What do you see in this photo ??? Perception can be tricky (answer at the bottom of this page)
The word perception can be found 8 times in the Bible.
Meaning of perception: The ability to see beneath the outward form to the underlying, often hidden, reality. It is a necessary gift in dealing with people, understanding spiritual teaching, and interpreting events. Perception is important for effective service, though it is often lacking, even among God’s people.
Perception is such a personal word. It’s our view of people, places, and things. Based on our ability to see, hear, smell, taste, feel, and witness.
“Perception” does it define who we are? Or are we just a perception of how people see us? Or does it go deeper?
Our persona holds many facets of who we are. Do we hide behind a mask? Are we seeing the best in others.? Or do we see a perception that they have built to hold life’s scars and victories?
Is our perception of others true to their core? Does it shine from their soul? I say we will never truly know if our perceptions are on target. Our perceptions can sometimes be so misguided!
There are times when we let our guard down and let someone in because of our perception. We learn to trust we learn to love.. and suddenly their true colors bleed through and our perception is changed and our heart carries the scar.
And then on the flip side, there are the times we do not see the treasure in the one that may be standing right beside you due to our own misguided thoughts and perceptions.
But in life, we must take the risk to love and be loved. It truly is the essence of life. Without love life would be void. The beauty of this amazing gift would be stripped clean.. and sadness would fill the air.
I have found unless we study, spend time, and learn everything about the person... We will never truly know if our perception is indeed on target.
The mystery becomes how people’s perception of one person or group of people can be so diverse? When in fact the person or people are always the same... I found it’s due to each individual view based on their own personal life’s journey. I feel perceptions are emotional in nature and can set the tone for your entire day.
During this word study, I found myself asking what is my perception of God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Such a vast subject 😀. But I am studying, learning, and spending the time to build a relationship that shines from His soul to my heart. My perception lies in the three as one ... and the LOVE I have felt in my heart and the peace they have placed in my soul...
The one common thread I have discovered is that all things always points to Jesus and His amazing unconditional LOVE
I seem to always walk away just saying WOW!
I pray and challenge you to dig deep and ask yourself if your perceptions are on target 🎯? Hmm?
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Act 17:11 “These were nobler than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
Luke 5:22 Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?
I have long believed that there are fundamentally two forces or emotions that drive our decisions - love and fear. Love has its many manifestations: compassion, gratitude, kindness, and joy. Fear often manifests itself in cynicism, anger, jealousy, and anxiety. I worry that many of us are being driven by fear. - Vivek Murthy
The word "cynicism" does not appear in the Bible. However, the concept of cynicism is reflected in various biblical passages…
In a biblical context, cynicism is an attitude of distrust, skepticism, and negativity, particularly regarding faith, the goodness of others, or the promises of God. It often manifests as a lack of faith, questioning motives, and expecting the worst in situations and people. Cynicism can stem from disappointment, disillusionment, or a hardened heart.
Are you a manifestation of the world around you? Have you been disappointed by life? Is the stench of darkness seeping into your soul? Has your heart been hardened by the movie playing over and over in your mind?
Are you thinking that things look better in other people’s lives? Is it “facade”? Are they creating an unrealistic image of life? Are we disenchanted when we compare it to the real in our own lives?
Where has commitment, loyalty, and love gone? Is the human heart so hardened that we have forgotten why we are here?? Have we forgotten how to love?
I have often heard, ‘Are you a fighter or a lover?’ I believe we can be both... Fight for love, and those who have been in the trenches with you! The ones that have your back!! The ones that have held your hand and comforted your tired soul. The ones that have the strength to stand with you in these confusing and difficult times…
Has society become complacent and forgotten the value of perseverance in matters related to love, family, and friendship? Have relationships become so fragile that we readily relinquish them at the first sign of adversity?
I must admit we all should do a little soul searching?? Will we find that we are so confident in self that we feel we are perfect and need no one? I believe perfection is a virtue that is NOT attainable by anyone but Jesus!! We can only strive to be a better human each God given day…
So, how do we change our hardened hearts? How do we remove the layers of dust from our soul??? How can we breathe once again? How do we break this bondage on our lives, and learn to unleash the supernatural love that Jesus is willing to share with us? His love is far beyond our human understanding...
I know from experience we cannot do it alone… We must place our total trust in God!! Give Him our heart and surrender our life to Him…be vulnerable in front of Him and ask Him to search our hearts and teach us how to love like Jesus!
Mastering the art of humility, speaking with kindness, and leading with compassion can have a lasting impact on all people, places, and things we value most.
Even though some individuals may say they have tried this and faced disappointment, remember that the benefits of fighting for love and showing up for your people far exceed the cost.
Don't let this world and its trappings rob you of what is truly beautiful and important!!
Eternity with the Arthur and Creator of all things!!!
It’s Him!!!
It will always be Him!!!
His message is clear: love one another…. Sharing His love and light can illuminate our path as we journey back home!!!
My prayer is that you will not succumb to cynicism or fall into a downward spiral into darkness. Instead, look up and love as if tomorrow will never come!
Be the light! Keep Loving! It’s our only HOPE!
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
Hannah's story is one of quiet perseverance. Her deepest longing became a whispered prayer, and in God's perfect timing, that prayer became hope fulfilled. This song reflects her journey from longing to trust.
Whispered Hope - Hannah
Motherhood… a gift from heaven,
From a newborn’s gentle breath
to playful laughter..
Oh, how I long for it to be me…
To feel a life growing inside of me.
Oh God, I cry each day for Your blessing in my life,
Just to hold a newborn close..
A child that carries part of me…
I cannot find a place to hide
From the ache of being barren…
Their words cut deep and quietly
A silent ache I cannot hide.
So I fall to You on bended knee,
With a trembling heart,
I vow before Your holy name
I love You, Lord… and
If You place this gift inside of me,
I’ll hold him close…
And honor you and give him back to Thee.
Oh Heavenly Father,
With tear filled eyes,
I whisper low… my plea…
I will cherish every breath he takes..
You can trust this heart in me.
Let me hear my baby’s cry,
That once lived deep inside…
Let me hold this answered prayer,
With Your love, I’ll hold him there…
Samuel… his name will be…
A gift returned in love to Thee…
My answered prayer… my offering…
My baby Samuel…
My gift from Heaven you will be…
Oh Lord, a mother
is everything I want to be,
Samuel, my precious
baby from thee ….
Continue the journey through the Women of the Bible Series on Spotify.