Tag Archive | faith

Inexpressible Joy in the Midst of Pain

May23

1 Peter 1:6-9

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

My precious child, even in the midst of your suffering, you are filled with an inexpressible joy because you believe in me. My joy is your strength. Though you suffer grief in your current trials, your faith is being proven genuine and glorifies my name. I have given you a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. You are shielded by my power, and I hold an inheritance in heaven for you. Do not fear the future. Be strong and courageous, knowing that I do not give you more than you can bear. I will carry you through your battles. Cast your cares upon me, and I will lighten your load. Put your trust in me—anything is possible.

When I woke this morning, my heart played the these lyrics from “Thrive” by Casting Crowns–

“Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable, love unstoppable, anything is possible.”


 

Here are the song lyrics to “Thrive” by Casting Crowns

Here in this worn and weary land

Where many a dream has died

Like a tree planted by the water

We never will run dry

So living water flowing through

God we thirst for more of You

Fill our hearts and flood our souls

With one desire

Just to know You and to make You known

We lift Your name on High

Shine like the sun made darkness run and hide

We know we were made for so much more

Than ordinary lives

It’s time for us to more than just survive

We were made to thrive

Woah Woah

Into Your word we’re digging deep

To know our Father’s heart

Into the world we’re reaching out

To show them who You are

So living water flowing through

God we thirst for more of You

Fill our hearts and flood our souls

With one desire

Just to know You and to make You known

We lift Your name on High

Shine like the sun made darkness run and hide

We know we were made for so much more

Than ordinary lives

It’s time for us to more than just survive

We were made to thrive

Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable,

Love unstoppable, anything is possible

Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable,

Love unstoppable, anything is possible

Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable,

Love unstoppable, anything is possible

Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable,

Love unstoppable, anything is possible

Just to know You and to make You known

We lift Your name on High

Shine like the sun made darkness run and hide

We know we were made for so much more

Than ordinary lives

It’s time for us to more than just survive

We were made to thrive Hey!

Woah Woah

Woah Woah

We were made to thrive

His Mercy Made Us Alive

Apr24

Lord, today you woke me to these lyrics to “Mercy” by Casting Crowns

You’re greater than my yesterdays
You hold me close today
You’re the Lord of my tomorrows
My heart will always say
Your mercy saved me
Mercy made me whole
Your mercy found me
Called me as Your own

You called us as Your own
Your Mercy Made Us Alive

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of this grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:4-10)

My children, I called you as my own. You are my sons and daughters. My mercy made you alive with Christ. My grace saved you and raised you with Jesus so that I might show you the riches of my grace expressed in my loving kindness to you. I love you beyond your comprehension. I created you for a purpose. You are my workmanship, created to do the works I have prepared in advance for you to do. Seek me in all you do. I have plans for you. I prepare you for the work I designed you for. I make a way for you to accomplish my will.

 Draw near to me, and I will draw near to you. I will strengthen you and give you my wisdom. Ask and you will receive the incomparable riches of my grace. All I have is yours. You have access to it through my Son, Jesus Christ. Your inheritance is secure. Your eternal fate has been sealed by the Holy Spirit who lives in your heart. Listen to my voice within you. I desire a close relationship with you. Develop intimacy with me through my Spirit in you. Spend time with me daily in conversation. Share your heart with me and then listen as I share my heart with you. My mercy and grace saved you. My love and companionship will bless you. My peace will carry you through your trials. My Spirit in you makes you alive in me. I call you my own; you are mine.

Peace in the Storm

Oct1


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!†He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. (Luke 8:23-24)

Peace in the Storm

I want you to know and experience my perfect peace. I will bring you tranquility even in the midst of your storms. Your foundation in me is sure. Our relationship runs deep. The roots of your faith, hold you firmly in the ground as the storms crash in on you. I am your beacon, your guiding light. Keep your focus on me and the tempest that rages around you will not consume you. Your boat may be tossed about in the waves. Your vessel may take on water. But I am your stronghold, your anchor of hope. I will preserve your life, and help you stay afloat. Ride it out, my love. I am with you always. I am in control, and I will not let this challenge destroy you. Depend on me for all your needs. I will provide for you. The wind and the waves are under my command. When the time is right, I will calm the squalls that surround you, and soften the surface of the seas. Smooth sailing lies ahead. Until then, my child, rest in me. Experience my peace in the middle of the storm. I will take care of you.

Do Not Worry

Jul30

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable are you than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field., which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!” (Luke 12:22-28)

My child, do not be caught up in the spin cycle of worry. I will provide for you. Food and clothing are just the beginning of my provision. You are much more precious to me than the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. You are the crown of my creation. You are full of my glory. I have dressed you in my righteousness and I feed you the bread from heaven. Do not worry about this or that. Cast all your cares upon me and I will sustain you. Worrying will add nothing to your life. Trust me for all you need. I am sufficient for you. I will never leave you or forsake you. I have engraved you on the palms of my hands. You are mine.

Let us rejoice

Sep29

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.  (Psalm 118:24)

 

Lord, thank you for making the sun rise each day.

Lord, thanks for the warm weather you send our way.

Lord, thank you for the rain that falls from the sky.

Lord, thank you for the relationship between you and I.

 

I am glad and rejoice at the sound of the birds.

I am glad and rejoice with hearing your words.

I am glad and rejoice to start my day with you.

I am glad and rejoice in everything you do.

 

I praise you, Lord; you died for my sin.

I praise you, Lord; my heart you did win.

I praise you, Lord; you reign high above.

I praise you, Lord, for your great love.

 

Glory to God, great things you have done.

Glory to God, for sending your Son.

Glory to God, for providing the Way.

Glory to God, that I know you today.

 

Thank you, Father, you created my being.

Thank you, Father, I have faith without seeing.

Thank you, Jesus, for removing my strife.

Thank you, Lord, for giving me new life.

 

I honor you, Lord, because you are Holy.

I honor you, Lord, because I am lowly.

I honor you, Lord, you are the Most High.

I honor you, Lord, for my sin you did die.

 

Thanks be to God for the things you have done.

Thanks be to God for sending your Son.

Thanks be to God for forgiving my sin.

Thanks be to God for letting me in.

 

This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.

 

Faith That Moves Mountains

Aug21


“I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.†(Matthew 17:20)

A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.

Does a mountain stand on the road in front of you? Is there an obstacle on your path? This is a test of your faith. If you can muster even a little faith, nothing will be impossible for you. You can move the mountain that is in your way. Believe it and do it! Be sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see. Have faith in me. I am your Rock and Refuge. I am your ever present strength in times of trouble. Ask me to remove the obstacle in front of you; then believe that you will have what you ask for in prayer. Great things can be accomplished with just a speck of faith. Do you have that kind of faith? Are you sure?

 

Rest Content

Apr28

“The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” (Proverbs 19:23)

My darling one, read the verse more closely. It does not say when you fear me, you will not have trouble. I assure you, you will have trouble in this world. But when you believe in me, your sleep will be sweet. You will rest with contentment, because I am with you. Your soul will be untouched by the trouble you are in, because you put your faith and trust in me completely. I will see you through your trials. Your heart may remain calm in the midst of the storm, because I am at the helm. You know I am in control, and you rely on me to guide you.

I am the Prince of Peace. My Spirit lives in you. You have access to my peace at all times. You may live a life of peace even in the middle of your trials. Fear me and find your life in me. I am all you need. Rest contented in the assurance of knowing me. I am with you always. I will never leave you or forsake you. I love you more than you know. You are my beloved child. Put your faith in me, and rely on me for everything. I will see you through.