Tag Archives: Faith

Holding on to Hope

In the Bible, Hebrews 10:23 is like a friendly guide, offering simple but powerful advice for life’s ups and downs. The verse says, “Let’s stick to our hope and not give up, because God always keeps His promises” (Hebrews 10:23, Easy-to-Read Version). This short sentence holds a big idea – it’s all about having strong faith and not letting go of hope, no matter what.

It’s like saying, “Hold on tight to what you believe in, and don’t let doubts shake you.” Life can be tricky, but this verse encourages us to stay true to our beliefs and not let tough times make us question what we know deep down.

The verse reminds us to stay steady, even when things get tough. Life can be like a rollercoaster, but this verse tells us to be like a sturdy tree, not bending or swaying with every gust of wind. It’s a call to be strong and not let doubt knock us over.

And why should we be so confident? Because of the part that says, “God keeps his promises.” In other words, it’s like saying, “God always keeps His word.” When things seem uncertain, we can trust that God is reliable. This promise gives us the courage to keep going, knowing that we’re not alone, and God will come through for us.

Hebrews 10:23 is like a cheerleader, cheering us on to stay strong in our hope. It’s an invitation to believe in something solid, something that won’t change when everything else does. So, as we go through life’s twists and turns, let’s remember this verse and hold on to our hope, knowing that God is always faithful, and our faith can weather any storm.

Heaven Awaits

An elderly man was in a hospital room and he was fading quickly. The nurses and doctors decided it was time to call the gentleman’s family, and they gathered around his bed. As he was lying there, holding his wife of 50 years hand, looking at his son and grandchildren, he whispered, “Don’t cry. I’ll see all of you again. This was not my permanent home; I’m only passing through.”

A moment later, the man looked up and said, “I can see the Lord’s face.” Peacefully, the man fell asleep and went to be with the Lord.

Death is a sad time for those of us left behind. The person for whom we love and care deeply has gone home to be with the Lord, so we have to say “see you later,” and live in their absence. But, for the Christian who passes away in death, a whole new adventure begins.

Heaven awaits. “For this is not our permanent home,” the writer of Hebrews reminds us, “we are looking forward to a world yet to come.” While we don’t fully know what Heaven will be like, the Bible does tell us it will be a glorious place. There will be no pain, sorrow, or difficulty. Today’s struggles will be gone. There will be no pandemics or tensions caused by skin color. There will be no hurt or heartache. Rather, Scripture says there will be peace. The lame will walk, the deaf will hear, the blind will see. Heaven will be glorious.

And, the adventure of experiencing Heaven will be ours. If you, or someone you love, is struggling today, remember, it is only temporary. Something much better is coming.

Subject to Change

We make plans. We plan for the day ahead, the week ahead, and the years ahead. We plot the details of our plans carefully, so if the plan doesn’t develop the way we’ve designed, it can cause us a great deal of stress. All plans are subject to change, and Scripture reminds us the Lord guides us in those moments of change.

Proverbs remarks, “Don’t lean on your own understanding, but trust in the Lord and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us the Lord knows the plans he has for us. They are plans for good, not evil; plans to help us, and not harm us.

So, when our plans have to change, remember, the Lord is in control. He has our future mapped out, so why wouldn’t he care for us in the present.

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Life is Like A Garden

The Flip Flop Barnyard tells of the great patience gardening requires. From ordering seeds to harvest, many days can pass, with much time waiting to move from stage to stage of the gardening process. Any Gardner knows it takes much patience to produce great tasting vegetables and beautiful flowers. Planting has to take place in the spring, cultivation through the summer, to enjoy the harvest of the fall. Seeds do not become abundant crops overnight.

Like gardening, life can require much patience. Scripture encourages, “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near” (James 5:7-8).

Waiting can be hard; we don’t like it. This may hold especially true when we are awaiting answers to our prayers.

We’re praying about our need, yet it seems the Lord is not hearing us. Maybe we’ve spent hours pacing the floor, tears flowing, as we pray, but the answer still hasn’t come. If so, this passage encourages us to stand firm, and keep on praying. James goes on to remind us our prayers are both powerful and effective.

Our prayers will be answered. It may not be in the immediate timetable we desire, but the Lord does answer.

Remember, Gardeners have to wait all season before harvesting a crop, but the sweetness of the fruit is worth the labor of their patience.

Be patient and stand firm.

Still Rescues Today

A lion rushed in and tried stealing a sheep, but the shepherd rescued the sheep and gave thanks to the Lord.

Later, a bear entered the flock and tried taking a sheep, but the shepherd battled the bear and rescued the sheep. He gave thanks to the Lord.

Now, the young shepherd, David, finds himself on the battlefield taunted by Goliath. Preparing for the battle ahead, David knows the Lord will continue to help him.

“The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37).

1 Samuel 17 records David’s victory over Goliath. The Lord rescued David just as David proclaimed he would, and just like he rescued David, the Lord can rescue you.

What Goliath are you facing today? That insurmountable challenge which continues to loom over you. It may be a challenge with your finances, in a relationship, or at your job. The challenge may take multiple shapes, but the truth of God’s Word remains the same – he can rescue you just like he did David.

Ask the Lord for help with these challenges today.

Thanks for reading.

Priceless: 7 Scriptures Reminding Us of Our Value to the Lord

A father wanted to continue a family tradition of handing down a watch to the next generation, so he pulled his son aside one day and showed him the watch.

“This watch has been in our family for many years,” the father explained. “I want to pass it down to you, but first, I want you to take it to the watch shop and request an appraisal.”

The son took the watch to the shop, and the owner offered him $5 because the watch was very old. He reported this to his dad, and the son was given the task of taking the watch to the pawn shop for another appraisal.

Again, an offer of $5 because the watch was very old.

Next, the son was instructed to take the watch to the museum for a final appraisal. He excitedly reported back to his dad the museum offered a million dollars because of the watch’s age.

In response, the dad said, “I had you do this to show you that you always want to go where you are the most valued. You never want to stay where you are not valued.”

We always want to go where we are the most valued. The world may treat us as if we’re not valued, but the Bible assures us we have a great value. Here are 7 Scriptures to remind us of just how valuable we are to the Lord.

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Jeremiah 31:3

“The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued my faithfulness to you.”

Psalm 139:13-14

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

Romans 8:38-39

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Zephaniah 3:17

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”

Ephesians 2:4-5 (New Testament):

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace, you have been saved.”

1 John 3:1

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so, we are.”

These verses reflect the biblical understanding that God’s love is unconditional, everlasting, and extends to all people. They convey the idea that each individual is valuable and beloved in the eyes of the Lord. Remember, you are highly valued!

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Nothing Can Hinder

He was outnumbered, and the path to even begin engaging in battle was difficult. But Jonathan allowed his faith to guide him.

In 1 Samuel 14:6, Jonathan makes a bold statement. “Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.”

“Nothing can hinder the Lord,” Jonahtan says. That’s a great statement.

Nothing can hinder the Lord…

  • From working.
  • From saving.
  • From fulfilling the plans and purpose he has for your life.

Keep this thought at the forefront of your mind today.

Thanks for reading.

3 Promises to Carry Today

Close to 3 weeks have past since we turned the calendar to 2024, and life is marching along. There have been good times and bad times; there have been moments of anxiety and stress, but peaceful ones as well. It is safe to say the rest of the year will continue to unfold in the same way. As each day comes, we can find encouragement in these words of Jesus.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Here, Jesus gives 2 promises we can carry with us.

  1. There will be difficult times. Jesus warns we will have trials and sorrows, so when they come, remember the other promises in this verse.
  2. Since Jesus doesn’t promise us perfection, he promises we can have peace in him. The peace we have is not based on external circumstances, but our connection with the Lord. Philippians 4:7 reminds us this peace is able to go beyond our understanding.
  3. We can have courage. He is greater than the trials and sorrows, so the victory will ultimately be ours through him.

If life is attempting to beat you up right now, remember, Jesus offers peace and courage.

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Salt It Up

Salt is important. It serves as a flavor enhancer for our food, but it has also played a significant role in human history. It has helped stabilize economies, served as medicine, and preserved food. The world would not be the same without salt. So, it is no wonder Jesus compares us to salt in Matthew 5:13. “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.” We find in this verse two challenges.

Be the Salt of the Earth

Jesus says we are the salt of the earth. This gives you and I an important role. Just as salt played a central role in history, as Christ’s ambassadors, we are to play a pivotal role in the world around us. We are called to share…

  • Share the love of Christ.
  • Share the peace of Christ.
  • Be the hands and feet of Christ.

So, as you go through your day, look for opportunities to be salt, and salt it up.

Keep Your Flavor

Jesus also challenges us to keep our flavor. It is important to spend time in Scripture, prayer, and staying connected with other believers. Salt with no flavor is useless, but salt with a rich flavor is powerful. Take daily steps to stay richly flavored.

Accept Jesus’ challenge. Be the salt of the earth today; a salt with a rich, attractive flavor that has people coming back for more.

Thanks for reading, and remember, we’ll be back tomorrow at 6 a.m.

Blessed are the Sufferers

Matthew 5:11-12 brings forth another powerful beatitude: “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.”

This Beatitude challenges the conventional understanding of happiness and invites believers to find joy even in the face of persecution.

At first glance, rejoicing in the midst of persecution may seem counterintuitive. However, Matthew 5:11 calls believers to shift their focus from worldly approval to divine affirmation. The happiness mentioned here is not dependent on external circumstances but rooted in the assurance that one’s identity is found in Christ. Rejoicing in persecution becomes a testimony of unwavering faith and a deep understanding of God’s promises.

Consider the sunflower, which follows the path of the sun across the sky. In times of persecution, believers are called to turn toward the Son of God, finding their source of joy and identity in Him. Like the sunflower, our joy can remain constant, regardless of the shadows cast by adversity.

  • “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).
  • “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Matthew 5:11-12 challenges us to embrace a joy that transcends circumstances. In the face of persecution, believers are called not only to endure but to rejoice. By finding our identity and happiness in Christ, we become living testimonies of God’s transformative power. So, let us face opposition with a radical joy that confounds the world and reflects the unshakable hope found in our Savior.

Thanks for reading.