Tag: trust

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Letting Go

a couple s hands breaking apart

One of my favourite bible stories is the Prodigal Son. Watching the father allow his youngest son to leave home and experience life reminds me of the challenges parents face daily. The process of growing and maturing is not always pleasant to watch.  We cannot raise strong, responsible children or even spiritual sons and daughters by shielding them from all pain and hardships, especially those that come from their own decisions. Often it is the pain that leads them to the arms of the Father. 

Today’s parents of older teens and young adults must release control and learn to trust God in the process. Looking back at the Father in the parable, he knew that he had to allow his son to leave.  But he also knew that he could trust the Lord with what was precious to him, the life of his son.    

Today, we too must trust God and allow our heavenly Father to mature our children and bring them to His perfect stature.  Just as the prodigal son came to himself realizing that he had it better with his father, our seed will as well. It may not be an easy transition, but it is a necessary one. Our children may need a pig pen experience (trial) to come to their heavenly Father. Trying to shield them may lengthen the process of conversion. 

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, endures forever–forsake not the works of Your own hands.” Psalm 138:8 (Amplified Bible) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, grant us the grace to trust you with the lives of those we love. Father, teach us continually how to guide our children in wisdom and truth. God as we commit them to you, I ask that you reassure us daily that you will complete the work that you have begun in them. In Jesus name Amen. 

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A Christian Queen

royal guard standing near lamp post

As the world mourns the death and celebrates the life of Queen Elizabeth II, It’s often forgotten that she has the title of Supreme Governor of the Church of England. This title reflects her genuine Christian faith, which she often spoke about, and how Jesus was her inspiration who kept her going in good times and bad.  

As hard as it was at times, listening to all the colonialist rhetoric, here are some inspirational quotes testifying of her love and acceptance of Christ and His word.  

“For me, as a Christian, one of the most important teachings is contained in the parable of the Good Samaritan, when Jesus answers the question, ‘Who is my neighbour?’ It is a timeless story of a victim of a mugging who was ignored by his own countrymen but helped by a foreigner – and a despised foreigner at that. The implication drawn by Jesus is clear. Everyone is our neighbour, no matter what race, creed or colour. The need to look after a fellow human being is far more important than any cultural or religious differences.” (Christmas message, 2004) 

“I know just how much I rely on my own faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning, I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God. Like others of you who draw inspiration from your own faith, I draw strength from the message of hope in the Christian gospel.” (Christmas message, 2002) 

“For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faith or none.” (Christmas message, 2014) 

Today, this quote from Queen Elizabeth II holds so much meaning as a she says, “It is true that the world has had to confront moments of darkness this year, but the Gospel of John contains a verse of great hope, often read at Christmas carol services: ‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it’… Despite being displaced and persecuted throughout his short life, Christ’s unchanging message was not one of revenge or violence but simply that we should love one another.” (Christmas message, 2015) 

Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:7 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh thank you for life and all its ups and downs. Father, please comfort those that mourn today, including the royal family. We pray for strength and comfort as they go through the burial of their mother, grandmother, and auntie. In your Word you say, “…I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— for Kings and all those in authority— so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,…” In Christ’s Name, Amen.

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Don’t Worry Be Happy…? ?

photo of woman sitting on stairs

Have you heard the popular song, “Don’t worry, be happy” or the phrase “don’t worry it’s really not that bad – everything will get better.” Are these words of encouragement or could this be denial of the pain and reality, the stifling down of emotions? 

Thinking about these responses got me wandering. John had just experienced the earth-shattering, heaven-opening baptism of Jesus. He was blessed with the task of heralding the coming Kingdom – yet was thrown into prison. Jesus’ ministry and the fulfilment of all John the Baptist’ dreams of the coming Messiah had occurred. But we go on to read that immediately after hearing His Father’s affirmation, Jesus is sent by the very same Spirit into the wilderness of temptation and suffering. 

Jesus and John were faithful and knew the writings of the bible. In prison and in the wilderness, two places of real suffering,  both men recalled the words “Do not fear; I will help you”. God did not rescue Jesus from the temptations of the Evil One. He gave Him the power to resist. God did not open Herod’s prison doors so John could escape and continue ministry. Instead, the Tetrarch Herod ordered John’s head to be presented on a platter for the cruel enjoyment of his guests. 

Just as John and Jesus, it is in all places; the Jordan River, at home, in the wilderness, on our jobs or in the prisons, that we hear the words “Do not fear; I will help you.” As the Apostle Paul described it, it is in every circumstance and in everything, we are to “make our request known to God.” He goes on to say, “God’s peace shall be yours”, that tranquil state of mind through Christ Jesus. Our real God comes in the midst of real pain. 

“…at once the Spirit sent Him (Jesus) out into the wilderness…” Mark 1:12 

“(Herod) locked John up in prison.”  Luke 3:20 

“I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear; I will help you.”  Isaiah 41:13 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You that even when all others leave and abandon me, You remain.  

Thank You that even when the ones I thought would be around forever choose to go, I can trust that you will stand with me. Father, I come to You with my cares and my worries concerning this trial I am facing.  Would You remind me that I am not alone? Would You tell me that you care about this and its outcome? Father, I thank You for standing with me, and I receive your strength to stand another day. Thank you that I can trust you to rescue me from this and every trial I will face in this life. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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Your Faith Will Meet Your Needs

Keeping Faith in God During Hard Times

Many people think that when they have a need, God will just automatically meet it. Though Christ definitely could, He is intentional with stating “According to your faith” it will be done, not “according to your demand” it will be done. This small distinction makes a big difference in how we interact with and understand God. Faith is the key.

Remember, if we want God to move in our lives, we have to approach every day filled with faith and hope. How do we get this faith and hope? The Scripture tells us in Romans that “faith comes by hearing the Word of God.” This means, that the more we indulge in listening to and reading God’s word, the more our faith will grow. Consequently, the greater your faith, the more you will be able to maintain hope in your trials and acknowledge God’s hand in your life.

Today, know that God longs to bless you. He has given you everything you need to be successful in life. God longs to meet our needs, so rest assured that even if they are not met just yet, or in the manner you’d desire, His timing and methods are perfect and tailor-made to meet our truest needs. Believe in His goodness today and take a step of faith toward the life of blessing He has prepared for you.

“According to your faith be it done to you.” (Matthew 9:29, ESV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your hand of blessing on my life today. I open my heart to You and trust that You have a good plan for me. Lord, I receive the twin gifts of faith and hope. God, give me a heart filled with expectancy and trust, that today You will meet all my needs and grant me peace, in Christ’s name! Amen.

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True Freedom  

We aren’t bound to news feeds, opinions, and news reports. Statistics don’t have the final say in our lives. Christ does. He reigns over all because He defeated death on our account. Seated at the right hand of the Father, the name above every other name, Jesus Christ determined our freedom. 

We will never forget the last few years, but it isn’t the first time a generation has looked their freedom in eye and wondered what would become of it. God reigns over all that threatens to steal our peace, hope, and freedom. Christ, promised never to leave us. And though our world feels out of control, God holds the reigns. We may not understand what’s happening or know who or what to believe on this earth. But we can unwaveringly trust God. He is unchanging, rock-solid, dependable, and aware of what is happening on earth. 

Today don’t forget where our true freedom comes from. Not a country. Not leaders, nor policies. It isn’t dependent on a clean bill of health or an accumulation of wealth, nor does it fluctuate with crypto coins. Freedom was established on the cross, through Jesus’ death and resurrection. He sits at the right hand of the Father. Our hope is not in this willy-nilly world full of false hope of money and pretences built on shaky ground. No, our freedom is in Christ. Saviour of the world. He has already won the battle. And when we live each day in pursuit of Jesus, we get to experience pure freedom and hope. 

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1 NIV 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for setting me free. Father Freedom is something I won’t let the world define, and I won’t fall victim to its false pretences. It is in Christ I find true freedom, defined by His grace. God as I struggle through a year that has brought many daily routines, lives, and jobs to a halt, I pray for Your encouragement and wisdom. Lord help me to hear Your truth above all the noise and news. Give me the ability to know what is true, and what to do. Guide my next steps and fill my heart with grace and compassion towards others. In Your powerful Name, I pray, Amen.

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Identity Crisis

Liking yourself is hard sometimes. You can watch your friends on Snapchat, Insta or Facebook, see their profiles and start to think, man I wish my life was more like theirs. It’s easy to start comparing what you have and who you are to them and begin to feel like you don’t measure up to them. Liking yourself and thinking positive about yourself can be really challenging. So how do you begin liking yourself when you feel like you don’t measure up to those around you? 

3 tips to help boost your self-esteem. 

1. Do a reality check – This can be really tough to do, but take a realistic look at your situation. You might feel like no one really cares about you, but is that true? It’s easy to constantly let something someone said or did make you think that no one cares about you. More than likely, you have a ton of people who really do care about you. You have parents, siblings, grandparents, and most importantly God that care about you. So when you think you’re all alone and that no one cares, do a reality check and realize that in reality, you have people that care about you.

2. You are what you think so check your thoughts –  It’s easy to get into a negative pattern of thinking about yourself. You can start to believe lies that you’re worthless, or that your life doesn’t matter. Nothing could be farther from the truth. When these thoughts come, recognize them for what they are…lies. Take the necessary steps to switch your thoughts from negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. 

The Bible says in Philippians 4:8 (NLT) “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.  Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

Checking to make sure your thoughts are good ones is an important step to winning the battle for your self-esteem. 

3. See yourself as God sees you –  Decide to begin to see yourself as God sees you. He doesn’t see you as a failure, as a loser or as anything bad you might think you are. He sees you as important. You’re so important that if you were the only person in the world He would have sent his son to die for you. Your life matters to God. He knows everything about you and cares about everything important to you. 


Today remember God thinks so much about you that the Bible says his thoughts about you can’t be numbered. 

Psalm 139:17 (NLT) – “How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.  They cannot be numbered!”

I can count pretty high, so the idea that God thinks about you so much that those thoughts can’t be numbered just goes to show how much He cares about you. So, decide to see yourself as God sees you. Choose to base your worth on how God feels about you. Most of all learning to love yourself.   

Lets Pray
Yahweh, the battle for my self-esteem and self-worth is very real. Father, I believe that with Your help and trust in your word, I can change my thinking and come out fighting against my negative thoughts, and win the battle of self-love in Christ’s name Amen!

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We have Super powers

Did you know that you have a superpower? Yes! Jesus has proclaimed us all to be Super Heroes! We can move mountains with our mind! We can cause seas to part! We can kill fig trees….? Ok, that last one doesn’t seem so glamorous but you get the point right?

Jesus says “when you pray believe and you shall receive” Wow that’s so crazy,  But let’s not get carried away here! We must remember that Jesus surrendered his will to his Heavenly Father “…not my will, but thine be done”  His will and his Father’s will were one. So when we claim the promise or when we use our superpower of faith, believing that God will truly bless us with that nice car or fancy job or great apartment, we must ask ourselves ‘Is this the Father’s will or will it enhance the Kingdom”

The bible clearly states that anything we ask and I mean ANYTHING we ask, believing in faith that it will happen according to His will. God will grant it unto us. That is the power of faith! God desires the best for his children. He wants to see us happy; however, with great faith comes great responsibility. Many times we pray and believe in faith that something will happen that isn’t in accordance with God’s will. As Christians we must first ask “God, is this what you want for me?” and then pray in faith “If it is your will, I trust and believe that it will happen.”

Today consider the fig tree in scripture as an example Jesus uses to prove His point, that when we believe, pray and have great faith we can trust that God will do everything that we ask of him, once it is in accordance with this will. So go out there today and crush mountains with your bare hands! Break down barriers with your mind! And face the enemy with the power of faith! Super Christians Faith!

“Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and shall ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank you for your promises. Father I believe and trust in your promises. Lord, Show me your will, that I may walk only in your will by faith. God, please help me to trust you more each day in Christ’s name Amen.

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It Hurts To Grow

3 Truths About Christianity

As a child I was very short whenever I complained about aches or pains that had no clear physical explanation, my parental diagnosis was: “It’s just growing pains.” I used to imagine my muscles and bones hurting while they stretched and grew. While I know nothing about the scientific nature of this evaluation then, today I do know it has a spiritual application that is very accurate. It hurts to grow. 

Why does It hurt to grow? because we must die to old ways in order to live anew, and old habits die hard. We place a high premium in life on dying peacefully but dying to anything is accompanied by pain. It’s hard letting go of our security blankets. 

It hurts to grow because growing usually means facing some fear or weakness that has limited us. Though God saves us through no effort of our own, he asks for our cooperation when it comes to our spiritual growth. Real spiritual growth only happens when our effort to act upon God’s word meets the provision of the Holy Spirit in us. 

Today learn this spiritual principle of growth. We obey by stepping into our weakness or our fear, trusting in the fact that because it is something He asks of us, He will meet us somewhere along the way with the power to do it. This is almost always a painful proposition because it requires a step into the unknown. What if God doesn’t keep His promises? I suppose we can ask that question, but we will never get the answer until we step. We must take the step as painful as it may be. And if that doesn’t hurt in some way to make these changes maybe it’s not God’s will and there may be there no growth. Old ways die hard, but new life dances on the gravestone. 

“Put into action God’s saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him.” Philippians 2:12-13 (NLT). 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for the incredible pain you suffered on the cross for me. Not only did You carry the sins of the world,” past, present and future” but You died an extremely painful death. God, You are the best Friend I could ever ask for. Help me place my trust in you by accepting your word even when painful. I cast all my anxiety about moving forward on you. In Christ’s Name Amen 

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Waiting  

Waiting is hard because we don’t know what the answer will be. Neither do we know when the answer will come. Our Christian walk of faith is often a journey of waiting and waiting, which we don’t always do with much patience, but I am learning.  

We know that God has the answer and can turn our waiting into trust. As a result, faith renews our strength to wait, we will do a great deal of waiting on our faith journey. Everything we do, we do by faith. As faith is enabling us to trust and wait, it is also building more faith to help us wait on Him for the results, which may be a long time coming; and yet, faith is required day by day. 

Today, our journey isn’t necessarily about the result, but how we endure the unknown. Will we trust God to renew our strength and move us out of the place of discouragement to a place of peace and hope again? In my experience, when I call out to Him with my discouraged heart, He is always faithful to lift me again; then I can rest once again in knowing He is in control. The choice to trust will help us wait. A deeper faith is the result of bravely waiting on the Lord. 

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I pray the Psalmist’s words to you, “I wait for you Lord, my soul waits, and in your word, I hope” (Ps 130:5). Father, help me to remain faithful in this place of waiting. Help me to serve you and live for you at this crossroad of my life. Help me to wait as long as it takes. I put my total trust in you. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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Faith Through Adversity 

Keeping Faith in God During Hard Times

It doesn’t seem fair, does it? Paul spent his life serving Christ, and yet he experienced continual suffering. Why would God let one of His most faithful servants go through so much pain? This isn’t just a question about Paul; it’s an issue we face today. In our minds, the Lord should protect His loyal followers from hardships, but He doesn’t necessarily do so. 

Maybe our reasoning is backwards. We think faithful Christians don’t deserve to suffer, but from God’s perspective, suffering is what produces faithful Christians. If we all had lives of ease without opposition, trials, or pain, we’d never really know God, because we’d believe that we would never really need Him. 

Depending on your response, trials can be God’s greatest means of building faith or an avenue to discouragement and self-pity. If you’ll believe what Scripture says and apply its principles to your situation, your trust in God will grow, and your faith will be strengthened. 

Today Like it or loathe it, adversity teaches us more about the Lord than simply reading the Bible ever will. I’m not saying we don’t need to know Scripture; that’s our foundation. But if what we believe is never tested by adversity, it remains head knowledge. How will we ever know the Lord can be trusted if we’ve never been through hard times? God gives us opportunities to apply scriptural truths to our difficulties, and in the process, we find Him faithful. For example, how would Paul ever have known the strength of Christ if he had never been weakened by pain and persecution? 

“I leave you peace; my peace I give you.” I do not give it to you as the world does. So don’t let your hearts be troubled or afraid. John 14:27

Let’s Pray 

Jehovah my faithful Father, thank you for your great promises. Father, I am thrilled at the reminder of your faithful presence in my life which helps me during difficult times. God, I fully believe that I can entrust my future to you and that you will bring me into your presence with victory and great joy. Thank you, Lord, for giving me this sure and steadfast faith. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen. 

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Faith That Pleases God

Faith-based Methods For Overcoming Stress

One of my favourite stories in the Old Testament is the story of David slaying Goliath he took 5 smooth stones and defeated the giant that was stopping Israel’s success. As I reflect today on these events, I ask myself the question what type of faith must it take to defeat giants in our lives? 

As I began to think about this question, I remembered how David went from shepherd boy to King of Israel, capturing Jerusalem, reuniting the nation, and controlling an empire. David always looked toward the Lord; and from the anxieties he suffered, he developed faith and determination in God. His unwavering confidence in God became apparent to all. 

Everyone has struggles, and these struggles test our faith. We all want the type of faith that releases the fullest blessings of God in our lives. How do we ensure the type of faith that pleases God? When your faith is tested, reflect on how God has helped you in the past, acknowledge his power over the situation and trust him for the resources you need. Praise him in the trial and ask others to pray for you. Ask the Lord to increase your faith. 

Today, ponder the story of David and Goliath which provides a brief narrative of faith. It describes and explains how faith works in three simple steps. First, a humble dependence on God recognising that He is the source of everything we need. Second, approach Him with an open heart because He is the sovereign Lord over all; third, trust God to keep his word. Together, these three simple steps represent the type of faith that pleases Him. Invite God to daily increase your ability to depend on Him for everything, approach Him full-heartedly, and trust Him to keep his promises. 

We all want the type of faith that releases the fullest blessings of God in our lives. 

“And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 

Let’s Pray Yahweh, thank you for increasing my faith and helping me to see the specific ways you have revealed yourself to me. Father, I praise you that you know all things perfectly and that I can trust the unknown to you. In Christ’s blessed name I pray, Amen.

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**Wisdom Wednesday’s**

Are you ever tempted to doubt? I know I have.

The reality is doubt is very common to our human experience. Doubt comes in varying degrees. There is the doubt of a proud skeptic, who delights in their own intellect. There is the person who wants to believe, but is struggling with difficult questions. Then there is the believer who has drifted away from the Lord in the midst of a difficult situation. At the foundation of doubt is fear. Fear can be debilitating, disorienting and depressing.

The only antidote for doubt is faith. Faith, in the bible, is defined this way “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” The object of our faith is God and his promises. 

Faith is putting your trust in God and having confidence that he will fulfill his promises. Trust that God is working on your behalf and in your favour. Have confidence in His promises. Know when you trust Him, goodness and mercy will chase after you all the days of your life! 

- Pastor Sophia
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Don’t Panic Exercise faith?

Christ, god, Holy Spirit, Jesus, panic, Pray

Last week I had a prayer request from a woman who thought she was losing her baby. She pressed her hands on her stomach, but nothing. she tried moving around, drinking something cold, but nothing. Her unborn child had either been quiet for quite a while, or something was wrong. She had two choices. panic or faith. 

Maybe you have the same choice to make in your life right now. I discovered a formula that can help you beat panic if you accept its words by faith and put them into practice. It’s found in Philippians 4-9. 

Paul says we should rejoice in God, and not panic, bringing all matters to the Lord in prayer. Next, we choose where we place our thoughts, and what we feed them. Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy — that should be our focus. 

When the woman’s baby went quiet, she decided to believe that her baby would “not die but live and would proclaim what the Lord has done”. She was happy to hear the beautiful heartbeat coming through the machine. She was aware that the outcome could have been different, but she decided from then on to deal with things as they came from the point of view of faith, not panic. 

Today, we have choices to make what will be our approach?  remembering the good in someone who’s hurt you and choosing to make peace with them. Maybe it is deciding to trust that God is holding the aeroplane you are about to board in His care and has commanded His angels to watch over you. Or perhaps it is accepting that He loves you beyond what you could ever imagine. So, if you’ve messed up, you can choose to believe it’s not over and turn to Him again, knowing He is not finished with you yet. Don’t Panic exercise faith. 

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I come to you because I need my mind shifted. I want my thoughts to be aligned with yours. I want my mind to be transformed. Teach me to choose faith over panic. God reminds me of your truth when darkness fills my thinking. Remind me of your love when I cease to believe it. Hold me close to you when panic is one of my choices. I love you, Lord. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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We Can Do It! 

Christian Social Network

As the Israelites got to the borders of the Promised Land, Moses sent out scouts to assess the situation. Ten scouts returned with reports that focused on the giants in the land, men so big and powerful the scouts feared they could not be defeated. However, two of the scouts focused on the promise from God that he would hand the land over to the Israelites. One of those scouts, Caleb, silenced the others by saying “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it”. 

He trusted God’s promise instead of trusting his fear. The opposite of fear is faith, the belief that Jesus is capable of handling anything we may face in life. But operating out of faith means we must rely on Christ, no matter the issue. God brings us to a choice: Will we trust Him, or will we trust our fears? 

Today we must hold God in reverence, recognizing his sovereignty, authority, and His ability to protect us in any situation. We reach that level of trust by knowing the Father and understanding His character. Your fear simply reveals a place where you aren’t yet trusting in Jesus. Don’t stay stuck in your fear, and don’t receive condemnation for your lack of faith. Jesus wants to move you past that into a place where your fears are replaced by faith. Follow Him and learn to trust. 

“We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” Numbers 13:30b 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, You said that the righteous man will live by faith. Father, Mould me in Your image and fill my heart with faith in You. Guide my actions so that I can live by faith and have a life in You, abundantly and eternally. God, please cleanse my thoughts of all impurities. Keep my eyes fixed on You and You alone. Lord, help me be steadfast in my trust in You and Your word so that I can live right in Your sight. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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Wisdom Wednesday’s Lets talk about the ‘F’ word.

Forgiveness “is” an act or process of healing, reframing, letting go, and moving on from an offense or negative experience. It can be one of the most difficult things we are commanded to do. It requires us to trust God completely with the future of our lives in a way that restores, reconciles, where necessary, and regains trust.

Let’s dispel some myths about forgiveness…

1. Forgiveness is not forgetting.

2. Forgiving does not mean you no longer feel the pain of their offense. 3. Forgiving doesn’t mean you cease longing for justice.

4. Forgiveness does not mean you make it easy for the offender to hurt you again.

5. Forgiveness is rarely a one-time event. We are called by God to forgive. When we do, it can lead to deeper levels of intimacy and vulnerability in our relationships.

The fact is Satan gains ground in our lives when we don’t forgive. So maybe it’s time that we regain ground by choosing to forgive?

– Pastor Sophia Peart

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Let Not… 

Christ offers us peace which he made possible through His death on the cross. This peace of God fills our hearts with quiet confidence even when life is tough. But why do so many of us not experience this peace of heart and mind? For it to become a reality we must take care of our “let nots” as in John 14. There Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled neither let it be afraid.” 

Another translation says,” stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed, and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.” How? Do not feed fear by what you watch on T.V. video games, movies, or books you read. 

Replace a disturbing thought with a good thought—quote a Bible verse or a stanza from a hymn or chorus. One that has helped me is “He leadeth me”.  

Today, tell God about your fear with thanksgiving say, “God, you are bigger than my problem. I give it to you now. I want to trust you with it.” Then move ahead despite your fear. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” Phil 4:4-7. 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, fill my heart and mind with your peace right now in Christ’s Name Amen. 

 

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