Thinking About Faith

I was out walking yesterday morning and I was thinking about faith. I was thinking specifically about the rest of this year. I guess like many of you, there are things I am believing God for. Even though I don’t yet have all the details of how things will work out, I’m learning to leave things in God’s hands. I’m noticing that by diligently communicating with the Lord my faith is growing stronger. Sharing all my concerns with Him, while professing His sovereignty over my situation, is bringing me to a place of peace.

Philippians 4:6-7 NLT, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Peace is what God wants for you and me. He knows that we can only achieve peace, by giving our worries over to Him. We must trust Him to take care of us, because He promised us that He will.

Trust God’s Perfect Timing

After writing “Our God is the God of Abundance” yesterday, I kept thinking about God’s timing. I thought about how although we know God is sovereign over all things (Colossians 1:16), we must still wait for His plans to unfold.

Knowing that God is an abundant God with unlimited resources, it can be a struggle at times to patiently wait. When we are anxious, we can easily find ourselves wondering why God is taking so long to move in our situation. After persevering in prayer for days, months, or even years we may feel tired and discouraged.

Psalm 27:14 NLT, “Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.”

There are times when God chooses to move suddenly and turn things around, but He doesn’t always do that. We don’t always know the reasons behind our waiting. God may reveal details to us, but other times He requires us to just trust Him.

I used to have a picture on the wall that said, “Faith is trusting God when you do not understand.” That’s what is great about putting our faith in Jesus Christ, we don’t have to understand. Everything does not have to make sense to our human minds (Proverbs 3:5-6).

We can find comfort in knowing that He will strengthen us as we persevere through our waiting. We can cry out to Him at anytime of day or night, and He promised to hear our cries for help.

Psalm 18:6 NLT, “But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears.”

He promised to give us His peace in exchange for our prayers (Philippians 4:6-7). As you are waiting, remember that God will never leave you. With every trial you face, God has a purpose and a plan, so don’t lose hope.

Our God is the God of Abundance

The more the enemy tries to steal, the more I realize the importance of recognizing that we serve the God of abundance. Our God’s resources are unlimited. The evil one is always on the prowl seeking to steal our peace of mind, our stability, our resources, our joy, our loved ones, you name it. But probably most of all he wants to steal our faith and trust in our God.

2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

Focusing on the abundance of God, reminds us that as we work to bring glory to His name, He will supply our every need. He will never leave His children empty handed. Mark 10:29-30, tells us that we will be rewarded when we give of ourselves, or our resources to follow Christ. I have days where I feel I want “more” of something. But when I stop and think about God’s goodness, I realize that He has always supplied exactly what I need, and even many of my wants. Remember that we serve an abundant God who has more than enough. He will faithfully take good care of us. In Him there is no lack.

Your Little Means A Lot

2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Has God ever spoken to your heart to give something, but you were afraid to because you thought it wasn’t enough?

No matter how small our offering is, it can bless the person receiving it. The smallest act of kindness can change the course of someone else’s day.

There is much more to giving than just money. Actually the things that many are starved for have nothing to do with money at all. It can be a simple phone call, a compliment, or an hour of volunteering, that can be used by God to lift a persons spirits.

Giving is an act of humility. We must put aside our own feelings and give what God is asking us to give. The fear of rejection can also keep us from boldly giving what we are being lead by God to give. Thoughts like, “What if they don’t want it” or, “What if they think I’m weird”, may plague our minds.

I recall a time where there was a lady at church who was having issues with her son. I had a small devotional book in my purse that was specifically for mother’s. I felt lead to give it to her. I was nervous. However, I did give it to her after service. She was very delighted and appreciative. I was glad I didn’t let my fear of rejection hold me back. I’m sure God used that book to encourage her.

Don’t ever hesitate to give the little that God tells you to. When your little is filled with His love, it will make a difference. As the old saying goes, “Little things mean a lot.”

Sunshine Blogger Award – 3

Thank you Mrs. Holliman at GOD’S LOVE for nominating me for The Sunshine Blogger Award. When I stop by your blog, I encounter the truth and love of God’s Word. Thank you for being an inspiration.

Please check out her blog! Here’s one of her most recent post: Living Your Best Life with God’s Promises

Rules:

1. Use the sunshine blogger award logo

2. Give thanks to the blogger that nominated you

3. Answer the 11 questions that you’ve been asked

4. Nominate 11 other bloggers and ask them 11 questions

Question For Me:

1.What place would you like to visit? Rome, Italy 🇮🇹

2.Who is the most important person in your life? My relationship with Jesus Christ is always first. 🙏🏿

3.What is the last place you traveled to and why? Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for my uncle’s funeral. ✈️

4.What good did GOD bring into your life? He has brought a lot of good, but learning to understand His love for me has been life changing. ❤️

5.What is your favorite color? Green 🌿

6.What got you to start your blog? I decided to start as a way to encourage others by sharing about God’s faithfulness. 🖥

7.What is your favorite food? Pepperoni Pizza and French Fries. Love them! 🍕🍟

8.Do you like to play sports or watch sports? I don’t play any sports, but I enjoy watching baseball. I’ve been to several professional baseball games. New York Yankees are #1!! ⚾️

9.How do you feel about what the world became to be? The world is becoming worse everyday. It’s becoming more like it’s father, Satan. The Bible said things would get bad in the last days. On the other hand, us Christians should strive to become more like God our Father. We should spread the truth and love of Jesus Christ. He died for the sins of the world. 🌎

10.Do you like being in the snow? If yes why? No I don’t like the snow. I lived in Michigan, outside of Detroit for 11 years. I don’t miss those snowy, brutally cold winters at all. ⛄️

11.What beach do you like to visit? I’m not really a big beach person, but living in Florida I’ve been to many. I grew up in Virginia, so Virginia Beach was close by. I don’t really have a favorite. 🏝

***I’m nominating 11 of my most recent connections. 😊 Participation is optional, but thanks for your blogs!! I appreciate your writings. ❤️ My questions are below.

1. https://joycottage.blog/2019/05/23/i-thought-it-was-just-a-memory-on-facebook/

2. https://godinspiredart.wordpress.com/2019/02/28/im-back-well-not-just-yet/

3. https://inspiredgrisele.wordpress.com/2019/05/20/whats-your-we/

4. https://imeellasblog.wordpress.com/2019/05/22/im-back/

5. https://wonderblogz.wordpress.com/2019/05/15/our-dreams/

6. https://husnayot.wordpress.com/2019/05/24/pen-and-paper-sketches-from-my-past-pt2-2/

7. https://fayannswearing.wordpress.com/2019/05/01/god-is-our-refuge-and-strength/

8. https://florenceezekafor.com/2019/05/25/how-my-life-got-messed-up/

9. https://briannaheaden.com/2019/04/26/fear/

10. https://missionloved.com/2019/05/13/pygmy-chiefs-village-transformed/

11. https://hhhigh.wordpress.com/2019/05/23/weeks-after-weeks/

My questions for you:

1. What’s an important lesson you’ve learned in life?

2. What is a good book you’ve read?

3. What is your favorite characteristic about yourself?

4. What are your hobbies?

5. Why did you start blogging?

6. What topics, if any, have you wanted to write about but haven’t because you feel your “fan base” would not approve?

7. Are you married or single, kids or no kids?

8. What are you passionate about and why?

9. What is your favorite food?

10. What is one of your favorite memories?

11. If you could wake up in the morning in a different place, where would that place be?

Live Confidently By Faith

Hebrews 11:1 NIV, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

How can we be confident in what we hope for and sure of what we do not see? We do this by placing our hope and assurance in Jesus Christ. He is our firm foundation. Living by faith in the Son of God is the way God has chosen for His children to live (Galatians 2:20). He expects us to trust Him to take good care of us and supply us with all we need. A life lived by faith can certainly be challenging. When we do not understand the details of what is going on, fear can creep into our hearts. But it’s during these times of uncertainty, that we must cling to God even more. Meditating on His Word will increase our faith and help us to stay strong…

Romans 10:17 KJV, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

God’s Word is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). It changes our hearts and brings life to what seems dead. There is power in His Word. Living by faith gives us hope, because we know that what we see is not all there is. Instead we can believe God for more. Even when we don’t yet see what it is we are believing for, we can keep walking by faith. We can be confident in the sovereignty of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Nothing’s Too Great for The Love of Christ

Psalm 136:3, “Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His faithful love endures forever.”

There’s no hurt or pain that’s too great for Our Lord Jesus. He lovingly carries every burden we have, if we will only give our burdens to Him. We can tell Him anything, and He still loves us. Over and over again, He still chooses to love us. Nothing can stop His love for us, not even our darkest sins.

His faithful love endures forever…

He knows all there is to know about us, because He knows us so intimately. In His presence we can completely be ourselves. He meets us where we are and patiently waits. He waits while we grow and learn. He waits while we learn to love Him. His love never ceases to amaze me.

His faithful love endures forever…

I’m so thankful for His love today and everyday. His love and grace remain the same. People may change. The world will change. But Jesus Christ, He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever more (Hebrews 13:8). No one or nothing compares to Him.

His faithful love endures forever…