God's Unfailing Love
Sandra V December 29, 2013
We often forget how blessed we are to have a God that loves us so much.
Even though we often make so many mistakes God is still there to love on us and doesn't hold our sinful nature against us. God sent Jesus to be born so that we can be saved from a corrupted world full of sins. God showed his love through Jesus Christ.
Has there been a time in your life that you thought nobody loves you?
Jesus' sacrifice proved that is so far from the truth. All we have to do is have faith and not believe the lies of the enemy.
The day that Jesus was born angels sang with joy. The savior of the world is finally here. Jesus is God's promise of salvation to the world. Jesus understood God's love for the world and wanted to show God's love in flesh to everyone he encountered. So next time you feel alone, discouraged or that nobody loves you please consider these scriptures.
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."
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."
God, please help us to remember and see how much you love us. I know so many times life's circumstances can leave us discouraged and alone but at the end of the day you are always their to protect us and wrap
Your loving arms around us. Thank you God for all your love In Jesus name I pray. Amen
Heather Portillo December 17, 2013
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
It can certainly be said that if you are anxious, your perspective of circumstances may be less than optomistic. God sincerely desires for you to live your life without anxiety over any issue. He tells you how to avoid anxiety, stress and doubt relating to your troubling situation. First, you are to pray to God and petition Him about your situation. Whatever struggle exists in your life, God wants you to come to Him with prayer and petition before you entertain thoughts of fear, doubt or discouragement. Next, thank Him for the work He has done and is continuing to do in your life. Never neglect the opportunity to recognize God’s provisions and blessings for you. By doing these things, God will shelter you in His peace and comfort you as you wait to see His promises come to pass.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you so much for all that you have given me. I have so much to be grateful for. Sometimes I take for granted the ways that you provide for my every need. Thank you for your continued blessing in my life and thank you for your promises to provide for me in every area of need. In the midst of my trials I am so tempted to give into the fear and become anxious or discouraged. Right now, in this moment I want to give every circumstance to you and ask that you reveal yourself to me in them. Please cover me in the peace that only you can provide. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sandra V December 8, 2013
There are times in my life that I look at myself in the mirror and think if only I was a little thinner, more beautiful and outgoing. Perhaps, then I wouldn't be a single mother or divorced right now. These thoughts have often left me feeling disappointed at the reflection looking back at me. I have to remember as a Christian that God views His children in a totally different way than we view ourselves or others. Consider what God says in 1 Peter 3:3-4, "Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."
Often the same refection in the mirror looks back at me full of regret, left wondering if life should have been different. Is this what God planned for my life? These are the lies that the enemy wants me to believe. I have to often reminded myself that God wants me to be happy and sees me in a totally different way than everyone else does. He provides us with abundant happiness and provides our every need. The inner beauty is what is important, not the reflection staring back at me. Every good thing comes from The Lord, which is why it is important to remember Philippians 4:19, which says "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
It's a known fact that women take on multiple roles such as caretaker, doctor, cook, providers, psychiatrist and sometimes even referees.God refuels us with wisdom and strength from the many roller coasters that often leave us drained from all these roles.
What do you see when you look in the mirror? Is the reflection looking back at you one that you hoped for in life: If not why?
Prayer: Lord, give me the ability to see myself through your eyes and to recognize my inner beauty and strength that you see in me. Reveal to me that I am not alone because you are always with me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ashley Williams November 27, 2013
Yes, I misspelled thankful on purpose. I want to start this with a question; Are you truly thankful?
Let’s define thankful shall we?
· thank·ful adjective \ˈthaŋk-fəl\ : glad that something has happened or not happened, that something or someone exists, etc.: of, relating to, or expressing thanks
Now, I am sure after reading this definition you may be thinking to yourself “Of course I am thankful because (enter your reason here)” but how often have you really praised God for blessing you? It is so easy to be frustrated with what’s going on in your world, but in that same moment I challenge you to pause and pray.
“Never stop praying.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
“As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.” Psalm 138:3
“Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you who belong to Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 17-18
As we enter this holiday season, my prayer for you is that you will take a moment and breathe in all those moments that you have been blessed with. Enjoy your loved ones around you instead of trying to capture that moment with your camera. Or being so wrapped up in who is bringing what dish or whose turn it is to host Thanksgiving. These moments go by in an instance and I pray you bring Glory to God and cherish those moments.
“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
Holly Moulder November 9, 2013
Proverbs 19:17 says, "Whoever is generous to the poor lends to The Lord, and He will repay him for His deed." Have you ever thought about God borrowing from you? This verse shows that meeting the needs of the poor is a debt He is willing to repay. Many times we view our giving as a sacrifice, something we will not get back, but God says He repays those sacrifices given to the poor. Not that you'll trade $5 for $100 but he "repays." You won't suffer for generosity sake. Proverbs 21:13 takes the thought further. "Whoever closes his ears to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered." Here we see the contrast; lend and be repaid or ignore and be ignored.
Lord, open my eyes to the poor. Show me where I can be generous. Thank you for blessing my obedience and showing me the needs you see in others. In Jesus name, amen.
Praying for Discernment Heather Portillo October 26, 2013
"Oh Lord, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised. Listen to my prayer; rescue me as you promised." Psalm 119:169-170
This is a request that covers so many struggles in our lives. When you are feeling defeated emotionally or physically, when you are feeling alone, confused, depressed or hopeless you can bring this prayer to God with confidence that he will hear your cry and answer you. Often in times of struggle, we lack the focus and discernment necessary to make a wise decision. This verse shows that God is willing to bestow favor on you in this area if you will call out to Him with faith.
Is there an area in your life that burdens you? Take time to speak this prayer to God and allow him to give you wisdom.
Heavenly Father, please help me to rely more heavily on your guidance than my own understanding. Please give me the discernment needed to make godly choices in my life. I long to obey, but sometimes I feel discouraged and confused. Renew my mind with a fresh revelation of your truth and your love for me. In Jesus name, Amen.
Holly Moulder October 9, 2013
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” -- Galatians 6:9 NIV
I used to read this verse and think about good works only. I pictured myself resisting the urge to say no to an opportunity to volunteer, give or serve. But recently I have come to view this verse through the lens of spiritual warfare.
Let us not grow weary in speaking the truth over our circumstances when we want to succumb to the despair. Let us not grow weary in returning a blessing for a curse. Let us not grow weary in loving those who have given us just cause to hate them. At the proper time we will reap faith, compassion and love. He will give us beauty for ashes and strength for fear (Isaiah 61).
God, thank you! Thank you that you carry my burdens and give me the tools I need to overcome every circumstance. Thank you that the reward is always to be more like you! I love you, Father! In Jesus Name, Amen.
Patience B October 9, 2013
Exode 3:7-8 dit: “ L’Eternel dit: J’ai vu la souffrance de mon peuple qui est en Egypte, et j’ai entendu les cris que lui font pousser ses oppresseurs, car Je connais ses douleurs. Je suis descendu pour le délivrer de la main des égyptiens, et pour le faire monter de ce pays dans un bon et vaste pays, dans un pays où coulent le lait et le miel, … »
Notre Dieu entend et exauce nos prières. Il est réellement descendu pour nous délivrer de l’oppresseur et nous faire monter de ce pays dans un bon et vaste pays. IL connait ce qui est bon pour nous. Il nous introduit ici à une comparaison entre le pays (mauvais et petit) où nous vivons actuellement et le pays (bon et vaste) où IL a le projet de nous amener.
L’Egypte ici fait référence à notre propre vie où l’ennemi satan est l’oppresseur. D’une part, il dirige notre vie dans tout ce qui est mauvais, dans tout ce qui est désir de la chair : l’impudicité, la magie, les inimitiés, les querelles, les jalousies, les animosités, les disputes, les divisions… (Galates 5 :19-20). De l’autre part, il cherche à nous maintenir esclave dans un petit pays qui est notre propre « moi ». Il sait que nous sommes équipés de qualités et dons spirituels que le Seigneur place en nous dès la naissance. Alors, il nous oppresse et nous convainc que ces qualités et dons sont pour l’utilité personnelle et non commune (I Corinthiens 12 :7). C’est à utiliser uniquement dans mon famille, dans le cercle fermé de mes amis, dans mon mariage ou dans la vie de mes enfants, etc… Aussi, il veut nous amener à compter sur nous-même ou sur les méthodes et les plans humains pour résoudre toute sorte de problèmes qui nous arrivent.
Or la réalité est que nous l’avons écouté et nous voilà placé dans un mauvais et petit pays où nous sommes devenus esclaves des principes élémentaires du monde (Galates 4 :4.9). Nous sommes devenus insensés (et nous nous croyons très sages), « désobéissants, égares, asservis à toute sorte de convoitises et désirs, vivant dans la méchanceté et dans l’envie, digne d’être haïs et nous haïssant les uns les autres » (Tite 3 :3).
Heureusement, Dieu est descendu comme Il le dit Lui-même, pour nous délivrer de cet oppresseur. Il est venu nous apporter la bonne nouvelle du salut. Oui, Jésus est là pour nous guérir nous qui avons le cœur blessé ; à nous qui sommes sous l’emprise de satan, Il est venu nous proclamer la délivrance ; et à nous qui sommes aveuglés par notre humanité, il proclame le recouvrement de la vue. Il est venu renvoyer libre les opprimés et publier une année de grâce (Luc 4 :17). C’est le temps de monter du mauvais et petit pays au bon et vaste (Exode 3 :8) où l’Esprit de Dieu dirige notre vie et où nous produisons l’amour, la joie, la paix, la patience, la bonté, la bénignité, la fidélité, la douceur, la tempérance (Galates 5 :22-24). Il a prévu pour nous ce vaste pays où nous sommes « concitoyens des saints, gens de la maison de Dieu » (Ephésiens 2 :19) et où nos dons et qualités sont utilisés pour l’utilité commune (I Corinthiens 12 :7).
Merci Seigneur notre Dieu que Tu es descendu pour nous délivrer de l’emprise de l’ennemi. Accorde-nous de demeurer dans ce bon et vaste lieu où Tu nous amènes et d’utiliser nos dons et qualités pour l’utilité commune et pour Ta gloire. Au nom de Jésus, nous avons priée. Amen !
Sandra V September 29, 2013
Being a single mom can be very overwhelming at times. It is often a challenge making sure that your children have everything they need as well as taking on the many roles that come with being the only parent in the household. It’s at that time that I have to sit down and remember that I don’t have to do everything on my own. In Psalm 10:14, David writes, “But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.” God knows your need and this verse is proof that God cares about your hardships in life. Simply take time to seek him in your times of hardship. God will always provide you with all the tools you need to handle your circumstances, whether you struggle financially, in your health, relationships or custody battles. All of these can be very emotionally draining as a mom. We have to trust and have faith that God will fight all of our battles. As a mother this can be hard to do, especially when your children are involved. Consider Samuel 8:20, “that we also may be like all the nations, that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles." God is promising us that He goes before us and fights our battles, We just need to stand strong and let God take ahold of the situation. In what part of your life have you tried to control your circumstances and still felt like you were losing the battle? Prayer: God give us wisdom to understand and recognize that we don’t have to do everything on our own. It is through you that we gain strength because no matter what you will alway be there to protect and provide for our families in Jesus name I pray Amen.
Heather Portillo September 18, 2013
"Halleluyah! Servants of Adonai, give praise! Give praise to the name of Adonai! 2 Blessed be the name of Adonai from this moment on and forever! 3 From sunrise until sunset Adonai’s name is to be praised. 4 Adonai is high above all nations, his glory above the heavens. 5 Who is like Adonai our God, seated in the heights, 6 humbling himself to look on heaven and on earth. 7 He raises the poor from the dust, lifts the needy from the rubbish heap, 8 in order to give him a place among princes, among the princes of his people. 9 He causes the childless woman to live at home happily as a mother of children. Halleluyah!" Psalm 113
Adonai is a Hebrew word meaning "Lord", "Owner" or "Master". How fitting that we as servants should give praise to our Adonai. What master has ever humbled himself to raise the poor from the dust or lift the needy from a heap of garbage to give them a place with royalty? And yet, our Lord, Master - our Adonai sees us in our darkest hour and loneliest place. He mourns with us and humbles himself on His throne to meet us where we are and draw us to Him.
Heavenly Father, My Adonai thank you for seeking me and loving me even at my lowest point. Thank you for never leaving me in my dispair. Help me to recognize that I am never without my savior. I am never abandoned or alone. I am grateful for your unfailing love and endless mercy. In Jesus Name, Amen
Holly Moulder September 11, 2013
"For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have." (Philippians 1:28-30) Philippians 1:29-30 defines the type of suffering we are called to, suffering for believing truth and suffering in the same way the Philippians saw Paul suffer...chains, mocked, ridiculed, hated. Just like Christ. That's carrying your cross! Not illness or depression or addiction. Suffering produces life when we suffer like Christ. It builds character and creates a need to draw close to Him, knowing what you believe and why. "Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus."(Philippians 2:1-5 NIV) But even that suffering is not completely necessary. According to Philippians 2:1-4, we should be encouraging each other through the suffering with comfort, love, joy, sympathy, counting each other as being better than ourselves. I think this is why christian community is such a God send to all of us. We can be weird in the worlds eyes but when we are together it's ok. We don't care because we are encouraged to keep speaking truth. I encourage you to bless someone with the love of Christ and ease their suffering.