#310. A Little Hug

Hugs tell us many things; that we are loved, that we are important, that we are valued. This message is a little hug from God telling you all those things. Enjoy it, be blessed by it and try to figure out a way to hug God back.

#309. The Torn Veil

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split Matthew 27:51

This was no small miracle - the tearing of such a thick veil - but it was not intended merely as a display of power. It was a great object lesson for us. The old law was put aside. When Jesus died, the sacrifices were all fulfilled in Him. The tearing also revealed all the hidden things of the old system. The mercy seat could now be seen, and God's glory gleamed above it.

Access to God is now available to every believer in Christ Jesus. This is not one small peephole, though which we may peer at the mercy seat. No, this veil has been ripped apart, from top to bottom. We may come boldly to the throne of heavenly grace.

#308. The Scarlet Cord

“Agreed,” she replied. “Let it be as you say.” So she sent them away, and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window. Joshua 2:21

Rahab put her life in the hands of the spies. To her, they were representatives of the God of Israel.

Her faith was simple and firm, but it was very obedient. Tying the scarlet cord in the window was a very trivial act in itself, but she dared not forget it.

There is a solemn lesson in Rahab's simple act. Am I implicitly trusting in the precious blood of Jesus? Have I tried the scarlet cord in my window?

There is One who sees the scarlet line even when I lack the faith to see it myself. My Lord will see it and preserve me from His judgment.

#307. Psalm 28:7

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7

#306. Jesus Is A Friend Of Mine

#305. Your Ability To Receive Is Equally Important To Your Ability To Give

Have you ever brought a special gift, working hard just to get it, only to be refused by the person you were giving it to? That didn't feel right, did it? Our relationships are greatly enhanced when we become not only generous givers, but generous receivers as well. When we know how to accept gladly, wholeheartedly, embracing the gift as an extension of the giver. It takes both giving and receiving for care and generosity to flow unimpeded.

#304. Voice Of Truth

#303. Worshipping God Is Good For You

In a world where there are many things competing for your devotion and worship, God is the only one that delivers and doesn't disappoint. Putting anything above God will ultimately let you down and leave you feeling empty. So sing praises, lift your hands in the air and give glory to God. It's good for you!

#302. Your Pains Are God's Way To Rouse You From Slumber

Pain is your wake-up call to awaken, to look deeper into yourself, to adjust the course of your life. God tries to be as gentle as possible, and only if you ignore the call does the pain get stronger.

#301. Greatness Is Your Birthright

Who are You to shine brighter than others? Who are You to take a step forward when others are shrinking back? Who are You to make others feel insecure with your greatness? You are a child of God. Take a step forward, shine bright, - inspire others with your light to their own greatness.

#300. You Can Influence Those Around You

Think well about the seeds you are planting as you influence the people around you every day. You can plant seeds of impatience, fear, and frustration, or of love, contentment and faith.

#299. Miracles Aren't Always Big

If you spend all your time looking for big miracles, you're likely to miss a lot of the little ones; finding your keys when you need them, getting the right medicine for an illness, arriving home safely. God is giving you little miracles all the time.

#298. You Have So Many Gifts - Use Them!

God has given you so many gifts to sow love and to give hope, to shine light and to spread joy. Abundant gifts. Use them. Give to yourself and give to others. There is an endless spring where they come from.

#297. Humans Learn Only By Trial And Error

You've got to live life, not think about it. Step into the midst of things, try and fail and learn and stand up again. The question is not whether you will or will not make mistakes - you will. The question is do you want to learn and grow, or do you want to shrink back and be stuck? Take that step you've been avoiding. You can succeed, or you can get feedback that it didn't work, but in either case you are sure to feel alive.

#296. Bless and Praise

When you see another doing something wonderful, or simply being breathtaking, come out of your shell and let them know how inspiring they are. Yes, even if it's a total stranger. Do not miss these opportunities to let God's grace flow through you.

#295. Generosity Will Make You Rich

The best thing to do if you're feeling poor is to give something away. Give a few dollars to a homeless person, some clothes to a thrift store or pay for the person behind you at the drive through. Instead of focusing on what you don't have, focus on what you do have and how you can bless others with it. Being able to give is a Divine gift in itself.

#294. God's Important Gift To Man - Love

Love is the blood of the soul. God wants all beings to have healthy and strong souls, so God created a simple law to nourish the soul: the more you give love, the more you receive love. Remember all the beings you love - people, animals - that you haven't thought of lately. Do not wait anymore, reconnect with them today and express your love.

#293. Signs Of The End Times (Bible Prophecies)

#292. You Can Find Meaning In The Storm

At times everyone goes through trials and tribulations. Seek out someone else in a similar situation and give them an encouragement or just a hug. Find meaning in the midst of your struggles by helping another in similar straits.

#291. Wait For The Lord

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD Psalm 27:14

Are you hanging on by your fingernails, dear one? Because God is who He is, because our times are in His hands, I have to tell you not to give up. Don't "get on with your life." Wait, wait, I say, for the Lord, for His direction, His solution. He's never late.

#290. Choose Jesus

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 6:20

Jesus Christ alone is to be my one desire - His life, not mine. I am to love Him above all else, above all others. And when choices are to be made, I am to choose Him above all others. After all, Jesus is Lord. He is God. He is to have preeminence in my life.

#289. Transfers

Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Isaiah 53:12

Why did Jesus allow Himself to be counted among sinners? There were many reasons. First, by doing so, He could better serve as their advocate. Our Lord Jesus was also numbered with the transgressors so that their hearts might be drawn towards Him. Wasn't Jesus also listed on the roll of sinners that we might be listed to the roll of saints?

He was holy and was recorded as being holy. We were guilty and listed guilty. He transfers His name from that list to ours and our names are taken from the guilty roll and added to the roll of acceptance. Jesus has taken our stituation upon Himself and all that Jesus possesses is now ours. His righteousness, His blood - this is our dowry.

#288. Glory In Suffering

Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered
Hebrews 5:8

The Captain of our salvation was "made perfect" through suffering. Our master's experience teaches us that suffering is necessary.

The true-born child of God should not try to escape it - even if he could. But there is one very comforting thought in the fact of Christ's being "made perfect through suffering." He can sympathise fully with us. We can draw a sustaining power from Christ's sympathy.

Believer, grab onto this thought in your times of agony. Let the thouht of Jesus strengthen you as you follow in His steps. Find a sweet support in His sympathy. To suffer for Christ is glory.

#287. Depths Of Love

and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:19

The love of Christ goes beyond human comprehension. Where can we find the words to describe its sweetness, greatness and faithfulness?

To begin to get an idea of Jesus love, we must understand the glory He came from - and how far He came to pour Himself out in shame upon the earth. But who can tell how great His majesty was? He reigned supreme over all creatures, God over all, blessed forever.

And who can tell how low He descended? To bleed, to die, to suffer - these were unthinkable for the very Son of God. To suffer such unparalleled agony, to endure a death of shame and desertion by His Father - this is a depth of love our minds cannot begin to grasp. Let this love fill your heart with adoring gratitude.

#286. Be Magnified

#285. It's Good To Remember

Think about the times that you felt close to God, when love and joy pulsed through your veins. Dwell on these times, especially when life isn't easy and trouble seems to compete for your attention. Any situation can be improved if you remember to remember God.

#284. Your Love Never Fails

#283. In Order To Move Forward You Must Open Yourself To New Experiences

There is no failing, only results. Be courageous and push yourself to new heights. Besides, what is going to happen if you make a bad decision? - You will learn from it. The more results you make, the faster you will reach your destination.

Yes, what will happen to me if I failed? I learnt, embrace and move on to become better!

#282. A Person's Walk

If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.
1 John 1:6

The first fruit that gives evidence of a genuine faith is a person's walk. A Christian walks the way Jesus walked, ordering his or her behaviour accordingly. Jesus is the light of the world. He did not walk in darkness - and neither can those who are His true followers.

#281. God Is There For You To Hold On

Hold on to what is good, even if it's a handful of earth. Hold on to what you believe, even if it's a tree that stands by itself. Hold on to what you must do, even if it's a long way from here. Hold on to your faith, even if it's easier to let go. Hold on to God's hand.

#280. Thanksgiving

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

The act of thanksgiving is a demonstration of the fact that you are going to trust, to believe God. Thanksgiving is where faith comes in. And what is the end result? Peace instead of anxiety.

#279. You Are Unique And Precious

When you try to value yourself for being the best in something, you are bound to fail. Even Olympic champions are the best only for a few years. You are precious to God not because there is no one better than you, but because you are a unique creation of mind, body and spirit, - there is no one like you, - and that is exactly what makes you so indescribably precious.

#278. You Belong

Christians, you are part of a community: people of faith. Worship with others, share with others, experience God with others. You are not in this alone; you have an entire family of Christian believers out there.

#277. Live By God's Word

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34

Dear friend, don't be anxious in the midst of today, and don't become anxious thinking about tomorrow. God, who rules over today, rules over tomorrow. He neither slumbers nor sleeps, so He's there at the stroke of midnight, ready to care for you.

#276. Look First To God

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

The moment anxious thoughts invade your mind, go to the Lord in prayer. Look first to God. Rehearse His character, His promises, His works. Remember His names, His attributes and how they apply to your situation. You will see the cause of your anxiety in a whole new light.

#275. Anxious For Nothing

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

The world will tell you that it is natural and normal to be anxious. Well, anxiety may be natural and normal world, but it is not to be part of a believer's lifestyle!

#274. You Are So Faithful / You Still Be Faithful

#273. Kindness Doesn't Go Unanswered

Even though it seems like thanks and acknowledgments for good deeds are in short supply, God notices them. When you feel like giving up because gratitude eludes, remember that God is delighted in your efforts. Don't stop showing kindness because you feel unappreciated, the author of good things appreciates you very much.

#272. Turn To Jesus

Now there were four men with leprosy at the entrance of the city gate. They said to each other, “Why stay here until we die?
2 Kings 7:3

If you are still unsaved, my heart yearns for you.

Of those who refuse to look to Jesus for salvation, no one escapes damnation.

The fact is, without His mercy, you have no hope at all. If you seek the Lord, you will find Him. Jesus turns away no one who comes to Him. You will not perish if you trust Him.

I pray that the Holy Spirit will embolden you to get up and close to Jesus. It will not be in vain. When you yourself are saved, broadcast the good news to others. Don't hold back. May the Lord save you before the sun goes down today.

#271. Tough Love

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
Matthew 5:43

Perhaps you are saying, "I'd like to love my neighbors, but whenever I do anything, they return ingratitude and contempt." Well, that gives you more opportunity for the heroism of love. Love is no feather bed; it's a battle. The one who dares the most will win the most. If the path of love is rough, treat it boldly.

Love your neighbors through thick and thin.
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In (Romans 12:20)doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Heap "coals of fire" on their heads (Romans 12:20), and if they're hard to please, then just try to please your Master.

Even if they spurn your love, your Master does not spurn it. Love your neighbor, for in that way you are following the footsteps of Christ.

#270. The Nature Of Sin

Did that which is good, then, become death to me? By no means! Nevertheless, in order that sin might be recognized as sin, it used what is good to bring about my death, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful.
Romans 7:13

Beware of light thoughts of sin. It is sadly true that even a Christian may grow callous by degrees, so that the same sin that once startled him does not alarm him in the least. So we throw a cloak over sin. We call it by dainty names. Christian, beware of this. By thinking lightly of sin, you may be falling little by little.

How can sin be a little thing? It may seem little but it is capable of great destruction. This "little" thing circled our Savior's head with thorns; it made Him suffer anguish.

If you could weigh even the smallest sin on the scales of eternity, you would run from it as from a serpent. Look on all sin as that which crucified the Savior, and you, too, will see that it is "utterly sinful".

#269. Intoxicated With Pleasure

When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken."
Psalm 30:6

Let a person march through this world with braced nerve and a brilliant eye, living happily, What will happen? Immobility. When the way is rough, thank God for it.

If God always rocked us in the cradle of prosperity, if we were always dandled on the knees of fortune, if there were never clouds in the sky, if there were never any bitter drops in the wine of this life, we would become intoxicated with pleasure.

Let us bless God, then, for our afflictions. Let us thank Him for our changes. If He did not chasten us like this, we would feel too secure. Continued worldly prosperity is a fiery trial.

#268. God Is Eternal

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Have you ever found yourself distracted - so busy pursuing earthly things, earthly pleasures that it has dulled your interest for eternal? It's not worth it, Beloved, for the temporal is just that - temporary - and it can disappear in a moment. But the eternal will last forever.

#267. Life Is An Occasion For Prayer

You don't need a special place or special time to pray. You don't need to be in a special mood to pray. Praying is like breathing, - continuous, essential, life-giving, - praying is the conversation with God you start with birth and continue into old age. Praying is your celebration of God, - everything you do, everything you think, everything you say is another word, another sentence of your prayer.

#266. A Steadfast Spirit

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10

Can you change whatever is robbing you of joy? Turn it around? Rectify it? Live without it? If there is nothing you can do to change it, then be obedient, walk in faith and forget those things which are behind and press on toward the prize of your high calling in Christ Jesus.

#265. Hillsong - All Of My Days

#264. Chris Tomlin - I Lift My Hands

#263. Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2

If I am going to run the race set before me, I must never take my eyes off the goal - and I must run in my lane. What God asks, does, or requires of others is not my business, it is His. I am to be faithful to His calling on my life. He's the one waiting with His reward at the finish line.

#262. In Fiery Trials

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

Comfort yourself with this thought. Let affliction come - God has chosen me. Whatever may happen to me in this valley of tears, I know that He has chosen me.

Remember this: You have the Son of Man with you in the furnace. You can't see Him, but you can feel the pressure of His hands. Don't be afraid, Christian. Jesus is with you. In all your fiery trials, His presence is both your comfort and safety. He will never leave one whom He has chosen as His own.

So take hold of Him and follow where He leads. Even in the valley of the shadow of death He says, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

#261. You Have To Pass Through A Dark Night Of The Soul

Everyone does, including you. A time comes when what you have always believed is true melts away underneath you. When you cast in doubt even the most obvious, the most simple. When it seems that dark night is all around, and you are all alone. Take heart, this journey through abyss is the final barrier before your emergence into the heavenly light of a new synthesis of your being. God is waiting for you on the other side.

#260. Strength Is Available

I didn’t have a good start for the day.

I was weak, down and lost emotionally.

Until God told me…
When you are at your weakest, God is strong. When you are down, God can lift you up. When all seems lost, God will help you win. Strength is available when you need it. Believe it, embrace it and rely on it.

#259. Run To God

Then I would still have this consolation — my joy in unrelenting pain — that I had not denied the words of the Holy One.
Job 6:10

When trials come your way - as inevitably they will - do not run away. Run to your God and Father.

#258. Safe With God

If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling,
Psalm 91:9

The Christian knows no change when it comes to God. He may be rich today and poor tomorrow. He may be sick today and well tomorrow. He may be happy today and distressed tomorrow. But there is no change in where he stands with God.

If God loved me yesterday, He loves me today. Let all my prospects fall through; let my hopes be blasted; let my joy wither - I will never lose what I have in God. He is my safe dwelling place.

I am a pilgrim in this world, but at home with God. On the earth I wander, but in God I live in peace.

#257. Remain In Jesus

But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’
Jonah 2:9

Salvation is the work of God. Only He can bring life to the soul.
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,
Ephesians 2:1
Only He can maintain the soul in its spiritual life.

If I have faith or hope or love, they are God's gifts to me. If my life is steady and consistent, that's because God upholds me with His hand. I can do nothing to preserve myself, except what God does first inside of me.

Whatever I have, all my goodness comes from God. Without Jesus I can do nothing. As a branch cannot bear fruit unless it remains in the vine (Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4), neither can I, unless I remain in Jesus.

#256. Shelter From The Storm

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
Matthew 3:7

Sinner, this is your present situation. No hot drops have yet fallen but a shower of fire is coming. No terrible winds howl around you but God's hurricane is gathering up its awesome artillery. The floodgates are still dammed up by God's mercy but soon they shall open. Then where will you flee?

God's hand of mercy is now outstretched, offering to lead you to Christ. He will shelter you from the storm. You know you need Him. Believe in Him, throw yourself upon His mercy and let the approaching storm of God's wrath blow over you.

#255. Abundance Of Grace

I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.
Ezekiel 34:26

Only God can send showers upon the vegetation of earth. Grace is like that too. It is a gift of God; we cannot create it ourselves.

God's grace is also plentiful. He sends showers and so it is with grace. If God gives a blessing, He usually gives it in such proportions that we don't have room to receive it all. Grace to make us zealous, to get us through this life and on to heaven.

God's grace, like rain, is also seasonable. What is your season this morning? Are you in a drought? Then that is the season for God's showers. Is it a season of weariness and dark clouds? Then that is the time for God's blessing.

#254. Draw Near With Confidence

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16

As His child, you no longer need to fear approaching God. You can come boldly to His throne and find His mercy - unearned favour and help - in the time of your need.

#253. In The Lord's Hand

A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.
Job 14:5

In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.
Job 12:10

As a child of God, you no longer have to fear death, for you cannot die before your time. Jesus holds the keys to hell and death. When you die, you will be immediately absent from the body and present with the Lord.

I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
Revelation 1:18

We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.
2 Corinthians 5:8-9

#252. The Lord Is My Helper

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
Hebrews 13:5-6

As God's child, you no longer have to fear being abandoned, left alone, or left without help.

#251. Comfort from God

But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,
2 Corinthians 7:6

Who can comfort us like God? One word from God is like a piece of gold, and the Christian is like the goldsmith, who hammers out the promise for weeks on end. So then, Christians, you don't need to sit down in despair. Go to the Comforter. Ask Him to give you consolation.

You are a poor, dry well. So Christian, when you are dry, go to God. Ask Him to dowse your soul with joy. Then your joy will be full.

Don't go to earthly friends. But go first and foremost to the God who comforts the downcast, and you will soon find yourself saying, "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." (Psalm 49:19)

#250. Blessings Through Prayer

“This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Once again I will yield to Israel’s plea and do this for them: I will make their people as numerous as sheep,
Ezekiel 36:37

Prayer is the forerunner of mercy. Search through sacred history, and you will find that hardly ever did a great mercy come to this world without prayer paving its way. God has given many blessings without being asked, but still, great prayer has always preceded great mercy.

As you think about the great joys of your life, you have seen them as answers to prayer. Prayer is always the preface to blessing. So we see the value of prayer. If we had the blessings without asking them, we would take them for granted. But prayer makes our mercies more precious than diamonds. The things we ask for are precious, but we do not realise how precious until we have earnestly asked God for them.

#249. Growth Through Trials

I say to God: Do not declare me guilty, but tell me what charges you have against me.
Job 10:2

Are you being tested like Job? Perhaps the Lord is trying to develop some aspects of your character - faith, love and hope. Some of these might never be discovered if it weren't for trials. Hard times are often the dark background against which God sets the jewels of His children's faith, hope, and love - they shine all the brighter.

Count on this: God often sends us trials to help us discover new attributes of our Christianity and not only to discover them, but to grow in them.

God often takes away our comforts and privileges in order to make us better Christians. Well, Christians, does this help explain your troubles? Isn't God helping you to grow?

#248. Walk In Newness Of Life

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
Romans 6:4

As God's child you are no longer a slave to sin. As a servant of righteousness, you don't have to let sin rule in your body.

#247. There Are Many Truths And They All Point To One Source - God

Do not spend energy arguing whose truth is righter, - just like all life springs forth from one source, so are all truths but a reflection of God.

#246. You've Got What It Takes

God won't give you more than you can handle. Although there may have been times you thought the world was caving in on you, you got through it. You are much stronger than you think and with God's power, you are stronger than you can imagine.

#245. Children of God

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
1 John 3:1

If I could draw a valentine for anyone of you, Beloved, it would Christ in the shape of a heart with your picture inside the heart.

#244. Suffering and Comfort

For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:5

When the night approaches and the storm threatens, the heavenly Captain is especially close to His crew. This is a wonderful thing. Why? For one thing, trials make more room for comfort. Great hearts can only be made by great trials. Then there is more room for grace.

Another reason is this. When we have troubles, we have our closest dealings with God. When the barn is full we think we can live without God. But clean the idols out of the house, and then we must honour the true God.

There is no prayer half so hearty as that which comes up from the depths of the soul, through deep trials and afflictions. So do not fret over your heavy troubles. They are the heralds of great mercies.

#243. God is there in the midst of the chaos

When everything in life turns upside down, remember that you are in the hands of the Creator. Look to God, and you'll always know which way is up.

#242. You Are Not Alone

God is always with you, seen or unseen, saint or sinner. Giving you air, supporting your footsteps, nourishing you with sunshine, God is here with you. The separateness you sometimes feel is an illusion, in truth you are never alone.

#241. God Will Get You Through The Pain

Everyone experiences pain sometimes, emotional and physical. Next time it threatens to overwhelm you, take a deep breath. As you breathe slowly, picture God holding you, crying with you, giving you the strength to get through.

#240. Love is a Gift to the World

Let your love radiate out to all you meet. Let your love touch the hearts of people you don't even know. Let your love reach to the far corners of the earth. Love is what is saving the world.

#239. Walk By Faith

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

How can we be victorious in mental warfare? First, when unlovely, untrue thoughts inside our minds, we must choose to bring every one of them captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ. Then we must walk by faith rather than by our feelings, thoughts and self evaluation. No matter what our past, God's Word holds this sure promise.

#238. Mental Warfare

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Ephesians 6:16

Where do thoughts of inadequacy and fear come from? So often we forget that we are in warfare and that Satan's target is our mind. He disguises himself, of course! He doesn't want us to think he has anything at all to do with our thought process. Yet he does. And that is why we are to take up the shield of faith.

#237. Clive Staples Lewis Quotes

When we lose one blessing, another is often most unexpectedly given in its place.

We may ignore, but we can nowhere evade the presence of God. The world is crowded with Him. He walks everywhere incognito.

God allows us to experience the low points of life in order to teach us lessons that we could learn in no other way.

The great thing to remember is that though our feelings come and go God's love for us does not.

#236. C. S. Lewis (Mere Christianity)

[To have Faith in Christ] means, of course, trying to do all that He says. There would be no sense in saying you trusted a person if you would not take his advice. Thus if you have really handed yourself over to Him, it must follow that you are trying to obey Him. But trying in a new way, a less worried way. Not doing these things in order to be saved, but because He has begun to save you already. Not hoping to get to Heaven as a reward for your actions, but inevitably wanting to act in a certain way because a first faint gleam of Heaven is already inside you.

#235. C. S. Lewis

There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, "All right, then, have it your way."

I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time- waking and sleeping. It doesn't change God- it changes me.

He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less.

#234. C.S. Lewis - Mere Christianity

Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of - throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.

#233. C. S. Lewis Quotes

Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.

Failures are finger posts on the road to achievement.

I gave in, and admitted that God was God.

If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair.

#232. It's Time To Start Living In The Present

Letting go of the past is not easy, especially if you have wounds that have never properly healed. But, the past is past and living there may be preventing you from fully experiencing the present. Likewise fear of what may be looming around the corner can also prevent you from fully enjoying the present. Live in the moment and look forward to eternity with God, now that's a great present.

#231. To Inspire And To Uplift Your Soul

What is the difference between an obstacle and an opportunity? Our attitude toward it. Every opportunity has a difficulty, and every difficulty has an opportunity.
J. Sidlow Baxter

Though I see not nor feel not, still by faith if I but reach out in faith there is the Spirit to guide me along my way, Amen
George F Woolley (UK)

Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our peace and joy. Peace does not dwell in outward things, but in the heart prepared to wait trustfully and quietly on Him who has all things safely in His hands.
Elisabeth Elliot

Have courage for the great sorrows in life, and patience for the small ones. And when you have laboriously accomplished your daily tasks, go to sleep in peace, God is awake.
Victor Hugo

If you are a Christian, you are not a citizen of this world trying to get to heaven; you are a citizen of heaven making your way through this world.
Vance Havner

Never lose an opportunity for seeing anything that is beautiful; For beauty is God's handwriting--a wayside sacrament.

Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower, And thank God for it as a cup of His blessing.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

The greatest of all miracles is that we need not be tomorrow what we are today, but we can improve if we make use of the potential implanted in us by God.
Rabbi Samuel M. Silver

I believe that life is given us so we may grow in love, and I believe that God is in me as the sun is in the color and fragrance of a flower - the Light in my darkness, the Voice in my silence.
Helen Adams Keller

What we are is God's gift to us. What we become is our gift to God.
Louis Nizer

The day is done, The sun has set, Yet light still tints the sky; My heart stands still In reverence, For God is passing by.
Ruth Alla Wager

Jesus came to pay a debt he didnt owe,
He came to pay our debts we couldnt pay.
Unknown

God is looking for ordinary people empowered by Him to do extraordinary things!
Unknown

#230. All Is Well

What could you not accept, if you but knew that everything that happens, all events, past, present, and to come, are gently planned by One Whose only purpose is your good?

#229. C. S. Lewis Quote from Mere Christianity

Your real, new self (which is Christ's and also yours, and yours just because it is His) will not come as long as you are looking for it. It will come when you are looking for Him. Does that sound strange? The same principle holds, you know, for more everyday matters. Even in social life, you will never make a good impression on other people until you stop thinking about what sort of impression you are making. Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it. The principle runs through all life from top to bottom, Give up yourself, and you will find your real self. Lose your life and you will save it. Submit to death, death of your ambitions and favourite wishes every day and death of your whole body in the end submit with every fibre of your being, and you will find eternal life. Keep back nothing. Nothing that you have not given away will be really yours. Nothing in you that has not died will ever be raised from the dead. Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay. But look for Christ and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in.

#228. God's Will

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:20-21

It did not matter to Paul whether he was locked up or free. Whatever God wanted to do with the apostle Paul was all right, for his heart and mind were set on one thing: God's will for him. Paul knew that God, not man, held the keys to his prison doors.

#227. Complete Joy

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
Philippians 2:1-2

They key to having 'joy no matter what' is found in the person of Jesus Christ and in an attitude that is submissive to His will. The apostle Paul's joy did not center on freedom from prison (and prisons take many forms, don't they?) Rather, his joy was wrapped up in the person and promises of Christ.

#226. You Are Loved

Even when you feel physically alone, know that you are surrounded by divine love. Like God, love is not visible, but that does not mean it is not there. You are loved.

#225. God's Help

How bad things may look right now means nothing, it's how good they can be with God's help that counts.

#224. Worship God In Song

I will sing a new song to you, my God; on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you,
Psalm 144:9

Do you begin your day in song? Play a worship tape while you're dressing or to listen to Scripture on tape. Sing in the shower. Play music while you do housework or drive to work. You'll find that the words will be engraved on the tablets of your heart and become an ever-present song on your lips.

#223. Precious Lord, Take My Hand

#222. You Are Exactly Where You Are Meant To Be

Trust in God that everything is exactly the way it is supposed to be. Just as a child has to pass through a tiny channel on its way from the womb into life, so are you on your way to God.

#221. God Stopped The Rain

A few months ago, I wrote a post on how God answered my prayer by stopping the rain (click here to read).

A similar incident happened a few weeks ago on 6 January 2011…

I was carrying three bags full of stuffs when dark clouds started to hover above me. Red marks were seen on my hand due to the heaviness of the bags. With only a pair of hands that was carrying the bags; I couldn’t even stop to prepare to take out my umbrella.

I was hoping that it would not rain until I reached my destination.

But within minutes, it started to drizzle. Goodness grief!

I started to panic because I don’t want to be wet carrying such heavy stuffs.

I was so worried that I started to pray to God to stop the rain. Immediately, the rain stopped! Thank God!

After five minutes, it started to drizzle again! Oh man!

Once again, I was in horror. I walked hastily while praying to God to stop the rain.

Almost instantly, the rain stopped! Thank God!

Another five minutes later, it started to drizzle again! I was terrified! The on and off rain is worrisome.

Without any hesitation, in Jesus name, I called out to Him to stop the rain immediately and to rain only after I reached my destination.

(Let me ask you a question. At this point of time, do you think God will answer my prayer?)

Trust me, GOD ANSWERED! The rain stopped at once! Amazing right?

After which, God did something even more incredible. When I reached my destination with both of my feet in the shelter, the rain poured heavily with lightning and thunder!

Upon encountering such miraculous incident, it made me more assured that God is constantly listening to me.

You may think that such encounter is dramatic and unrealistic. However, if you were in my shoes or you believe in Him, you will know how wonderful my God is.

Now, stop and think of how God has been working in your life. If you have been neglecting Him, it’s time for you to wake up and get back on the right track with Him.

#220. God's Grace

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

We will never cease to need our Father - His wisdom, direction, help and support. We will never outgrow Him. We will always need His grace and His grace will never fail. It is not a well that will run dry but it is an ocean, the depths of which you can never plumb.

#219. Grace Upon Grace

Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.
(John 1:16)

O Beloved, how often we seek to live in our own strength and to approach God on our own merit rather than on His grace! We fail to appropriate His grace, which is there to cover our failure and to save us from despair.

#218. God Saved Me From Death

Have you ever encounter a near-death experience before?

It happened to me on the midnight of 16 January 2011. It’s a spiritual attack that almost took my life away.
I was sleeping soundly when suddenly… I was trapped in this illusion in my brain. It was definitely not a dream! (This illusion is something that is unexplainable by words.)

I tried to wake myself up but I couldn’t.
I forced my eyes to open but to no avail.
I tried to open my mouth to shout for help but I couldn’t open my mouth and I hear myself screaming in this illusion.
I couldn’t move my body no matter how hard I tried to move.

Do you have any idea how scary it is?

A sound came “If I am not going to do something to free myself from this illusion, I will either die in my sleep or die in this illusion and become a vegetable.”

I was frightened. Thoughts came running through my mind…

What is happening to me now?
Why am I trapped in this illusion?
Why can’t I open my eyes?
Why can’t I open my mouth?
Why can’t my body move?
My parents are yet to be saved. How?
I still want to share the gospel to unbelievers and to strengthen the faith of my brothers and sisters in Christ.
If I am going to die now, HOW?

I was extremely afraid.

I was at loss of what to do.

When I was so desperate fighting for survival, the thought of calling out to God for help appeared. I prayed to God while I was trapped in the illusion.

After I finished praying, my eyes open, my body could move and I was able to speak. Basically, I was back to normal.

I was in a state of shock.

I just experienced the power of God.

After this incident, I know how powerful my God is and that Satan is INCOMPARABLE to God.

I quiver every time I think of how I would have died just like that. If I had never accepted God in my life, I would never pray to the Lord and would have probably died.

Now, this precious life of mine is saved by the Lord. God saved me from death. I feel born and alive! He is worthy of my praise!

The thought of my life being saved by the Lord is constantly in my mind now. Frankly speaking, I am cherishing my life a lot more as compared to the past. I no longer live for myself. I live because of Christ. Praise the Lord!

#217. Storms and Sunshine

But through all of the seasons of life, God is with you. Whether you are rejoicing or fighting back tears, God wants to share the moment with you. Allow that to happen, give thanks in the good times, ask for help in the difficult times.

#216. Although Forgiveness Is Very Hard, It Is Necessary

Holding onto anger and old hurts hardens your heart and hurts only you. Ask for help in letting go of the anger. Ask to see the situation through the eyes of compassion. Allow yourself to feel the lightness of forgiveness.

#215. Psalm 40:1-3

I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.
Psalm 40:1-3

#214. Countless ways to love God

Love God through love for your parents. Love God through love for your spouse. Love God through love for your children. Love God through love for your friends. Love God through love for your country. For God is in all these and much, infinitely, more.

#213. You can be an Encouragement

Everyone needs encouragement but it's so easy to forget to take the time to give it. Think of someone in your life whom you appreciate today or someone who made you smile and tell them! Even if it's a stranger, take a moment to let them know you noticed.

#212. You are commanded to love everyone, not condemn those who don't agree with you

Your opinions are just that, - opinions, regardless of where you got them from. They are tiny, a speck compared to the immensity of God. You cannot possibly have even the faintest idea of what God commands to other people, to other lifeforms. Your only possible intelligent choice is to continuously open in love and acceptance. Today more than yesterday.

#211. Please God Alone

Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
Psalm 73:25

When God is our focus, everything else - including self - has to take a backseat. He is the only One we have to please. Isn't that refreshing? We don't have to afraid that such an attitude will make us hard or unloving or uncaring. What God works out in our lives will reflect His character, His likeness - His imprint.

#210. Focus on God

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21

Paul wrote these words while a prisoner of Rome. His epistle has come to be known as a letter of joy. Paul's focus was on Jesus, not on his own life or circumstances. Where is your focus today? Joy comes when it is Jesus first, others second...then you. And if to lives is Christ, there's always joy.

#209. The world never delivers on its promises

Make more money and you'll be happier, get a bigger house and you'll feel satisfied, buy fancier clothes and people will admire you - the materialist's mantra.
THIS IS WORLDLY THINKING! IT'S ONLY TEMPORAL!

But there is always a bigger house, someone making more money and a new style that makes your expensive wardrobe obsolete.

Pursue things that deliver: take care of each other, love one another and believe in God. These are things that deliver, and that's a promise.

#208. True faith flowers from and through doubt

If you never questioned your beliefs, - you are just a puppet dancing to somebody's strings. If God had wanted your mindless obedience, you would've been created without mind and without free will. But you have both so you can come to God of your own accord. Just look at the lives of saints, - most of them had gone through a dark night of the soul, and that's why their faith was so strong. The path to true faith always goes through doubt. So ask those questions you've always been afraid to ask, and find the answers, and then your faith will become unshakable.

#207. Choose to believe God

All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.
Psalm 119:160

Your peace, soundness of mind and effectiveness all depend on what you believe - and whom you believe. If what you feel, think or hear does not agree with the Word of God, it is a lie. Don't miss knowing your words and purpose by believing lies of men or the musings of your mind. Choose to believe God.

#206. God's love for you

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
1 John 4:10

Have you begun to grasp the breadth, length, height and depth of God's love for you? When you were a sinner, ungodly and without hope, God loved you, pursued you, and wooed you. And He did not let go until you gave in to His desire to be your Father, your Lord, your Redeemer. That is what you are worth to Him.

#205. Ask God what He wants you to do today

A friend SMS:

“As I was reading from Exodus, I saw how Moses sought refuge in the Lord and he didn’t go, “God, I do this, I do that and you bless me” instead he went, “God, what am I to do?”

Indeed, all of us are to ask God what He wants us to do and not what we want to do.
Start today by asking, “God, what do You want me to do today?””

#204. You Are In Control

#203. Psalm 37:7

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Psalm 37:7

#202. Peace Can Be Found In Unlikely Places

Even in the darkest storms peace can be found by those who seek it. When turmoil and tension tear at your heart, pray for peace and most often you'll find peace in prayer. Of course there is no need to wait for a storm, pray for peace right now.

#201. Zechariah 8:16-17

These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the LORD.
Zechariah 8:16-17

#200. Love Is The Opposite Of Logic

Logic is argumentative, aggressive upon the mind, splits the world into right and wrong, us and them. Love is generative, compassionate, embracing all creation. Logic pays attention to what is being said. Love pays attention to how things are said. Logic leads to debate. Love leads to communion. Practice love to be closer to God.