Be God's Reminder

By Pat

I am at a very difficult stage in my life right now, and struggling in several areas. But many of my dear friends are, too. It seems like no matter which way I turn, someone I love and care about is struggling mightily. The reasons vary greatly, and I wish so much that I could help them,  but I can't. Not in the way I would want to, anyway.

I don't have jobs to offer my friends who are seeking employment, and I have no extra money to give out to my friends who are facing financial issues...but I do have the assurance that God has not forgotten them even when they can't feel His presence, and so I can remind them of God's words in Jeremiah 29:11... "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." Words to cling to...words of hope!

I cannot offer the right solutions to my friends and who are struggling with family matters, relationships going sour, or problems with children. I don't have the answers. They are tired, and they are discouraged. I can't solve their problems, but I can assure them that God will sustain them...

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God Is... Father

By Jason S (Connecting to Impact)

I wanted to do this particular attribute last because it's such an exciting and amazing topic.

How can you not help but marvel at a God who has infinite power and wisdom, is present everywhere at once, Creator, Provider, Sustainer, Self-existent, and on and on–yet He also reveals Himself as "Father to the fatherless" (Psalm 68:5).

He refuses to allow anyone to be orphaned, but this mentality pervades our culture and even our churches. We don't truly understand what it means to be called a son, but we really need to get it.

"For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" (Romans 8:14-15)

If we are sons, we carry a different mentality and authority. We go through testing and trials, but we don't have to doubt His love or our position.  Our service and devotion flows from knowing Him and His knowing us fully.

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What is Greatness?

By Pat

But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus." (Luke 1:30-31). "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." (Luke 1:38)

In looking at the world around us and the things we normally associate with prestige and honor, it's very easy to feel that we are ill-equipped to make a difference in the world, and serve God in a big way. Thankfully, God feels differently.

The only criteria God requires for us to be of service to Him in any capacity, large or small, is a willing and obedient heart. Mary, Jesus' mother, certainly didn't have wealth or power. She was a common girl living a quiet and ordinary life, and yet God chose her for the most high honor imaginable; to give birth to and raise the Son of God. She had enough trust to realize that if God selected her for this holy task, he would certainly provide the necessary means to carry it out successfully. God chose Mary because of her humble and willing heart.

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God Is... Forgiving

By Jay Cookingham (Soulfari)

The deepest part of the ocean at 36,200 feet (11,033 m or 11.03 km) is an alien looking place called Challenger Deep, within the Marianas Trench. This cold, deep dark is far beyond the reach of sunlight and is as remote of a place as you can find on this planet.

Imagine for a moment a place so far away, so unreachable and unseen that it boggles the mind.

It made me wonder what would our lives be like if our mistakes, failures…the things that haunt us from our past got tossed away. You know, those past events that hinder our walk, regret, painful memories…what would it be like if they were buried so deep, NEVER to be found again?

“Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” (Micah 7:18-19)

The prophet Micah uses this powerful word picture in describing the depths of God’s forgiveness. Here displayed is the Father’s mercy, for when He forgives, not only does He subdues; but also He conquers our sins and hurls it far way from us. In the depth of that forgiveness is freedom, not just from sin but the effects of sin as well.

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Do You Deny?

By Pat

"As Simon Peter stood warming himself, as was asked, "You are not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it, saying, "I am not."" (John 18:25)

Have you ever denied being a follower of Jesus? I have. Not verbally, for I have always readily proclaimed my Christianity. And yet, sadly, I have indeed denied Jesus.

When I have raised my voice in anger and allowed unkind words to flow from my lips, I have denied Jesus. When I have acted selfishly, or forgotten that true riches are found in the heart, I have denied Jesus. Each time I have used a lame excuse not to lend a helping hand to a person in need, I have denied Him. And worst of all, when I have allowed the difficult circumstances surrounding me to weaken my faith and question God's love for me, I have denied Jesus.

Instead of shunning Peter, Jesus understood his human weakness and not only forgave him, but used him as the rock upon which He would build His church. (Matthew 16:18). We must try to live our lives in a way that serves and glorifies Jesus so fully that, if asked if we are followers of Jesus, we need not answer aloud, but instead let our actions shout with a resounding "YES!"

Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.