Every good gift

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness,
neither shadow of turning” James 1:17, KJV.

So many of us go throughout our entire life trying hard to make others happy, feeling a need to please, and never wanting to disappoint those we love. The reward may be their smile and gratitude, but the consequence is pure exhaustion.

God is the same way. Don’t try to work so hard to win the affection of a loving God that is already fully convinced of His love for you. Ease up on yourself and begin to enjoy the Lord, enjoy your life, and enjoy the relational treasures He has given you. They are rich blessings designed to enrich your life, not add sorrow to it.

Be of good cheer

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT)

Real Christians face real trials. If you are facing a real challenge in your life don’t think something is wrong with you or your salvation. Don’t think God has turned His back on you. He is with you and He is for you. 

"But be of good cheer” Jesus said, “I have overcome the world.” Take heart! Take courage! Believe! The Spirit of the living God lives within you and He will teach you how to overcome and how to walk victoriously. You can have peace that God has a plan. You can walk in joy despite your current circumstance. He will use everything you face to grow you, deepen you and strengthen your faith and trust in Him.

#forwardliving #hellofuture

Free to give and receive

“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,” Isaiah 61:1, NIV

People with broken hearts will hurt you before you hurt them; reject you before you reject them; leave you before you leave them - All in attempt to protect their hearts from experiencing more pain. 

I’m so thankful God comes after us in our broken state. He’s not afraid of us hurting Him; He’s not intimidated; He heals our hearts, fills us with His love, and reassures us that we’re going to be ok. Then He sends us out to minister healing to others.

You can be healed and can be free to give and receive love. You don’t have to be a victim. You ARE victorious through Jesus. 

Courage

It takes courage
to tell the truth
to follow your heart
to do something alone
to make yourself vulnerable
to leave a longtime love
to trust again
to speak up
to wait on God’s best
to start something new
to admit your own ignorance
to believe things will change
to give expecting nothing in return
to be yourself

Often we find God saying throughout Scripture, “Be strong and courageous.” “Take heart.” “Take courage.” While negative situations come to deflate and discourage us, God gives us the necessary ingredient to face life’s challenges head on—courage. 

Even though you don’t express specifically what you need help with, He already knows. 

Let God give you the courage you need in order to do what you never thought you could do. 

Let Him give you the courage to succeed past your limitations, to face tomorrow, to enjoy life today, to face your fears, to change your world, to face your inner critic, and to embrace the truth of who you are in Him.

Be courageous!!

Relationship

Every real relationship with God begins with a quality decision to let Him into your heart and into your life. 

Your issues and problems don’t scare Him. Your fear and anxiety about everything in your life does not move Him. You are His and He is yours - and that's an everlasting promise... 

And from the moment He entered into your life, the Spirit of God rolled up His sleeves and went to work in changing you from the inside out. His ultimate goal is for you to look like Jesus on the inside and to behave like Jesus on the outside.

Get to know Him by reading His love letter to you—the Bible.
Get to know Him by spending time with Him in prayer, talking to Him as you would to a friend.
Get to know Him by continuing to let Him into every place in your heart and learning what He has to say about every issue of life.