Tag: hope

Trust God, Embrace Change

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

I have been thinking a lot lately about how the Lord sometimes brings change into our lives to bless us. Change allows us to experience new things. I came across this post by Vivian, “Step Into The Unknown”, it was an inspiring reminder not to be afraid to go where God is leading you. When things change, we can trust God to use the changes to work out what is best for us. It is part of His plan. Change can be scary at first, but knowing God is with us as we go through the change brings peace and joy.

Photo by: Nextvoyage of Sweden 🇸🇪

Change can lead to the desires of our heart that we have been praying for. At times, God answers our prayers in unexpected ways. Life’s greatest adventures sometimes come when we are willing to make changes, some big and some small. Trust God and embrace change.

Cling to God’s Word

Psalm 119:105 NLT, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”

This verse is a reminder that we need to cling to the Word of God, the Holy Bible. His Word teaches us His truth and guides us as we navigate this life. It convicts us when we are wrong and confirms us when we are right. It comforts us when we are sad, and strengthens us when we are weak. It fills our hearts with joy and gives us hope for each day. It assures us of God’s unconditional love. Everyday we need to feast upon His Word. His Word will stand forever (Isaiah 40:8).

God Is Not limited

Isaiah 43:18-19 NLT, “But forget all that, it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”

Photo by: Kelly Lacy

It always brings me joy to remember that God is not limited. He has done great things in the past, but has even greater things planned for the future. That is why we can keep trusting in Him and never stop hoping in Him. No matter how things may seem, our God never stops working on our behalf. He will always make a way for His children. What a mighty God we serve!

The Struggle for Contentment

1 Timothy 6:6 NIV, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”

Do you sometimes find it hard to remain content? The responsibilities of life and the busy days that result can at times weigh on even the strongest of people. And the bar is constantly being raised because the world’s definition of success is constantly changing. The good news is that, we are only required to accomplish God’s will for our lives. He has a unique plan for each individual. Contentment comes when we choose to keep our eyes on His will.

Photo by: zhang kaiyv of China 🇨🇳

There is always something else we can do, but we only need to do what He has called us to do. Quality is better than quantity. Trust God to help you as you pursue His plans for your life. Growing in Jesus Christ and following His plan for our lives brings contentment.

His Light is Near

John 1:5 CSB, “That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.”

The light of Jesus shines through the darkness. No matter how dark things may seem, it will not overcome His light. His light is there to guide us and give us the hope we need to keep moving forward in faith. Are you facing difficulties? Whatever situation you may be facing, I pray that God’s light will shine on you today, and that His love will surround you. No matter how dark your circumstances are, remember, He will never leave you alone. His light is always near to shine direction, strength, truth, hope, and love into your life.

Photo by: Elianne Dipp

Suddenly!

Acts 2:2: ESV, “And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.”

Suddenly! Sometimes God moves suddenly. That is something we should never forget. We never know when He will suddenly change our circumstances or bring unexpected blessings our way, and that is part of what makes our Christian journey nothing less than exciting. We serve a God that is full of surprises. As a matter of fact, one time while at church on Sunday these words came to me during the praise and worship service, “God is a God of surprises, so don’t limit His work in your life.” I believe the Lord was directing my thoughts, and reminding me of His ability to bring about good, and make sudden changes in any situation. I hope as you think on that statement, it brings you joy. With God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). He can move suddenly in your life!

Photo by: Engin Akyurt

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Love God, Love People

Matthew 27:37-39 NIV, “37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

I recently watched a testimony on YouTube of a young woman named Jackie Hill Perry who used to be a lesbian. Her testimony of her faith in Christ, and the love and healing that she found in Him was inspiring. You can check it out here: Testimony

A couple of points that Jackie made in her testimony that really stuck with me when it comes to winning souls to Christ were as follows:

1. Love God, love people, and remember that God is faithful. You never know how He is working in someone’s life.

2. Don’t be afraid to have those “tough conversations” when needed, because we can’t just gloss over things and act like they don’t exist. Glossing over things is not love, it’s hate.

We never know a person’s story until we take time to listen. Through our listening, we can understand them better and show concern for them no matter who they are or where they come from. We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. We all need Jesus. Loving God and loving people will shine a light into the darkness of this world.

Photo by: PNW Production