Jesus Wants You To Know...

"I am constantly working to transform your life. You need My help continually to keep your hope alive. I stand ready to help you at all times - during stormy episodes as well as times of smooth sailing. I am not only ever-living but also more abundantly alive than you can possibly imagine. There are no limits to what My great Power and Glory can accomplish! I can change the most 'hopeless' situation into outright victory. Moreover, as you affirm your trust in Me - no matter how difficult your circumstances - I am able to transform you: gradually, lovingly."

"Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed."

- Isaiah 49:23b

"Jesus Lives" by Sarah Young

Meme: Because...

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:6-11

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

~

Our nation is faced with a crisis of social deterioration the likes of which we would have thought unimaginable a generation ago. We seem to be a culture gone berserk.

To say that our society is in need of radical transformation is to state the obvious. We're in a “culture war” today, but before we go off waving our swords, we need to know who the real enemy is.

The real enemy isn't school administrators or the media or liberals. The one behind the scenes pulling the strings is the evil one, Satan himself. He's the enemy.

One reason there is so much satanic influence in schools, media, and government is that Christians have abandoned the culture and handed it over to the world. If you hand culture over, Satan will take it over.

The Bible calls him a “roaring lion” because, like real lions, Satan rules by intimidation. Lions roar to scare and intimidate their enemies. They roar after the kill so the jackals and hyenas will be too afraid to run up and snatch it away, even though they can if they work together. Satan rules our society with a lot of noise, because he knows he cannot stop the people of God from taking society back if we ever decide to be the people of God in society. But we're intimidated by the roar. The reason our culture is deteriorating is that Christians are nowhere to be found except in church. There is no morality being handed down anymore.

When we were growing up, even if your mama and daddy didn't give you a moral frame of reference, your schoolteacher did. Or the people next door did. Why? Because Christian morality permeated the culture. Not everyone was a Christian, but most people had a moral frame of reference by which they made decisions. That is no longer the case, because the influence of God is no longer being felt in the culture. We've got to raise a whole new generation of people who know and follow God.

If we Christians will humble ourselves under God, He will give us the power to take our culture back.

Excerpt from “Time To Get Serious" by Tony Evans

Prayer: Entirely Yours

The LORD is merciful and gracious,

Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
Psalm 103:8 (NKJV)

I was thinking today about how merciful you've been to me. How in spite of all I've done, you kissed my heart with forgiveness. You rescued me from hell and saved my life. When I lost sight of you and ran around in circles feeling alone and confused, you rushed to my side. I don't deserve your tenderhearted love and I don't understand your patience, but I'm thankful for both.

I dedicate myself to you. With all of my heart, I pray there will never be any part of me that is not entirely yours. I want to live a life of celebration, never forgetting your miracle of kindness. You have satisfied my deepest desires with the substance of your love. Sometimes this crown that you've placed on my head feels too big, but I accept the honor of representing you in the earth. I bow before you in wonder - my whole life surrendered to you.

Provided by "Prayers On Fire"

Authors: Brian Simmons and Gretchen Rodriguez

Sermon: “Why You Can’t Give Up”

God Sees The Heart

The Pharisees knew Scripture. They prayed publicly. They followed traditions carefully. They appeared moral, disciplined, and holy in front of other people. But Jesus exposed the deeper issue: outward religion without inward surrender: “These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.” - Matthew 15:8

It’s possible to say the right things about God while keeping your heart distant from Him. A person can attend church, quote verses, post Christian content, sing worship songs, and still secretly love pride, lust, approval, money, status, or sin more than God Himself. External performance can hide internal emptiness for a long time.

That’s what made Jesus’ words so piercing. He wasn’t attacking sincere obedience. He was confronting hypocrisy - the kind of religion that looks alive externally, while the heart is away from God internally.

God isn't simply looking for religious activity. He desires truth in the inner person. Real repentance. Real surrender. Real love. Real intimacy with Him.

One of the most dangerous spiritual conditions is becoming skilled at appearing “close” to God, while quietly growing far from Him. That’s why this passage should humble every believer. Our question shouldn’t be: “How religious do I appear?” But: “Does my heart actually belong to Him?”

God sees beyond words, appearances, and reputation. He sees the heart.

- David Delfeld

Provided by "I Am With You Always"

Meme: Life's Storms

Finding Peace in the Storm To Carry You Through

“...Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

Mark 6:50b (NKJV)

My first time visiting the state of Georgia was before we had smartphones and instant weather reports. As I drove out to hike a mountain, local news warned of intermittent showers.

But after parking, I realized I’d forgotten my rain gear. Should I leave? The sun was shining. Armed with waterproof hiking boots and a baseball cap, I figured, I’ll be fine.

Hours later, as I trekked through thick woods, it started sprinkling. Then rain poured in sheets, coming down sideways. Storm clouds quickly moved in, darkening the sky. Gusts of wind howled. Claps of explosive thunder boomed as lightning discharged around me in ominous, intense flashes like strobe lights.

I was scared and disoriented. It got so dark I couldn’t see the trail well without a flashlight or a map. There I stood, cold and soaked through in the middle of a thunderstorm.

That’s how life’s “storms” often are too. Troubling circumstances happen suddenly. We feel helpless, unsure what to do - our world seemingly spinning out of control.

The truth is we aren’t in control. But God is.

Jesus stands in our confusion and whispers, Take My hand. I will carry you through. I am with you. I will be your peace.

Sometimes the only way out is letting Jesus take us through the storm - and finding that His peace will carry us better than any plan.

Once, Jesus was alone on a mountain praying after sending His disciples ahead of Him into the Sea of Galilee. They, too, met a storm (Mark 6:45-48). Why would Jesus send them on a journey knowing they’d encounter bad weather?

Jesus saw His friends straining at the oars, and He came to them: “Immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid’” (Mark 6:50b).

Peter attempted to walk to Jesus on the water but sank because he feared the wind’s strength. “Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him,” Matthew 14:31 tells us (ESV). Then Jesus got into the boat, and the wind stopped.

Jesus is with us in every storm and calms us with His promises. He moves us from having “head knowledge” to personally experiencing the powerful peace of His presence. Because peace, after all, is a person.

God has a plan in the storms of life, but we don’t always know what it is. That’s the part that requires faith. Jesus offers His hand instead of a map.

Holding on to Him means letting go of Plan A, B, or C. You can take it one day at a time - and remember you’re not alone. Reach out for help, and surround yourself with friends to support you.

Jesus sees you. He is with you. And even if He doesn’t calm the winds, He will carry you through.

Dear Jesus, take my hand. Be my peace. Never let me go. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Bonnie Gray
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"

Scripture: Psalm 55:22

God Knows What's Best

Waiting seasons can feel uncomfortable. When doors close… when prayers feel delayed… when life is not unfolding the way you expected… it can be tempting to panic, force outcomes, or assume God has forgotten you. But sometimes God is not rejecting you. He is preparing you. Protecting you. Positioning you. Not every closed door is punishment. Some are mercy. Some are redirection. Some are simply reminders that God sees farther ahead than we do.

Trust Him in the waiting. Trust Him in the uncertainty. Trust Him even when you cannot yet understand the full picture. God is still working behind doors you cannot see yet.

Provided by "Mindful Christianity"

A Perfect Savior

The story of Jesus walking on water is often preached
as a lesson about having more faith.

Try harder.

Be braver.

Step out of the boat.

But when you slow down and really look at the story,
something deeper begins to appear.

This miracle is not primarily about Peter.

It is about Jesus.

The disciples were alone in the middle of a storm.
The wind was violent.
The waves were crashing against the boat.
These were experienced fishermen,
yet Scripture says they were terrified.

And here is something important many people miss.

They were in that storm because Jesus told them to get into the boat.

The storm was not proof God had abandoned them.

They were exactly where Jesus sent them.

Then in the middle of darkness and fear,
Jesus came walking toward them on the water.

Think about that.

The very thing threatening the disciples was beneath His feet.

The storm that felt overwhelming to them
was under complete authority to Him.

Jesus did not remove the waves before approaching them.

He walked on top of them.

And maybe that is one of the greatest revelations in the entire story.

Jesus is not intimidated by what terrifies you.

Fear caused the disciples to misinterpret His presence.
They thought He was a ghost. But immediately Jesus spoke.

“Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.”

In the original language, His words echo the divine name of God Himself.

“I AM.”

Meme: I'm Glad Jesus Never Said...

Jesus Wants You To Know...

"It’s easy to trust Me for a while - especially when things are going well in your life. But I want you to trust Me always, no matter what is happening. I know that’s a difficult thing to ask, and I know that sometimes you’ll mess it up. But I still love you perfectly, even then. And I still want you close to Me. When you make a mistake, tell Me - and let My Love pull you back to trusting Me."

"Trust the Lord always. Trust the Lord because he is our Rock forever."

Isaiah 26:4

"Jesus Today for Kids" by Sarah Young

It Is Well With My Soul

Lord, 'it is well with my soul', a declaration I'm choosing to make even when my circumstances aren't well, when my body hurts, when my heart breaks, when nothing feels okay.

This isn't denying reality or pretending everything is fine, it's declaring that at the deepest level, where it matters most, my soul rests secure in You regardless of what's happening around me.

Teach me the difference between my circumstances and my soul, that one can be chaos while the other remains at peace, that external storms don't have to create internal ones.

I can say it is well with my soul even when life isn't well, health isn't well, relationships aren't well, finances aren't well, because my soul's wellness isn't tied to those things.

Help me anchor my soul in You so deeply that whatever happens to my body, my plans, my life, the core of who I am remains settled, steady, at peace in Your hands.

Give me grace to make this declaration authentically, not as denial but as defiant faith, choosing to affirm that despite everything, it is well with my soul because You hold it.

Let me say with confidence today and always, it is well with my soul, not because everything is okay but because my soul is anchored in the God who is always okay.

- Provided by "Faithful Grace"

Music: "God I'm Not Okay"

Note: Yes this is AI-crafted, but the message is real!
Created by: Yung Lord

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20

Life is war. Every day we face a battlefield filled with challenges, temptations, and fiery arrows of fear and doubt. But God has given us the armor to stand firm, and a piece of that armor is the shield of faith.

Faith isn’t blind optimism or wishful thinking - it’s rooted in the unchanging character of God. When we take up the shield of faith, we are declaring our trust in His goodness, His sovereignty, and His promises.

As the fiery arrows fly our way, the shield of faith reminds us: God is faithful, and He never fails. Trust not in what you see but in who He is.

- Kevin Carden

Provided by "Christian Digital Artwork"

The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints - 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Recognizing Your Blessings

“I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works…

Put them in fear, O Lord, that the nations may know themselves to be but men.”

Psalm 9:1,20

There is something deeply grounding about this passage because it redirects attention to where it truly belongs. David begins with wholehearted gratitude, choosing to remember and recount all that God has done. That is not a casual acknowledgment but an intentional act. It requires looking back, reflecting, and recognizing that the good in your life is not random or self-produced. It is given. It is sustained; It is rooted in God’s provision. Yet this is where it becomes easy to drift, because there is a natural tendency to take ownership of what was never fully yours to begin with.

It is subtle how pride can enter into gratitude. You may still thank God, but somewhere beneath that, there can be a belief that your effort, your discipline, or your decisions are the primary reason for the blessings you have. This passage gently but clearly confronts that mindset. It reminds you that no matter how capable you feel, no matter how much you have accomplished, you are still dependent. The phrase that they may know themselves to be but men carries weight because it brings everything back into perspective. It is not meant to diminish your value, but to realign your understanding of your position in relation to God.

There is a difference between participating in what God is doing and taking credit for it. You are invited to work, to grow, and to be faithful, but none of that exists apart from the strength and opportunity God provides. Every ability, every open door, every provision traces back to Him. When that truth is forgotten, it becomes easy to shift focus inward and begin building a sense of identity around what you have achieved. That kind of thinking creates distance because it slowly replaces dependence with self-reliance.

David models a different response. He does not just acknowledge God’s works internally, he speaks of them. He recounts them. There is something powerful in putting gratitude into words because it reinforces where your trust is placed. When you intentionally remember what God has done, it strengthens your faith for what is ahead. It reminds you that you are not navigating life alone and that the same God who provided before is still present now. Gratitude becomes more than a feeling, it becomes a practice that keeps your heart aligned.

There is also a deeper layer to this passage that speaks to how easily blessings can be misused when they are not recognized as coming from God. When something that was meant to reflect God’s goodness is turned into something that elevates self, it loses its intended purpose. This is where humility becomes essential. It is not about denying what you have, but about understanding why you have it. Everything is meant to point back to God, not as a restriction, but as a reminder of where life and provision truly come from.

Prayer: Peace and Protection...

Scripture: Philippians 4:13

Finding Contentment Through Christ's Strength

 “I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:13 (CSB)

Help!

This word may be simple, but my prayer sure wasn’t. It was one of the most gut-wrenching prayers I had ever prayed … and the most powerful.

It came after months of watching an already heartbreaking situation spin devastatingly out of control. I had cried out in prayer many times, offering up my solutions to God. But I was all out of words, with nothing left but a cry for help.

Have you ever come to the end of yourself like that?

I’m reminded of Philippians 4:13: “I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Sometimes we may be tempted to read this verse out of context, but God's Word isn't cheerleading us to do whatever we want. While it’s true that anything good we accomplish is by God's power (John 15:5), if we zoom out a bit in the book of Philippians, we see Paul’s words weren't really about achieving our dreams.

Instead, Paul wrote his letter to the church in Philippi to encourage believers to find joy in Christ, persevere in faith no matter what, and “be content” in all circumstances (Philippians 4:11-12, CSB). The good and the bad. Moments of triumph and moments of desperation and emptiness.

When he wrote this around A.D. 60-64, Paul was imprisoned in Rome for preaching the gospel. When he said, “I am able to do all things,” he mostly meant things no one wants to do, like endure suffering and wait for God to intervene. Yet Paul revealed the secret to his contentment: It came by Christ’s strength alone.

Paul was not speaking about mere feelings of happiness, which he wasn't feeling in prison. Instead, true contentment means deeply trusting in God’s sovereignty and receiving His peace even when life feels overwhelming.

In my situation, I had been fighting God for control. I knew my desired outcome. Though I knew I should pray for His will to be done … what if His will went against everything I desperately wanted to happen?

But my strength was gone, so I had only two choices: 1) give up and sink into despair or 2) trust the God of the universe to do what He knew was best.

I chose the latter. And while the situation didn’t change, I sure did. Peace flooded my heart as I went from wrestling God to resting in His sovereign power and grace.

Contentment amid heartbreak is possible when we choose to rely on His strength rather than our own. Is there something you need to let go of to experience that for yourself? Will you trust Him enough to do so? Even if all you have to offer is a cry for help, that's all you really need.

Father, trusting You can be hard, but wrestling You is even harder. Give us the strength to lay down our resistance so we can experience true strength and contentment that comes only from You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Stacy J. Lowe
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"

God Can Save Anybody

Christians aren’t perfect people pretending we have life figured out.

We’re people who know what it feels like to be empty.

To make mistakes we regret.

To carry shame quietly.

To search for peace in places that could never give it.

To smile on the outside while hurting on the inside.

We know what it’s like to need grace.

To need mercy.

To need a fresh start we couldn’t earn for ourselves.

So no, we’re not standing here saying we’re better than anyone.

We’re standing here saying we were rescued.

We’re not pointing to our goodness.

We’re pointing to God’s goodness.

We’re not talking about perfection.

We’re talking about forgiveness.

We’re not saying we never fell.

We’re saying He picked us back up.

Christianity was never about a bunch of flawless people judging the broken.

It’s a bunch of broken people telling other broken people where healing can be found.

Because if He could save us…

He can save anybody.

- Cheyenne Traficante

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 (NKVJ)

Meme: God Knows...

Jesus Wants You To Know...

"Walk with Me in holy trust, responding to My initiatives rather than trying to make things fit your plans. I died to set you free, and that includes freedom from compulsive planning. When your mind spins with a multitude of thoughts, you cannot hear My voice. A mind preoccupied with planning pays homage to the idol of control. Turn from this idolatry back to Me. Listen to Me and live abundantly!"

"Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails." - Proverbs 19:21 - "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young

Quote: Corrie Ten Boom

The Weight That Holds Us Steady

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, ”

Hebrews 6:19a (NKJV)

Recently, my husband and I went on a cruise for our 25th anniversary. As we rested on the balcony, watching the waves go by, I caught myself imagining what would happen if the ocean decided to get unruly.

The ship would have no choice but to drop anchor. Then the waves may not stop, but they would lose their power to push us off course. We would be held steady by something heavy, strong, and unseen.

That image immediately reminded me of Hebrews 6:19a: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”

If you think about it, anchors don’t get much credit. They’re covered beneath the waterline, doing the quiet work of keeping everything grounded. By definition, an anchor is a heavy object attached to a cable or chain and used to moor a ship, fixing it firmly and securely in one place. Without that secure attachment, a ship does not stay put. It drifts.

We tend to drift in our own way, don't we? With a few hard hits, disappointments we didn’t see coming, or unanswered prayers … our souls loosen their grip on God. It’s not that we stop believing in Him, but the waves of life wear us out.

Drifting never announces itself; it just happens quietly and slowly. On the ship’s deck that day, it was like I heard a whisper in my heart: Are you drifting?

God invited me to pause long enough to reflect on what my soul had attached itself to for stability and whether that mooring point was actually strong enough to hold me during life’s storms. I had to admit that after facing a series of personal setbacks, my faith was wavering. I felt disconnected and was drifting without direction.

As I searched the Scriptures, I also came across Psalm 62:5, and it hit me like holy correction: “Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from him” (CSB). This truth recentered me and made me thankful for the hope I have in Christ, knowing my faith is secure in the God who is always faithful.

He is the One who holds us steady when circumstances feel unfair, unfinished, or overwhelming. Friend, when life is storm-tossed, when emotions get out of control, when fear or doubt shows up, when insecurity starts rearing its head, this is your reminder and mine: Hope in Christ.

We don’t get to escape the waves, but we do get to choose where we anchor. Christ is steady, trustworthy, and unshaken. Rest your weight there. He is strong enough to hold you.

Lord, when life feels unsteady, teach us to anchor our souls in You. Remind us that hope in Christ is stronger than any storm. Strengthen our faith, settle our fears, and keep us close. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Dr. Avril Occilien-Similien
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"

Scripture: Psalm 56:18

Turn To The Lord

𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲:

“𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝑢𝑠 𝑒𝑥𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑢𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐿𝑜𝑟𝑑.”
- Lamentations 3:40 (NIV)

𝗢𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:

This verse is written by the Prophet Jeremiah during the siege and destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. Jeremiah had spent most of his life attempting to turn the hearts of the Israelites back to God and had been beaten, mocked, abused in all sorts of manners and kicked out of the temple as well. Yet such is his heart for his people and for the Lord that he willingly endured all of that and continued to cry out to the Lord to bring them back to Him. This is why he was known as the weeping prophet. If ever there was a great example of prayer for God to change the hearts of people, the book of Jeremiah and Lamentations are it. However, they are also a great example of how the Lord works, or is hindered to work, in our lives because of the rules He places upon Himself. Have you ever wondered why He doesn’t just stop everything and change everyone’s hearts and minds to do what He wants so that this world would truly be on earth as it is in heaven? The answer to that question is because love without free will isn’t love, it is control. God has always allowed free will, even with the angels when one third of heaven chose to follow Lucifer (Satan) instead of Him. Adam and Eve only had one rule in the garden; “But you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die” (Genesis 2:17). Today and ever since the Garden, we have had the ability to choose who we will follow, God or the world. That is what makes today’s verse so interesting. Jeremiah is crying out to the Israelites to examine their ways and test them against what the Lord says so they can remove those things from their lives that are hurting them and their relationship with the Lord. When they are willing to do so, it is then that they will be able to return to the Lord. If that sounds familiar to you, it should. Today we call that the Sinner’s Prayer. The truth is that our relationship with the Lord has never been about control, He could have had that any time He wanted to. No, instead it is about trusting Him to help us to not hurt ourselves and each other and understanding that His love is the greatest thing we could ever have. He still wants us to examine our ways and test them today, weeding out those things that will keep us from Him. What will you find?

𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:

It seems like such a simple thing and yet is so hard to do on our own. This is why Jesus told us that no one can come to Jesus unless the Father draws them. (John 6:44) Not that God is picking and choosing, but rather it is because we can’t do it on our own, so He helps us. Unfortunately, not all of us will.

𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿:

Father, I ask You to draw me to You in all areas of my life and help me to shine Your light in the darkness of this world so that others may see Your grace and love. In Jesus’ Holy and Mighty Name, Amen.

- Chuck Glover
Provided by "All About God"

Condemning Thoughts

...He [the devil] was a murderer from the beginning,
and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him.
When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources,

for he is a liar and the father of it.

John 8:44 (NKJV)

Do you ever question if you’re good enough? Are you more likely to dwell on what’s wrong with you than what’s right?

Me too. One day I was scrutinizing myself to find out what my problem was, but the more I picked myself apart, the more it dawned on me: Another voice was egging me on. It was the voice of the enemy, Satan. As I listened to his lies, they zapped my sense of worth and security.

For a long time, I didn’t recognize the enemy for who he was. The negative thoughts and deceitful suggestions sounded like my own voice.

Now I see that from the start, Satan’s goal has always been to trick and deceive God’s people. The Bible opens with a serpent who slithered into the lives of Adam and Eve and filled their heads with lies they believed, lies that separated them from God. John 8:44 tells us Satan "was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."

This liar also tempted Jesus. Our Savior was always ready, though, to defeat the evil one. In Matthew 4:1-11, He did it with the Word of God, countering Satan with, “It is written …” (NIV).

We, too, have this weapon in our arsenal. As we fill our hearts and minds with Scripture, we can defeat the lies we tell ourselves and the lies Satan and his dark forces whisper in our thoughts.

When I compare my negative thoughts to God's Word, the differences amaze me:

I think, I’m lost.
God’s Word says He watches my paths and establishes my ways
(Proverbs 5:21; Proverbs 4:26).

I think, No one loves me.
God’s Word says He loves me more than life
(John 3:16).

I think, I’m ugly.
God’s Word says I’m wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14).

I think, I’m alone, and no one understands me.
God’s Word says He will never leave me and He has plans for my life
(Deuteronomy 31:6; Jeremiah 29:11).

I think, I’m just not good enough.
God’s Word says I was created in His image
(Genesis 1:26-27).

When the enemy tries to slither in with false accusations, we must be ready to combat him with what God’s Word says about us. To get started, evaluate your thoughts and pray for wisdom to distinguish the voice of the enemy. Condemning thoughts that steal your confidence in who you are in Christ aren’t from God.

Let’s commit to renew our minds with the Word of God each day and replace those worn-out, destructive lies with His Truth.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your life-giving Truth. Please fill me with Your Word so I can live in freedom and confidence! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Melissa Taylor
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"

God Is SO Good!

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

And forget not all His benefits:

Psalm 103:2 (NKJV)

Jesus Wants You To Know...

"When you complain, you are saying that you think you could run the world better than I do. Things will happen that you don’t understand. You ask 'why?' and 'why not?' But you do not know all the things that I know. You can only see today. I can see yesterday, today, and forever - all at the same time. I know how everything fits together. Have faith in Me and trust that I will take care of you. Be thankful and praise Me - even when you don’t understand."

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

- 1 Thessalonians 5:18

- "Jesus Calling for Kids" by Sarah Young

Scripture: Psalm 73:26

 

Application Of God's Word: Psalm 32:5

Verse: Psalm 32:5

I acknowledged my sin to You,

And my iniquity I have not hidden.

I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”

And You forgave the iniquity of my sin.

Application:
God wants to forgive sinners. Forgiveness has always been part of his loving nature. He announced this to Moses (Exodus 34:6,7); he revealed it to David; and he dramatically showed it to the world through Jesus Christ. These verses convey several aspects of God's forgiveness: He forgives rebellion, puts sin out of sight, clears our record of sin. Paul quoted these verses in Romans 4:7,8 and showed that we can have this joyous experience of forgiveness through faith in Christ.

Many people don't know what repentance means. They offer a little prayer something like, “Lord, I'm sorry for the sins I did today. Forgive me in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
True repentance makes no excuses. It says, “This is my problem and my sin. I didn't have to yield, but I did. I can't blame it on anyone else.”
To confess our sin is to agree with God, acknowledging that he is right to declare what we have done as sinful and that we are wrong to desire or to do it. It is to affirm our intention of forsaking that sin in order to follow him more faithfully.

That is not repentance. It begins with confession, which means to agree with. True repentance means agreeing with God that what you did was wrong and needs to be cleansed. True repentance is coming to grips with your rebellion against God so that you see you have been sinful and need to be cleansed.

Resources:
“Life Application Bible Notes” by Tyndale House Publishers
Excerpt from “Time To Get Serious” by Tony Evans

Music: "Hymn Of The Holy Spirit"

Victory in Jesus

Now is the time for judgment on this world;
now the prince of this world will be driven out.
John 12:31

I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming.
He has no hold over me,
John 14:30

---

We know that Jesus won the victory over the evil one. But we also know that the evil one is active to this day. We struggle with the implications of the victory of the Cross, because we don't always see them. Though we are inhabited by the Spirit of God, the spirit of this world often grips our hearts. And what a grip! No living human has yet fully been released.

Why not? Is the power of Jesus insufficient? No, He is able to save us completely. We are beyond the enemy's control. But he still attacks. If he can get us completely absorbed in the battle, then we cannot be completely absorbed with our God. We cannot focus on the war and maintain our focus on the Victor - unless we've learned to let the Victor fight our battles.

Jesus claimed all authority over the enemy - in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). That has profound implications for us. When we are attacked, we know our source of victory. When we are tempted, we know our source of resistance. When we are discouraged, we know our source of hope. Everything the enemy threatens to do with us on the battleground of this world is countered in the arsenal of Jesus. But there's a catch. In order to realize this victory in the here and now, we must employ faith in the Beginning and the End. The Alpha and Omega, our Savior and Lord, gives us the key to every weapon. But we must take it and use it.

Are you battle-weary? Be encouraged. This world is not an everlasting domain. Its ruler has been legally stripped of power, and his apparent resistance is deceptive. He holds no real power over the person of faith. The world and all that is in it is passing away (1 John 2:17). It's a dying and desperate regime. When we understand this - really get a grasp of it - the temptations we face and the trials we endure become much more easy to handle. Why? Because our faith is not in our ability to overcome, it's in the Overcomer. Jesus is the only One to truly transcend this world, and He brings us with Him into glory. Trust in Him. Know the victory that is His. The exiled prince has nothing on you.

[An excerpt from "The One Year Walk with God Devotional" by Chris Tiegreen]

Meme: Team Jesus

Seasons In Life

Some seasons in life feel heavier than we can bear. They press on our hearts and stretch us in ways that leave us exhausted, unsure, and overwhelmed. Paul understood this when he wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 that he and his companions were under great pressure, far beyond what they could endure. He admits that the trials they faced were bigger than human strength alone. Even the most faithful of hearts encounters moments that feel impossible.

But here is the truth: God does not place us in these seasons to crush us. He allows them to teach us dependence, to draw us closer, and to deepen our trust in Him. When life feels unbearable, when our resources and understanding fail, that is when faith becomes real. That is when we discover that we do not have to carry life on our own. Hardship becomes a doorway to intimacy with God, a moment where His presence feels undeniable because it is all we have to lean on.

These trials are not meaningless. They are shaping your character, strengthening your patience, and cultivating courage in the places fear used to live. They teach you to trust Him when the way forward is unclear and to rest in Him when your strength is gone. What feels overwhelming now is preparing you for the victories to come. God is teaching you not defeat, but reliance, showing that even in weakness, His power is made perfect.

If today feels heavy, do not despair. Lean into Him. Be patient. Be brave. Let this season shape your faith and deepen your relationship with God. Even in the unknown, even in the struggle, His purposes are good, and His presence is faithful. The pressure you feel now is not the end of your story. It is shaping you, refining you, and preparing you for the life God has already planned, a life marked by trust, courage, and victory.

- Ellie Mont 

Meme: Silence My Thoughts...

Prayer: God's Infinite Grace

Father, I stand before the vastness of Your creation and I am reminded of Your infinite grace that has no end.

Teach me to witness the dance of the waves with the curiosity of a child, finding wonder in the spray and peace in the persistent rhythm of the tide.

Help me to let go of the rigid expectations I carry, allowing Your peace to wash over my heart just as the water cleanses the shore. Remind me that even when the currents of life feel strong, You are the steady ground beneath my feet and the shield around my soul. Give me the grace to be small in Your presence, finding safety in the knowledge that You are the Great Architect of every grain of sand. Help me to listen for Your voice in the whisper of the breeze and the roar of the deep, knowing You are present in every unexpected moment. I lay down my pride and my plans at the water’s edge, wanting less of me and more of You, choosing Your perfect will above my own.

In Jesus name, Amen.

“The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters,

yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.”

Psalm 93:4

Provided by "Word of Encouragement"