Psalm 136:1 CEV reminds us to, “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! His faithful love never fails.”

When you review the Greek word translated “fails” in the NIV is related to a verb meaning “to fall.” By saying, “Love never fails,” the Bible means that God’s type of love will not fall or falter. It is constant forever…it endures forever. As God says in Jeremiah 31:3, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.”

Additionally, scripture reveals God’s eternal love for us, a love that never fails. God chose us (John 17:24; Ephesians 1:4-5), died for us (Romans 5:8), and will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5). In fact, nothing at all can separate us from God’s eternal love: “I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39).

If you have time today, I invite you to read 1 Corinthians 13. It’s not too long. In fact it’s only 13 verses.

In closing, there is absolutely nothing mercurial nor ambiguous about love. It is not based on whims, feelings, or passing fancies. Love is rock-solid, intent on benefitting the one loved, regardless of the cost. Beloved, be of good courage because God’s love never fails, it never gives up, and it will never run out on you!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#LoveThatNeverFail

I Samuel 16:4-13: 4“So Samuel did as the LORD instructed. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town came trembling to meet him. “What’s wrong?” they asked. “Do you come in peace?”

5“Yes,” Samuel replied. “I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Purify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” Then Samuel performed the purification rite for Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice, too.

6When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the LORD’s anointed!”

7But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

8Then Jesse told his son Abinadab to step forward and walk in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “This is not the one the LORD has chosen.” 9Next Jesse summoned Shimea,a but Samuel said, “Neither is this the one the LORD has chosen.” 10In the same way all seven of Jesse’s sons were presented to Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen any of these.” 11Then Samuel asked, “Are these all the sons you have?”

“There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied. “But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats.”

“Send for him at once,” Samuel said. “We will not sit down to eat until he arrives.”

12So Jesse sent for him. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes.

And the LORD said, “This is the one; anoint him.”

13So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah.”

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#LetGodDefineYou

You MUST have unshakable faith in uncertain times because God will always work it out. David profoundly said this in Psalm 16:8, “I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.”

Undoubtedly, God knows what your medical report said.
He knows what your financial situation looks like. He sees the people coming against you. He knows how big your dreams are and like He has told you before; He will never fail you. Joshua 21:45 firmly establishes this truth: God keeps his Word. Not one of God’s good promises has ever failed, not before the time of Joshua, not after, and not now.

Scripture affirms time and time again that God never fails. We must remember in times of desperation and grief that we may not be seeing God’s good and gracious purpose from our current vantage point.

The Lord may want to use a difficult season as a stepping stone in our spiritual growth. In trying time we have to believe that God knows what’s best for us and trust in his promises. 2 Corinthians 1:20 solidifies this truth; “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.”

My brothers and sisters, we all possess a measure of unshakable faith. Therefore, I encouraged you and myself to face each day confidently with an awareness that we have an ALMIGHTY GOD (El SHADDAI) on our side. Trust and believe with uncompromising assurance that HE will never fail us!! His good promises to us will ALWAYS come to pass.

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#UnshakableFaith

SCRIPTURE FOCUS: “Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.” (Jeremiah 32:17)

In this short word of encouragement, I wanted to remind you that God is bigger than your doctor’s report, the obstacles that seem insurmountable, the news that seems devastating, the fears and problems that try to strangle you, the discouragement that ravages your soul, and the depression that weighs you down…GOD IS BIGGER!

If you are in the middle of a plight always remember that the fight (battle) belongs to God! 2 Chronicles 20:15 reminds us of this biblical truth: “…. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

If I’m speaking to you or someone you might know I encourage you to #read God’s word (2 Tim 3:16), #reflect on God’s word (Psalm 16:7) #remember God’s faithfulness (Deut 7:9), #rejoice in God’s victory (Psalm 118:15-17)!

When we practice or apply these 4 spiritual truths in our lives, we are able to let go of the burdens, the discouragement, and the anxiety, and turn our attention, instead, to the power of God (Phil 4:6-7). I hope and pray for the Lord to open the eyes of your heart (Eph 1:18) so that you can experience a perception shift! I guarantee you that your spirit will feel a million times lighter, as you submit to God and these spiritual truths.

The good news is our Heavenly Father is so much bigger than anything that seeks to overwhelm and destroy us. Never forget that as you and I continue to look to Him, He is able to handle what we cannot.

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#OurGodIsBigger

We have to stay connected to the Source of our strength, healing, purpose, provision, deliverance, and protection.

Jesus made it intrinsically clear that apart from Him we can do nothing. He confirmed this spiritual truth in John 15:5, “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”

There’s something theologians call ‘Union with Christ.’ That means, basically, that we are ‘in Jesus.’ In Paul’s letters, his most common phrase is ‘in Christ.’ As stated above we are connected by faith to Jesus just like a branch is connected to a tree. All of His love, life, righteousness, power, and grace is in us. Ephesians 2:4-6 tells us that we are alive in Christ, and seated with Him in heaven.

Here are 5 Simple application points to stay connected:

1. Get planted in a Bible base church. (Psalm 1 & Heb 10:25)

2.See the bigger picture. (Luke 24:7)

3. Be teachable. (2 Tim 3:16)
4. Consistently read your Bible. (Roms 10:17)
5. Pray and praise. (I Thessalonians 5:16-18)

START WITH JESUS, STAY WITH JESUS, & END WITH JESUS!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#StayConnected

Don’t let trials, circumstances, or people stop you from praying to God!

God is never ignorant to your plight because He knows that the fight and ultimate victory belongs to Him. We find confirmation of this wonderful truth in 2 Chronicles 20:13-15 when the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel. He said this to all the people of Judah, Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat, “Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

God’s prayer line is always open, you will never be placed on hold, and you don’t need Wi-Fi or cellular data to get connected. I John 5:14 put it this way, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”

To those who are wondering why I included frenemies and enemies….well Jesus said so in Matthew 5:44, “Pray for those who persecute you” and Paul followed Jesus’ lead in Romans 12:14, “Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.”

PRAY…..PRAY….PRAY….PRAY!!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#PrayerIsOurWeaponToWin

The devil (aka the enemy) is vicious, but he’s not victorious. And we have everything we need in Jesus to defeat him.

Unfortunately, this bogeyman is real and I Peter 5:8 reminds us that, “he prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.“ However, the good news is that we don’t have to lie shaking in our beds with a death grip on the covers, feeling powerless and deathly afraid.

The moment we tap into the power of God’s Word, the enemy is rendered poweerless. Yes, truth is the only perfect protection against our enemy and as we draw closer to the end of this age, it’s critically important to remember this. Receive this. Use this. Practice this. Live this.

Friends, in Christ we are not defenseless. God’s promises are always a perfect match for our problems. And as I mentioned above, our problem-instigator, the devil — the one Scripture says roams around like a lion — is no match for God’s power or His promises. God’s promises don’t tame the lion; they shame the lion back to hell. They shut the lion’s mouth! God’s promises turns his camouflaging roars into a kitty cat whimper. Not to mention, they make him retreat when we choose to live and believe in God’s Word! Without fail; God will always guide us, equip us and infuse us with holy confidence when we chose to stand firm in the faith (1 Corinthians 16:13).

Declare it with me today friend: The devil is no match for God’s power nor His promises!!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#VictoriousInChrist