Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but your Word stands forever”, Psalm 18:30 says, “Your way is perfect and your Word proves true. And all who trust in you find refuge in you, find a shield around us from you because your Word is unfailing” and finally Romans 9:6 teaches us that, “The word of God never fails.”

From the dawn of creation to this very moment, God has been steadfast in His love and provision for His people. His promises, spoken through the ages, stand as monuments of His faithfulness. When He declares a thing, it is established, and nothing can thwart His plans (Psalm 33:10-11).

In times of trouble, we may be tempted to doubt, to question whether God hears our prayers or cares about our struggles. But let me assure you, my dear friends, that God is not a man that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should change His mind (Numbers 23:19). What He has promised, He will fulfill.

Consider the story of Abraham and Sarah, who waited many years for the fulfillment of God’s promise of a son. Despite their doubts and shortcomings, God remained faithful to His word, and Isaac was born in due time. Or think of the Israelites, who wandered in the wilderness for forty years, yet God provided for their every need, never once failing them.

It behooves all believers to hold fast to the promises of God, knowing that He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23). When the storms of life rage around us, when we are tempted to despair, let us remember that God cannot fail. He is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble (Pslam 46:1).

And let us not forget the greatest promise of all: the gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. Despite our sinfulness and rebellion, God demonstrated His love for us by sending Jesus to die for our sins (Romans 5:8). And through His resurrection, we are given the assurance of eternal life with Him.

Undoubtedly, God’s Word never fails, those who trust in him and his Word. Now, in the short term… And by short term that could mean days or weeks or months. Or it could mean years or decades. But it’s still a short term in light of eternity. We may struggle to see how God is being true to his Word. Surely that was the case for centuries of slavery in the Old Testament. And we could go through many other instances.

My brothers and sisters, I could go on and on, so let us ask God for the strength to not waver through unbelief, but to be fully persuaded that He has the power and He will do what He has promised. And that in the end, our song will be, You didn’t fail me. Your Word did not fail me!! Glory to God, Halleljuah, and Amen!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#GodWillNeverFail

In the embrace of Almighty God, we find strength beyond measure. It is not merely the physical fortitude that carries us through trials, but the unwavering resolve nurtured by our faith. The Lord, in His boundless mercy, grants us the power to endure, to overcome, prevail, and to rise above the storms of life.

In the depths of despair, when our spirits falter and our burdens seem insurmountable, His grace sustains us like rebar in a foundation footing. Like a gentle breeze lifting weary wings, His presence lifts our souls and infuses us with renewed vigor. In the quiet moments of prayer, we find solace, and in His word, we discover promises that never fail!

2 Timothy 4:17 says, “But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death.” It is through our weaknesses that His strength is made perfect (2 Cor 12:8-10). For when we surrender our struggles to Him, we allow His mighty hand to work wonders in our lives. What once seemed impossible becomes attainable, for with Him, all things are possible (Matt 19:26).

Therefore, let us then draw near to the Lord, seeking His guidance and embracing His love. In His arms, we find refuge, and in His strength, we find courage. May we walk in the light of His grace, trusting in His provision and relying on His unfailing power.

My brothers and sisters, God is our rock and our fortress, our shield and our deliverer (Psalm18:2). In Him, we find the strength to face each day with confidence, knowing that we are never alone. With hearts full of gratitude and minds fixed on His promises, let us press forward and onward, for His strength is our greatest treasure.

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#StrengthInHisPresence

In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, it’s easy to lose sight of the miraculous power of God. We often find ourselves overwhelmed by the impossibilities that surround us, forgetting that our faith is anchored in a God who specializes in making the impossible possible.

These verses from Luke 1:37 and Mark 9:23 reminds us of one important timeless truth: “For with God nothing will be impossible” and “Anything v is possible if a person believes.” These passages of text echos through the ages, offering hope and encouragement to all who believe. They serve as a beacon of light in the darkest of times, reminding us that God’s power knows no limits.

Throughout the pages of scripture, we encounter countless examples of God’s miraculous intervention in the lives of His people. From parting the Red Sea to feeding the five thousand, from healing the sick to raising the dead, God has consistently demonstrated His ability to defy the odds and overcome every human impossible situation(s).

Conversely, it’s not just in the grand gestures that we see God’s miraculous power at work. It’s also in the quiet whispers of comfort during times of distress and grief, in the gentle nudges of guidance when we’re lost, and in the unexpected blessings that brighten our darkest moments.

My brothers and sisters, As we journey through life, let us not be quick to dismiss the miraculous. Instead, let us open our hearts and minds to the possibility of divine intervention in every aspect of our lives. Let us cultivate a spirit of expectancy, knowing that God is always at work, even when we cannot see or understand His ways. Let us believe like Mary, who responded to the angel’s proclamation with faith and humility, saying, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Let us faithfully surrender our doubts and fears, trusting in the God who holds all things in His hands, embrace the miraculous power of God with childlike faith and unwavering trust. Let us believe that with God, nothing is impossible, and that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

Prayer:

Abba Father, thank You for Your miraculous power that knows no bounds. Help us to trust in You completely, knowing that with You, all things are possible. Increase our faith and open our eyes to see Your hand at work in every aspect of our lives. May we walk in the confidence of Your promises, knowing that You are always with us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#NothingIsImpossibleWithGod

In our individual journeys of faith, we often encounter closed doors. These barriers may seem insurmountable, leaving us feeling stuck and uncertain. Yet, in the midst of our struggles, God reveals Himself as the Master Locksmith.

Reflect on the story of Joseph, who experienced rejection and betrayal from his own brothers. Cast into a pit and sold into slavery, Joseph’s path seemed destined for despair. But God had a greater plan. Through divine intervention, Joseph rose to prominence in Egypt, ultimately saving his entire family from famine and this set foundation for the greatest Exodus known to man! Genesis 41:55 confirms, “So when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Then Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph; whatever he says to you, do.” You see, what seemed like a closed door for Joseph was merely an opportunity for God to showcase His sovereignty and faithfulness.

Similarly, in our lives, closed doors are what we call dead ends but in God’s eyes they’re invitations for Him to unlock His divine opportunities, promises, blessings, and miracles. When one door closes, it is a sign that God is preparing to open another, leading us to greater blessings and opportunities.

My beloved brothers and sisters, As we navigate the uncertainties of life, let us trust in the sovereignty of God. As we have experienced time and after time, His timing is perfect, and His ways and thoughts are always higher than our own. Even when we cannot see beyond closed doors, let us have faith that God is orchestrating something beautiful on the other side.

May we approach closed doors with anticipatory hope and expectation, knowing that God is the ultimate Locksmith aka Door Opener; not to mention the Door Maker. As we surrender our plans to Him, He will lead us through every obstacle and into the abundant life He has promised. God is going to open doors, block distractions, renew your mind, and give you back your peace.

Let us pray:
Father God, thank You for being the God who opens doors. In moments of uncertainty, help us to trust in Your perfect timing and divine plan. Give us the faith to persevere, knowing that You are working all things together for our good. Open our eyes to see the divine opportunities, promises, blessings, and miracles You have prepared for us even before the beginning of time. Father God, equip, empower, and encourage us to walk boldly through every door You open. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#OpenDoorSeason

In many of the Old Testament passages, we find commands to wait on the Lord” like this one: “Wait on the LORD: Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: Wait, I say, on the LORD” (Psalm 27:14, KJV). Most modern translations use “wait for the Lord.” To English readers, the idea of waiting on the Lord might seem like a passive exercise, but when we take a closer at this commandment it’s nothing of the sort.

Patient, confident trust in the Lord is the central idea of the exhortation to wait on the Lord. The entire Psalm 27 is a prayer to God for help. David beautifully illustrates the meaning of waiting on the Lord. Throughout the psalm’s eloquent lines, He expresses authentic faith and courageous trust in God, based on his confident and faithful expectation that the Lord will rescue and save him in his time of trouble.

My beloved brothers and sisters, I don’t know how long you have been faithfully and patiently waiting on God to do a ‘thing’ in your life, but I can confidently assure you that if it’s still not better, God is not done! Jesus said this in Matthew 7:7-8, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Let me insert this one caveat; the door that opens may not be the door you want, but it will be the door you need!

So, what am I really saying in the above statement? We can wait on the Lord by seeking Him. David conveyed his trust in the Lord by longing to be with Him, to commune in God’s presence and worship in His temple: “One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple” (Psalm 27:4)

The other thing we can do while confidently, faithfully and patiently waiting on Lord is to stay prayerful (I Thessalonians 5:17). We can wait on the Lord through prayer, as David did in eager expectation of deliverance (Psalm 27:7–14). David asked God for wisdom, direction (verse 11), and protection (verse 12), wholly believing he would “see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living” (verse 13). Those who wait on the Lord can fully expect Him to fulfill their hope: “Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame” (Psalm 25:3, ESV).

At the end of the day, there are several more scriptural base actions steps you can put into practice while waiting on God to move in your situation or circumstance. That being said, remember that waiting on the Lord always brings God’s blessings: “Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him” (Isaiah 64:4; see also 1 Corinthians 1:7).

If this message speaks to you, I get it because we’ve all been there. However, although at times we might feel as though the Lord does not see or hear us—that He’s not answering our prayers. During these moments, we can put our complete confidence, faith, and trust in the living God. We can wait on the Lord with eager expectation and anticipation, knowing that He is with us and in control of our lives. He will do what He has promised. He will rescue and save us. He will comfort deliver, and restore us because He is always working for our good, even when we don’t feel Him. God and God alone causing all things to work together for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#WaitOnTheLord

Complaining and bellyaching will be the forever accents of hell, and gratitude and thanksgiving the forever accents of heaven.

Paul tells us in I Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” This passage of text answers three important questions about thankfulness: when, what, and to whom.

When do we give thanks? ALWAYS.
For what do we give thanks? ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.
To whom do we give thanks? GOD.

It is worth noting that Paul doesn’t tell them to give thanks for everything. The preposition used in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 is the Greek en, which is best translated by the English preposition in. Paul isn’t telling them they must be thankful for the difficulties they were encountering; instead, he is challenging them to be thankful in any circumstance. Paul recognized that the secret of contentment isn’t found in circumstances. Rather, there is contentment in recognizing it is Christ who strengthens us for whatever we might face (Philippians 4:11–13).

Moreover, possessing an “attitude of thankfulness ” is not just a catch phrase. It’s not just a good idea, although it is. It is both God’s will and commandment of scripture. We are to give thanks to God always, in all circumstances.

An attitude of thankfulness helps us put any situation into the right perspective.

In Luke, we are given a great example of thankfulness to God in the beautiful story of ten lepers cleansed by Jesus. It’s a familiar story, and there is much we can analyze and learn from it. But focusing just on the idea of thankfulness, let’s look at what the one leper out of ten did to show thankfulness.

“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks…” (Luke 17:15-16)

First, he wasn’t quiet with his praise. He didn’t slip Jesus a note. He didn’t whisper his appreciation. He cried with a loud voice, glorifying God! Like this man, we should be willing to proclaim the goodness of God in a way that others can see and hear.

Secondly, he fell down at Jesus’ feet, with his face to the ground. This was a scene of complete humility. When we give thanks, it must be done with the attitude that God alone is worthy of thanks for every good thing, and it is nothing of ourselves.

My brothers and sisters, like that one leper, we too can give thanks to a worthy God in all circumstances, knowing that the difficulties, hardships, and sufferings produces patience, perseverance, endurance, and maturity. There is power in understanding what God has revealed about how He causes us to grow. His methods may be painful at times (see Hebrews 12:7–11), but the outcome is the peaceful fruit of righteousness. When our perspective is informed by His Word, giving thanks in every circumstance makes perfect sense.

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#givethanksinallcircumstances

Contrary to what some believe, no one in the world has the power to change the past. In fact, most physicists agree that you cannot change the present by going back to the past.

In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul said this about leaving the past behind and pressing towards the goal, “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it,d but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

Paul knew that some ‘people’ and the ‘enemy’ will use past guilt, shame, anger, regret, and disappointment to keep us cleaving to our past, so as to neglect and impeded the power and promises of God from manifesting in our present. The present is the moment in which God gives us His infallible, limitless, and incomprehensible grace so that we can successfully accomplish His will, plan, and purpose.

Undoubtedly, the past is left to the undeserved mercy of God and the future to His divine providence. My dear brothers and sisters, Isaiah 43:18-19 also reminds us to, “Forget the things that happened in the past and do not keep on thinking about them because God is about to do a new thing.” So today, let us all choose to earnestly let go of what can’t be undone (Past) and fervently focus our time, energy, and talents on what can be done (Present). Like Paul, let us all “press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us!”

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#PressingForward

Is letting go and letting God in as easy as we think? If we really begin thinking about it, there is no denying how much easier it is to do the whole Proverbs 3:5 ‘trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding’ thing when your life is near-smooth sailing. After all, giving up control to God is so much easier when He is running your life the way you desire Him to. And it is easy to give control to Him when you’re met with challenges that don’t really require too much out of you.

So our lives become a whole lot more like… “Running to God; so long as He is not asking too much out of me” or “Okay yep! I’ll come to You with my troubles Lord, as long as you sort things out in the ‘right’ (my) way”. But the moment big obstacles comes our way, faithfully letting go and letting God take control of our lives becomes all the more challenging.

Let’s be honest, the real reason why letting go and letting God take control can be difficult is because we don’t fully know the character of God… We can trust God when times are tough — but only up to a point. We run towards God when things are hard — but only up to a point.

It is so incredibly easy to think that we trust God in all things and run towards Him in all things, but the moment our frightened, naked core is laid bare or we are faced with a challenge that requires more than we are comfortable to give, it becomes so clear that we don’t actually fully trust in the character of who He says He is.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 reminds us that, “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. 8 They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

In short, the fundamental way we learn to trust God’s character is in the Bible. The Word of God is how He chose to reveal Himself to us. So, we must read, memorize, meditate on, and study His Word regularly, not simply to build up knowledge for the sake of having more knowledge, but because it directly impacts our worship.

My brothers and sisters, to let go and let God in means acknowledging God to direct our paths, letting go of lingering doubts, and submitting our lives to God alone. When God is in control of our lives, our lives become whole. So today, LET GO OF THE STRESS, PAIN, NEGATIVITY, ANXIETY, FRUSTRATION, DISCOURAGEMENT, DEPRESSION, AND LET GOD IN!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#LetGodIn

The term “the joy of the Lord is my strength” is found in Nehemiah 8:10. It’s after the children of Israel returned to Jerusalem from exile. They were listening to the law being read, were overcome with condemnation, and were weeping.

When Ezra was reading the law to the people it produced sorrow because their lives and behavior were not in alignment with the law. But instead of being rebuked and condemned, they were instructed to celebrate because of “the joy of the Lord.” Why would the Lord have joy when they were “a bunch of sinners?”

Well, the short answer is because of God’s indefatigable, infallible, and incomprehensible love. As many of you know, the children of Israel were never known for their perfect behavior. They were known for being the people of God. They were His and because of Christ we too are His!

You see, joy in Christ is not based upon the temporary experiences of life. Experiences are the wrong foundation for faith, that’s why some seem to fall away from Jesus as soon as trials come along (Matthew 13:20-21). No, our joy grows out of deep belief, repentant dependence upon Christ, from our obedience to Jesus’ Lordship, and upon our submission to the authority of God’s written Word, the Bible. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).

In fact, our joy is the working of the indwelling Holy Spirit. As He guides us we manifest the fruit of the Spirit (which) is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). The apostle Paul instructed the Ephesians to …be filled (controlled) with the Spirit, resulting with believers communicating with …one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:18-21).

My brothers and sisters, as believers, our joy is in reality the Lord’s joy. His Holy Spirit generates the joy, the Word of God fuels the joy, and our surrenderedness expresses our faith that works in synchronism with the will of God to accomplish all this in His name and for His glory.

Today, I encourage you to surrender, to love, and to forgive as you have been forgiven.This week, I challenge you to sit at His feet, rest in His presence, take on His yoke/burden, and walk in His joy!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#ChooseJoy

Stop looking for the weeds!

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTLBYcFqy/

BeStrong

TGBTG

#NAP

#Rejoice

#PrayWithoutCeasing

#GiveThanks