Dear children, we must show love through actions that are sincere, not through empty words. [1 John 3:18 (GW)]
It’s not enough just to believe, or even to profess our belief; we must behave as if we believe!
Category Archives: Faith & Hope
THE PATH WE TAKE
You will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way. Follow it, whether it turns to the right or to the left.” [Isaiah 30:21 (GW)]
God sets a path before us, yet sometimes we’re discouraged before we even get started. All we see is the rough road, the steep climb, or the boulders blocking the trail. We need to trust the Lord and accept the route he gives us: just walk the road, climb uphill when necessary and work our way around the obstacles.
Dear Lord, let me hear your voice guiding me on my life journey. Give me the faith to take the route you’ve set, the endurance to make my way over the rugged parts, the strength to climb the difficult slopes, and the intelligence to find my way around any obstacles in my path. Please God, may I also have the vision to see the wildflowers and hidden blessings you’ve strewn along the way.
HE’S JUST A PRAYER AWAY
The Lord is near to everyone who sincerely calls to him for help. [Psalm 145:18 (ERV)]
When we finally stop trying to fix the world around us by ourselves, when we admit our own shortcomings, and when, at long last, we finally acknowledge our weakness, we are left only with this simple prayer: “God, help me!” And that, thankfully, is all the prayer we need.
WE ALWAYS HAVE EVERYTHING WE NEED
And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. [2 Corinthians 9:8 (NLT)]
Lord, I often protest that I don’t have the time, money or ability to do something you ask of me. Yet, I always seem to have time, money and skills enough to do what I want for me. Why should I hesitate or complain when you ask me to offer financial aid, a helping hand, a listening ear, or even just a smile to one of your people? You’ve not only given me everything I need now but you’ve also promised to provide whatever I need in the future. Thank you.
STORIES OF FAITH
How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death. [Hebrews 11: 33-35a (NLT)]
Extraordinary things have happened because of people’s faith in God. O Lord, what leap of faith do you want me to take and what wonderful things could happen?
SLAY THE GIANT
Depend on the Lord for strength. Always go to him for help. [1 Chronicles 16:11 (ERV)]
Can you imagine how David must have felt when facing Goliath? He was just small shepherd boy, armed only with a slingshot and a few stones. We face our “Goliaths” every day, but they’re not seven-foot giants; they are the daunting problems and obstacles that make us feel small, weak and inexperienced. Like David, however, we don’t have to be intimidated. We have a secret weapon: the Lord! He will give us the strength to slay all of the giants in our lives.
