“The reason I can still find hope is that I keep this one thing in mind:the Lord’s mercy. We were not completely wiped out. His compassion is never limited. It is new every morning.His faithfulness is great.My soul can say, ‘The Lord is my lot in life. That is why I find hope in him. ‘The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to anyone who seeks help from him.” Lamentations 3:21-25
Beloved, no matter what you are surrounded by, great is His faithfulness.
He can deliver.
He can forgive.
He can restore what has been lost.
He can make things new for He is Lord of all creation.
So that is why you still have hope.
That is why you can rejoice in a new day because there are fresh new mercies that await you.
Surely, He is your strength for today and your hope for tomorrow.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary gives this definition of always: at all times, forever, at any rate; in any event.
The synonyms for always are consistently, constantly, continually, ever, forever, incessantly, invariably, night and day, perpetually, unfailingly.
Now hear the Word of the Lord to you,
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:4
Beloved, there will never be a moment of your life when you are alone.
God is ALWAYS with you.
In every circumstance and in every season.
In the good and in the bad.
God is with you.
When He said to you, I will never leave, nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6), He meant it.
He is faithful, you can rest in Him.
He is good, you can trust Him.
He is powerful, you can rely on Him.
He will ALWAYS be with you.
“So I tell you to stop worrying about what you will eat, drink, or wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothes?“Look at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or gather the harvest into barns. Yet, your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?“Can any of you add a single hour to your life by worrying?“And why worry about clothes? Notice how the flowers grow in the field. They never work or spin yarn for clothes. But I say that not even Solomon in all his majesty was dressed like one of these flowers.That’s the way God clothes the grass in the field. Today it’s alive, and tomorrow it’s thrown into an incinerator. So how much more will he clothe you people who have so little faith?“Don’t ever worry and say, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ Everyone is concerned about these things, and your heavenly Father certainly knows you need all of them.But first, be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval. Then all these things will be provided for you.” Matthew 6:25-33
“Finally, receive your power from the Lord and from his mighty strength. Put onall the armor that God supplies. In this way you can take a stand against the devil’s strategies. This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world. For this reason, take upall the armor that God supplies. Then you will be able to take a stand during these evil days. Once you have overcome all obstacles, you will be able to stand your ground. So then, take your stand! Fasten truth around your waist like a belt. Put on God’s approval as your breastplate. Put onyour shoes so that you are ready to spread the Good News that gives peace. In addition to all these, take the Christian faith as your shield. With it you can put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Also takesalvation as your helmet and God’s word as the sword that the Spirit supplies.” Ephesians 6:10-17 (emphasis mine)
Beloved,
You have power!
You have strength!
Not of your own but from God.
But you have a choice to make.
Choose to put on ALL the armor that HE supplies.
Choose today to abide in Him daily, “I am the vine. You are the branches. Those who live in me while I live in them will produce a lot of fruit. But you can’t produce anything without me.” John 15:5
In the same way we clothe ourselves in the natural; we must clothe ourselves in the spirit.
Remember, “…the ONE who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 (emphasis mine)
“Now the Word of the Lord came to me saying, “Before I started to put you together in your mother, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart as holy. I chose you to speak to the nations for Me.” Then I said, “O, Lord God! I do not know how to speak. I am only a boy.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a boy.’ You must go everywhere I send you. And you must say whatever I tell you.” Jeremiah 1:4-7
Beloved, you were made for a purpose.
Your DNA, characteristics, personality, and all of what makes you uniquely YOU, were planned on purpose by the Creator of the universe.
The same God who so amazingly created the stars, the oceans, the heavens, the flowers, and the ground that you stand on, so amazingly created you.
Take a few moments to let that sink into the depths of your heart.
That is the foundation that you are to stand on.
That truth alone is your confidence.
It sets the tone for your life.
As you embrace that truth, it now becomes a weapon against fear, doubt, insecurities, and feelings of not being enough.
You are enough because HE made you.
Every gift and talent God has bestowed upon you is for His glory and for you and you alone to fulfill.
“Before I started to put you together in your mother, I knew you.” Jeremiah 1:5
It is mind blowing to know that before we were even a thought, we were on the mind of God.
He is so full of love.
Do not wrestle with this truth because it is beyond your understanding.
Simply accept His Word concerning you.
Embrace it and live it.
He has a purpose for you.
“I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Seek His will for your life, there is one, I can assure you that.
“Jesus said to him, “I am the (only) Way (to God) and the (real) Truth and the (real) Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” John 14:6
As we have reflected this week on the death of our Savior, we know that this was a part of God’s perfect plan for the life of His beloved Son.
We know that as Jesus walked this earth, He lived in total submission to the Father’s commands.
We know that Jesus walked with a heart of compassion.
He served.
He healed.
He set free those who were in bondage.
He taught His disciples and all who had an ear to listen.
He loved.
He had all power in His hands yet He walked with humility.
He sat with those whom others looked down upon.
Our Savior was born to die and He knew it.
There’s no greater love than this.
There has never been nor will there ever be.
Beloved, He is the way, the truth and the life.
There is no other way to have eternal life than through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
There is no other truth that we can hold on to.
There is no life without Him.
My prayer is that we don’t just reflect on these truths once a year, yet we hold on to them day by day, moment by moment.
How deep the Father’s love for us, How vast beyond all measure, That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure. How great the pain of searing loss –The Father turns His face away, As wounds which mar the Chosen One Bring many sons to glory. Behold the man upon a cross, My sin upon His shoulders; Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice Call out among the scoffers. It was my sin that held Him there Until it was accomplished; His dying breath has brought me life – I know that it is finished. I will not boast in anything, No gifts, no power, no wisdom; But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection. Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer; But this I know with all my heart – His wounds have paid my ransom.
“For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
“While He was passing by, He noticed a man [who had been] blind from birth. His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi (Teacher), who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but it was so that the works of God might be displayed and illustrated in him.” John 9:1-3 (emphasis mine)
God’s glory and power shines through the most difficult times in our lives.
Beloved, on this road there will be suffering.
And sometimes it is necessary.
“My thoughts are not your thoughts, and my ways are not your ways,” declares the Lord. “Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8,9
Often we equate the suffering that occurs in our lives as a result of something that we have done.
That’s not always the case.
Sometimes, the greater good in our lives is because God allowed the suffering to occur.
God is faithful.
Have faith in Him even in the uncertain times in your life.
God is LOVE.
Trust that His love for you is eternal.
God is with you.
Know that He will never leave you.
No matter what kind of suffering you may be going through, pray for strength and the eyes to see what God sees.
Trust that your Father has the power to heal, deliver and to make whole what’s been broken.
“Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20
“Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 AMP
The understanding that God has is limitless.
His compassion is too deep to comprehend.
His love is ever flowing.
His forgiveness is always available to us.
We are so blessed!
Beloved, the blessing that we have is within us to bless others.
Your words have the ability to save another’s life.
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, But a good (encouraging) word makes it glad.”Proverbs 12:25 AMP
Rest assured, it is not by self-will rather it is through the indwelling of His Spirit.
Pay attention to whom God places on your heart or who you “accidentally” run into.
Don’t ignore the prompting to call or text someone.
So much can change in a person’s life by your sensitivity to the Spirit.
As you spread His love, you can be sure that it will come back to you.
“Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure–pressed down, shaken together, and running over [with no space left for more]. For with the standard of measurement you use [when you do good to others], it will be measured to you in return.” Luke 6:38 AMP
Be the living expression of God’s kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile. Mother Teresa
No matter where you are and no matter what you are going through.
God is with you.
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.” Psalm 23:4 (emphasis mine)
You are going “through” and He is with you. He will never leave you. Hold onto that.
Here are some scriptures that will give you hope as you await your healing.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
“Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.” Psalms 107:19-21
And now declare unto Him right where you are, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalms 73:26
“Faith assures us of things we expect and convinces us of the existence of things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1
“Abraham believedin the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing. Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb. Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.” Romans 4:17b-21 (emphasis mine)
It’s so easy to lose sight of those things that we once were believing God for.
I am here to encourage, inspire, and push you to yet believe again.
Understand, Abraham’s promise (see Genesis 17) was for an appointed time set by God.
And in your life, there is an appointed time set by God Himself for the things you are believing Him for.
God has perfect timing and His methods and ways of fulfilling His promise go far beyond our earthly and logical timetable.
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. “The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” Isaiah 55:8-11
Beloved, now is not the time to give up and lose hope. Yet it is the perfect time to reflect and remember what you are believing God for, trust in His timing and expect a miracle!
“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20
“I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” John 10:10 (MSG)
Beloved, The Gift is the precious gift of salvation.
“A child will be born for us. A son will be given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. He will be named: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and peace will have unlimited growth. He will establish David’s throne and kingdom. He will uphold it with justice and righteousness now and forever. The Lord of Armies is determined to do this!” Isaiah 9:6,7
Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” John 14:6
The gift of salvation is not obtained by being perfect, because there is nothing you and I can do to earn God’s perfect love. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from ourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” Eph. 2:8-9
Because we are sinners, we deserve to be eternally separated from God, but because of His Son’s death on the cross, we can have life. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” Rom. 6:23 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8
Here’s the best news you will ever hear…
God loves you, for Scripture says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16
Right where you are, you can receive Christ as your Savior by praying this simple prayer: God, I know that I am a sinner and my sins have separated me from You. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my life of sin and run to You with a repentant heart. Please forgive me. I believe that Your Son, Jesus Christ, died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer right at this very moment. I invite Jesus to become my Savior and the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send Your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your perfect will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen
His Promise to You: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Rom. 10:9-10
“See what an incredible quality of love the Father has shown to us, that we would [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are!” 1 John 3:1
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