John Hargrove Seeking Truth and Reality

Devotional: The Overflow of Joyful Thanksgiving

Scripture: Isaiah 12:1-6 and Ephesians 1:15-19

The call to joyful thanksgiving in Isaiah 12 invites us to consider the depth of God’s love and mercy toward us. “In that day,” the prophet writes, “you will say: O LORD, I will praise You. Although You were angry with me, Your anger has turned away, and You have comforted me.” This is a profound picture of redemption—God’s holy wrath against sin being turned away, not by our efforts, but by His provision of salvation.

Isaiah captures the natural response to such grace: trust, joy, and proclamation. When we recognize that “God is my salvation,” our hearts overflow with confidence and peace. Fear melts away as we declare, “The LORD GOD is my strength and my song.” This assurance draws us to the “springs of salvation,” a rich metaphor for the refreshment and renewal we experience in Christ.

In Ephesians 1:15-19, Paul continues this theme of thanksgiving. He highlights the faith and love of the believers and prays that they would grow in their knowledge of God. His prayer is that their hearts would be enlightened to grasp the hope, the inheritance, and the power available to them in Christ. This echoes Isaiah’s encouragement to make God’s works known “among the peoples” and to declare the greatness of His name.

Reflection: The Springs of Salvation

Just as a parched land depends on springs for life, our souls depend on God’s salvation. The springs of salvation are not stagnant but overflowing, symbolizing abundance, refreshment, and unending grace. When we draw from them, we are filled with joy that cannot be contained—it spills over into songs of praise and testimonies of His goodness.

Paul’s prayer in Ephesians reminds us that this joy and confidence come from knowing God deeply. Through the Spirit, we gain wisdom and revelation, allowing us to see with “the eyes of our heart” the magnitude of God’s love and power at work in our lives. This understanding transforms us, making our praise not just an obligation but an irresistible outpouring of thanksgiving.

Application: Living in Joyful Thanksgiving

1. Trust Without Fear: Reflect on areas of fear or uncertainty in your life. Surrender these to the Lord, reminding yourself that He is your salvation and strength. Declare His promises over your life.

2. Draw From the Springs: Spend time in Scripture and prayer, allowing the “springs of salvation” to refresh your soul. Consider how God’s provision has sustained you, even in difficult seasons.

3. Proclaim His Name: Look for opportunities to share God’s goodness with others. Whether through your words, actions, or prayers, let your life point others to the greatness of His name.

4. Pray for Enlightenment: Follow Paul’s example and pray for a deeper revelation of God’s calling, inheritance, and power in your life. Ask the Spirit to open your heart to the riches of His grace.

Prayer:

Father, we praise You for turning away Your anger and extending comfort and salvation to us. Thank You for being our strength, song, and joy. Open the eyes of our hearts so we may see the hope of Your calling and the greatness of Your power at work in us. Help us to draw from the springs of salvation daily and to proclaim Your name with boldness and joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the Holy One of Israel, who is great among us, fill your heart with thanksgiving and peace today.

Devotion: Sowing to the Spirit

Scripture:

For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. – Galatians 6:8

Reflection:

Every day, we are sowing seeds. Our thoughts, actions, words, and decisions are like seeds that will one day produce a harvest. The question we must ask ourselves is, What kind of seeds am I planting?

When we sow to the flesh, we invest in things that are temporary, self-serving, and often contrary to God’s will. This might look like pursuing worldly pleasures, harboring bitterness, or prioritizing our own desires above God’s call. Paul warns us that sowing to the flesh leads to corruption—a harvest of decay, emptiness, and ultimately separation from God.

But there is a better way. Sowing to the Spirit means living in step with the Holy Spirit, aligning our lives with God’s purposes. This might include acts of love, forgiveness, generosity, prayer, and obedience to God’s Word. When we sow to the Spirit, we invest in things that are eternal and life-giving. Paul promises that this kind of sowing leads to eternal life—a life marked by peace, joy, and a deep relationship with our Creator both now and forever.

Sowing to the Spirit is not always easy. It requires intentionality and often involves choosing what is right over what feels good or easy. It might mean denying yourself, taking up your cross, and following Jesus in ways that challenge you. But the harvest is worth it.

Application:

• Examine Your Seeds: Take time to reflect on what you are sowing today. Are your actions, thoughts, and decisions investing in the flesh or the Spirit?

• Align with the Spirit: Spend time in prayer and Scripture, asking God to guide you in sowing seeds that honor Him.

• Act with Intention: Choose one way you can sow to the Spirit today—whether it’s serving someone in need, speaking truth in love, or spending time in worship and prayer.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to sow seeds that glorify You. Forgive me for the times I have sown to the flesh, seeking my own desires above Yours. Teach me to walk in step with Your Spirit, planting seeds of love, faithfulness, and obedience. May my life produce a harvest that pleases You and brings glory to Your name. Amen.

Challenge:

This week, make a deliberate effort to sow to the Spirit in at least one specific area of your life. Whether it’s through your relationships, your work, or your personal time with God, trust that the seeds you plant today will yield a harvest for eternity.

“The God of Abraham Praise” is a hymn with lyrics by Thomas Olivers, inspired by a Jewish prayer. The hymn’s origin dates back to the 18th century when Olivers, a Methodist preacher, attended a synagogue service in London and heard the Yigdal, a Jewish doxology. Deeply moved, he adapted the Yigdal’s essence into Christian worship, emphasizing the shared heritage of the God of Abraham.

The hymn became a significant bridge between Jewish and Christian traditions, celebrating the monotheistic foundation shared by both faiths. Olivers’ lyrics honor God as faithful, eternal, and sovereign, with themes of hope and divine promise. The tune, named Leoni after the synagogue cantor Meyer Lyon (also known as Leoni) who sang the Yigdal, has become closely associated with the hymn.

Lyrics to “The God of Abraham Praise”

The hymn is often sung in various versions and with several verses omitted or adapted, but here is a traditional version of the text:

1. The God of Abraham praise,

Who reigns enthroned above;

Ancient of everlasting days,

And God of love:

Jehovah, great I AM,

By earth and heaven confessed;

I bow and bless the sacred name,

Forever blest.

2. The God of Abraham praise,

At whose supreme command

From earth I rise, and seek the joys

At His right hand:

I all on earth forsake,

Its wisdom, fame, and power;

And Him my only portion make,

My shield and tower.

3. He by Himself hath sworn,

I on His oath depend,

I shall, on eagles’ wings upborne,

To heaven ascend:

I shall behold His face,

I shall His power adore,

And sing the wonders of His grace

Forevermore.

4. The whole triumphant host

Give thanks to God on high;

“Hail, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!”

They ever cry:

Hail, Abraham’s God and mine!

I join the heavenly lays;

All might and majesty are Thine,

And endless praise.

Significance and Legacy

“The God of Abraham Praise” endures as a testament to interfaith respect and shared reverence for the God of Abraham. It reflects Olivers’ intent to honor both Jewish and Christian traditions, reminding worshippers of the historical roots of their faith. The hymn is a cherished part of Methodist hymnals and many Christian worship services, preserving its message of divine sovereignty and unity.

“Then I said, ‘But, Lord God, I don’t know how to speak. I am only a boy.’” — Jeremiah 1:6 (ERV)

In life, we are often faced with moments where the magnitude of what lies ahead feels overwhelming. Like Jeremiah, we may be tempted to question our readiness or qualifications. We may feel too young, too inexperienced, or too weak. Yet, God calls us not because we are strong or capable in ourselves, but because He equips those He calls.

Let’s reflect on three key areas of spiritual growth today:

I will let go of…

Like Jeremiah, I will let go of my excuses and doubts. God has called each of us to a purpose, and while we may feel inadequate, it is not by our strength but by His power that we will succeed. Let go of the notion that you are not “enough.” God’s grace is sufficient for you.

I am grateful for…

I am grateful for God’s unwavering faithfulness. He knows our hearts, our strengths, and our weaknesses, yet He chooses us for His work. Be thankful for the calling He has placed on your life, no matter how daunting it may seem. Gratitude shifts our focus from our limitations to His unlimited power.

I will focus on…

I will focus on trusting God’s guidance. Just as He reassured Jeremiah, He promises to guide us wherever He sends us. Our job is to focus on faithfulness to His call, one step at a time, knowing He will provide the words, the strength, and the wisdom we need.

When we feel unsure or unqualified, let us remember Jeremiah’s story. God knows our insecurities, but He doesn’t choose us based on our abilities—He chooses us because of His divine purpose. Let go of fear, embrace gratitude, and focus on His faithful leading in every step of your calling.

Prayer:

Lord, I confess my doubts and hesitations, but I choose to let go of them today. I thank You for Your faithfulness, for calling me to Your work, and for equipping me to fulfill it. Help me to focus on trusting You, knowing that where You lead, You will also provide. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture: “He who is coming will come, and will not delay.” “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you.”

Reflection:

God’s timing may not align with ours, but He is never slow or late. He is fulfilling His promises perfectly, and our role is to trust and wait with expectancy. How does this truth challenge or comfort you?

Prayer Focus:

Pray for peace and confidence in God’s timing. Ask God to give you faith to trust Him, even when His promises seem delayed.

Action:

As you close this study, reflect on the lessons learned about God’s timing. Make a commitment to trust Him more deeply in the days ahead, knowing that He will fulfill His promises in His perfect time.

Day 2: The Power of Vision and Purpose (Habakkuk 2:2,3)
Scripture: “Record the vision And inscribe it on tablets, That the one who reads it may run. For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.”

Reflection:
God’s vision for your life and His ultimate plan for redemption have an appointed time. Though you may not see immediate fulfillment, God’s purposes are advancing. How can you embrace the vision He has for you, even if it tarries?

Prayer Focus:
Pray for clarity in God’s vision for your life. Ask for the endurance to wait patiently and the wisdom to discern His timing.

Action:
Take time to record any personal visions or purposes God has revealed to you. Reflect on how you can wait with expectation, knowing God’s timing is perfect.

This study focuses on understanding God’s timing, patience, and promise of His coming, as revealed through the selected scriptures. Each day builds on the previous one, helping us reflect on God’s faithfulness and our call to trust in His perfect timing.

Day 1: Trust in His Promise (Hebrews 10:37)
Scripture: “FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY.”

Reflection:
Reflect on the certainty of Christ’s return. Although it may seem delayed in our human perspective, God’s timing is perfect, and His promises never fail. How can you grow in your trust that He will come and fulfill His promises in His perfect timing?

Prayer Focus:
Pray for patience and trust in God’s promises. Ask for faith to believe that He is never late, even when circumstances seem uncertain.

Action:
Write down an area in your life where you are waiting on God. Reflect on how you can trust His timing more fully.

Day 2: The Power of Vision and Purpose (Habakkuk 2:2,3)
Scripture: “Record the vision And inscribe it on tablets, That the one who reads it may run. For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.”

Reflection:
God’s vision for your life and His ultimate plan for redemption have an appointed time. Though you may not see immediate fulfillment, God’s purposes are advancing. How can you embrace the vision He has for you, even if it tarries?

Prayer Focus:
Pray for clarity in God’s vision for your life. Ask for the endurance to wait patiently and the wisdom to discern His timing.

Action:
Take time to record any personal visions or purposes God has revealed to you. Reflect on how you can wait with expectation, knowing God’s timing is perfect.

Day 3: Understanding God’s Patience (2 Peter 3:8,9)
Scripture: “But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”

Reflection:
God’s timing is vastly different from ours. He delays out of patience and mercy, giving people the opportunity to turn to Him. How does God’s patience affect your understanding of His timing and your walk of faith?

Prayer Focus:
Thank God for His patience with you and others. Ask for a heart of compassion that reflects His desire for all to come to repentance.

Action:
Identify one person in your life who needs to experience God’s grace. Pray for them and consider how you can extend grace in your interactions with them.

Day 4: God’s Character in Delays (Psalm 86:15)
Scripture: “But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.”

Reflection:
When God seems slow in fulfilling His promises, it reflects His mercy, grace, and love. How can you grow in understanding that God’s delays are not denials, but opportunities for His love and kindness to work in your life?

Prayer Focus:
Pray for a deeper understanding of God’s character—His mercy, grace, and love. Ask Him to reveal how His character is at work in the waiting.

Action:
Spend time journaling about how God’s mercy and lovingkindness have been evident in your life, especially in times of waiting.

Day 5: Longing for God’s Presence (Isaiah 64:1,4)
Scripture: “Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down, That the mountains might quake at Your presence. For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, Nor has the eye seen a God besides You, Who acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him.”

Reflection:
Isaiah expressed a longing for God to come down and make His presence known. How can you cultivate a longing for God’s presence in your life, knowing that He acts on behalf of those who wait for Him?

Prayer Focus:
Pray for a renewed sense of longing for God’s presence in your life. Ask that His presence would become more real to you as you wait on Him.

Action:
Set aside extra time today to be still before the Lord, seeking His presence. Reflect on His faithfulness and how He acts on your behalf.

Day 6: Waiting with Purpose (Habakkuk 2:3)
Scripture: “For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.”

Reflection:
Waiting is not passive; it’s an active part of faith. God’s vision is moving toward fulfillment, even when we don’t see it. How can you live with purpose while you wait on God’s promises?

Prayer Focus:
Pray for endurance in the waiting. Ask God to show you how to live purposefully and faithfully while trusting in His timing.

Action:
Reflect on what it means to actively wait. Consider one way you can serve or grow while waiting for God’s promises in your life.

Day 7: God’s Perfect Timing (2 Peter 3:8-9 & Hebrews 10:37)
Scripture: “He who is coming will come, and will not delay.” “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you.”

Reflection:
God’s timing may not align with ours, but He is never slow or late. He is fulfilling His promises perfectly, and our role is to trust and wait with expectancy. How does this truth challenge or comfort you?

Prayer Focus:
Pray for peace and confidence in God’s timing. Ask God to give you faith to trust Him, even when His promises seem delayed.

Action:
As you close this study, reflect on the lessons learned about God’s timing. Make a commitment to trust Him more deeply in the days ahead, knowing that He will fulfill His promises in His perfect time.

This 7-day study is designed to deepen your understanding of God’s timing, encouraging trust and patience as you wait for the fulfillment of His promises.

I WILL LET GO OF fear and control

I AM GRATEFUL FOR family, friends, and life. And Jesus, my savior.

I WILL FOCUS ON love, peace, joy, having gratitude for everything that I have and that anything that is not good is simply temporary 

I was finished, game over
Couldn’t carry the weight on my shoulders
At my end, in trouble
Knocked down on the ground seein’ double

June 2000 this was me

Some friends, my wife – grace entered and through them Jesus…

…But then Your love, love opened my eyes
Lifted me up, up, now I’m alive
I raise my hands, hands to the sky

October 2000. The 13 was the restart to a 20 year journey to becoming the man i was intended to be.

Oh Lord, I’m a different man
You gave me a second chance
I was lost, I was fallin’ apart
But You came along, and You hit the restart

You, You, You hit the restart
You, You, You hit the restart
You, You, You hit the restart
You came along, and You hit the restart

---

Devotional: “Creating a Clean Heart”

Scripture:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
— Psalm 51:10 (ESV)

Reflection:
King David’s life was marked by both extraordinary faith and profound failures. In Psalm 51, we find David at one of his lowest points, confronted with the reality of his sin. He doesn’t hide from it or excuse it. Instead, he turns to God with a broken and contrite heart, acknowledging his need for divine cleansing.

David’s plea, “Create in me a clean heart, O God,” goes beyond the surface. He doesn’t ask for a mere external cleansing or a temporary fix. He understands that the root of his sin lies within his heart—his innermost being. He realizes that only God can create something new within him, something pure and undefiled.

This request for a clean heart is coupled with a desire for a “right spirit”—a spirit steadfast and aligned with God’s will. David longs for restoration, not just in his actions but in his innermost thoughts and desires. He recognizes that true transformation begins from within.

Application:
Like David, we all have moments when we realize our hearts are not as they should be. Whether it’s through conscious sin, like David’s, or the gradual accumulation of wrong attitudes and desires, our hearts can become cluttered and impure. Psalm 51 offers a model for how to respond when we find ourselves in this state.

1. Confession and Acknowledgment:
   Begin by acknowledging your need for God’s mercy. Confession is the first step in the process of spiritual cleansing. It involves recognizing our sins and being honest with God about them. When we confess, we open the door for God’s transformative work in our lives.
2. A Plea for Cleansing:
   Ask God to create in you a clean heart. This is not something we can achieve on our own. It requires the work of the Holy Spirit, who purifies and renews our inner being. Trust in God’s power to cleanse and renew, no matter how deep the stain of sin may seem.
3. Desire for Renewal:
   Seek a steadfast spirit. Ask God to renew your spirit so that it remains aligned with His will. This involves a willingness to be changed, to let go of old patterns and embrace the new life that God offers.
4. Dependence on God’s Grace:
   Remember that the creation of a clean heart is a work of grace. We cannot earn it or make it happen by sheer willpower. It is a gift from God, given to those who humbly seek it.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a humble heart, acknowledging my need for Your mercy and grace. I confess the sin that has stained my heart and separated me from Your presence. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Purify my thoughts, desires, and actions so that they may align with Your will. Help me to live in the freedom of Your forgiveness and to walk in the newness of life that You offer. Thank You for Your boundless love and the promise of renewal. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Thought:
The journey toward a clean heart is not a one-time event but a daily process of surrender and renewal. As we continue to seek God’s presence, confess our sins, and rely on His grace, He faithfully works within us, shaping us into vessels of His love and righteousness. Let Psalm 51 be a continual reminder that no matter where we are, God’s mercy is always within reach, and He is ready to create in us a clean heart when we turn to Him in faith.

For me

The year 2000 was the year of make it or break it for me. I broke and God picked up the pieces and restarted my life with a cleaned heart and spirit

That started a 20 year journey of renewal.