Tag: hope

Jesus, a donkey, and His Father – Part 3

Just in case you missed Parts 1 & 2 by Kelly and Deandra, you can read them HERE.

As I read Matthew 21:1-11, the word “GO” that is found in verse two popped out at me, and has lingered in my thoughts over the last several days.

Matthew 21:2 ESV reads, “saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me.”

Jesus said, “GO”. I thought of how, like the disciples, we must be obedient when the Lord tells us to GO. The command to GO doesn’t always have to mean becoming a missionary in a foreign land, although that is a wonderful thing. We can see from this verse, that GO can be simple. GO can be something that seems menial to us, yet has an impact that changes the course of our lives or the lives of others.

What if the disciples had questioned Jesus when He told them to GO? What if they had refused to obey Jesus, because they reasoned that his request for them to GO didn’t make any sense? Things would have certainly turned out differently. I’m thankful they obeyed.

Matthew 21:6 ESV, “The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them.”

The Lord prepared the way for them as they set out on their task. According to verse three, all they had to say if anyone gave them a hard time about taking the donkey and colt, is that, “the Lord needs them”. Jesus said in Matthew 21:3 ESV, “If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.”

When we are about our Fathers business, He will supply all we need. He will also intervene on our behalf when people or other obstacles try to rise up against us. Sometimes people will be completely unaware that they are instruments being used for God’s purposes. He has all the details arranged, we just need to choose to obey.

The Lord commands us to GO in many ways, big and small. He will strengthen us and equip us for the tasks He calls us to do. I pray that every day, our hearts would be willing to GO as the Holy Spirit leads us. Our Heavenly Father has purposeful and rewarding work for us to do, work that has an eternal purpose.

Overcome Evil With Good

Romans 12:21 NIV, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Nowadays we have many opportunities to overcome evil with good, but it all starts in our own hearts. Keeping our focus on Jesus and keeping our minds renewed with His Word, will equip us to choose good when confronted with evil. It helps to remember that goodness lives within us through the Holy Spirit. He empowers us to choose right over wrong and live boldly in God’s truth.

Photo by: Min An

Walking in the ways of Jesus shines light in this dark world, and shares His love with those around us. Putting love into action will surely overcome evil, because love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). Even if you feel like you are in last place for doing good to those who you feel don’t deserve it, trust God and do good. Remember, God says as you humble yourself before Him, He will lift you up in due time (1 Peter 5:6). God will honor us and lift us up for doing good. So don’t lose heart, keep on overcoming evil with good in the name of Jesus.

Consider it Pure Joy

James 1:2-3 NIV, “2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

Joy may not always be our first response when faced with trials. Instead it may be fear, worry, confusion, or anger, just to name a few. Trials cause us discomfort, and tend to alter our lives in someway, and of course that is not something we are eager to embrace.

However, because we have Jesus, we don’t have to walk through our trials alone. He is always by our side. His presence with us is the reason we can, “consider it pure joy” when faced with trials. God’s Word assures us, that as our faith is tested, we learn to trust Him more and develop perseverance.

Photo by: Pixabay

Maintaining our faith in Jesus, and not giving up in the midst of trouble, puts us in a position to experience the joy of the Lord. Everything that occurs in our lives may not be good, but God has promised to work all things out for our good when we love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Whatever trials you may be facing today, take heart and know that God is with you. I pray His joy and love will fill your heart, and that praise to Him would continually be on your lips, as you keep hoping and trusting in His holy Name.

Jesus, a donkey, and His Father – Pt 2

Last week I shared part 1 of this series, Jesus, a donkey, and His Father, by Kelly @ The Simple Preacher. Kelly reminded us of the importance of keeping our priorities straight like Jesus. This week I’m sharing part 2 by Deandra @ Imago Dei. I was enlightened as she shared from the donkey’s perspective. I never knew there was so much to a donkey! Enjoy! 🤗

Happy Tuesday everyone! My prayer is that you all are doing well today and that ABBA has been speaking to your heart in some way, shape or form. Last…

Jesus, a donkey, and His Father – Pt 2

Walk in Integrity

Proverbs 10:9 ESV, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.”

A good friend of mine named Andrea, made a comment on my prior post about the importance of walking in integrity by being honest when we make mistakes. She mentioned that it’s essential to tell the truth and trust God for the outcome. After I read her comment, I kept thinking about integrity and how not being a person of integrity can destroy our witness as Christians. It’s easy to try and “sweep something under the rug”, especially if we think no one is watching, or if we see others who seem to be getting away with the same offense.

Photo by: Cytonn Photography of Tanzania 🇹🇿

However, we must remember that God is always watching us, and as Christians, all we do should be done as unto Him (Colossians 3:23). He desires for His children to be people of godly character. He needs us to be people who are trustworthy, people He can depend on to be a good representation of who He is, not just when other people are watching, but all of the time.

Choosing to walk in integrity may often mean going against the crowd, but it’s worth it because it brings glory to Jesus. It also positions us to go farther in our relationship with Him, as we fulfill our purpose here on Earth. We are living in a time where lies and deception are running rampant. I pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen us to be people of integrity who live by the standards of His Word, even when it’s hard.

Proverbs 28:6 ESV, “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.”

Keep on Praying

1 Thessalonians 5:17 GNT, “Pray at all times,” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT, “Never stop praying.”

Prayer, is our lifeline. Being able to constantly communicate with our Heavenly Father, anytime of day or night is an honor and a privilege. Rather we’re tucked away in our secret prayer closet, or driving down the street, we can talk to the Lord. I love that we can ask God for help as we go about our daily tasks or even when we’re struggling with a work assignment. We can trust Him to bring the clarity and direction we need, no matter what the situation is that we’re facing.

Photo by: Ric Rodrigues of Brazil 🇧🇷

Choosing to trust God in the midst of our storms, and in the midst of uncertainty is the same as choosing victory. There is absolutely no difference. We can’t lose when we choose Jesus. No matter how circumstances may look at the time, by faith we know that He has already won our battles.

Remember, we don’t have to have all the answers, we just need to have Jesus, He is the answer. His presence, strength, and peace will sustain us. Sometimes the answers to our prayers come in the most unexpected ways. You never know how, when, or through whom the Lord will move on your behalf. Therefore, my brothers and sisters in Christ, never stop praying.

Jesus, a donkey, and His Father – Part 1

Last week I had the pleasure of participating with fellow bloggers in a Zoom meeting hosted by Matt @ Jesusluvsall. It was great spending sometime getting to know everyone a little better, while exchanging thoughts and ideas about blogging. (Thanks big brother Matt! 😊) If you haven’t already, check out their blogs when you get a chance.

Deandra @ Imago Dei

Lydia @ In His Service And Loving It

Temi @ Christian Mommas

Kelly @ The Simple Preacher

Kelly @ The Simple Preacher, came up with the topic of “Jesus, a donkey, and His Father.” So over the next several weeks on Tuesdays, us bloggers will take turns sharing our thoughts on this topic.

Photo by: Leroy Huckett

Kelly started off the series this past Tuesday, check out his post here: Jesus, a donkey, and His Father – Part 1

I will post on this topic on 4/28, but will also be sharing posts on this topic from the other bloggers listed above who are participating.

Matt will be hosting another Zoom meeting this Saturday, 4/18 at 10am CST. If you decide to attend, I know you will enjoy the fellowship. Here is the link to the invite if you’re interested in attending: INVITE.

Numbers 6:24-26 NIV, “24 The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; 26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” 🕊❤️🕊