guidance. The Spirit helps us grow in faith, equips us for service, and brings comfort during times of trouble.

1. Listening to the Spirit’s Promptings

The Holy Spirit often speaks through subtle nudges and promptings. Learning to recognize and respond to these can enhance our spiritual journey. This might involve feeling a sudden urge to help someone, experiencing a deep sense of peace, or gaining insight into a personal issue. Trusting these promptings and seeking discernment through prayer can help us align more closely with the Spirit’s guidance. Spend a few moments each day in silence, inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to you. This could be through meditation, journaling, or simply being still. It’s a way to tune in to the Spirit’s guidance and support.

2. Experiencing the Spirit’s Power Through Spiritual Gifts

The Holy Spirit empowers believers with spiritual gifts such as wisdom, healing, and prophecy. Understanding and utilizing these gifts can be a way to relate more deeply to the Spirit. Engaging in practices that nurture these gifts and seeking opportunities to serve others can help us experience the Spirit’s active presence in our lives.

3. Engage in Community

Find a faith community where you can discuss and explore how the Spirit impacts your life. Sharing experiences and learning from others can provide additional insights and support for integrating the Trinity into your daily routine.

Bringing it All Together

Integrating the Trinity into our daily life is all about making these profound relationships a living, breathing part of our routine. By connecting with the Father, modelling our actions after the Son, and being open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can experience a richer, more vibrant faith. Relating to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit doesn’t have to be compartmentalized. Each aspect of the Trinity plays a unique role, but they work together harmoniously.
Consider how each Person can be a part of your daily activities. For instance, you might start your day with a prayer to the Father, seek Jesus’ guidance through study and worship, and remain open to the Spirit’s prompts throughout the day. Let your relationship with the Trinity influence your everyday choices and interactions. Whether it’s showing love and kindness, making ethical decisions, or finding ways to serve others, let the Trinity be reflected in your actions.

What about you? How do you connect with the Trinity in your daily life? Share your thoughts or practices in the comments—I’d love to hear how you keep your connection with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit alive and active.

Here’s to discovering and deepening our connections with the Trinity!

_______

I am a passionate volunteer blogger with a love for writing, dedicated to sharing inspiring words to uplift others and a drive to make a difference, I long to see fellow Christians become all that God wants them to be.

Marthe Badibanga

A volunteer blogger whose passion is to see the people of God become all that the LORD intended them to be in their personal relationships with Him that overflow into their daily lives.

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