Security in God

Security means we feel safe, accepted, and approved of. When we are secure, we approve of who we are in Christ, we have confidence, and we accept and love ourselves in a balanced way. 

The foundation for security is in knowing who we are in Christ, accepting God's unconditional love, and accepting ourselves even though we realize we have weaknesses and are not perfect. 

When God looks at you, He sees the righteousness of His Son, Jesus. 

_______________

If you belong to Christ (if you don't, surrender your life to Christ and ask for forgiveness of your sins) this is your identity, who you are IN HIM. Say aloud often to build faith and confidence in Christ in you:

🎈I am a child of God. (Romans 8:16)

🎈I am accepted in the Beloved. 

 (Ephesians 1:6)

🎈I am redeemed from the hand of the enemy.

 (Psalm 107:2)

🎈I am God's temple. (1 Corinthians 3:16)

🎈I am precious to God. (Isaiah 43:4)

🎈I am chosen by God. (Jeremiah 1:5)

🎈I am complete in Christ. (Colossians 2:10)

🎈I am a friend of God. (John 15:15)

🎈I am forgiven. (Colossians 1:14)

🎈I am more than a conqueror. (Romans 8:37)

🎈I am saved by grace through faith. 

 (Ephesians 2:8)

🎈I am loved by God. (John 3:16)

🎈I am a new creature in Christ Jesus.

 (2 Corinthians 5:17)

🎈I am justified by faith. (Romans 5:1)

🎈I am led by God. (Romans 8:14)

It's ALL About Him

God's timetable may differ from ours. We tend to want an immediate answer to our prayers, but the Lord is never in a rush. He may not answer us immediately, but He has promised to answer, "in time of need". 

Hebrews 4:14-16 - Inasmuch then as we [believers] have a great High Priest who has [already ascended and] passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith and cling tenaciously to our absolute trust in Him as Savior]. For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]. 

Waiting on the Lord draws us close to Him and teaches us to be patient.

Isaiah 40:31 - But those who wait for the LORD [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not grow tired. 

We need to have strength and bravery, grounded in our trust of God. We need to be strong and courageous in the power of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:10 - Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.  

The Christian life is not easy. There are many adversaries, trials, and temptations.

John 16:33 - I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world and deprived it of its power to harm you. 

Prayer: Father, give us grace in the waiting. Help us to do what honors You most. As we submit ourselves to You, live Your life through us. In Jesus' name, amen🙏. 

Where's Your Focus At?

👉 Don't look to the right or left. Don't be distracted by circumstances or the smoke screens of the enemy. 

Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Don't turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:25-27 

👉 Look to the Lord for help. Keep your eyes open for God, watch for His works; be alert for signs of His presence. If we’re seeking God, then we're watching for Him and His work each day as we go about our business. 

Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. Psalm 105:4

👉 God will guide us with His eye on us.

I hear the Lord saying, 'I will stay close to you, instructing and guiding you along the pathway for your life. I will advise you along the way and lead you forth with My eyes as your guide.'  Psalm 32:8‭

👉 God is faithful to complete what He's started.

God is the one who began this good work in you and I am certain that He won't stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6

👉 God's grace is sufficient for us. 

I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] Philippians 4:13

👉 Help us to cast our cares on You, Lord. And leave them with You. 

Cast [release] your burdens (anxieties and concerns) on the Lord and He will sustain and uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip and fall). Psalm 55:22

👉 God, You're faithful to fulfill every promise. 

... The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made. Psalm 145:13

👉 We can trust God, with everything and maintain our faith in Him. 

Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. Proverbs 3:5

Prayer: Father, we keep fighting to focus on You, Your Words, Your heart, Your face. Help us. When the momentum of the day tries to sweep us up into busyness and frustration, we loose sight of You. Help us to see You and stay connected to You. In Jesus' name, amen 🙏. 

You Don't Have to Go it Alone

But the Lord stood with me and strengthened and empowered me, so that through me the [gospel] message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear it; and I was rescued from the mouth of the lion. 2 Timothy 4:17

On those days when you're worn out and ready to give up, remind yourself ...

👉 You don't stand alone

👉 God stands with you

👉 His presence strengthens you

Because of that, you can be a person who ...

👉 Doesn't quit

👉 Always trusts

👉 Takes courage

Thank You God, for Your promise to never leave us or forsake us. You're the best thing that's ever happened to us. Your support means everything 🙏.

Hope Maketh Not Ashamed

Hope dares us to believe ... 

'You know what? Things just might work out after all. Today would be a bad day to give up.'

Father, help our unbelief to believe. May we believe that something good is about to happen at any moment. In Jesus' name, amen 🙏

God Keeps His Promises

God is someone in whom we can fully trust. He is the only one that remains faithful to 100% of His promises. 

When He promises to give life and give it in abundance (John 10:10), He will surely do it. When He promises to give us rest from the burdens of life (Matthew 11:28), He will not come up short. When He promises to save us from sin (Matthew 1:21), it will not be partial. 

He is the most trustworthy promise keeper to ever exist. He never fails to keep His word. Let us hold fast to the hope we have in Him.

Father, help us to simply believe You and believe in You, with childlike faith. Thank God that You are faithful to complete what You begin. Your promises NEVER fail to come to pass. Help us to trust, unafraid. In Jesus' name, amen 🙏. 

Difficulties

Isaiah 41:8-20/AMPC - But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham My friend, you whom I [the Lord] have taken from the ends of the earth and have called from the corners of it, and said to you, You are My servant—I have chosen you and not cast you off [even though you are exiled]. Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I WILL STRENGTHEN YOU AND HARDEN YOU TO DIFFICULTIES, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice. Behold, all they who are enraged and inflamed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; they who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. You shall seek those who contend with you but shall not find them; they who war against you shall be as nothing, as nothing at all. For I the Lord your God hold your right hand; I am the Lord, Who says to you, Fear not; I will help you! Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I will help you, says the Lord; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. Behold, I will make you to be a new, sharp, threshing instrument which has teeth; you shall thresh the mountains and beat them small, and shall make the hills like chaff. You shall winnow them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the tempest or whirlwind shall scatter them. And you shall rejoice in the Lord, you shall glory in the Holy One of Israel. The poor and needy are seeking water when there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. I the Lord will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the wild olive; I will set the cypress in the desert, the plane [tree] and the pine [tree] together, that men may see and know and consider and understand together that the hand of the Lord has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it.

I realize that as God’s children, we aren't necessarily here to experience lavishly comfortable lives. In fact, we’re called to lay down our lives. And part of that means going through some hard, uncomfortable times. But it’s not because God is cruel. Not at all.

It’s because the enemy is cruel. He steals and kills and destroys, and our earth is shaking with those who have been wounded and don’t know the One who can strengthen them and hold them up.

But we do.

Because when we go through our hard times, keeping our eyes on Jesus, knowing that God Himself girds and strengthens us, not only are we living proof of the Hope within us, but because of what we’ve endured, we can authentically pray, reach out, understand, and point others toward the One who awaits with outstretched arms. 

Joshua 1:12-15 Then Joshua addressed the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. He said, 'Remember what Moses the servant of God commanded you: God, your God, gives you rest and He gives you this land. Your wives, your children, and your livestock can stay here east of the Jordan, the country Moses gave you; but you, tough soldiers all, must cross the River in battle formation, leading your brothers, helping them until God, your God, gives your brothers a place of rest just as He has done for you. They also will take possession of the land that God, your God, is giving them. Then you will be free to return to your possession, given to you by Moses the servant of God, across the Jordan to the east.' 

God can't harden us to difficulties ... if we never experience any. 

Lord, give us the grace to go through and be all that You've called us to be. Live Your life through us. Use us to help others to find peace, healing and victory, just like You have  helped us. Thy will be done. In Jesus' name, amen🙏. 

Don't You Dare

Yet I totally trust You to rescue me one more time, so that I can see once again how good You are while I’m still alive. Here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord. Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope. Yes, keep on waiting—for He will never disappoint you. Psalm 27:13,14

Just because things didn't work out the way you thought they should is NO REASON to throw your hands up and give up on life. There are new doors of opportunity everywhere if you're asking, looking, waiting and believing. 

Allow the Lord to touch those areas of pain and disappointments to bring healing and renew your hope for a better tomorrow. 

You CAN and you WILL make it another day, if you have to hour by hour or moment by moment.

DON'T YOU DARE give up honey ... ever.

Father, I know You know what’s best for us and I thank You that You’re turning things around in our favor. Help us to let go of the old and believe for better. As we let go of pain and disappointments, I pray that you bring healing and renew our hope for a better tomorrow. In Jesus’ name, amen 🛐.

Mother's Day Remembrance

This is the first Mother’s Day I will face without my mom. It will be different to say the least.

For those of you who knew my mom, you know that she was a prayer warrior and a peace maker. Though she struggled tremendously with her health in her latter years, she VERY RARELY ever complained. She suffered in silence for the most part, because she wanted to stand in faith believing for her healing and didn’t want others to hurt knowing she was hurting.

She was in the hospital last Mother’s Day and past away about 3 weeks later (due in part to Cirrhosis of the Liver). And as Mother’s Day approached this year, I found myself thinking, ‘How in the world did she endure all of that suffering? How in the world did she find the faith and hope to continue, when so many ailments seemed to plague her physical body?’ Well, if ever there was an example of someone looking to Jesus instead of focusing on themselves or their problems, it was CERTAINLY my mama. She found hope in Jesus and her DAILY belief in the verse she quoted every day to help keep her from depression and keep that faith and hope alive.

Psalm 118:24 - This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Yep, that’s it. That’s what it was all about for mom. Her motto to live by. Her confession of hope. And if you spent any length of time around her, you would hear her quote it and sometimes sing it.

You know, TRUE JOY IS NEVER DEPENDENT ON OUR CIRCUMSTANCES. And though we may know this in our head, it might be hard to walk out every day. Learning to choose joy in hard times takes effort and action on our part; it requires our hearts to be set on Jesus. God is faithful to help us, so that we can choose well. And we can be assured that in His grace, He has made every day, and for that gift itself we can ‘rejoice and be glad in it.’ No matter what we face, we can still believe in God’s goodness and love, for that’s what carries us through the most difficult of seasons.

We might be facing the toughest of times right now, but the truth is this, Jesus has STILL given us breath for today. He came to give us hope and freedom. He’s the very reason we can live with joy right in the midst of battles and have peace that is unexplainable to the world. He’s with us and will never leave us or  fail us. His love covers us. He gives us the strength to face every trial and obstacle with courage and grace. We can rest in the security that He brings. No matter what you’re up against, be confident in God’s unchanging love for you, ALWAYS.

To the best godly example on this earth I ever had, to the one who taught me how to NEVER GIVE UP, to the one who CONTINUALLY encouraged me to keep going despite all the illnesses that come against me (even though she always said it was the other way around, 'if you can do it, so can I'), to the BEST. MOM. EVER.

---- HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY MOM, I LOVE YOU ❤

Father, I pray that You surround Your children this Mother's Day with Your love. You are the best Father/Mother that anyone could ever have. Thank You that even if our father and mother abandons us, You will take us up and adopt us as Your own (Psalm 27:10). Help all to have a good day, though some are consumed with grief. May all find joy in Your presence (Psalm 16). May everyone get along. GIve grace to all the hard-working mothers out there. Bless them for their faithfulness. May we all have PEACE LIKE A RIVER. In Jesus' name, amen 🙏

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

If you are in crisis and need someone to talk to, text the Crisis Text Line by texting 'Go' to 741741 - anytime 24/7 or go to their website at https://www.crisistextline.org/textline/.

See also: Believing for a Loved One   and   How's That Wait Thing Working Out?

Door of Hope (for Suicide Prevention Month)

There is one ray of hope: His compassion never ends. It is only the Lord's mercies that have kept us from complete destruction. Great is His faithfulness; His loving-kindness begins afresh each day. My soul claims the Lord as my inheritance; therefore I will hope in Him. The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for Him, to those who seek for Him. Lamentations 3:21-25

Have you lost your hope? Are you feeling hopeless? Some feel hopeless about specific areas such as their marriage, children, parents, school, significant other, health, finances, or job. But for others, this emotion permeates their entire lives. They exist but have no hopes, dreams, or goals. This is not the way God intends for us to live. He created us to live with purpose, working toward goals with a sense of anticipation for things to come.

This month is Suicide Prevention Month. There needs to be awareness, to bring it out in the open, to let others know that they don't have to be ashamed, to let others know that we all struggle at times, and even more so, that they are loved and valued and that there IS hope ... one day at a time ... so DON'T do it ... is part of what it's all about.

Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish. Proverbs 29:18

Hope is a word of optimism, and it defines what we are living for. Jesus can change our hopeless perspective into joy we can only imagine. There is no such thing as 'beyond repair' for God. He has a purpose for each of us, and there is a reason for the trials we face. Sometimes only God can see a way out, but there is ... and Jesus is the way-maker because He is the way.

Why are you discouraged and depressed, O my soul? And why are you disturbed and in turmoil within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 42:11

God HAS NOT forgotten you. He HAS NOT overlooked you. He DOES see you. He DOES hear you. He DOES long for you to draw close to Him and to sit at His feet, just basking in His presence.

Our spiritual lives are full of highs and lows, valleys and mountaintops. But some people panic, or grow bitter and angry, when they face a disappointing situation. They ask, Where is God? Why hasn’t He answered my prayer? Why is He silent while I’m hurting? Many become disillusioned and hopeless. And instead of seeing a valley, they see an endless tunnel with no light at the end.

If you are at a low point and feeling hopeless, be encouraged. The Good Shepherd, who is the Sovereign of this universe, IS with you. You may not always sense His presence or see how He is working, but He IS there. The Lord DOES love you unconditionally and IS ready and willing to help. All you need to do is turn to Him.

God does not send anyone into a valley, but He may allow us to enter one to teach dependence upon Him. One day, perhaps you’ll look back and think, Thank you, God, for never leaving me, and for carrying me through the low place. You’ll never be able to thank Him enough.

TRUST GOD. Even in the low points in your life. Especially in the low points of your life. YOUR HOPE LIES IN GOD. Cast your cases on Him; lay your burdens at His feet. In His great compassion and love, He will sustain you.

If you haven’t discovered who God is and how He operates, then start now. Spend time reading the Bible each day, learning His promises and committing them to memory. Remember to trust Him with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understandings—or emotions.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

Follow Jesus, and He will walk with you—and you will never be alone again.

LIVE and have HOPE, for JESUS is the DOOR OF HOPE.

Father, no matter what problems those who are depressed/discouraged are dealing with, I pray that you help them to find reasons to keep living. Give them hope. Encourage them. Be the lifter of their head/countenance. As they reach out to You for help, minister to them. Love on them. Show them who they can go to that can be trusted with their heart to talk things through, such as a friend, teacher, family member, church member, counselor, a help line. Whatever they need Lord, give it to them I pray. In Jesus' name, amen.

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By calling or texting the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline '988' you’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area - anytime 24/7 or go to their website at http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

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associated AFTA blogs: Don't Self-Harm  You're Worth More  Do You Hate Yourself?



 

Hold on to Hope, for Dear Life

 

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus. Romans 15:4,5

 

So, are you believing for things that the Lord's promised you, that you haven't seen come to fruition yet? I sure am. Sometimes the wait is soooo long. And I feel like growing weary 😩 . But you know, God's got good timing. Time ⌚ is going to pass, whether we're believing to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living or not.

 

I would have fainted (given up, lost all hope) if I hadn't believed I'd see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13

 

We might as well wait right, in faith. Good things really do come to those who wait. And, we grow/are strengthened while we wait.

 

They who wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength 💪 . They shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 

 

Not one of Your promises have ever failed Lord, thank You that YOU are faithful and that YOU never fail.

 

You know in all your hearts 💕  and in all your souls that not one word of all the good words which the Lord your God has promised concerning you has failed; all have been fulfilled for you, not one of them has failed. Joshua 23:14

 

Hold on to hope ... for dear life. 

 

Father, teach us to wait on You. Grow us up. Strengthen us. Help us not to grow weary waiting for what You've promised us to come from the spiritual realm to the natural realm. Give us hope to continue the fight in faith believing, knowing that You are a rewarder of those who diligently seek You. Forgive us for the times that we're jealous of others who are further along than us. Help us to run our own race. In Jesus' name, amen 🙏 

Struggling?

 

 

Struggling to hold on to hope?

 

You CAN do this. One day at a time. One step 👣 at a time, if you have to.

 

KEEP GOING 👉. You just CAN'T give up now. You just ... CAN'T.

 

 

 

 

 

Tired of Waiting?

Wait upon the Lord and your strength will be renewed (Isaiah 40:31).

What God does IN us while we wait, is as important as WHAT we are waiting for. AS WE WAIT, God is at work in us ... molding us ... shaping us ... maturing us ... strengthening us.

When we patiently and expectantly wait on God in the midst of horrible circumstances, suddenly God breaks through.

My soul, wait thou only on God; for my expectation is from Him. Psalm 62:5

If there’s a hold up … God’s allowed it for a reason. Continue to be open to His leading and He will open doors in His timing.

Don't give up. Don’t stop believing. Stay full of hope and expectation. God's power is limitless, and He'll break through for YOU.

Father, life is really hard sometimes. Especially when we pray in faith for help and relief and it seems like we await forever for Your hand of favor to reach down and rescue us. Give us grace to wait on You, Lord. Do the work in us You must. But please, just hurry up! In Jesus' name, amen.

Press Through the Pain

But in that [soon] coming day no weapon formed against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from Me. I, the Lord, have spoken. Isaiah 54:17

You ARE NOT a quitter and NO weapon is going to stop you. Don't give the enemy the pleasure of seeing you give up.

The strong spirit of a man sustains him in bodily pain or trouble. Proverbs 18:14

Your spirit IS strong enough to go THROUGH the fire.

Press through the pain to experience all that the Lord has waiting for you on the other side of it.

Father, I pray You place a hedge of protection around us and our hearts, that we don't get caught up in the traps of the enemy. May the enemy fall in the traps set for us, while we walk on, unharmed and unscathed. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Pain is Part of Growing

 

No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear/beyond your strength, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

No matter how hard life gets, there is STILL always something to be thankful for ... thank God, for He is worthy. Wake up each day thankful for your life, because someone somewhere else is desperately fighting for theirs. Happiness is not the absence of problems, but the ability to deal with them.

Sometimes doors close because it is time to move forward. And that's a good thing because we often will not move unless circumstances force us to. Sometimes, life hits us over the head with situations that we never saw coming. Ouch. What in the world are we gonna do? Life just seems to spin so out of control at times, us helpless as to the way things will be when the dust settles.

When times are tough, remind yourself that no pain comes without a purpose. Move on from what/who hurt you, but never forget what it taught you. Just because you are struggling does not mean you are failing. Every great success requires some type of struggle to get there. Some problems and circumstances will never make sense to us, or why God allows them and doesn't stop the suffering and pain.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

There are two kinds of pain: pain that hurts and pain that changes you. When you roll with life, instead of resisting it, both kinds help you grow. There's an awakening and release in your spirit when the light comes on that IT'S NOT ALL YOUR FAULT and NOTHING you could have done would have changed your circumstances or what you or loved ones are going through. Thank God that Jesus is on the right hand of the Father, continually interceding on our behalf. He prays for us just like He did for Peter in the book of Luke:

Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers. Luke 22:31,32

We must come to the Lord during those times when we need Him and let Him pour in us His grace, love and peace. Cast your burdens upon the Lord (roll and repose each care) and He WILL sustain you (Psalm 55:22), for His shoulders can carry the weight that tries to pull us down and drain us of all that we have. That's the secret to the trials ... that even though we CAN'T handle all that He allows to be put on us, we CAN bear it and make it through when we give all the troubles and pains and sorrows to Him, for HIM to carry instead of US. When we allow the Lord to minister to us, His touch is so soothing. We can feel Him helping us to feel better. These strokes of love are causing us to be healed and to grow to be more like Him.

Father, the journey sometimes seems too hard to handle. Life just flat hurts and seems so unfair. Help us to allow the Holy Spirit to deal with us so that the process will be easier. In spite of all the trials/growing pains, thank You God that there is a way out. You are the Way out, Jesus and You promised that You would make a way of escape through every trial. We don't want to be like the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years, going around the same mountain over and over again. Help us to learn and move on. Lead us, Lord. Teach us Holy Spirit. Help us to be obedient to Your voice and Your leading. We have problems that need solving. We have family that needs healing. We have bills that need paying. God, just fix it all and help us to remain faithful and believe. Help us to put feet to our faith and walk in love. Give us grace and peace through it all. In Jesus’ name, amen.

What's Up with That?

I’ve told you these things (so that you should not be offended; taken unawares and falter, or be caused to stumble and fall away; I told you to keep you from being scandalized and repelled) to prepare you for rough times ahead. They are going to throw you out of the meeting places. There will even come a time when anyone who kills you will think he’s doing God a favor. They will do these things because they never really understood the Father. I’ve told you these things so that when the time comes and they start in on you, you’ll be well-warned and ready for them. I have told you these things, so that IN ME you may have perfect peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration (you will continue to experience difficulties); but be of good cheer (take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted). For I have (already) overcome the world. I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you. John 16:1-4, 31-33

 

Feel like no one understands you? Feel like you have been mistreated? Feel like you have been rejected? Yeah, me too. So ... what's up with that?

 

There's a reason why you are going/went through what you are going/went through ...

 

HOLD ON.

 

There's a plan in the works that you can't see yet ...

 

TRUST THE PROCESS.

 

We may not always understand, but we gotta and we're gonna ...

 

KEEP TRUSTING.

 

The calling that's been placed on your life attracts attacks. Don't look at it as trouble, look at it as confirmation that you're going the right way and doing the right things ...

 

KEEP GOING.

 

Others may reject, offend, hurt, abuse and/or leave you. But Your heavenly Father will never leave you or forsake you like you're used to being left and mistreated, no matter what. You are ...

 

ACCEPTED IN THE BELOVED, JUST AS YOU ARE AND DESPITE WHAT OTHERS THINK OF YOU.

 

Peace I leave with you; My own peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled. John 14:27

 

PEACE BE STILL.

 

See, I'm doing a new thing. Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19

 

HOLD ON TO YOUR HAT, YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHIN' YET.

 

You CAN do this, KEEP GOING. One day at a time. One step at a time, if you have to.

 

So, what's up with that? What's going on? Clueless. But God knows. And He has our best interests at heart. He cares about every little detail of our lives. That's ...

 

WHAT'S UP WITH THAT.

 

Dear God, dear heavenly Father, You have SO MUCH MORE to offer us than this world. This is just a temporary place, it's not our home. Help us to have hope in You and trust in You and lean not on our understanding, while You work Your will and work all things for good, according to YOUR plan. Your ways are different, we don't always understand what You're doing, but please give us grace and faith to trust You and follow You. May we ALWAYS lean on Your faithful, loving strong shoulder of support. We love You, Lord. In Jesus' name, amen.

see also: Hands Off    He Don't Wanna Harm Us

 

Nothing's Wasted

God has come to save me. I will trust in Him and not be afraid. The Lord is my strength and my song; He has given me victory. Isaiah 12:2
 
Hang ups and heartaches will only hinder where you are going. If you want to move to a higher level, LET ‘EM GO. You cannot change what happened yesterday, but you can do something about what will happen in your future, LET IT GO. Where there are tears, there is an anointing. God can use anything for good if you trust Him with your pain, SURRENDER IT.

If you let people talk you out of being you, it will subdue the anointing on your life of who God called you to be, BE YOURSELF. You ARE enough. Just the way you are. No striving. No trying to match up to others talents you wish you had. BE YOU because it is enough.
 
I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans FOR GOOD (to take care of you) and NOT FOR EVIL (to abandon you), to give you a FUTURE and a HOPE. Jeremiah 29:11
 
God has an incredible and amazing plan for your life - regardless of what has happened and regardless of what has been done to you - He has not changed His mind. Nothing that you have been through - the pain, the abuse, the tears you have stayed up all night to cry - will be wasted. People can not change you unless you let them. People ARE NOT the answer to your problems, Jesus IS. God will use what has happened to you for good.
 
All that happens to us is WORKING FOR OUR GOOD if we love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:28

What you have been through WAS NOT in vain. 

NOTHING that you have been through … WILL EVER BE WASTED.
 
Father, if You told us that it's gonna be ok, IT'S GONNA BE OK. Help us to relax and let You take care of it, whatever it is. Help us to hold on to Your promises to us Lord, for YOU ARE FAITHFUL. Not one of Your promises has ever nor ever will be unfulfilled. Thank You for who You are and all You do. In Jesus’ name, amen.
 
 
 
 


 

Prayer for our Pastors/Ministers

Let us lift up our pastors and ministers, they need our support and prayers.

Father God, I pray for every Pastor who is feeling down and depressed today ... lift them up, encourage them, give peace and give hope.

God, bless our Pastors. Touch their hearts and bring healing, help them to hear and follow Your voice, protect and bless them. Help them not to grow weary in well-doing. Give them renewed strength like the eagles. Help them to have good health.

Help them not to be deceived, but instead keep their eye on the prize. Keep their hearts turned toward You and not be discouraged by those who hate. Cause people to listen, accept, and treat them and their families with love and respect. Favor them for forsaking all for the call.

In Jesus' name, amen.

Stop Tryin' to Change the Ppl You Love

 

 

 

God is at work within you, helping you want to obey Him, and then helping you do what He wants. Philippians 2:13

Stop trying to change the people you love and change yourself. Stop trying to change people who would take your money but won't take your advice. You will only drain your own mental, spiritual, emotional and financial reserves.

 

The truth is ... people change when they are sick and tired of being sick and tired or hit rock bottom. If you're dealing with addiction or irresponsible behavior from grown adults ... protect your wallet and your mind. It doesn't mean you don't love them. Your attempts to help may only delay what is inevitable.

 

Allow them to take the journey they have chosen for themselves. Pray for them, fervently. Choose to let go of the guilt and be at peace. You may require counseling or emotional support to stop being an enabler. If necessary, give yourself some distance so that you can stop being used or manipulated because they know that you care and you love them.

 

You have the right to enjoy a guilt-free, happy and productive life. Commit yourself to changing the only person you really can - YOU.

 

Father, bring our loved ones to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Deliver them from anything (or anyone) that has them bound. You're the One that does the work, in cooperation with the person. Not us. Show us our part and help us to not get in Your way as You do Your part. Mend our relationships with them. Love on them. In Jesus' name, amen.

 

 

 

 see also:  Believing for a Loved One  and  Hands Off



 

Having to Wait?

Let us not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we do not give up or quit. Galatians 6:9

If God has promised you something, DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED if you are having to wait ... He shows up at JUST THE RIGHT TIME.

Do not go by what you see - go by what you know - that God IS faithful. You do not have to see in the natural yet what God has promised, waiting for it does not negate the fact that it WILL happen.

All history testifies to the fact that God always keeps His Word. You are wise if you trust Him.

Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass. Joshua 21:45.

You have come TOO FAR to give up now, so DON'T.

I pray that God our Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy and peace. In Jesus' name, amen.


see also: While I'm Waiting
              How's that Waiting Thing Working out for You?