Don’t Lose Hope

Proverbs 13:12 NLT, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”

Some days hope may come easy, while other days it may be a struggle. But without hope, our hearts become sick. Therefore, it is important for us not to become hopeless. So how do we remain hopeful? Well, a few things that have helped me stay hopeful are:

First, remember God never changes. We can place our hope in Jesus our Lord, because He never changes. His love for us never changes.

Second, it helps to look back and remember God’s past faithfulness. Life may not be perfect, but when we look back, we can see how God has provided our needs and we are still here today to tell about it.

Third, be willing to receive the encouragement God sends your way from others, but also be willing to encourage yourself. There are times we must encourage ourselves and cast down wrong thoughts that are contrary to God’s word.

And last but not least, never stop praying. Call out to God day or night and He will hear you and answer.

If you have any other suggestions on how to not lose hope during these tough times, feel free to share them in the comments.

Never lose hope my friends. Rest Secure in Jesus.

Photo by: Yelena Odintsova of England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Look At The Birds

Matthew 6:26,“Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?”

This picture is proof that God takes care of the birds…

Photo by: Pixabay

They have to rely on His daily provision. I know we are taught to have a store house, which is a large supply or amount of something, and it can be easy for a store house to become our security. But our true security is found in the Lord. He will take care of us day by day, store house or no store house. In my own life, I have experienced various seasons, where there are times of lack and times of plenty but through it all God was still my Source. He is faithful to give us what we need, so keep relying on Him, like the little birds.

1 Timothy 6:17, NLT, “Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.”

May God’s Peace guard your heart and mind today in Christ Jesus.

Act and Speak in Love

1 John 3:18 NLT, “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”

When it comes to investing in the lives of others, showing love tops the charts. It is our acts of love that will help lead others to Jesus Christ. Showing love will not always be a warm and fuzzy experience. There will be times, many times, when showing love may even seem inconvenient. It will require us to put the interest of others before our own. We will have to show mercy and compassion to those we may feel do not deserve it. But it helps to remind ourselves, we did not deserve it either, but Jesus still chose to die for us. He has still chosen to extend us His love, mercy, grace, and compassion daily.

Photo by: Artem Podrez of Poland 🇵🇱

God uses us all in different ways, and some of us may be called to help in certain areas, while some of us may not be. So we should ask God for discernment and wisdom regarding people and situations so we can know where and when our help is needed. Quality is better than quantity.

No matter how God uses us to invest in the lives of others, one thing is certain, love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). So, may all we say and do, be said and done in love, through the Spirit of God who lives in us.

Our God is Good! May His goodness surround you today!

Trust God For Your Needs

Philippians 4:19 NLT, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

I was reflecting on this verse one morning, and the Lord reminded me that in order to receive His provision, my heart has to be open to how he chooses to provide for me. As I thought about that, I realized that there are times God has provided, but perhaps it was not the way I wanted Him to, so I didn’t respond with thankfulness. But now, when I look back, I can see how He worked everything together for my good.

Photo by: Pixabay

I believe in being specific in my prayer requests, and I believe God does answer prayers; however, I also know that sometimes the answers come in a different way or in a different timing from what I initially expected. For example, if you are asking God for something, He may require you to first take a specific action, and it could be something you do not want to do. Yet, it is the path to God answering your prayer and providing your specific needs. Obedience is key in receiving answers to our prayers, and God gives us grace to do what He is asking us to do.

Photo by: Nyau Mimi of Tanzania 🇹🇿

I often remember Isaiah 55:9 that tells us God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours. The work He does in our hearts and lives often far exceeds our understanding. So what should we do? Trust God. We should trust God’s way of providing for us in every situation. We must ask Him for exactly what we need and want but then we must trust Him to supply that need or want in the way that is best for us and all those involved.

Remember, every step of trust and obedience, leads to God’s provision.

Dear Father,

We know your promise to provide for us is true. Thank you for working in our lives to do what is best for us. Help us to overcome any struggles we have to believe you will provide what is best, when it is best. Forgive us for the times we have wanted our own wills above yours. Open our hearts to accept your will for our lives no matter the circumstances. Give us strength to follow the path that you have chosen for us, even when it is hard. Help us to remember that your grace is sufficient for us, each and every day, and that your love will sustain us always. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

May You be refreshed and satisfied in God’s presence.

Keep It Up

Psalm 33:18-19 KJV, “18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; 19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.

This encourages us to keep showing reverence to God and to keep hoping in Him. He will supply our needs and take good care of us. In good times and bad, He will be with us, He will never leave or forsake us. Keep showing reverence, keep trusting, and keep hoping in the Lord.

Be blessed as you keep running for Jesus!

Photographer from Indonesia 🇮🇩

It’s By God’s Grace

Ephesians 2:8, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”

The free gift of salvation that we have been given from our God is priceless. He has given it to us out of His love for us. There is nothing we can do to earn it, Jesus paid the price on our behalf. This is also a reminder that since our salvation is by God’s grace, so is our ability to live for Him.

Photo by: Pixabay

We have to receive His grace one day at a time. He will give us our daily bread. God already knows our performance will not be perfect and that we will need His strength each day, so He has promised us that His grace will be sufficient for our needs (2 Corinthians 12:9).

For more inspiration visit: Drawing Closer to Christ on YouTube

Thankful for the Family of Believers

1 Peter 5:9, “Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.”

Photo by: Pavel Danilyuk of Belarus 🇧🇾

I am thankful for the family of believers that we have because we are able to support and encourage one another in our faith. It is a blessing to have fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who are praying for me and standing on the Word of God just as I am. All of your writings here on WordPress also bring me much inspiration and help my faith to stay strong, thank you for sharing your heart through your blog posts and comments. I pray we would all continue to stand firm against the tricks of the enemy and be strong in our faith in God.

Dear Father,

Thank you for the family of believers here on WordPress and around the world. Keep us in your perfect peace as we keep our minds fixed on you. No matter what we may be facing, help us to stand firm against the enemy and be strong in our faith. Help us to be quick to call out to you for help in times of need. You are our ever present help in times of trouble and thank you for hearing our prayers.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

For more inspiration visit: Drawing Closer to Christ on YouTube