DO NOT GIVE UP

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I want to build on yesterday’s message: God doesn’t give up on us, even when we give up on ourselves. This is a truth many of us need to hear. If you are at the end of your rope today, hold on tight—Jesus is on the other side of it.

Giving up is a natural reflex when we don’t see a way out or when we think things won’t get better. However, just because we feel like quitting doesn’t mean the Lord has stopped working. He can handle anything and everything. When all seems lost, remember that hope hasn’t left; we’ve just been led to believe that nothing more can be done. God is the God of the impossible. Remind Him of what He promised to do, and you will see amazing things happen.

By definition, God is bigger than anyone or anything that has ever existed or will ever exist. He is Almighty, All-Powerful, and Omnipresent. He has always been, He is present today, and He has already been to the future. God is invincible. No one can overcome Him, and no one can defeat Him.

You and God form an incredible alliance where love flows constantly and where His faithfulness can never be broken. We are talking about the Creator of the universe—not a statue or a made-up god. If you are facing a problem today, remember the magnitude of the God you are trusting. He is still on the throne, and your circumstances do not change His power one bit.

I was reading Psalm 3 recently, and verse 8 stayed with me: “From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on Your people.” Our deliverance still comes from the Lord today. David declared this truth over and over, and it still resonates.

Whatever you are facing—whether you need healing for a loved one, financial provision, a new job, or simply peace of mind—your deliverance comes from Him. He is excellent at keeping His promises. Giving up is easy, but “giving in” to the Lord’s plan requires more heart. I encourage you to:

  • Wear that smile again.
  • Put the coat of confidence back on.
  • Don the garment of praise.

Encouragement is a beautiful song that can lead you back to a joyful life. Stay encouraged, friend. God hasn’t given up—in fact, He can’t give up. Use His name as your fortified tower. He is going to break your difficult circumstances in two so you can pick up the pieces and move forward. God never fails!

Suggested Reading: Isaiah 40:31; Proverbs 18:10; John 14:27

Never Too Late

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There are many things I love about the Lord, and one of them is that He is the God of new beginnings. While there is a profound new beginning when we first accept Him, new beginnings can occur at any time with Him. If you find yourself at a standstill, know that a fresh start is just around the corner. God can change your life in the blink of an eye.

Growth often takes time, and God values the process of change deeply. However, He is also capable of transforming anything and anyone instantly. Open yourself to the idea that today’s dullness will not last forever. Embrace the truth that God is about to turn your life upside down for the better!

Speaking from experience, the change in my life was radical. I had been stagnant in my walk with the Lord for years. I knew it could be better, but I had no motivation to push back to the level where I used to be. Religion had left me confused, and with stagnation came a lukewarm approach to my faith. Being lukewarm was taking me down a fast road toward a complete loss of contact with God.

I thank God that I never reached that point, though I was close many times. He kept reminding me that He was still in control. God never gives up on us, even when we give up on ourselves. He had a plan to jolt everything back into place and reintroduce me to the best relationship of my life: my connection with Jesus.

Sometimes we just need to be reminded that God has authority over the entire universe. He would move heaven and earth to get you back if you went astray. If you feel you have gone past the point of no return, be assured there is no place on earth God cannot reach. You might be in a spiritual “dead zone” at the moment, but God is right there with you.

He isn’t trying to get your attention to tell you that you’re a bad person; He is there to tell you that He loves you and has something good in store. He wants to revive your faith and put a spiritual smile back on your heart. As Lamentations 3:22-23 says:

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

God has an endless supply of mercy and “new beginnings” galore. He wants to rev up the engine of your heart and send you places you have never been. Ask Him for help, and stay encouraged. Today is a new day, and anything can happen in Jesus’ name!

Suggested Reading: Isaiah 43:18-19; Psalm 40:3; 2 Corinthians 5:17

Brave, bold and courageous

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We are often familiar with Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” I used to tell myself, “If only I had a little more courage, I could do this.” Then I realized: if God is commanding us to be courageous, it means we have access to it. It isn’t an impossible task.

I believe bravery starts with boldness. Boldness is the willingness to take risks. It is the confidence that we can step out because someone is backing us up. For us, that source is the Creator of the universe and a book full of promises. For a while, I was dormant in my walk—complacent and settling for the minimum. But how can we settle for less when the Bible promises an abundant life? You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. He is the source of your boldness.Being bold in the Lord means we refuse to be passive. We won’t let life take advantage of us; instead, we are called to reign as overcomers. We are the head and not the tail. We rise above circumstances rather than drowning in chaos.

Boldness means using the name of Jesus with the authority attached to it. It means:

  • Speaking up instead of staying quiet.
  • Declaring that “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).
  • Claiming victory before it is even visible.
  • Letting praises be louder than complaints.

There is authority in the name of Jesus—the name above all names. You have a million reasons to be bold in Him! I see courage as the extension of boldness—it is boldness sustained. While boldness is the initial step, courage is the lasting action. The Lord’s call to be strong and courageous should never be a “dropped call.” His message should remain on the “voicemail” of our lives. I keep certain voicemail messages from my family to hear them over and over. Joshua 1:9 is a message I am never going to delete. I will be strong and courageous despite the winds gusting at 100 miles per hour in my face. You might be walking through a valley right now, but remember: you don’t live in the valley.

This week, you will have opportunities to practice this. Face opposition head-on with the power of Jesus’ name. It’s not a question of if you will make it, but when. Stir up the courage that is already inside you. The Lord Himself is backing you up!

Suggested Reading: 1 Chronicles 28:20; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Ephesians 6:10

Studying The Bible

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I often speak about the importance of receiving revelation from the Holy Spirit, which I call “heart knowledge.” Heart knowledge should always supplement head knowledge. I want to be clear: I am not undermining the intellect. Head knowledge is the necessary foundation, but staying only at that level won’t produce much spiritual fruit. It is like knowing the alphabet of a foreign language without being able to speak it.

Head knowledge comes from study and learning, but how we study matters. As a teacher, I am constantly reminded that everyone learns differently. Think of instruction as a large umbrella: there is a general canopy of truth, but there are different “stretchers” or components that appeal to various learning styles. To get the most out of the Bible, you should identify your specific learning style and use it to your advantage.

I read my Bible every day, usually following where the Lord points me. However, during prayer yesterday, the Lord impressed on my heart to begin a detailed study of the New Testament, with “sprinkles” from the Old Testament.

I used to read the Bible like a novel, but I wouldn’t get much out of it. Everything changed once I became aware of the Holy Spirit. The words became alive; I could picture the events as if a movie were playing in the background of my heart—not just my mind. Now, I can’t read in haste. I’ve realized that reading the Word should be like eating a delicious meal. You must savor every bite and slowly digest every word. Studying the Bible requires patience; if you “eat” too fast, you might get spiritual indigestion and fail to retain the nutrients.

Before I start my study, I always pray. I thank the Lord for the desire to learn and ask Him to enlighten the eyes of my spirit. My current plan is simple and fits my busy schedule:

  • Reading: Two chapters from the New Testament, one Psalm, and one Proverb.
  • Prayer: Brief prayer both before and after reading.
  • Visuals: Because I need visual repetition, I write passages on flashcards and use highlights in my Bible app.
  • Meditation: I read the same passages twice a day and meditate on the highlighted portions.

A Bible study is meant to help you gain knowledge, so know your limitations. Don’t set yourself up for failure by putting too much on your “Bible plate.” Make it a balanced, nutritious meal that works for you—whether that is every day or once a week. Ask the Lord for a plan you can stick to. Before you know it, you will grow into a scholar with a heart of gold, followed by signs and wonders. Don’t forget to “wrap your Bible study sandwich” in prayer!

Suggested Reading: Hosea 4:6-7; Proverbs 2:6; Proverbs 18:15

10 NUGGETS OF WISDOM FOR YOUR SATURDAY (Part 413)

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Your thinking can be a fortress of hope or a stronghold of doubt. Tear down the walls of negative thinking in your head with the hammer of faith.

Speak life into your life. Speak about good things. Speak about the blessings of God. Highlight the wonderful things God is doing for you and your life will get better.

Listen to wisdom. Listen to what God has to say. Spend time in meditation and listen to the words of hope that flow from God to your spirit. If what you hear is negative, it is not from God. If what you hear doesn’t lead to love, it is not from God. Wisdom from God is anchored in love and hope.

There is always security in the Lord. There is always safety. With God you can be sure that you are protected and covered. Believe it and thank Him for His ongoing protection.

God is going to upgrade you. He is going to give you a reboot and He is going to reset your life. The old is gone. The new is in. Expect God to improve your life and to give you a new start.

Click on the parts of your life that need to be changed. Click on them by handing them over to God. He will delete and erase those areas that need to be altered. Click with a prayer. Click with a prayer of surrender. Click with faith. Click and delete in the name of Jesus!

God will make your path straight even when you are going through the valleys of the shadow of death you will experience clarity and a defined road. He has a road paved for you that leads to great success. Keep that in mind!

Conform to the patterns of the Lord. Conform to love, to kindness, to peace, to joy, to patience and to long-suffering. Conform to the ways of the Lord and you will be a light of hope in this world!

God leaves you peace. He leaves it with you. It doesn’t go ahead but your mind and your circumstances are very good at hiding it away from you. Peace is not gone. It’s right there with you. Tap into it!
Hope in the Lord and your strength will be renewed. You will laugh again. You will smile again. You will believe again. You will walk with confidence again. Hope in the Lord and your spirit will be strengthened.

A Great Relationship

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I became a Christian at the age of 14. Before that, my life was a series of hardships and sad events, but connecting with Jesus brought peace, love, and hope into my world. I see this as a relationship, not a religion. To me, this relationship is a personal connection—a bond and a link that never fades.

This connection isn’t confined to the four walls of a church once a week. While church is wonderful, I know people who cannot attend a local Bible-based church but are nonetheless Spirit-filled and on fire for the Lord. The joy and love they radiate for God and His people are truly “out of this world.” That is the best way I can describe my own connection with the Lord: it is supernatural and transcends our daily reality.

As I grew more serious about my walk with the Lord, I wanted everyone to experience it. I found that life became much easier to navigate because there was a constant, underlying joy and peace that I couldn’t shake. I was sold! I realized I had found what so many people are searching for.

I had experienced “visitations” by the Holy Spirit before, but they were always ephemeral. Now, I understand what it means to have the Lord dwell within us. It is the concept of “Spirit-awareness” rather than just self-awareness. It is deciding that the Holy Spirit is not just a guest in our house, but the Host. I’ve accepted that I am nothing without Him and that He is everything in me. Because He is present through the Holy Spirit, I know I can handle whatever comes my way. Even when I fall and crumble, He picks me up and makes me stronger every time.

I have many great friendships, but none compare to my connection with the Lord. Over the last three years, this bond has become even more solid through one-on-one time in prayer and worship. God is more real to me than anything else I know. I have learned to embrace Him for the “out of this world” God that He is.

I agree with everything He says in His Word:

  • Nothing is impossible for Him.
  • His Spirit is the Spirit of Truth who guides me.
  • His blood covers me and makes me whiter than snow.
  • He sees each of us as a masterpiece.

Our perception of God directly affects our faith. Our walk with Jesus should be the greatest love story ever written. If we put effort into this relationship, we will experience the abundant life He promised—an abundance of hope and peace. I encourage you today to get better acquainted with the Lord for yourself, not because of religious rules. It’s about a tie that grows into a knot that no one can undo. He is a living God with a living heart for you.

Suggested Reading: Psalm 86:15; Proverbs 3:5-6; John 1:10-13

About Healing

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The scriptures tell us, “By His stripes we were healed” (Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 2:24). In researching these verses, I found that the word “healed” in the original Greek and Hebrew refers to both physical and spiritual restoration. While some argue that these verses refer primarily to spiritual salvation, the Gospels show us a Jesus who constantly healed the sick and described Himself as the Healer who delivers the oppressed.

If we believe that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, we must have faith in His ability to heal today. I am writing this from a doctor’s waiting room. Do I believe the Lord can heal this sinus infection? Absolutely. Whether it is a spiritual burden or a physical ailment, the Lord’s power is not limited by our modern skepticism.

As my symptoms developed a few days ago, I spent time in meditative prayer, asking the Lord to help me understand how healing works. He showed me that while He still heals today, the “how” varies. Sometimes healing is a response to faith; other times, it is a sovereign miracle intended to show His glory.

However, we must also consider our role as stewards. I used to think divine health should be automatic for every believer, but I am now very aware of the limitations of our bodies. Our body is a temple that requires care. As 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states:

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit… Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

We honor God with our bodies by eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep. We cannot “run on empty” and expect to feel well all the time. Maintaining our health is a form of worship and a practical way to honor the price Jesus paid for us.

Healing remains a central part of the Lord’s ministry. He has not changed, but we must ask ourselves: how much of the Gospel are we choosing to believe? God heals in various ways: through medicine, through miracles, and through the application of His Word.

I don’t always know why some are healed instantly and others are not. The Lord’s ways are higher than ours, and some things remain a mystery. But if you are in need of healing today, do not run away from Him. Pray and ask for His touch. Don’t disregard doctors or medicine—God often uses them as His instruments.

Remember, healing often happens over time, while miracles are instantaneous. Regardless of the timing, do not let sickness interfere with your faith. You are in the palm of His hand. He is Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals. Stay in faith!

Suggested Reading: Matthew 11:28; Mark 5:34; James 5:14

Being A Christian

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What truly makes a Christian? While we might all find common ground in a general definition, the answer is hidden right in the word itself. The word “Christian” contains the name “Christ.” In fact, “Christ” makes up six out of the nine letters in the word.Mathematically, Christ constitutes two-thirds of the word “Christian.” We can infer from this that Christ should be the vast majority of who we are. There should be little room in us for anything else. But what does this mean concretely? What does it look like for Christ to be the biggest part of our identity? It means that our lives should be a reflection of His, leaving only a small fraction of “self” remaining as He increases within us.

We are called to be imitators of Christ and encouraged to follow His example. The best way to know whom we are following is by spending time in the Bible and receiving revelation through the Holy Spirit. I am a firm believer that you cannot truly understand who Christ is without the Spirit’s help. Head knowledge is a good start, but without application and “heart knowledge,” we fall short. Find out how Jesus is described—study His character—and then do your best to imitate Him. Your mind might tell you that you are far from being like Him, and the enemy loves to use that to create division. But remember: you are in “Camp Jesus.” Through the indwelling of His Spirit, you have His spiritual DNA.

It might not always be apparent, but it is there. As you start showing love and acting according to His character, His Spirit will take over and guide you. As Colossians 1:27 says, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” The Holy Spirit reflects the image of the Lord, and His fruit is the Lord’s fruit. Galatians 5:22 provides the specific details of this fruit. The Message version describes it beautifully, saying that when we live God’s way, He brings gifts into our lives much like fruit appearing in an orchard: affection, exuberance, serenity, compassion, and loyal commitment.

Doesn’t that sound like the life of someone who has Christ within them? When we give Him more space, His characteristics—patience, wisdom, humility, and joy—are naturally reflected in us. In John 14:12, Jesus makes a startling proclamation: “Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” As believers striving to have “two-thirds” of Christ in us, we must be aware of the works we can accomplish in His name. Being a Christian is more than we often imagine. Let’s represent the Lord and believe that His mighty works can still be accomplished through us today.

Suggested Reading: John 14:20; Romans 8:10; 1 John 3:24

No Ban On Love

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This message might have political undertones, but it is truly meant to address love and acceptance—two fundamental characteristics of God. We know that God is love. However, our problem is that we often try to define what God’s love should look like instead of letting the Author of love express Himself.

We put words in God’s mouth that are foreign to Him. We carry out actions outside the realm of His character and claim we are acting out of love. We fail to understand what it means to love ourselves, and as a result, we treat our neighbors with indifference rather than real respect. We forget that the Lord didn’t just die for us; He died for every single soul that has ever walked the earth. We forget that God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34) because that concept doesn’t always fit our personal or political agendas. Isn’t it time we let Him define love?

While praying recently, I felt a strong impression from the Lord. He showed me that the world—including the church—is lacking love. We need to learn to be understanding and let God be God, which includes letting His love be love.

Too often, we react based on our emotions, preconceived notions, fears, and stereotypes. We intellectualize the Gospel and rationalize the message of love. We analyze, challenge, and test it so that it makes sense to our logic, when we should be embracing it with our hearts. This is why many struggle with the Holy Spirit; we try to fit Him into our minds, but He wants to enter our hearts. We must stop guarding our hearts against true love. As 1 John 4:18 says:

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

To believe that Jesus only died for a certain “type” of person is to believe something outside of the Bible. It is erroneous to think the Lord only loves certain races, social classes, or physical types. To think Jesus only loves Christians is simply unbiblical. The truth is that the Lord doesn’t love you or me any more than He loves anyone else. Jesus loves the person from a different faith whom others might fear. Jesus loves the addict whom society shuns. Jesus loves the person whose identity others judge.

Jesus welcomed everyone to His table. He never turned someone away because their skin was a different color or their background was different. No one was banned; all were welcome. His Gospel has not changed, and He is not changing His mind now. Even those society deems “despicable” are loved by Him.

Think of three people very different from you. Do they deserve love? Did Jesus die for them? Are their sins too big for God? Would they be invited to His table? You know the answers. We can be the ones who live out those answers. Let’s put our minds in check and let our hearts speak. God doesn’t put a ban on love. He is Love!

Suggested Reading: Romans 5:8; John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:9-11

Rejoice on Monday

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Monday is here again, and it’s going to be a busy week for many of us. We can choose to dwell on the negative and think about how the week might drag, or we can look at the days ahead in the light of God’s promises. What does the Lord have to say about this coming week? He has a lot to say, and everything He has for us is wrapped in love and hope. God loves you so much that He wants you to enjoy life to its fullest. He has amazing plans for you that will come to pass as this week unfolds. 

There are surprises coming your way that will shake your doubting mind and rejuvenate your weary spirit. God is about to do more for you than you thought He could. All He asks is that you give Him a chance and draw closer to Him as He guides you through the meanders of the days ahead. God will never give up on you, and He is going to show you how much you truly mean to Him.

You are God’s precious creation; He sees you as a masterpiece. As His child, He believes you deserve the best. He will not deprive you or leave you wanting. On the contrary, He wants to give you a week filled with blessings and victories. If you haven’t seen God’s hand at work lately, you are in for a great surprise.

Do me a favor: Pray that this week you will be open and receptive to what God has to offer. Pray that He opens the eyes of your spirit so you are enlightened to see His goodness at work. Pray that you will not follow your own limited logic, but instead comply with His perspective. Pray to be a vessel that He can use day in and day out. Pray that you will be on the same page as the Holy Spirit, moving through this chapter of your life according to His perfect pacing. Open yourself to the truth that God can do in one week what some people don’t experience in a lifetime.

One thing the Lord loves to do for His people is open doors that no man can shut. God is willing to open doors that may have been locked your whole life: the door of financial stability, the door of peace and harmony within your family, or the door of love and friendship. Most importantly, He can open the door to a deeper communion with the Holy Spirit. Just knock, and you will be invited in.

Believe that He wants to be close to you. A spiritual awakening is in your future, and it will propel you to a new level of peace, love, joy, and patience. Our Lord is not a “one-time” God; He is a lifetime God. He doesn’t just give you pieces; He gives you the “whole cake” so you can truly enjoy it. He is a God of abundance, and “abundance” is your keyword for this week.

Brace yourself for a week of overflowing love. Take a step in His direction and prepare for a treat. Think about that one thing you have been wanting to do to boost your spiritual life and apply it this week. There are incredible blessings with your name on them, waiting to be activated by a little faith. Don’t believe what the world says about your life; believe what the Lord knows. He knows your life should be bountiful, copious, and beaming with grace. Whatever you need in the next seven days, you are going to receive it and more. Praise the Lord of abundance!

Suggested Reading: Matthew 13:12; Luke 6:38; John 10:10