Everyone needs a friend! In nature, animals run in packs, birds fly in flocks, and bees fly in swarms. Humans need people around them as well, friends who can help pick them up when they fall. Solomon said, “But woe to him is alone when he falls.” There is power in living in community, like the fellowship we have in church. God did not want us to live alone, it’s not His plan. Fortunately, even when we feel we are most alone, Jesus is with us because He promised us in Matthew 28:20b “And lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world.” The next time you feel isolated, call on the one friend we all have, Jesus Christ, and may He bless you today!
God’s Comfort is Sufficient
Some of life’s hardest moments occur when we’re mourning a recent loss. But the words of Jesus and the good news of the Bible offer comfort and bring a message of hope. This week, I lost my friend of over 30 years, and sometimes my grief overtakes me. But God’s word provides comfort. Lamentations 3:32 says: “But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.” I will be holding on to that in the weeks ahead. If you are hurting, lean on him. God bless you!
Asking God for Help
Have you ever noticed that when someone takes the oath of office, they end with “So help me God?” I believe that, when facing an overwhelming task or duty, they are admitting that it can’t be done without the Lord’s help. Psalm 17:6 says. “I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.” Whatever the task or burden before us, in our family, work, or church, we can trust that He is with us and will guide us when we ask for his help and put it into His hands. God bless you!
Second Chances
When you rate your own performance do you give yourself a perfect ten? I have never been able to do that. I always find some fault in the things I try to do. I acknowledge that I fail, sometimes even in my walk with God. If we were perfect and never sinned, we would have no need for the grace of God. If we’re honest, we’ll admit to seeking forgiveness from Him over and over again and at some point, we may wonder how much forgiveness God is willing to give us. Thankfully, there is no limit to the grace of God. 1 John 1:9 says: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Let’s thank Him today for being a God of second chances, amen? God bless you.
Prayers Help
Watching someone you know or love suffer from a serious or chronic illness hurts. Maybe we become scared, sad, or feel helpless. We can’t take away their illness, but we can be there for them, and we can pray. Jesus’ brother James said to pray for people when they are sick. James 5:16b says: “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Let’s keep lifting each other up in prayer, amen? God bless you!
Escaping Discouragement
Discouragement is like being locked in a deep, dark dungeon. It’s natural for us to become discouraged, but it’s not healthy for us to stay that way. Discouragement is Satan’s tool to break down our faith and progress. Deuteronomy 1:21 says “The Lord God of your fathers has spoken to you; do not fear or be discouraged.” God has given us the key to escape discouragement; he gave us the bible, and it’s full of encouraging promises. Remember, God is a God of encouragement. Let’s open his word today and receive it. God bless you!
Unending Love
How many of us have watched a Hallmark romance movie? We all know when they start how predictable they are. Couples who were once in love but broke up meet after many years and start to fall in love again, only to break up again in the last 15 minutes and then realize at the end they are still in love. Aren’t you glad God’s love isn’t like that. He loves us from the beginning and eternally. Romans 8:39 says “Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Aren’t you glad he will never break up with you? May He bless you richly today!
Be The Light
Night lights, house lights, headlights, street lights, starlight. Each of these things shine to illuminate our way. We even sing a song: “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” In the same manner, we are a light to the world and we shine the brightest when we reflect the light of God. If we allow the Holy Spirit to help us stay focused on God and Jesus Christ, we will be better able to reflect that light to others. Matthew 5:16 says: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven.” We need to remember that God is the source of our light and he wants us to share it with others. God bless you!
Let Him Carry the Load
There are lots of things that can make us tired: mowing the yard, cleaning the house, going to our jobs. One thing that shouldn’t exhaust us is worshipping God. If we find that Christianity exhausts us, draining us of our energy, then we are practicing religion rather than enjoying a relationship with Jesus Christ. Our walk with the Lord will not make us tired, it will fill us with energy and increase our strength. Matthew 11:29-30 says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” When it seems we are practicing religion instead of enjoying a relationship with Jesus, it’s time to lay our burdens down and walk with the one who wants to carry the load for us. Amen? God bless you today!
Some Things Never Change
Things change: people change; we change jobs, homes, banks. We can count on the weather changing; we even have two time changes a year. Isn’t it good to know that one thing never changes? Malachi 3:6a says: “For I am the Lord, I change not.” He is the one unchanging thing in our lives. Aren’t you glad you can count on that? God bless you!
