Remain in Faith

“So be truly glad.There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world (1 Peter 1:6-7 NLT).”

Photo by: Simon Migaj of London, UK 🇬🇧

Be encouraged! The trials you face are only temporary. As you press on in Jesus, your faith is getting stronger. Everyday that you choose to keep believing in Him, you are drawing closer to love and hope. The Lord has promised to never forsake you. Remain strong in Him, remembering that He lives within you. God hears your every prayer and has an answer for your every struggle. His grace is sufficient for your every need. So keep seeking Him and keep trusting Him. Don’t give up the fight!

Let Your Light Shine

Matthew 5:16 NLT, “… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

We have a golden opportunity everyday to let our light shine by showing the love of Jesus. True, there are times when this is easier than others, but nevertheless through Christ we are called to show love. He gives us the courage and ability to do what is best in every situation we face. Even when we don’t realize it, people are watching our actions and they can see the difference Jesus makes in our lives. The good deeds we do should not be done to draw attention to ourselves, but rather to bring glory to our Father in heaven.

Photo by: Andrea Piacquadio of Hungary 🇭🇺

Staying connected to the Father through prayer will keep us humble and in tune with His heart. Prayer also keeps our ears open to His voice as He leads us to opportunities to be used for His glory. Being available for the Father’s use will often mean we have to make sacrifices; however, it brings joy to know we are helping others to know Jesus. Plus, we never know what someone is going through; the love we show can help them get through the day.

Prayers for the Nation

As Independence Day, (4th of July), is approaching here in America, the word that is staying on my heart is “prayer”. We need prayers for repentance, healing, justice, equality, compassion, wisdom, peace…the list goes on and on.

2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV, ”if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Photo by: Wendy van Zyl of South Africa 🇿🇦

Knowing God is sovereign over all things, people and events brings comfort. Trusting His love and protection day by day brings security. Focusing on His purposes brings perspective. I’m thankful that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8). When things seem to spiral out of control, He is still in control. His goodness and mercy never cease to follow us (Psalm 23:6). We are blessed to know and serve the God of creation.

No matter what part of the world you live in, I pray God’s presence and love would surround you, and that His Word would light your way. The hope we have in Jesus will never lead to shame (Psalm 25:3).

From God’s Heart to Ours

Psalm 89:14 NIV, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.”

On Sunday, my Pastor shared this verse during the sermon. Considering the state of the world we are living in, this verse brings security and peace. Righteousness, justice, love, and faithfulness flow from God’s heart to ours. As His children, we never have to worry or fear. We just have to open our hearts to receive the blessings He wants to give us.

Photo by: Mabel Amber of the Netherlands 🇳🇱

As we pray and seek God, we will see Him working in our lives. He knows exactly what we need and when we need it. His timing is perfect, and He will never fail us. We are privileged that we can trust Him to supply our needs. Even when we don’t know how God is working, we do know He’s working. He’s a faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He (Deuteronomy 32:4).

In the midst of life’s upheaval, we can put our full confidence in Him.

Don’t Fear People

Proverbs 29:25 NIV, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.”

Proverbs 29:25 GNT, “It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the LORD, you are safe.”

This verse is an encouragement as we walk with the Lord. Obeying His direction has to be our top priority. If we become concerned with what people think of us, over what God thinks, we will not fulfill our God given purpose. Fear of being rejected by people will lead us away from God’s will. His approval is what counts the most. He will bring the right people, resources, and opportunities into our lives. Following His path brings blessing.

Photo by: Tobi of Murnau, Germany 🇩🇪

Although obedience to God may pull us away from our comfort zone, we can trust Him to give us what we need. He has promised to reward us when we diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Our faith will grow as we read God’s Word, do God’s Word, and trust God’s Word. (Romans 10:17). He is our Safe Place.

Leave Your Fears Behind

2 Timothy 1:7 NLT, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Fear is one of the many ways that the enemy attempts to steal from us. He uses fear to keep us from walking in the freedom that the Lord Jesus died to give us. We may feel fear at times, but through Christ we can still move forward. His power working in us enables us to accomplish what we need to.

Photo by: Jill Wellington of Michigan, USA 🇺🇸

I’m thankful that when we feel fear, we can call out to the Lord in prayer. We can ask Him to help us to refocus on who we are in Christ and teach us to work through the fears that are holding us back. We are free in Him to leave our fears behind and operate in the power, love, and self discipline that He has given to us. His love is our refuge from fear, as 1 John 4:18 reminds us, perfect love cast out fear. God loves you perfectly; so fear not!

Blessings to You on Father’s Day!

Although my earthly Father passed away from cancer twenty years ago last month, I’m thankful for the years I had with him while he was here. I always remember how hard my Dad worked, and I appreciate the sacrifices he made for our family. He gave his life to the Lord shortly before he passed away, so I’m thankful he is with Jesus today.

Photo by: Biova Nakou

It’s been a journey, but I’ve learned over the years to receive and understand the love of my Heavenly Father. His love has kept me in so many ways. Father’s are special people who have a huge impact in this world. I pray the Lord will give wisdom to Father’s. I pray that they will seek Him first in all they do to be effective leaders in society and in their families.

Happy Father’s Day! ❤️