Ask

  So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:9
        Here is a commandment that puts our faith to work in getting what we need and what He wants us to have. Persistence or boldness in prayer overcomes our insensitivity, not God's. To practice persistence does more to change our hearts and minds than His, and it helps us understand and express the intensity of our need. Persistence in prayer helps us recognize God's work. Pray on! Believe! God Bless you, J.H

He is Able

   And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
 He supplies what we believe Him for, not what we wish for. Whatever we need on earth He will always supply, even if it is the courage to face death as Paul did. Whatever we need in heaven He will supply. We must remember, however, the difference between our wants and our needs. Most people want to feel good and avoid discomfort and pain. We may not get all that we want. By trusting in Christ, our attitudes and appetities can change from wanting everything to accepting His provision and power to live in Him. Have faith in God. He is able.
 God bless you, J.H

Get Out Of The Boat

  "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it is 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
    Peter was not putting Jesus to the test, something we are told not to do (4:7). Instead he was the only one in the boat to react in faith. His impulsive request led him to experience a rather unusual demonstration of God's power. Peter started to sink because he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the high waves around him. His faith wavered when he realized what he was doing. We may not walk on water, but we do walk through tough situations. If we focus on the waves of difficult circumstances around us without looking to Jesus for help, we too may despair and sink. To maintain your faith when situations are difficult, keep your eyes on Jesus' power rather than on your inadequacies. And above all, when Jesus says "Come," respond immediately and get out of the boat. When we step out on faith, the Lord will give us something to stand on. God Bless you, J.H

Jesus in the Everyday

 Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. Luke 5:5-6

  Jesus didn't go to where the fish were, but to where the faith was. He will honor our faith and obedience. Simon (Peter) was awestruck at this miracle, and his first response was to feel his own significance in comparison to this man's greatness ("Go away from me, Lord, I am a sinful man!") Peter knew that Jesus had healed the sick and driven out demons, but he was amazed that Jesus cared about the day-to-day routine and understood his needs. God is interested not only in saving you, but also in helping you in your daily activities. That which we consider dull and mundane, God is interested in. He is interested in providing abundantly beyond what we can ask or imagine. "You have not, because you ask not." I pray that you look to Him today, and find Him in the everyday. God Bless you, J.H

Faith Moves

But without faith is is impossible to please Him; for He that comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He rewards those that diligently seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6

Faith takes the strain out of life and the suspense out of eternity. God gives us faith to move mountains and grace to look over the little hills. Believing that God exists is only the beginning; even the demons believe that much (James 2:19-20). God will not settle for mere acknowledgment of His existence. He wants a personal, dynamic relationship with you that will transform your life. Those who seek God will find that they are rewarded with His intimate presence. I pray that you partake in His presence today.
God Bless you, J.H.

Believe

 "And looking round about upon them all, he said to the man, Stretch forth your hand. And he did so; and his hand was restored whole as the other." Luke 6:10

   Blessed is the man who obeys the voice of Jesus and believes Him for the inexplainable and the impossible. Believe only. "He is able." What is the obstacle in your life today? What is one thing in your life that is keeping you from the Peace that surpasses all understanding? Whatever it is, know that God is faithful. Obey His voice. Believe. God Bless you, J.H

Everything is Possible

"Everything is possible for him who believes." Mark 9:23
     Jesus' words do not mean that we can automatically obtain anything we want if we just think positively. Jesus meant that anything is possible if we believe, because nothing is too difficult for God. We cannot have everything we pray for as if by magic, but with faith, we can have everything we need to serve Him. Daring Christians are a delight to the Lord. "Not my will, Lord, but your will be done." God knows best and He will do what is best. He is our advocate; trust His judgement. "Without faith it is impossible to please God." I pray that you trust Him today. God Bless you, J.H

Overcoming Faith

  For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God          1 John 5:4-5
Overcoming faith! That is what we need. Not only faith to start on, but faith to stand on. How do we increase our faith? The best way is by simply asking. "Lord increase our faith." There is nothing that we go through in this life that should not increase our faith. We should be able to look at all the drama we have faced over the last few months or so and realize that we are still here; that we are still strong; that God still loves us; that God is still providing for us and those we love. "He will never leave you, nor forsake you." People will always let us down and disappoint us; God will not. People will sometimes lie to our face; God will not. People will say they love us, and then turn around and so something incredibly hurtful toward us; God will not. Everytime we go through a storm in our lives and come out all right, our faith in God should be strengthened. What kind of faith is it that enters each storm with a "Woe is me; Why me?" attitude? I will tell you: it's not real faith. Faith that does not give you the strength to stand up in the midst of turmoil is not really faith at all. If that's your attitude, I don't know what you are leaning on when trouble comes, but it's not God. God gives us power to withstand anything and everything. All we have to do is turn toward Him, and acknowledge His ability to change the circumstances of our lives for His Glory, in His time. I pray that you find that kind of overcoming faith today. God Bless you, J.H

Keep the Word

Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do. Deuteronomy 29:9
 Far from being a dry book, the Bible is a guide to all that we have dreamed of. Read a little of it every day and long after you have read, it will be back to bless you. "Your word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Keeping the words of this covenant requires us to know what the covenant is. And although this covenant was made to the Israelites 4000 years ago, it still applies to us today. We are to love God with all our heart, soul and strength. We are to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33); then true success in life will follow as a blessing from the hand of God. I pray that God touches you in a new, mighty and powerful way today. In Jesus' name, J.H.

Faith and the Word

  So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17

To increase your faith, increase your intake of the Word, by hearing it, reading it and praying it. During difficult times, we pray for courage, we pray for strength, but we neglect the source. That source is the Bible. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit." (Hebrews 4:12) Why do we always insist on trying to go it alone? God is there, waiting patiently to bless those who earnestly seek Him. Dear Holy Spirit, read the Word of God through us and help us to retain it in our hearts for the glory of God and in Jesus' name. Amen. God Bless you, J.H

God's Word is Love

Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.
Revelation 1:3

This is another admonition to read God's Word. If we only knew the benefits of the Bible, nothing could keep us from it. "Thy word is truth." Today's news reports - filled with violence, scandal, and political haggling - are depressing, and we may be wondering where the world is heading. God's plan for the future, however, provides inspiration and encouragement because we know He will intervene in history to conquer evil. John encourages churches to read this book aloud so everyone can hear it, apply it ("take to heart what is written") and be assured of the fact that God will triumph. Indeed, Christ has already triumphed over sin and death. As a result, we are truly free. We are free to live for God or to live for ourselves. For whom are you living today?

God Bless you, JH

Testify to Love

   So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord . . . but join in the afflictions of the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. II Timothy 1:8-10

 In this time of mounting persecution, Paul told Timothy to expect suffering for the gospel. And Timothy, like Paul, would be imprisoned for preaching the gospel (Hebrews 13:23). But Paul promised Timothy that God would give him strength and that he would be ready when it was his turn to suffer. Even when there is no persecution, it can be difficult to share our faith in Christ. Fortunately we, like Timothy, can call on the Holy Spirit to give us courage. Don't be ashamed to testify. In these verses, Paul also gives a brief summary of the gospel. God loves us, called us, and sent Christ to die for us. We can have eternal life through faith in Him, because He broke the power of death with His resurrection. We do not deserve to be saved, but God offers us salvation anyway. What we must do is believe in Him and simply accept His offer. God loves you. Period. There is nothing in this life that you can do to make God love you any more or any less than He already does. Now the question is: what are you going to do about it? God Bless you, J.H

The Word

    Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15

 Because God will examine what kind of workers we have been for Him, we should build our lives on His Word and build His Word into our lives - it alone tells us how to live for Him. Consistent and diligent study of God's word is vital; a person should not only study the Bible for what they can get out of it, but for what it can get out of them. Your purpose and destiny in Christ are tied to these pages. "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." He directs you as you read His Word. "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God . . . " Jesus' revelation of who God is, is found in the Bible and nowhere else. How do you propose to get to know Him better outside of the Word? How do you propose to get to know yourself better? It's simple: you can't. I pray that you find what you are looking for today.

God Bless you, J.H

Now Go

  What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you - guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. II Timothy 1:13-14
   Timothy was in a time of transition. He had been Paul's bright young helper; soon he would be on his own as leader of a church in a difficult environment. Although his responsibilities were changing, Timothy was not without help. He had everything he needed to face the future, if he would hold on tightly to the Lord's resources. When you are facing a difficult transition, it is good to follow Paul's advice to Timothy and look back at your experience. Who is the foundation of your faith? How can you build on that foundation? What gifts has the Holy Spirit given you? Use the gifts you have already been given. You have been created with a purpose, and prepared for such a time as this. Now go.
 God Bless you, J.H

Stand

  Finally, be strong in the Lord and power of His might. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done that, to stand. Ephesians 6:10-13

 As Christians, we battle against the rulers of darkness, which are fallen angels (see 1 Peter 5:8). To withstand their attacks, we must depend on God's strength and use every piece of his armor. The apostle Paul is not only giving this counsel to the church. The whole body needs to be armed. As you do battle against " the powers of this dark world," fight in the strength of the church, whose power comes from the Holy Spirit. Stand firm, then. Whatever comes against you today. Stand. If you feel that you lack the strength, pray. Regardless of whether it feels as if God hears you, He does. And He is there helping you, right now. I pray right now for your strength in the Spirit.

 God Bless you, J.H

God's Word

 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8

 People are compared here to grass and flowers that wither away. We are mortal, but God's Word is eternal and unfailing. Public opinion changes and is unreliable, but God's Word is constant. Long after the Bible's critics are dead and buried, the Word of God will still be standing. "Thy word is truth." Only in God's eternal Word will we find lasting solutions to our problems and needs. I pray that you accept God's Grace today and live a life of boldness, declaring God's truth in your life.
 God Bless you, J.H.

The Word of the Lord

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105

The Word of the Lord was meant to be used by men in travel from earth to Heaven. Perhaps the reason we have run into so many dark and gloomy roads along the way is because we have not recognized it. I pray we recognize it today.



God Bless you, J.H

The Great Shepherd

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; He gently leads those that have young.



Isaiah 40:11



God is often pictured as a shepherd, gently caring for and guiding his flock. He is powerful, yet careful and gentle. Throughout the Bible, He is called a shepherd; the good shepherd; the great Shepherd; and the Chief Shepherd. Note that the shepherd is caring for the most defenseless members of his society: children and those caring for them. This reinforces the prophetic theme that the truly powerful nation is not the one with a strong military, but rather the one that relies on God's caring strength. Rely on Him today. Regardless of what it is you are going through, expect His comfort and Grace and allow His love to change you.



God bless you,



JH

This is different, do I still know how to post?

The Journey
From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. The law was given to Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

John 1:16-17

Law and Grace are both aspects of God's nature that He uses in dealing with us. Moses emphasized God's law and justice, while Jesus Christ came to highlight God's mercy, love, and forgiveness. Moses could only be the giver of the law, while Christ came to fulfill the law. The nature and will of God were revealed in the law; now the nature and will of God are revealed in Jesus Christ. Rather than coming through cold stone tablets, God's truth now comes through a person's life. As we get to know Christ better, our understanding of God will also increase. As we get to know Christ better, our relationships with other will strengthen as we begin to share this truth with others. As we begin to form and strengthen those relationships, we will begin to fulfill the destiny and purpose that God has placed before us. Remember: it is the journey that makes us who we are, not the destination. Our destination is already secured. The question is, "How prepared will you be when you get there?" That is entirely up to you.

God Bless you,
JH