Tag: Believe

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GOD WITH US

woman wearing trench coat walking near a wall

In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses reiterates all the words, laws, decrees, and commands God spoke to the first generation of Israelites. The second generation would be expected to follow the Word of God and advance forward to receive the Promised Land. Chapter 19, verse 1 reads, “When the Lord your God has destroyed the nations whose land he is giving you, and when you have driven them out…” God is telling the Israelites that He will be with them and how to set cities aside for refuge. 

However, reading this first verse, I realized how God establishes a “two-fold” relationship between Himself and Israel. God is establishing a relationship that illustrates His authority and power with their calling, purpose, and assignment—ultimately, “godly living!” God’s character in His relationship with Israel is no different from that of the Christian believer today.  

grayscale photo of mother kissing her baby

As a chosen nation by God, Israel’s assignment was to take possession of the Promised Land that was spoken in covenant years ago to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This covenant would come to fruition centuries later as Moses addressed the people with God’s spoken word from four decades ago. Verse 1 of Deuteronomy 19 says, “God destroyed the nations, and the Israelites drove them out.”

  • God does the work; We obey, according to His Word!
  • God will be with you; You are not alone! 
  • God gets the glory; We get the victory!
  • God gives; We receive as we obey!
  • God is a promise keeper, even when we fail to keep our promise!

To continue strengthening the Israelites in preparation for battle, Moses reminded the people of God’s dominion, power, authority, and promise. Deuteronomy 20:1 states, “When you go to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots, and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you.” God tells the Israelites do not allow what you “see” to cause you to become fainthearted or afraid. Fear influences our hearts, thoughts, and actions. But God wanted the Israelites to trust, obey, and follow His commands. And this is the same mindset that Jesus Christ has for us today.  

Jesus tells us not to assume what we “see” is our reality. Yes! Your circumstance is real, but this is not your identity, future, fate, or life. God told the Israelites, “Do Not Be Afraid,” and I say that to you today as you allow the Holy Spirit to lead you – “Do Not Be Afraid!” 

Israel would SEE according to the Bible:

  • The Enemy
  • Horses
  • Chariots
  • Army

For us, it could be:

  • The enemy – attacks/tricks of deception
  • Physical/Mental/Emotional – problems, hurt
  • Financial instability – job loss, lack of resources, debt
  • Relationships – People (family, associations, friends)

We “see” these issues and assume this is our reality, believing our situation will never change. BUT GOD! The circumstances you are dealing with are not forever. Everything happens and ends at an appointed time. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:” Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV  Remember that if God delivered you before, He will do it again. 

God reminded the Israelites of how He saved them in Egypt. God is faithful, He doesn’t change, and His Word doesn’t return void but accomplishes what He set it to do.

  • God is Faithful!

“Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.” Isaiah 25:1 NIV

  • God doesn’t Change!

“But you remain the same, and your years will never end.” Psalms 102:27 NIV

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 NIV

  • God’s Word doesn’t return void!

“so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 NIV

So, remind yourself daily that “GOD IS WITH ME” when you follow His lead. And when you fall short, He will correct your course! GOD IS WITH YOU! How do I know God is with you and me as Christians today? Because He gave His one and only Son for you and me. 

  • God loved you before there was a You!
  • God saved you before there was a You!
  • Jesus died for you before there was a You!
  • God desires to dwell with You as You exist now!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17 NIV

So, no matter what it looks like—enemies, horses, chariots, or an army greater than you—as was the Israelites, whatever that situation is in your life, “DO NOT BE AFRAID!” GOD WILL BE WITH YOU! Let this weekend of the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice, remind you that GOD IS WITH YOU!

~Be Blessed and receive His Peace in the Mighty name of Jesus Christ! Amen

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Counsel Belongs to God 


“Now the son of an Israelite mother and an Egyptian father went out among the Israelites, and a fight broke out in the camp between him and an Israelite. The son of the Israelite woman blasphemed the Name with a curse; so they brought him to Moses. (His mother’s name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri the Danite.) They put him in custody until the will of the Lord should be made clear to them.” Leviticus 24:10–12,  NIV

What is your first response in decision-making? How do your emotions influence your reactions? Does worry, doubt, anxiousness, or anger cause you to make hasty decisions? In today’s Scripture, we read that a young Israelite boy curses the Name of God, which is against the Ten Commandments. It is evident that the boy has committed a sin, but the Israelites do not take action into their own hands. How the people handle the matter is essential and worth reflecting on. Verse 12 states, “They put him in custody until the Will of the Lord should be made clear to them.”

Even though the boy’s actions were against the law, Moses and the Israelites did not decide his fate until counsel from the Lord. What a profound and applicable action for our lives today. How many times do we make decisions without counsel from the Lord? How often have our thoughts and actions caused adverse results physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, financially, or relationally for ourselves and those around us? Having discernment is very important in our Christian journey. In every situation, good or bad, we must seek God’s Will and counsel. 

“The mind of the intelligent and discerning seeks knowledge and eagerly inquires after it, But the mouth of the [stubborn] fool feeds on foolishness.” Proverbs 15:14 AMP

“First seek the counsel of the Lord.” 1 Kings 22:5, NIV

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15: 22, NIV

As I reflect on the original text, I’m reminded of a lesson discussed in Bible study at church. I learned the value of staying connected and up-to-date with Jesus Christ because my daily relationship and counsel with Him will decrease the number of problems in my life. Daily seeking God will help us to develop a level of wisdom and discernment to make better decisions. Meditation on just this simple verse, “They put him in custody until the Will of the Lord should be made clear to them (Leviticus 24:10–12 NIV)” helped me to recognize the value of “God’s counsel” for my present and future decisions.   

Thus, I look to the counsel of the Lord when it comes to my marriage, raising our children, family situations, work environment and associations, friendships, health, and finances. In all circumstances, we must seek to gain proper perspective and counsel from God. 

Therefore, whatever the decision or problem you are facing today, seek the counsel of the Lord first. God will always make your path straight and His Will established! 

“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16 NIV

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for the opportunity and ability to seek your knowledge and counsel when making decisions. I ask for your wisdom, understanding, and discernment to move in your Will for my life because You know best. May the Glory of God be revealed in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen~

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Don’t Be Afraid, Just BELIEVE

A woman holding a Bible

“While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Mark 5:35-36 NIV

Today’s message is simple but Powerful. “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” (Mark 5:35-36 NIV) In life, we go through many ups and downs, which deplete our assurance and place us in the familiar space of worry, intimidation, and fear. However, God says, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). He will be with us in every trial, tribulation, or storm. He will also command His angels to care for us in the mist.  

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;” Psalm 91:11 NIV

 Did Noah build the Ark in fear or Belief?

 Did Abraham offer Isaac as a sacrifice in fear or Belief?

 Did Gideon approach the battle with only 300 men in fear or Belief?

 Did David approach and defeat Goliath in fear or Belief?

 Did Job’s attacks from the enemy lead to fear or Belief?

 Did Daniel enter the Lion’s Den in fear or Belief?

Did Jesus Christ face the cross for our sins in fear or Belief?

By now, you get the picture!!!

Scripture tells us that the synagogue ruler’s daughter has died, and the people say there is no need to confront Jesus anymore.  

And the doubt they speak sounds so familiar in many of our lives today. We have haters telling us what we can’t do, bad health reports, adverse reports about our children, situations that look bleak, job losses, financial hardships, and even our thoughts placing us in a fearful state. I equate these same scenarios to the people talking to the Jairus, the synagogue ruler. But we have a God that sits HIGH, looks low, and sees our situation. 

Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” He didn’t say, “Your daughter is alive,” “Don’t listen to those people,” or even “Let’s go see.” Instead, He told Jairus not to be afraid and just believe.  

 It didn’t matter what the people were saying; it ONLY mattered what God said! It only mattered that he believed in Jesus Christ and the power of God. Jesus wanted Jairus to put fear and doubt aside so his faith could increase. Just as Jesus wants us to do today!

“for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.” Romans 11:29 NIV

So, I say to you today, don’t look around the circumstance, don’t look at the circumstance, don’t look down in fear, but look “UP” to our Heavenly Father, who is all Powerful. Call on the name of the Lord for help!  

“So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrews 13:6 NIV

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 NIV

Don’t be afraid; just BELIEVE!!!

Be Blessed and Free to Believe in the Almighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen~

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GOD GOES BEFORE YOU

“The Lord your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the Lord said.” Deuteronomy 31:3 NIV

 “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

What confidence we have in Jesus Christ! The bold confidence we can have in Jesus Christ was my thought while reading the last chapters of Deuteronomy. In the previous chapters, Moses instructed the Israelites to cross over the Jordan River and take possession of the Promised Land. 

In Moses’ instructions, he states that God has said He will go before the Israelites and destroy the residing nations. God will “fight the battle” and “make preparation” before the Israelites move forward.

How “Awesome” is knowing that God will not only go before us but also make us successful. All He asks is that we LISTEN and OBEY to His WORD. 

When I read God’s Word on this day, what became apparent to me is that God will not only fight your battles and give you victory, but also God has planned our purpose and destination. Therefore, if we have confidence and assurance from God that He has planned our way, we can pursue that obstacle or desire with tenacity and boldness. 

“I know what they are disposed to do, even before I bring them into the land I promised them on oath.” Deuteronomy 31:21 NIV

“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16 NIV

The ending chapters of Deuteronomy illustrate how God went before the Israelites. God put the other nations in fear of the Israelites. The residing inhabitants were made aware of the power and greatness of God! 

“I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you.” Joshua 2:9 NIV

“When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” Joshua 2:11 NIV

Our Heavenly Father is so Powerful!!! God knows and can influence the hearts and minds of any human being because He created us. Therefore, believers in Jesus Christ should seek God willingly and daily so that we can walk in the path HE has graced for us, knowing without a shadow of a doubt that God has gone before us. 

 God goes before us, so we do not have to stress out!

 God goes before us, so we do not worry our minds thinking about the “how”!

 God goes before us because He knows and has established the right way!

 God goes before us, and His instructions tell us “what” to do!

 So, when thinking about your obstacle, next move, or plans, do not let it consume your mind or cause distress because God has already worked it out! Seek and you will find!!! (Matthew 7:7 NIV)

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26:3-4 NIV

 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Be Blessed, and Keep your eyes on Jesus, your Lord and Savior! Amen

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TAKE POSSESSION

“He also said to him, “I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to take possession of it.”  Genesis 15:7 NIV

What has God given you possession of? In this scripture, God tells Abram that He has brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give him a greater land and future to take possession of. What specifically caught my attention were the words “give you” and “take possession”! 

So, what has God given you possession of?

What vision or desire has God given you but you have not taken possession of it? 

What is holding you back from receiving what God has for you?

I sometimes let fear, worry, doubt, laziness, or unpreparedness hinder my progress and motivation from possessing what God has already prepared for me! 

Sometimes things are easier said than done in our actions, but God is not an average, ordinary God. He can do exceedingly, abundantly more than we ask or think. 

 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” Ephesians 3:20 NIV

There is nothing we can’t do with God’s guidance, direction, protection, provision, and love. Scripture reminds us that His Power works within us; therefore, we cannot fail with God on our side. What God has given you, you have the authority and permission to take possession of it. 

When God told Abram to take possession, that meant there had to be an action, movement, step, or position on the part of Abram. For Abram to receive it, he had to Believe in faith! And we are no different!!!

The step we take physically and/or spiritually demonstrates our “Trust” and “Faith” in God to move on our behalf. Do you believe? Have you moved? 


“But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.” Matthew 14:27-29 NIV

“According to your faith let it be done to you” Matthew 9:29 NIV

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 NIV

So, what has God given you possession of? Abide in Him, Trust Him, and Move in faith with assurance to receive your God-given promise!

Be Blessed in the Glorified name of Jesus Christ, Amen~

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PRAYER IS POWERFUL

“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. ” Mark 11:23-25 NIV

What thoughts come to mind when you read this scripture? I thought about words like “Ask, Believe, Prepare, & Receive“! However, there are some stipulations we must abide by before we receive our desired prayers. Scripture says that we must not doubt in our heart our prayer request, we must believe it is done before we see it, and if we hold anything against anyone, we must forgive them. God is so powerful that He can supply all our needs and change a negative situation into a positive by His grace, mercy, love, and favor, but we must first Ask, Believe, and Forgive to Receive. 

 While reading this scripture, I thought about a movie I recently watched. The film was called “Heaven is for Real.” It was about a young boy who got ill and had a supernatural experience with Jesus. All the townspeople prayed for him to get well during his illness. They prayed for his recovery, believing that God would heal him. The turning point for the movie was the little boy’s miraculous healing, supernatural experience with Jesus, and the lack of faith illustrated by the townspeople due to his testimony. Even the child’s father, a pastor, and mother were bewildered at his disposition. Even though they prayed for this young boy, as the movie went on, it depicted the lack of faith the town really had even though they believed in God. It illustrated how we can walk by sight and hearing but not by faith and what we profess to believe. 

 Therefore, my question to you today is,

“How strong is your Faith when you pray?” 

 “Do you truly believe God will answer your prayers?” 

 “Do you believe in Miracles and incidents that cannot be humanly explained; therefore, all we can do is BELIEVE in God?” 

What happens when you witness a miracle or testimony? Is your faith stronger or shaken?

Prayer is powerful, and I believe God LOVES hearing His children pray. Prayer is a form of communication with our Heavenly Father, who longs to have a relationship with us. So do not lose your faith because it is just beyond your belief that you will see God’s magnificent hand shaping and transforming your life!

 “but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness —” Habakkuk 2:4 NIV

 “but the prayer of the upright pleases him.” Proverbs 15:8 NIV

 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:5-8 NIV

 So, beloved, believe that God hears and will answer your prayers. Pray big, fervent prayers because our God is ALL Powerful. Continue to build your relationship with Him so that what looks surmounting and unrealistic will increase your dependency and Faith in God. 

“For no word from God will ever fail.” Luke 1:37 NIV

Prayer

Believe, and you shall see the glory of God in your life in the Powerful name of Jesus Christ! Amen ~

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Faith and Works

Building blocks in a hand

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 NIV

Today I spoke with a friend who was going through some storms, as we all are experiencing. As we talked, I found some scriptures to encourage her spirit, hoping to transform her thinking. We read the scriptures together and continued to talk about the love, comfort, and protection of Jesus Christ. I asked her if she felt better emotionally, but she still struggled even though we professed God’s grace and mercy. As we said our goodbyes, I started to reflect on our conversation and what it meant to believe in Jesus Christ.  

In my reflection time, God gave me this revelation. As Christians, we have to do more than believe. We have to trust and have faith in Jesus Christ when we go through tests, trials, and storms. Believing is the foundation of our Christian walk because there is no Lord and Savior without it. “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” Romans 10:9-11 NIV However, we must move beyond believing toward trusting and having faith, illustrated through our actions.

Have you ever received encouragement from a friend but still felt somber, not experiencing joy or peace? Maybe you’ve been the encourager thinking your godly support is not helping. It’s important to understand that on either end (encouragement or encourager), our belief in Jesus Christ is a daily walk. The proper mindset will transition you from believing toward trusting and having faith demonstrated with action.

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?…In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:14, 17 NIV

If you’re wondering what actions do you need to portray? I would say sit before the Father and allow Him to direct you. In the conversation with my friend, I would say to let the scripture transform your thinking into a positive mindset. Allow God to fill your heart and mind with joy and peace; instead of focusing on the negative, see the positive or do something different, so you receive different results. Your “actions” are whatever you decide to do to make your day better-believing, trusting and having faith that God is in control and all is well.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3 NIV

As Christians, we can say that we believe in Jesus Christ all day, but if our belief does not mature into a trusting, faith-based relationship with God, then what do we believe? So let your belief manifest to trust and faith in Him, which will develop into an action-based Christian walk.

“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalms 62:8 NIV

Be blessed in the Mighty, Awesome name of Jesus Christ! Amen~

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Be Still and Know

Today I woke up with a weary soul. I watched church online, showered, and dressed for a lounging Sunday.

As I made breakfast, our dog, Apollo, kept walking back and forth into the kitchen as if he knew breakfast was on the way.

My husband told our dog, “She’ll give you something,” and I said, “those sausages are not for the dog!” As we sat down at the dining room table to eat, Apollo came and sat by me. I told him, “no,” you’re not getting any sausage. He walked away but came back again. I told him again “no” sausages for you. This time he stayed by the table and just sat there. He didn’t look at me nor my husband, he just sat there looking straight ahead–waiting.

As we finished our breakfast, there was one sausage left, and immediately I had the desire to give it to the dog. I broke the sausage up in pieces and fed it to Apollo so that he wouldn’t devour the whole thing! As I fed the dog the sausage, my husband said to him, “I told you she would give you some. You just had to be patient and quiet!”

Immediately the verse “Be still and know” came to me! As children of God, He wants us to be still and know! God wants us to have an assurance that He hears us, sees our needs, and will answer!

“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalms 46:10 NIV

My dog didn’t whimper or bark for the sausage; he simply waited patiently. He didn’t know that I would change my mind. Every time Apollo walked into the kitchen, I said no! When he came to the table, I said no. But he kept coming humbly and passively to me, waiting for me to give him a sausage.

At that moment, God was speaking to me through the observation of Apollo. My dog showed me a profound action and position I should take with God.

I should continue to pray!

I should continue to trust and believe in favor!

I should be humble and meek!

I should demonstrate patience, assurance, and perseverance!

I should not give up!

I should submit to authority!

These were all the things I thought about after witnessing my dog’s demeanor and behavior. Apollo didn’t know that his quiet, obedient, persistent behavior would get him a sausage.

As children of God, we never know how our demeanor and behavior will invoke God’s Divine hand of favor!

So, as you read this and I write it, I hope we all become more aware of how our actions, position, and posture can get the attention of our loving God!

God longs to help, deliver, and save you!

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation. Psalms 91:14-16 NIV

May God show Himself to you in such an ordinary way that you stop, look, and listen! Be blessed in Jesus Christ’s name! Amen ~