Tag Archives: Faith

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Rock-Solid Promise 3: We Can Ask for Help with Confidence

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Life will pull us in many directions this year. Most likely, you and I will find ourselves needing help on more than one occasion. So, here is another rock-solid promise to which we can hold tightly.

3. We can ask for help with confidence.

We can ask for help in any and every situation, and we are assured the Lord understands. According to the rock-solid promise of Hebrews 4, the Lord will respond with mercy and grace.

Hebrews 4:16 encourages, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

No matter where we find ourselves, or what we are forced to deal with, remember, we can ask for help, and the Lord will graciously respond.

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Rock-Solid Promise 2: The Lord Always Helps Us

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Here is the 2nd of 10 rock-solid promises to which we can cling in 2024 and beyond.

2. The Lord will always be there to help us.

Since he is not leaving us, the Lord will always be there to help us.

  • “Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me” (Psalm 118:7).
  • “My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth” Psalm 121:2).
  • Hebrews 13:6 says, “So we can say with confidence, ‘My help comes from the Lord, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

No matter where we find ourselves, the Lord is always willing to help us. So, as the trials and struggles of today and the year emerge, remember, we can rely on the Lord for help.

Thanks for reading. We’ll be here tomorrow with promise 3.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Embracing the New Year: A Perfect Time for a Fresh Beginning

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As we stand at the threshold of a new year, the timeless words of Ecclesiastes 3 remind us that there is a season for everything under the sun. In the beautiful tapestry of life, God orchestrates moments of beginnings and endings, and the dawn of 2024presents a perfect time to start anew.

In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, we find a poetic depiction of life’s seasons—times to be born and to die, to plant and to uproot, to weep and to laugh. As we reflect on these verses, we are reminded that change is a natural part of our journey. Each season brings its own opportunities for growth, learning, and transformation.

In Ecclesiastes 3:11, we find comfort in the assurance that God makes everything beautiful in its time. This includes the transitions, the uncertainties, and the new beginnings we encounter. As we step into the new year, we can trust that God’s timing is perfect, and He has a purpose for every season of our lives.

The concept of time in Ecclesiastes 3 encourages us to embrace the present moment and look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead. Whether you’re reflecting on the past, setting new goals, or navigating changes, remember that each day is an opportunity for a fresh start.

Starting tomorrow, join us as we explore rock-solid promises from the Word of God that will guide and inspire you throughout the new year. These promises are anchors for our faith, providing strength, comfort, and hope as we navigate the seasons of life.

In the spirit of Ecclesiastes 3, let’s approach the coming days with a sense of anticipation and openness to the new opportunities that God has in store. As we welcome the new year, may we find solace in the understanding that, with God, every moment is a perfect time to start anew.

Thanks for reading.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

The Year In Review: A simple Guide for Christians

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As 2023draws to a close, it’s natural for us to take a moment and reflect on the journey we’ve traveled. For Christians, this reflection is more than just reminiscing about the past; it’s an opportunity to look back with gratitude, learn from experiences, and set our sights on the future with hope.

Look Back With Gratitude

First and foremost, let’s focus on gratitude. As Christians, we believe that every good and perfect gift comes from God. Take a moment to think about the blessings, big and small, that have filled your life this past year. Maybe it’s the support of friends and family, the strength to face challenges, or the joy found in everyday moments. Give thanks for these gifts, acknowledging God’s faithfulness in providing for you.

Learn From Experiences

Next, consider the lessons learned. Life is a journey of growth, and each experience, whether positive or challenging, has something to teach us. Reflect on the times you faced difficulties and how you overcame them. Think about the moments of joy and what they revealed about the goodness of God. What lessons can you carry into the coming year to grow even stronger in your faith and character?

Set Our Sights on the Future With Hope

Now, turn your gaze towards the future with hope. The Bible tells us that God has plans for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). As you reflect on the year ending, consider how God might be guiding you into the next chapter of your life. What dreams and aspirations has He placed in your heart? Trust that His promises are true and that the new year holds opportunities for growth, purpose, and joy.

In conclusion, reflecting on the ending year is a simple yet powerful practice for Christians. It allows us to express gratitude, learn from our experiences, and approach the future with hope. As you bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, may your heart be filled with thanksgiving, wisdom, and the assurance that God’s plans for you are filled with hope and purpose.

Thanks for reading.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Cultivating Christmas Joy: 5 Tips for Keeping the Spirit Alive Year-Round

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As the festive lights dim and the ornaments are packed away, many of us find ourselves yearning to carry the joy of Christmas into the coming months. Fortunately, the spirit of Christmas is not bound to a single season but can be nurtured and sustained throughout the entire year. Here are five simple suggestions to help you keep the joy of Christmas alive in your heart, no matter the date on the calendar.

  1. Practice Gratitude Daily: Gratitude is a powerful antidote to the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Take a moment each day to reflect on the blessings around you. Recall the warmth of Christmas joy by expressing gratitude for the simple pleasures, the love of family and friends, and the gift of each new day.
  2. Extend Acts of Kindness: Christmas is a season of giving, and this spirit can be perpetuated year-round through acts of kindness. Look for opportunities to lend a helping hand, offer words of encouragement, or simply share a smile. Acts of kindness not only brighten someone else’s day but also contribute to the joy that permeates the Christmas season.
  3. Keep the Message of Hope Alive: Christmas is a celebration of hope, symbolized by the birth of Jesus Christ. Stay connected to this message by engaging in regular moments of prayer, reflection, and Bible study. Let the hope that Christmas brings be a guiding light throughout the year, helping you navigate challenges with faith and optimism.
  4. Celebrate Milestones and Achievements: Just as we celebrate the birth of Christ during Christmas, take time to acknowledge and celebrate personal milestones and achievements. Reflect on your growth, express gratitude for accomplishments, and recognize the goodness in your journey. This ongoing celebration fosters a sense of joy and fulfillment.
  5. Foster a Spirit of Giving: Christmas often inspires generosity. Carry this spirit forward by actively seeking ways to give back to your community. Whether through volunteering, charitable donations, or supporting local causes, being a giver contributes to a sense of purpose and joy that transcends the holiday season.

In conclusion, keeping the joy of Christmas alive throughout the year is not only possible but transformative. By practicing gratitude, extending kindness, embracing hope, celebrating achievements, and fostering a spirit of giving, you can cultivate a continuous and lasting sense of Christmas joy in your heart. May the warmth and love of the Christmas season be your companion on every step of the journey ahead.

Thanks for reading.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Navigating Post-Christmas Blues: 3 Suggestions for Overcoming

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As the holiday lights dim and the festive tunes fade away, it’s not uncommon to experience post-Christmas blues. The return to routine and the end of the holiday season can bring feelings of melancholy, but there’s solace and hope to be discovered because of Christ.

Here are 3 suggestions to help overcome this struggle.

  1. Redirect your focus towards the enduring message of Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ. Amidst the post-holiday lull, take moments to reflect on the profound significance of God sending His Son to bring everlasting hope and salvation to the world. Revisit the Nativity story from the Bible, attend church services, and let the enduring love of Christ be a source of comfort and inspiration during this quieter time.
  2. Reconnect with your faith community as a means of overcoming the post-Christmas slump. Seek out opportunities to share the joy of the season with fellow believers. Engage in post-holiday gatherings, participate in acts of kindness, and relish the support and camaraderie of your church family. Building on the bonds formed during Christmas can help extend the warmth and unity into the new year.
  3. Consider introducing new traditions that align with your faith to maintain a sense of purpose. Incorporate prayerful practices into your routine, such as reflective journaling or scripture reading. These rituals can offer a spiritual foundation and guide you through the post-Christmas period with renewed purpose and connection to your Christian beliefs.

If you find yourself grappling with post-holiday blues, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Share your thoughts and feelings with trusted friends, family, or members of your church community. Acknowledge that it’s okay to feel this way and that there are caring individuals ready to lend a listening ear.

As the decorations come down and the holiday cheer subsides, let the enduring love and hope found in your faith be a beacon of light to guide you through the post-Christmas blues. Embrace the peace that comes from knowing the transformative message of Christmas remains a constant source of comfort throughout the entire year.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

He Landed the Part

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Leon was the innkeeper. He was so excited to have finally landed the part, and he practiced for weeks. He had his lines – well, line – perfect.

“There’s no room in the inn,” is all Leon had to say, but Leon became so emotionally involved in the part and the Christmas story that he added a few lines.

There’s no room in the inn,” he said, “but Jesus you can have my room. Jesus, you can have it all!”

Leon may have messed up a little, but his extra lines inspire a question. How well do we allow Jesus to have everything?

From the worries surrounding our finances to the burden of guilt for yesterday’s mistakes, do we allow Jesus to have it all?

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light,” (Matthew 11:28-30(.

Merry Christmas! I hope you have a joyous celebration today.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Keeping Promises

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It has been said promises are made only to be broken, and since we do not live in a perfect world, this holds true on many occasions. Someone with the best of intentions makes a promise to us, but the person is unable to keep it. For many, politics comes to mind as soon as they think of broken promises. An imperfect world leads to imperfect promises.

But what if I told you there was someone who always keeps promises. What if I told you there is someone who always tells the truth? There is! He is the Lord, and we see this lived out the night the shepherds heard of Jesus’ birth.

The stillness of their night had been interrupted by an angel giving them good news of great joy, so the shepherds went to investigate. Luke’s Gospel tells us, “They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph, and there was the baby lying in a manger” (Luke 2:16). They investigated the message they received from the angel and found that it was true. Everything was just like they had been told.

God doesn’t lie. He doesn’t change his mind or his character; he doesn’t go back on his word. Hebrews reminds us the Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever more. He will always keep his promises. His word will always be true.

We can trust the promises given to us in the Bible. We can trust that the Lord will give us peace. We can trust that he will be with us. We can trust that he will provide for us and protect us. There is not one promise in Scripture which will be broken. God will always keep his word, so we can be like the shepherds, praising God for finding things just as we were told (Luke 2:20).

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Sharing Our Gifts

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Kevin, age 5, and Ryan, age 3 were waiting on their mom to cook pancakes one morning, and the boys began to argue about who would get the first pancake. Seeing an opportunity to teach a moral lesson, their mom said, “Jesus would let his brother have the first pancake.”

Kevin quickly said to Ryan, “Hey Ryan, why don’t you be Jesus?”

Matthew tells us the Magi shared with Jesus. Matthew 2:11 says, “They entered the house and saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” The Magi shared with the Lord.

The wise men brought gifts to Jesus, because they wanted to share with him. As Christians, we should be willing to bow before the king and open the treasure chests of our lives to share with the Lord. The gifts the Magi brought can help us see ways to share with the Lord.

Gold

They presented gold to Christ. Gold is obviously something of great value. Instantly, tithes and offerings come to mind, but we can share in other ways. Our time, our talents, and our abilities are some ways we can share. We can share our words by being the Lord’s spokesperson. Our words can be used to encourage one another; building one another up in Christ. Our words have the ability to help another person more fully grasp the Lord’s grace. Money is not the only valuable thing we can share with the Lord. We have much to share.

Frankincense and Myrrh

Our prayers are the incense we share with the Lord. Revelation 5:8 reminds us prayers are a sweet smelling fragrance at the alter of the Lord. He wants to hear from us. The Lord longs for us to talk with him. He wants to hear our thanksgivings and our struggles.

The Lord desires for us to share our lives with him. How well do we share? Try sharing a part of your day with the Lord. Spend some time in prayer or offer an encouraging word to a neighbor. The Lord wants to live life with us.

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

The Magi’s Journey

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Their journey took them to new places and introduced them to new people. The Magi saw a new star in the sky, and their anticipation and desire to seek the new born king spurred a journey to find him. They did not know where the journey was going to lead, but they were willing to go. Perhaps it was unnerving and disrupting, but the Magi followed the star.

The Lord may be pointing us on a journey right now. It may be accepting his grace, talking with a friend about his grace, making a sacrificial move, or maybe something even more difficult. He may be calling us to extend forgiveness. We’ve been hurt badly, but someone has to lay the first piece to build the bridge of reconciliation. It may be disrupting. It may be unnerving, but the Lord is calling.

Going on this journey may be scary, but we are not alone. Scripture records many who were called on a journey. They found themselves in some new places. Abraham was called into a new territory. Noah was called to begin a new project. Daniel was called into a new leadership role. The first disciples were called into a career change. The Lord called Paul into a public life change. We are not alone.

What journey is the Lord asking you to take? Ask the Lord for the courage to begin the journey and to help you remember he is leading as you walk into new places.

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