Tag: Jesus

Our High Priest Understands

Hebrews 4:15 ESV, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

This verse makes me feel closer to Jesus. Knowing that He sympathizes with my weaknesses, gives me strength to repent and keep moving forward when I sin. I hope you feel the same. We often feel isolated, like no one could possibly understand what we are going through, but Jesus understands. He was tempted in the same ways we are, yet He did not sin. That is why He is the perfect sacrifice for our sins. His blood covers all of our weaknesses.

Sin tends to bring guilt, shame, and feelings of inadequacy, but we can look up to our sympathetic High Priest and find the love and forgiveness we need. Take heart! Jesus has overcome the strongholds that we struggle with. He will help us through when we ask. And as always, the love and forgiveness that He extends to us, we need to extend to ourselves and other people.

Photo: RODNAE Productions of the USA 🇺🇸

Not forgiving ourselves is a weakness. 5 years, 10 years, 25 years later and we still have not let ourselves off the hook for our past sins. We often rehearse them in our minds, and allow them to keep us from walking in the purpose God has for us. Let go of your past (and current) failures and trust God to use them for good. Those failures have caused you to gain wisdom and understanding that you can use to become a better person and help others.

Our High Priest understands your weaknesses, so receive His love and forgiveness today.

Keep Giving Love

1 John 4:19 NIV, “We love because he first loved us.”

When loving people, especially difficult people, gets hard, this simple yet powerful verse reminds us of the love God has for us. Because of His love for us, we should give others love too. His love in our lives, enables us to extend mercy and compassion to others. Where would we be if God did not first love us? How many ways has his love changed our lives? The fact that God loves us and puts His love for us first, before all things, including our sins, is a reason to rejoice! Love is the reason Jesus died for our sins (John 3:16, Romans 8:9). May we honor God by loving others in a way that brings Him glory. His love endures forever.

Photo by: How Far From Home

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