#JesusChristourLordandSavior

[eternalfaithinhislove]

Believe/Have Faith

“Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6)

God promised Abraham descendants more numerous than the number of stars in the sky. Abraham questioned God how he could know that this would happen? And he was also probably wondering where and when. But notice he questions God; he does not doubt God. There’s a big difference. Regardless, one must have a lot of confidence in their relationship with God to question Him. Abraham had the utmost confidence and trust in God and in his relationship with Him. I don't think God minds when we ask why or how He does things—though He doesn’t always reveal to us the answers we want when we want. Because somethings are beyond our human understanding and some aren’t meant for us to know at all. While others He will reveal in His Perfect Timing. But to ask God questions about some things doesn’t mean you think they won’t happen or dobut Him. Rather it just that you want to know when/where/why/how.

God doesn’t mind us asking Him questions but it’s when we doubt [that He’ll do the great things He promises to] that we get into big trouble. Disbelief/doubt is a big deal—and not a good one.

“Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:27-29)

Here in this verse, Jesus points out 2 things:

1 - Thomas needed physical evidence in order to believe.

2 - That’s NOT what faith is!!!

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

He reminds us that just because we don’t see God’s Work, that doesn’t mean He’s not moving mountains and working things together for our good.

“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)

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” (James 1:5-8)

““Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “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 11:22-25)

Jesus also reminds us that when we ask God for anything we have to believe it to receive it. He says “have faith in God.” Because faith in God also means trusting God in every moment of every day, forever.

[alexandrahelen3]

What am I, Lord, that you should think of me?

“How cool is it that the same God that created mountains and oceans and galaxies looked at you and thought the world needed one of you too.”

— Unknown

“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained; What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than God, And You crown him with glory and majesty!” (Psalm 8:3-6)

I love this quote & verse! It squeezes my heart and makes me feel so loved by my Father, my Creator. To know that He chose to create us. He didn’t need to but He wanted to! He loved us even before He made us and as if that weren’t enough He made us in His Own Image!

“Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (Genesis 1:26-28)

I’m forever honored, grateful, awestruck. Not just that He made mankind, but that even after that He looked at all He made and thought the world needed one of me too. He made us each unique, beautiful, and with a purpose.

"He 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." (2 Timothy 1:9)

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14)

So not only did He create us but He chose us. Time and time again our God chooses us.

“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” (Ephesians 1:4-6)

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

God makes no mistakes.

“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16)

The next time you think you’re not enough or you’re focusing on your flaws and on what you’re not. Remember HE made you and chose to make you in the first place.

God loves you!

[kimberleesanity]

I love this. I can't wait to see you when you return for us all Jesus. I love you. Thank you. 💕 #jesuschrist #messiah #jesuschristourlordandsavior #god #godisgood

[eternalfaithinhislove]

Live for HIM!

Just live for God. You don’t need to find extraordinary tasks God wants you to do—His extraordinary tasks will find you. 

By extraordinary tasks, I mean your purpose—His purpose(s) for your life.

God has a purpose for each and every one of us. He wants us to be zealous about serving Him. He wants us to be all in. It makes Him happy if we’re excited to find and fulfill our purpose. But we can’t force it. His Will for our lives will come in His perfect timing. If we’re too busy trying to find it, we might miss it. In the meantime, what we have to do is wait on and trust in Him. Our common purpose as Christians is to model the behavior God asks of us. To live for HIM!

We have the choice of how we live our lives; like in everything, one is right and the other is wrong. The one that’s right—believing in our Lord Jesus Christ—isn’t supposed to be a get-into-heaven green card. It’s our faith; when we believe in Him and all He’s promised us our lifestyle will model and reflect what He asks of us. To be caring, kind and compassionate, patient, forgiving, LOVING Christians.

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

When God’s Grace will dramatically change will our life from the moment it enters. We can’t forcefully look for our purpose—God will bring our purpose to light but we can’t sit still and do nothing!

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?” (James 2:14)

Jesus Himself warned us against this! So, if Jesus told us to be active and passionate in our faith, not listening to Him would be one of the worst choices we could ever make!

“So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:16)

We gotta be like Paul and Titus and so many others who were zealous to act in faith!

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:11-14)

[eternalfaithinhislove]

He knows our hearts & minds

“And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” (Romans 8:27)

It’s so amazing that the Spirit keeps us connected to God. That even when we can’t find the right words—God knows how we feel and what we want to say. He knows us better than anyone. Even better than we know ourselves.

“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.” (Jeremiah 1:5)

The Spirit is what guides us. It knows what’s right and leads us to that in our hearts. He knows what’s in our hearts more than we do.

“But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

"As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.” (1 Chronicles 28:9)

God will always know our motives and innermost thoughts. Thankfully, even when the enemy tries to put intrusive thoughts in our minds to wage war against us—GOD knows us deeper than surface, passing (intrusive) thoughts.

What we must do is have faith and not fear.

[eternalfaithinhislove]

r a d i c a l L O V E

The word radical is defined as “relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something; far-reaching or thorough.” To me, radical also sounds like an adjective of something incredible or awesome.

God’s Love for us is radical. It not only affects our fundamental nature—it created our fundamental nature. And this radical love of His reaches us wherever we are, even the lowest of lows or highest of highs. His hand is always outstretched towards us. Ready to save us when we put our hands in His.

Now, this radical love our God has for us is most evident in His Sacrifice of His One and Only Son. He sent Jesus, His beloved Son, to die for us. The people He created to be with, who messed up from the very beginning by doing exactly what He told them not to. Yet, He still radically loved this disobedient people.

Jesus's life from beginning to end shook the foundations of the way people saw God and the way they worshipped Him. He is The Prince of Peace but He Himself tells us He came to create radical change and division. He changed what was wrong and has shown us all what is right. He set us free by carrying our burdens and healing us and forgiving us for our sins.

“Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.” (Luke 12:51)

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”(Matthew 11:29-30)

This radical change and Sacrifice our Lord has given us has set us free. He fulfilled every word God had ever spoken. He is everything we could never be and came as our Savior to redeem us from our wrong ways. His love radically set us free.

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17) It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)

Through our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, we are thoroughly changed on the inside—we become new beings. He brought salvation to our souls and peace to those who believe in Him. That by faith in His Grace we are saved and renewed.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

God never does anything small—He goes all out. He makes His Name known in radical ways. Known to us and to all the world.

“‘You shall make an altar of earth for Me, and you shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen; in every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you.” (Exodus 20:24)

““Then the Lord will be king over all the earth; everyone will worship him as God and know him by the same name.” (Zechariah‬ ‭14:9‬)

“I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” (John 17:26)

God’s Love is radical. GOD is Radical!

[eternalfaithinhislove]

John 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The title of the chapter in book of John where this verse is found is: The Disciples’ Grief Will Turn to Joy

Jesus tells us plain and simple that things won’t be easy, we’re going to go through trouble.

Yet, His next statement is absolute reassurance: “But take heart! I have overcome the world!”

Now, Jesus said this in John chapter 16 but His triumphant death and resurrection isn’t till chapter 19...? That’s because it’s technically a promise He makes us. The reason I call it a statement is that a promise is in the future but Jesu had already overcome the world. It was not something that’d happen later on or something had to precede it. No, Jesus gave them a spoiler right that though they didn’t realize it later of course.

Jesus didn’t just say it to bring glory to God through His Sacrifice for us (though this is most important), He did it to bring the disciples—and every believer and follower of His since peace. That peace definitely extends to us today.

Jesus never wants us to worry. I could list countless Bible verses that say this but I don’t think I need to. Just read anywhere in the Bible and I’m positively sure you’ll run into a don’t-worry Bible verse—said by Jesus Himself or anyone else whom God inspired to write His Word. The Bible has 365 verses specifically telling us Jesus gives us peace. In fact, He IS The Prince of Peace.

Even though He warned us we’ll always be surrounded within this world, we know He’s already won our battle(s) and overcame everything. We never have to worry.

[eternalfaithinhislove]

c u r s e s into b l e s s i n g s

After man sinned, God punished. For many years. But God gave (and still gives) us chance after chance to turn away from our sin. But when we take a look at Genesis 6, we see a change—we went too far and God’s punishment increased to the point that He regretted the very beings He chose to create.

“The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” (Genesis 6:5-8)

Noah found favor with God… How?

By being good.

“Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.” (Genesis 6:9)

He walked with the Lord. He did what God wanted—what was right; he obeyed Him. Because of this God warns Noah in advance and tells him the exact punishment that’s coming and He tells Noah how he can escape. In fact, He instructs Noah not only to escape with his family but He tells Noah to take a male and female from every kind of living creature. Why? Because He was going to renew the earth.

So, then God sent the great flood that lasted forty days. Everything was washed away, except what and who were on Noah’s ark—which God had told him just how to make it and what and who to take with him on it. Then watch what He tells us in Genesis…

“But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded” (Genesis 8:1)!!!

God remembers us! No matter how bad things get God remembers us!

Then God promised Noah to never again send punishment like this flood that would take everything away.

“I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth. And God said, ‘This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.’ So God said to Noah, ‘This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.’” (Genesis 9:11-17)

God is often in the business of renewing things when they’ve gone wrong—us and the world around us. Just look at what He says at the beginning and watch what He says right after the flood as He promises Noah he won’t do that again…

“God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (Genesis 1:28)

“Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth. The fear and dread of you will fall on all the beasts of the earth, and on all the birds in the sky, on every creature that moves along the ground, and on all the fish in the sea; they are given into your hands.” (Genesis 9:1)

He eternally finds ways to renew us until we return to Him in Heaven—which the only way to make it there is Jesus. He who came to renew us Himself!

The point is God turns bad to good!

Paul says it like this in Romans 28, “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)

A really cool Old Testament story that’s an example of God turning bad things good is when God turned Balak’s curses on Israel into blessings.

Balak brought Balaam to pay him to curse Israel but he vowed to only say what God told him too.

“But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed.” (Numbers 22:12)

But then Balaam goes and God sent His Angel to oppose Balaam—yet He doesn’t stop him but rather opens his eyes. Balaam continued on to Balak but only said what God told Him to. So, he blessed Israel rather than cursing it. Balak then thinks if he takes Balaam to see Israel from a different angel maybe then God would tell him something different.

“God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? I have received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot change it.” (Numbers 23:19-20)

In Balak’s frustration, he takes back what he said about paying Balaam for his word. I love his answer:

“Balaam answered Balak, ‘Did I not tell the messengers you sent me, ‘Even if Balak gave me all the silver and gold in his palace, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the Lord—and I must say only what the Lord says’”? (Numbers 24:12-13)

Listen to God’s Word and speak and live by it. Nothing more, nothing less.

God will always change bad to good.

[eternalfaithinhislove]

R e s t

God wants us to rest.

He made the seventh day a Holy day of rest.

“Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because on it he rested from all the work of creating He had done.” (Genesis 2:3)

“In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.” (Psalm 127:2)

If we don’t rest, we tire ourselves out.

If we tire ourselves out, we lose time we need to spend with God.

I love this quote from John Gray: “Rest is where your faith is.”

Jesus Himself shows us how important rest is:

In what He says to Martha…

“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha, the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” (Luke 10:38-42)

In leading His apostles and the crowd of five thousand He fed to rest…

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

In being our rest…

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

There are numerous other times where our Lord points out that sometimes we need to stop what we’re doing, find a quiet place, and pray and spend time with Him.

Rest is very important in our relationship with GOD.

[eternalfaithinhislove]

God h e a r s

“We have courage in God's Presence, because we are sure that he hears us if we ask him for anything that is according to his will. He hears us whenever we ask him; and since we know this is true, we know also that he gives us what we ask from him.” (1 John 5:14-15)

God hears.

I said this in my post yesterday and just want to elaborate.

God answers our prayers. He hears each and every single one. And not one is left unanswered.

Our part is to ask and believe we will have what we asked for, in some way.

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24)

He knows what’s best and will give us what we ask Him for with a heart full of gratitude.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

But He knows how to grant the request(s) we make in our prayer(s).

“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11)

“In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” (John 16:23)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

Always asking of Him and not thanking Him isn’t right. Our Father gives us good gifts and for that and everything in our lives, we should be grateful.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17)

Not thanking Him and expecting Him to quickly answer our prayers is not only disrespectful but may actually delay His responses, because an ungrateful heart isn’t ready for blessings.

Don’t just ask God, thank God!

[eternalfaithinhislove]

He rejoices through us and we have Victory through Him

“The LORD your God is with you; his power gives you victory. The LORD will take delight in you, and in his love he will give you new life. He will sing and be joyful over you, as joyful as people at a festival.” The LORD says, “I have ended the threat of doom and taken away your disgrace.” (Zephaniah 3:17-18)

God has rejoiced/been joyful over us since the day He made us!

As His creation, we shouldn’t live in dread or fear. God makes it very clear that we are powerful through Him.

If we trust that God is with us and all around us in every situation, we face in life, what can stop us? What can scare us?

God wants us to rely on His Power for all things. For our weakness(es) reveal His Glory even more than our strengths. Because complete dependence on God is the only thing in the whole universe, in all creation that’ll ever help us; save us; strengthen us; heal us and bring us victory.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Our God was and still is strong enough to die for us to save us. He won the victory for us because we never could. He set us free. So we should walk in this power and freedom our Lord has blessed us with and know that with Him nothing is impossible and nothing will ever destroy us.

“For nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:37)

We are HIS and nothing will EVER change that!

“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)

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. (Romans 6:5)

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

Smile and close your eyes… give a prayer of thanks to GOD who loves you and lets you share in His victory!

[eternalfaithinhislove]

Acts 9

If God was able to make Paul—then named Saul—a man who was killing His believers believe in Him is there anyone who He can’t reach? Is there anything He can’t do? The answer is no. He is never incapable of saving us or making the impossible happen. No one is too far gone for God to save.

Paul was murdering anyone who followed Jesus instead of the church. Why did God use Paul if he was literally murdering those who believed in Him?

That’s exactly why! Paul needed God the most when Jesus revealed Himself to him on the road to Damascus to turn his situation into good, for Paul but even more so for all those that He planned Paul would reach. His purpose in using Paul was to transform him in order to reveal His Own Glory to those whose eyes were closed to the way He wanted to be worshipped. That’s how God works! In big, mysterious ways. He takes bad and turns it into wonderfully good.

Jesus came to revolutionize the way things were done. He showed us how to truly live for God; how to truly worship Him; how to truly follow Him.

God wants faith, not sacrifices. He saw His people were caught up in the show of things. Of long, fancy prayers and music and sacrifices. None of these are wrong—in fact, they’re wonderful—but they’re nothing with faithfulness and a truly close relationship with God.

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’” (Matthew 6:5-13)

He doesn’t want us to focus on outward appearances and being “perfect.” God wants us to open our hearts to Him and let Him fill them till they overflow.

“But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:13)

God makes Himself known to those who need to know Him most. Jesus came to save those who were lost and broken.

“Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus.” (Acts 9:1-8)

God uses people like Paul—those in desperate need of knowing Him. He comes to them and making them see His Light.

“He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. (Acts 9:4-8)

God then sent Ananias to guide Paul…

“Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.” (Acts 9:17-19)

As believers God wants us to help and love one another. He sent Ananias to help strengthen Paul.

God uses His People to reveal His Own Glory. We are His from start to finish and not one of His people is ever forgotten. He will go looking for the 100th sheep and we’re His helpers.

"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?” (Matthew 18:12)

[eternalfaithinhislove]

E N E R G Y

God is our source of life, of energy, of everything. One of my favorite songs illustrates this fact perfectly. It’s [literally] called energy by Hillsong Young & Free. So, I decided to meditate on each lyric. . .

You are the only one in my head

God IS the Only God and should be the Only One we honor and adore. He constantly fills my head, I’m sure He’s always on your mind too, and for all His people.

i've chosen You now my heart is set

We as believers have already decided to follow Jesus. Our hearts and minds are made up; there’s no indecisiveness and nothing will change our minds.

“‘But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.’” (Joshua 24:15)

Your love forever and is my strength, my strength more than a rush of adrenaline

Our strength in God is unfailing and never-ending. It’s a powerful feeling (adrenaline rush) knowing He is with us and we gain confidence in knowing He won’t let us be overcome. For HE has overcome it all!

“The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him—  my father’s God, and I will exalt him!” (Exodus 15:2)

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)

You will sustain me until the end

Our God is a just, unchanging God. He will remain the same, so He’s not going to help us and loves us one day but not the next. When we believe and trust in Him not only do we have nothing to fear, but He will always be with us and sustain us.

You are the only one

God is the ONLY ONE who can make our dreams come true!

You are the only one

God is the ONLY ONE who will always be there; who will always help us; who will always rescue us through everything that comes our way.

when You speak dreams and reality collide

God knows us better than anyone—than ourselves even. So He knows our dreams, goals, and Purpose—He created each of us and gave us these aspirations for a reason and He will help us achieve them when we ask and believe in prayer.

“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” (Matthew 21:22)

“‘We both had dreams,’ they answered, ‘but there is no one to interpret them.’ Then Joseph said to them, ‘Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.’” (Genesis 40:8)

Your Word rewrites my destiny

God is our Creator and The Author of our whole lives. When we pray, He hears. Whatever we choose or do, He will guide. He will also correct us when we ask Him to show us the way.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

my life finds a new beginning

We are born again in Jesus. When we are baptized we receive His Spirit. We are revitalized by spending time in His Word and in prayer.

“Jesus answered him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’” (John 3:3-8)

cause You are, You are my energy

I can’t do anything without God. I go to Him for everything. I can do all things with Him and nothing without Him.

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)

Jesus Your Presence is what ignites

Your truth is electric, the source of light

Jesus IS our light!

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6)

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

a moment with You makes me come alive, alive

Every time we read and meditate [on] The Word of God, we are truly alive. So it is when we go to church and worship Him. His Word comes alive and makes us be truly alive. Not just our earthly vessels but our very souls.

We are alive through and because of Jesus Christ.

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4-5)

when You speak dreams and reality collide

When we turn to God and ask for something according to His Will, He will make it come to pass.

“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11)

“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” (James 1:17)

Your Word rewrites my destiny

Jesus saves us all. No one is too far gone that He can’t or won’t save; the moment you truly believe and give your heart to Him your Savior already paid the debt you owed with His Blood! He’s given us the destiny of saved!

He tells us that what we ask for in His name will be given for us but we must not doubt. For He holds our destiny. Of whom shall we be afraid then?

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)

“‘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)

my life finds a new beginning

Our new birth [in Jesus] is a bond that can never be broken. It’s not just words and water—It’s a connection to our Lord who saved us from all our sins. Our baptism connects us to the life our Redeemer died to give us; it brings us victory in HIM.

“And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’” (Acts 11:16)

“for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.” (1 Peter 1:23)

cause You are, You are my energy

My faith in Jesus is what motivates me every day! Without it I wouldn’t just be energized—I’d have nothing.

Jesus, You're everything I need and more

Jesus has saved us and given us e v e r y t h i n g! What more will we ever need or want? Our God provides us with all we could ever need and want.

"The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)

We will never need more than Jesus! Ever. He IS more than enough!

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need.” (Psalm 23:1)

I'll follow You 'til the end

I can see people who don’t believe, begin to but I can’t imagine a believer ever stop believing. We might get mad or frustrated at God but to completely lose faith? That’s hard for me to picture. I will follow Him to the end!

You are my strength

Jesus is my strength in every situation. Whether I need a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold or to pull me up—He is there! Always.

Jesus, You're everything I need and more

The Lord will always provide for us. Our Father will not only fulfill our every need but He wants to—and does—bless us abundantly. We must believe and remember this for all our days.

“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11)

You are, You are my energy

Jesus is my energy because He’s what makes me the happiest. The Only One who can always make me smile.

You're the everlasting God

You're the One who holds it all

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired His understanding is inscrutable.” (Isaiah 40:28)

God created everything out of nothing. HE is THEE CREATOR, He is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient. This is far outside human understanding but that a great thing. It means there is no one and nothing like God.

God can make anything happen!

“For there is nothing that God cannot do.” (Luke 1:37)

I can't help but stand in awe

God is so awesome, so miraculous and so merciful filled with unfailing grace and love unending that how could we not stand in awe? The Bible often tells us to have awe-inspired or awe-filled reverence (honor, respect) for and fear of GOD.

“Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe, and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.” (Acts 2:43)

You are my energy

Everything God has done for me makes me so happy it energizes me to my very core!

You're the everlasting God

You're the One who holds it all

I can't help but stand in awe

What God has made—nothing and no one can change. God is in control of everything and nothing will keep Him from us or us from Him.

“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)

“The LORD will vindicate me; your love, LORD, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands.” (Psalm 138:8)

So, how could we not stand in awe?!

You are my energy

By being baptized in His Holy Name, we’re blessed with The Spirit [of GOD]—what could ever fill us with more joy and energy?!

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:18-20)

He gave to us also the authority to make disciples in His Name.

when You speak dreams and reality collide

Your Word rewrites my destiny

Jesus re-wrote each of our destinies on the cross. His blood redeemed us all.

“But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13)

my life finds a new beginning

We are new in Christ. 

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4-5)

cause You are, You are my energy

God will remain the same forever and so will His Word and His Promises. How cool and exciting is that?! To know God won't let us down, ever. This gives us total energy and confidence!

But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. (Psalm 33:11)

Jesus, you're everything I need and more

Jesus is all we need. He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life!

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” (John 14:6-8)

I'll follow you 'til the end You are my strength

When the disciples followed Jesus He left them—and us—with a promise:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Jesus, You're everything I need and more

Philippians 4:19-20 literally states: “And my God will fully supply your every need according to his glorious riches in the Messiah Jesus. Glory belongs to our God and Father forever and ever! Amen.”

Jesus came in order to give us everything!

“‘The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’” (John 10:10)

You are, You are my energy

God gives me my every heartbeat, He is my heartbeat.

You are my energy

Our God is the one who gives our lives meaning and joy; this is what gives us energy—Spiritually energy and He enables us to carry on.

[eternalfaithinhislove]

Jonah

“From deep inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God: “In my distress, O LORD, I called to you, and you answered me. From deep in the world of the dead I cried for help, and you heard me. You threw me down into the depths, to the very bottom of the sea, where the waters were all round me, and all your mighty waves rolled over me. I thought I had been banished from your presence and would never see your holy Temple again. The water came over me and choked me; the sea covered me completely, and seaweed was wrapped round my head. I went down to the very roots of the mountains, into the land whose gates lock shut for ever. But you, O LORD my God, brought me back from the depths alive. When I felt my life slipping away, then, O LORD, I prayed to you, and in your holy Temple you heard me. Those who worship worthless idols have abandoned their loyalty to you. But I will sing praises to you; I will offer you a sacrifice and do what I have promised. Salvation comes from the LORD!” Then the LORD ordered the fish to spew Jonah up on the beach, and it did.” (Jonah 2:1-10)

Jonah’s prayer demonstrates faith and trust.

He believed God would do what He asked.

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24)

Rewinding to Jonah 1...

So, God tells Jonah to go to a city called Nineveh and speak (prophesy) against it. But Jonah runs off in the opposite direction to Joppa and got on a ship headed for Spain. Then God sent a storm to happen and it was wrecking the ship. So the sailors started to pray (each to his own god). And they went and told Jonah to do the same.

He then told the sailors the truth(that it was his fault they were in such danger) and when they asked what could help them our t of the terrible situation they were in, he tells them to throw him overboard and the storm would stop.

“Jonah went on to tell them that he was running away from the LORD. The sailors were terrified, and said to him, “That was an awful thing to do!” The storm was getting worse all the time, so the sailors asked him, “What should we do to you to stop the storm?” Jonah answered, “Throw me into the sea, and it will calm down. I know it is my fault that you are caught in this violent storm.”” (Jonah 1:10-12)

Notice how they told Jonah running away from God is an awful thing to do! Even though they didn’t yet believe in God, they had this opinion. Their opinion was probably based on what they’d heard about God and what He does to or for His people.

Here we see that even Jonah’s act of rebellion caused people to pray to God. God revealed His Power when He caused—and stopped—the mighty storm. Who knows, maybe the sailors believed in God and prayer to Him from that day on.

“So they cried out to the LORD, ‘O LORD, we pray, don't punish us with death for taking this man's life! You, O LORD, are responsible for all this; it is your doing.’ Then they picked Jonah up and threw him into the sea, and it calmed down at once. This made the sailors so afraid of the LORD that they offered a sacrifice and promised to serve him.” (Jonah 1:14-16)

You can never run from God or His Will!

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.” (Psalm 139:7-12)

[eternalfaithinhislove]

Faith is believing without seeing

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

“David gave orders to Joab and the other officers, ‘Go through Israel, from one end of the country to the other, and count the people. I want to know how many there are.’ Joab answered, ‘May the Lord make the people of Israel a hundred times more numerous than they are now! Your Majesty, they are all your servants. Why do you want to do this and make the whole nation guilty?’” (1 Chronicles‬ ‭21:2-3‬)

God doesn’t want us to know everything, we’re supposed to rely on Him and trust Him with everything. A good example is when God was upset when David disobeyed Him by taking a census of His people. Why was that wrong? Because it didn’t matter how many there were—GOD was always with them. God wants us to trust Him by believing in Him. Having faith that He’s always by our side. David disobeyed because he had a moment of weakness faithwise.

“David wanted to know exactly how many strong men there were in all of Israel. Yet, all He needed was to remember God is always on the side of the righteous. And God is unstoppable and makes the impossible possible. When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. ‘Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?’ the servant asked. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” (2 Kings 6:15-17)

Even when we’re out numbered and feel like all hope is lost... GOD is with us. He tells us not to be afraid. He will always provide a way out. HE always wins the battle!

Elisha prayed that The Lord open his servant’s eyes...

We should pray for Him to open our as well.

Sometimes we close our eyes and fail to see God is all around us, protecting us, helping us, blessing us.

Open your eyes in faith.

[eternalfaithinhislove]

T r i a l s

Life won’t always be easy, even for us Christians. As a matter of fact, Jesus tells us the opposite—it’s going to be really hard! It won’t be perfect like some people assume until we’re with Him in Paradise. This applies to all who choose to believe in Him.

If the world didn’t except HIM, how the heck is it going to accept us?

“‘If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’ (John 15:18-25)

In John 16, Jesus warns the disciples about the trials and troubles to come. Yet, He also reminds them of the joy He will bring them! Jesus reminds them He will send them the Holy Spirit. That they’ll be persecuted for believing in Him—because they persecuted HIM. He also told them that though they would grieve Him, He’d send them His Holy Spirit. He explained to them that unless He left (died for them) He wouldn’t be able to send The Advocate (His Holy Spirit).

The world was wrong and still is, by condemning our Lord. He let the disciples (and us) know that His Spirit would enlighten us and lead us to the Truth.

Everything He told them applies to us as believers as well. So, the persecuting and peace that was promised to them is also promised to us through our faith in the Lord, our God!

“All this I have told you so that you will not fall away. They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, but now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. I  have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.’” (John 16:1-15)

Jesus also mentioned He had more to say but the disciples wouldn’t have been able to bear it—this too also applies to us today. There’s a lot we cannot yet even begin to comprehend. Truths we can’t yet know.

But we can take heart for our Lord has saved us and set us free!

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

And He is always with us through it all!

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)