Greater Is He

   You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world. I John 4:4
    We come to master the problems from without when we learn to appropriate power from within. "Nothing shall be impossible for you." It is easy to be frightened by the wickedness we see all around us and overwhelmed by the problems we face. Evil is obviously much stronger than we are. John assures us, however, that God is even stronger. He will conquer all evil - and his Spirit and His Word live in our hearts! The idea of living victoriously in enriched by the fact that Jesus said, "It is finished." as He died on the cross. Past tense. He didn't say, "It will be finished." or "It's going to be over soon." He said, "It is finished." The door to salvation and eternal life has already been opened and all that remains is for us to walk through it. Once we walk through it, we can shed all of our old habits, all of our hurts, our old fears, our old ways of life and accept what God has in store for us: life and life more abundantly. If we would only take God as His word. Many times, our self-image is so crummy that we find it impossible to accept what God says about us. God says you are valuable. You are loved. You have favor wherever you go. God's blessings are chasing you down and overtaking you. Believe what God says. It will change your life. God Bless you, J.H.

Never Fear

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
    The man (or woman) who walks with God doesn't have to run from anything. "Fear not, for I am with you." Fear is a dark shadow that envelopes us and ultimately imprisons us within ourselves. Each of us has been a prisoner of fear at one time or another - fear of rejection, misunderstanding, uncertainty, sickness, or even death. But we can conquer fear by using the bright liberating light of the Lord who brings salvation. If we want to dispel the darkness of fear, let us remember with the psalmist that "the Lord is my light and my salvation." Turn to Him and he will provide you with the courage to meet your fears head on. He is with you. He will not forsake you. I pray that you claim that courage in your life today. God Bless you, J.H

Be Still

   Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in all the earth. Psalm 46:10
     In this age of microwaveable everything, it is good to remember that there is yet a lot to be learned and accomplished in the art of just waiting. Wait on the Lord and He shall renew your strength. No one plans on getting on getting caught up in a feverish routine and stressed out as a result. It just happens. But don't think that it is by accident. One of the enemy's ploys is to get you so busy that you rely more on your own power than on God's. When you are busy, you think about everything that YOU have to do. We become too busy to pray, too busy to be in our Word, too busy to fellowship. Therefore, we need to be reminded, today more than ever, to "Be still, and know that I am God!" I pray that you witness His loving hand touching your life today. He is there whether you have time to recognize Him or not. And He loves you just the same. God Bless you, J.H.

The Power of God

  Dear friend, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in good health, even as your soul prospers. III John 2
      God wants you to believe for the best in all things, for He surely means for us to have them. "If ye shall ask anything in My Name, I will do it." We have been promised great power through the Holy Spirit. Many of us do not utilize that power because we lack faith. A lack of faith tells us we are not worthy, or that we do not warrant God's blessings. That is a lie! God's grace is for everyone and it is a gift. There is nothing that you can do to earn it. Once you receive His gift, you can walk with boldness toward the throne of Grace. You can declare the promises of God in the lives of you and your family because you are now a child of God. You have been granted adoption into His family through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. He died once and for all! Why do we sometimes act as if we are waiting for something else to happen before we can begin to enjoy His blessings? Stand up and receive His power. Walk in His power and watch how your life begins to change . . . God Bless you, J.H.










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The Power of the Spirit

    The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Romans 8:16

 It's the harmony of our spirit and God's Spirit that bears testimony as to whether or not our hearts are right and we are His. Maintaining that harmony depends as much on us as it does on God. In fact, it depends largely on us. If we get caught up in our daily routine and begin to worry and stress over simply circumstances that only God can change, we begin to lost that harmony. It requires a daily committment to stay in tune and in touch with God; to ask for his help and guidance. One of the outstanding privileges of being a child of God is being led by the Spirit (see Galatians 4:5-6). We may not always feel as though we belong to God, but the Holy Spirit is our witness. His inward presence reminds us of who we are and encourages us with God's love. May God's love permeate every part of your life today and may you give Him glory. In the name of Jesus, J.H.

God is with you

  "Don't be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. II Kings 6:16-17

    Think miracles! God has everything under control. Keep your eyes on Him and not on your circumstances. "Fear not, for I am with you . . . " Elisha's servant was no longer afraid when he saw God's mighty heavenly army. Faith reveals that God is doing more for His people than we can ever realize through sight alone. When you face difficulties that seem insurmountable, remember that angels are there even if you can't see them. Look through your eyes of faith and let God show you his resources. If you don't see God working in your life, the problem may be your spiritual eyesight, not God's power. What are your eyes on today? I pray that your eyes remain fixed on Jesus Christ our Lord. God Bless you, J.H.

Promise of Protection
"For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." Psalms 91:11

 It's a dangerous thing to be on your own and away from God. Doubtless we would shudder and rejoice if we could see the Lord working behind the scenes of our lives keeping us from the many dangers that fall across our path. Wherever you go today, remember that God is watching you and protecting you. God bless you, J.H.

Believe

  "And he prayed again, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit." James 5:18

      Here is the story of a man who, through faith and prayer, opened up Heaven. He is not in a class by himself. "These signs shall follow them that believe." Heaven will still open to those who approach it on the Lord's terms. "If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it." God Bless you, J.H.

You are Not Alone

    "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." Acts 18:9-10

   In a vision, Christ told the apostle Paul that He had many people in the city of Corinth. That promise pertains to us today. Despite how we may feel: alone and unguarded; He says that we are not alone. God has people all around us, in order to help us and support us in our times of need. Whether it be for a word of encouragement or an actual Church body to worship with, we can count on the fact that God has brought us to a place where fellow Christians will help to guide us and protect us. We need to be reminded of God's promise because too many times, we try to go it alone. Our battle with self-centeredness is such that many times we feel that we are the only ones going through, and that nobody will understand, or we are too ashamed to admit that we need help. Beyond that, the body of Christ should be the most powerful force on the planet, yet is silent in so many areas. The acts of compassion that Christ called us to should be front page news. When a politician introduces a bill that affects the well-being of our children, we as the body should bombard his/her office with letters and emails. The body of Christ should be battling issues like hunger, poverty and abortion on a global scale and not leave it to the mega-church leaders like Rick Warren and T.D. Jakes. Think of what the body could accomplish if we came together? In the words of the Casting Crowns: A traveler is far away from home He sheds his coat And quietly sinks into the back row The weight of their judgemental glances tells him that his chances Are better out on the road But if we are the Body Why aren't His arms reaching? Why aren't His hands healing? Why aren't His words teaching? And if we are the Body Why arent His feet going? Why is His love not showing them there is a way? That is the question. God Bless you, J.H.

Refined by Fire

  See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. Isaiah 48:10

Do you find it easy to complain when your life becomes complicated or difficult? Why would a loving God allow all kinds of unpleasant experiences to come to his children? This verse shows us plainly that God tests us in the "furnace of affliction." Rather than complain, our response should be to turn to God in faith for the strength to endure, and rejoice in our sufferings (see Romans 5:3; James 1:2-4). For without the testing, we would never know what we are capable of doing, nor would we grow. And without the refining, we will not become more pure and more like Christ. What kinds of adversity are facing today? I pray that you find God working in your circumstances and reach out to him for courage and strength. God Bless you, J.H.

The Love of God

   For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

These verses contain one of the most comforting promises in all Scripture. Believers have always had to face hardships in many forms: persecution, illness, imprisonment, even death. These would cause anyone to fear that they had been abandoned by God. But Paul exclaims that it is impossible to be separated from Christ. His death for us is proof of His unconquerable love. Nothing can stop Christ's constant presence with us. Regardless of what we feel, regardless of what we are going through, regardless of what we have done, God loves us. His sacrifice was for you. You must accept that by faith again today. Knowing what Christ did on the cross and ACCEPTING what Christ did are two different things. Many of us have convinced ourselves that we are not in need of a savior. Well, Paul is trying to convince you otherwise. God tells us as plainly as He can how great His love is so that we will feel totally secure and at peace in Him. If we believe these overwhelming assurances, we will never be afraid. What do you fear today? Remember His promise and let the Love of Christ fill you with Peace that surpasses all understanding. God bless you, J.H.

In All Things

  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
   God has everything working for you, though at the moment it may seem to be going against you. Just because we can't see it is no sign that He is not doing it. "If God be for us, who can be against us." God works in "all things" - not just isolated incidents - for our good. God is able to turn every circumstance, even the bad ones, around for our good. God is not working to make us happy, but He is working to fulfill His purpose. But I can tell you, there is no greater joy except for those who are being obedient to God's word and fulfilling their purpose in Him. Where is your joy today? I pray that you "see" God's hand at work in your life today, in all things. God Bless you, J.H.

When Barbara and I went out to a farm and chose the Goat for our fundraising purposes, I think we both believed that we were not acting on impulse, but rather we were being guided by the Spirit and that this was indeed the goat God had for us.
Soon after we got him home it became very apparent that this was not a goat like God gave us last spring. There was just nothing sweet about him and we decided rather quickly that we must have made a mistake and we should save ourselves the embarassment of using this stinky, ornery little goat for fundraising and just dispose of him quietly.
 We advertised him, but we just didn't have alot of interest...and I had plans to take him to the Rare and Exotic sale...but as it happened, even tho I very rarely need to work saturday, the saturday before the sale my boss asked me to work so I wasn't able to get the goat to the auction!
  In the mean time I kept hearing about using what God gives you and moving forward in faith...so finally, after discussing it with the girls, that is what we did.
I think our Goat Raffle has been a huge success. We raised some money for Barbara's mission to Zimbabwe and for Marianna's mission to Zambia, but even more we really raised awareness about Teen Missions International and the teams the girls will be on. We even got some coverage in the local paper...and we had some fun!

  It isn't about the goat, it isn't about myself or even Barbara's or Marianna's desire to serve in Africa. It is really about God...and our God is not lacking, if we are willing and obedient it really doesn't matter how much our goat stinks God will do great things!

Power

         

     By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days. Hebrews 11:30

There is no wall thick enough or fortified enough to stand against one seed of faith. On with the march, Christian Soldiers! Faith, praise, power and obedience will see the walls down and the windows of Heaven open. The power of God is immense and never-ending. We cannot even fathom what God has in store and what He is prepared to do, if we would but ask. I pray for courage, discernment and wisdom for everyone reading these words so that they could see Your powerful hand moving and working in their lives today. Father, we thank you for what You have done and what You are doing, in Jesus' Name. God Bless you, J.H.

Who needs a card when you could send a goat - News - The Moose Jaw Times Herald#.TsJzYDwQlri.facebook#.TsJzYDwQlri.facebook#.TsJzYDwQlri.facebook#.TsJzYDwQlri.facebook#.TsJzYDwQlri.facebook

Who needs a card when you could send a goat - News - The Moose Jaw Times Herald#.TsJzYDwQlri.facebook#.TsJzYDwQlri.facebook#.TsJzYDwQlri.facebook#.TsJzYDwQlri.facebook#.TsJzYDwQlri.facebook

O.K.  I don't know how to add a nice link, but this works!

Spoken Faith

And the Lord said, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you. Luke 17:6
    Words are powerful. Spoken faith is a mighty force capable of bringing to pass what appears to be impossible. What impossible obstacles are you facing today? What are you going through that is just weighing you down and shows no signs of letting up? Dare to believe God for anything. Lord, we believe You for great miracles today in Jesus' precious Name. Amen.


And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, "Let us go up at once, and possess the land; for we are well able to overcome it." Numbers 13:30
   Don't you like to hear someone who follows a negative report with some straight forward talk expressing a God-given faith? You be that person. Believe God for anything. Speak your faith and He will surely come through. "If God be for us, who can possibly be against us?"
 God Bless you, J.H.
 

What do you Believe?

 

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of Him.
1 John 5:14-15

The emphasis here is on God's will, not our will. When we talk with God, we don't demand what we want; rather we discuss with Him what He wants for us. If we align our prayers to His will, He will listen; and we can be certain that if He listens, He will give us a definite answer. Start praying with confidence today! Many of us find things in His Word and begin to wonder if it's for us. Take Him at His Word. Believe what He says. Our faith in God has to be built on trust in his Word. Do you believe what He says? Do you believe that it applies to you? Do you believe that the miracles that are recorded in the Bible can take place in your life? As Christians, we will automatically answer, "Yes" to those questions, but when we search deep down into our souls, we begin to realize that our faith is not as strong as we thought; that doubt and fear tend to well up and eat away at our faith. But I ask the question again: Do you believe what God says? Either the Bible is all true or it's not. There is no middle-ground. You cannot pick and choose which parts of the Bible work for you and which parts fit into your idea of who God is. He is who He says he is. Period. If your faith is weak, your concept of God is incomplete and your prayer should be simple: "Lord, increase my faith." And He will answer your prayer.
God Bless you, J.H.

Move Mountains

  "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:23-24

  The kind of prayer that moves mountains is prayer for the fruitfulness of God's kingdom. Time after time, Jesus told his followers, "The Kingdom of God is at hand." The Kingdom of God is here now and it is moving through the hearts of His people. The love of the church through the fellowship of believers is what the Kingdom is all about. "Love your neighbor as yourself." It would seem impossible to move a mountain into the sea, so Jesus used that picture to say that God can do anything. God will answer your prayers, but not as a result of your positive attitude. To pray effectively, you need to resolve and strengthen your faith in God, not faith in the object of your request. Do as Jesus said. Speak to your mountains. They have done the talking long enough. God Bless you, J.H.

The Ministry of Jesus

 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "He took up our infirmities and carried our sicknesses."
Matthew 8:16-17

The ministry of Jesus was one of action and authority. Through a single touch, Jesus healed. When He spoke a single word, evil spirits fled His presence. Jesus has authority over all evil powers and earthly disease. He also has power and authority to conquer sin. He has passed on His power to all believers if we will but see it and use it. We have more power than we can possibly imagine. We limit ourselves so much by what we see and feel, we don't take time to honestly consider, "What would Jesus do?" That phrase has to become more than something we wear on our wrists. That question has to be coupled with the faith to actually do what He did, and to believe in His power to carry it out. The ministry of Jesus was one of action and authority. Once it touches you, you will never, ever be the same.
God Bless you, J.H.

Faith Builder

Even so faith, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
James 2:17

 Faith becomes effective when is becomes active. Take it out of the talking and thinking stage and put it to work practically, quickly and prayerfully in your life today. We cannot earn our salvation by serving and obeying God. But such actions show that our committment to God is real. Deeds of loving service are not a substitute for, but rather a verification of, our faith in Christ. We did not choose Him, He chose us. He sent His Son because he loved us and so that "none should perish." We then, in turn, do not have to do anything in order to receive this gift. The gift has already been given. Being a good person does not qualify us for heaven. Simply believing in Jesus does; having faith in the One who laid His life down for a wretch like me. Once we understand the awesome significance of that kind of Love, we can't help but serve Him.
God Bless you, J.H.

Remain in Him

  "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit." John 15:7-8
   Many of us try to be good, honest people who do what is right. But Jesus says that they only way to live a truly good life is to stay close to Him, like a branch attached to the vine. Apart from Christ our efforts are unfruitful. This does not call for a constant "tug of war" striving and struggling, but a simple natural trust as we release our faith to the Father in the name of Jesus. In so doing, we appropriate what He has already provided. Our biggest obstacle to a life of faith is ourselves: our own uncertainty, our own pride. There are some areas of our lives where we think we can do it all on our own. But the Lord reminds us, "Apart from me, you can do nothing." Seek Him in all things. He will not let you down. God Bless you, J.H.

Faith Grows


   Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus said to him, "Your son will live." So he and all his household believed. John 4:53
  Notice how the father's faith grew. First, he believed enough to ask Jesus to help his son. Second, he believed Jesus' assurance that his son would live, and he acted on it. Third, he and his whole house came into a lasting knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ. Faith is a gift that grows as we use it. The Lord needs to only say the word and wonders appear. He has spoken. Let us believe what He said . . . and is saying to us now. God Bless you, J.H

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