Shift from Reaction to Response

Posted on November 26, 2025 by daaorg1214

In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT), our Heavenly Father gave the Apostle Paul a powerful truth: “9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” This passage reassures us that even in our darkest moments—whether we face physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual struggles—these are opportunities for God’s strength to shine through. Our vulnerabilities are not just burdens but opportunities for God’s power to manifest in our lives.

Life’s unpredictability can bring us to our knees, but as God’s children, He has equipped us with the authority of Jesus Christ to overcome any challenge victoriously. By staying rooted in God’s Word, we can navigate life’s storms with confidence and resilience, turning potential setbacks into opportunities for spiritual growth. To make this happen, we must have faith in God. We shouldn’t give in to doubt when things get tough because God has promised to help us. No matter the severity of the difficulty, everything will be resolved when we remain committed to having faith in our Heavenly Father.

When we’re going through it and we feel like our backs are against the wall, we might think that our Heavenly Father has forsaken us. Some people who haven’t learned more about Him through His Word might even blame God for their misery, believing He is punishing them. But this is not true. God does not cause bad things to happen to us. He is a God of peace and has given us the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ so that His peace can continually dwell in our hearts.

Rather than focusing only on the problem, Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) encourages us to shift our thoughts to God: “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” We need to focus our minds on God’s goodness, mercy, and grace. Instead of letting darkness lead us into regression, we should recognize that we can rise higher in Christ. By growing in faith and spiritual maturity, we gain a new perspective—one that transforms worry into joy in the Lord.

Hebrews 11:6 (NLT) encourages us to cultivate thoughts and emotions that help us please our Heavenly Father. The verse states, “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” In times of adversity, our natural tendency is to react impulsively, often driven by fear, frustration, and anxiety But instead of letting those negative emotions take over, this verse challenges us to respond with faith. Rather than letting fear control our actions, we’re called to trust in God and believe that He’s got our back. By choosing faith over fear, we stay aligned with God’s plan and open ourselves up to His guidance and blessings.

In practical terms, this means actively shifting our focus from problems to God’s promises. Instead of dwelling on what might go wrong, we can remind ourselves of God’s past faithfulness and His assurances for the future. This shift in perspective not only helps us manage stress and anxiety but also strengthens our relationship with God. When we make a habit of responding with faith, we’re not just coping with challenges; we’re growing spiritually and building resilience. Our faith becomes a powerful tool for navigating life’s ups and downs, transforming obstacles into opportunities for deeper connection with God and His purpose for us.

In real terms, this means shifting our focus from what’s going wrong to what God has promised. Rather than stressing about potential problems, we should remind ourselves of God’s past help and His promises for the future. This change in perspective not only helps us deal with stress but also strengthens our communion with God. When we make faith our first response, we’re not just handling tough times better—we’re also growing spiritually and becoming stronger. Our faith becomes a game-changer for navigating life’s challenges, turning obstacles into chances for deeper spiritual growth and, most importantly, forging a stronger relationship with God.■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Don’t Make Fear Comfortable

Posted on November 5, 2025 by daaorg1214

In 1 John 4:18 (NLT), our Heavenly Father teaches us that by embracing His love, believers are freed from fear. This verse states: “Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.” As we continue to grow in our relationship with God and in our understanding of His love, we are transformed by it. Our perspectives shift from fear to trust and confidence in Him. This is what allows us to truly live in freedom, knowing that God’s perfect love casts out fear and brings about transformation in our lives.

When we talk about how God’s love changes us, it’s not just some abstract idea. It really affects us—how we think about ourselves, how we treat others, and how we face tough times. God’s love is a light in the darkness. As we keep walking with Him—reading His Word to understand His heart, praying to grow closer to Him, and just spending time with Him—we’ll find that these aren’t just routines. They’re moments where we encounter our Heavenly Father who loves us deeply. And through these experiences, we learn that God doesn’t just want us to get by; He wants us to thrive. The wonderful thing about this is that as we thrive in His love, our lives start reflecting that love in amazing ways.

Fear is a powerful emotion that can significantly impact our lives and hinder us from fully embracing the wonderful plan God has for us. When we allow fear to dominate our thoughts and decisions, it creates barriers that prevent us from stepping into the fullness of God’s purpose and blessings. It limits our faith and therefore, overcoming fear should be a priority in our lives.

In Psalm 27:1 (NLT), the psalmist declared: “The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?” This verse conveys extraordinary assurance in God’s sovereignty and omnipotence. The psalmist’s unwavering faith shines through, affirming his full confidence in our Heavenly Father. This confidence and faith are essential for us too, trusting that if God is for us, as Romans 8:31 declares, nothing and no one can be against us.

Jesus Christ explains why he came to the earth in John 10:10 (NKJV): “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Here, Jesus contrasts himself with the thief, the devil, who only brings harm and destruction. Jesus, on the other hand, reveals his mission to offer us a life that’s not just getting by, but thriving—full of his joy, peace, and meaning. His mission is all about giving us hope, rescuing us from darkness, and showing us how to live abundantly in his love and grace.

There can be no doubt that the devil’s mission is to keep us ensnared through fear so that we will not live the powerful life God intends for us all. Our faith in God disrupts the enemy’s plan to steal the power and abundance God has so generously provided to all who love and honor Him. By whispering doubts in our ears, the devil aims to make us to hesitate and withdraw from who God has called us to be and what He has called us to do. Instead of trusting in God’s provision and promises, we might focus on all the ways things could go wrong, and this stalls our spiritual progress and growth.

Fear can really hold us back emotionally and spiritually. It makes us feel unsure about ourselves and our abilities, questioning whether we’re good enough. This can stop us from fully embracing who we are in Christ and from confidently using the unique gifts and talents God has given us. Instead of living boldly and with purpose, we might play it safe and stick to what’s comfortable, missing out on the full, abundant life that Jesus promises to those who follow Him wholeheartedly.

Fear not only undermines our relationships but also leads us to seek comfort in relationships that perpetuate our fears. God didn’t create us to be victims or to live in fear. Genesis 1:26 tells us that He made us in His very own image. 1 John 4:16 (NLT) further affirms: “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.” Therefore, we were created out of God’s love to both share and receive love in the healthiest and most genuine ways possible.

God desires us to love others through His grace and peace so that we can build strong bonds that nurture us continually. As we open our hearts to Him and learn more about His love through His Word, it empowers us. Embracing our identity in Christ, we begin to confidently walk in the unique gifts and talents that God has bestowed upon each of us. This is His Will. When we place our faith in Him, and commit to live through Christ, fear is no longer made comfortable. Instead, our lives become a testament to God’s transformative power, and we find courage and strength to face each day with hope, purpose, and increasing faith. ■

Get Rid of the Bad Stuff

Posted on October 29, 2025 by daaorg1214

Discernment is a powerful tool for guiding our decisions and choices. In our world, there exists both good and bad. James 1:17(NLT) tells us: “Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” In contrast, Jesus Christ teaches in John 10:10 that the devil is a thief who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. Every negative, dark, evil, and destructive element finds its root in satan. By applying the wisdom of God’s Word, we can sharpen our discernment regarding the origin of every circumstance, encounter, and experience in our lives. This understanding enables us to differentiate what comes from God and what comes from satan, empowering us to make informed choices about whom we will serve.

The directive from our Heavenly Father in Ephesians 4:30-32 (NLT) states: “30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

God’s directive in this passage is extremely meaningful and impactful to our lives. He imparts wisdom that guides us to cultivate a life of love and light, following the example of Jesus Christ. Through His Word, we understand that bad stuff—negative emotions, attitudes, behaviors, and actions—are rooted in darkness, the realm of evil. If we participate in things that have their root in satan, we are opening ourselves to trouble. Therefore, we face a choice: either we embody the ugliness we feel or get rid of the bad stuff like anger and bitterness.

To feel better about our lives and ourselves, we can seek God’s forgiveness, forgive ourselves, and extend forgiveness to those that have caused us pain. This process allows us to experience the peace and healing of Christ and move forward positively in God’s love by accepting the comfort that He offers to each of us.

In 2 Corinthians 1:4-7 (NLT), our Heavenly Father assures believers, through the Apostle Paul, of His provision of comfort and healing as we deal with heartbreak, trouble, and challenges: “4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 5 For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 6 Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. 7 We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.”

The more we endure for Christ, the more of God’s comfort we experience through our blessed Lord. Even when we’re weighed down by troubles, ultimately, it can benefit the comfort and salvation of others. When we receive God’s comfort, we’re better equipped to comfort those around us, helping them endure their own challenges. We experience a very special aspect of unity in Christ this way, understanding that this Christian journey is a shared one, where we find strength and encouragement in him together.

Discomfort and pain are not meant to be our norm. So, we must never allow our negative feelings to dictate our spiritual journey with God. If we have strayed from the path He intended for us, our circumstances often make us uncomfortable to show us the need for a course correction. Therefore, pain, mixed emotions, and feeling bad should serve as warning signs that prompt us to pursue the light and love of positive change through Christ.

When we linger too long in darkness, our circumstances can become toxic and unbearable. 2 Corinthians 7:9 encourages us that this discomfort should compel us to repent and change our ways. In other words, we must take responsibility for motivating ourselves to make necessary changes by seeking God’s Will and following His Word.

Our loving Heavenly Father desires for us to know joy, love, and success in life. Yet, He also recognizes that achieving these blessings often involves enduring challenging circumstances and embracing necessary changes. While adjusting to new routines can be tough, resisting change can prompt life to intervene and shift our perspective. This isn’t the end of the story; rather, it marks the beginning of a new chapter!

Through our victory in Christ, we are equipped to navigate hardships without succumbing to bitterness, anger, jealousy, or any other negative influences. When we set our sights on this goal, we consistently emerge victorious and transformed according to God’s plan and purpose for our lives. His guidance leads us toward a life filled with fulfillment and spiritual growth. ■

Coping with Painful Circumstances

Posted on October 1, 2025 by daaorg1214

Proverbs 16:24 (NLT)
“Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”

Recently, I spoke with a woman who has been grappling with feelings of betrayal for nearly two years now. You’d think with time, healing would start to take hold, but it’s not always that simple – especially when children are involved, and faith hasn’t been a guiding force in the journey to healing. She’s reached out to countless people, hoping for encouragement and comfort for her shattered heart. Some of the advice she’s received has steered her towards anger and resentment. So, instead of finding comfort, she’s found bitterness creeping into her soul. She confided that she fears she’ll never be capable of loving again.

Dealing with tough times is something we all face but coping with the pain of a partner’s infidelity can be especially tough. It’s like a heavy weight you carry around, making even the simplest tasks feel impossible. I’ve seen it firsthand, women reeling from the shock of betrayal, desperately trying to lessen the pain any way they can. It’s a natural instinct, isn’t it? When you’re hurt, you want to shield yourself from more pain, just like you’d protect a physical wound.

Turning to those who do not know the Lord and haven’t given their lives to Him can sometimes worsen rather than alleviate pain. That’s why passages like Proverbs 16:24 resonate so deeply, highlighting the restorative effect of kind words on the soul and body. Our Master Jesus said in John 14:27(NLT): “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” The Words of Christ bring us a peace that passes all understanding. They instruct, edify, and heal us.

It’s our outlook and approach to challenges that truly shape our experiences as believers. We desperately need to hear the truth, especially when we’ve been attacked by the enemy, who tries to weaponize our relationships against us. Ephesians 6:12 (NLT) is a powerful reminder of the spiritual warfare that believers face: “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” This is a reality check for us, reminding us that life isn’t all about what our physical eyes see. There’s a spiritual battle going on behind the scenes, and it’s no joke!

Ephesians 6:13,18(NLT) states: “13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Rather than succumbing to despair or resentment, this passage prompts us to equip ourselves with God’s spiritual armor of prayer, faith, and the truth of His Word to combat the schemes of the enemy. We can rely on the strength and protection that comes from our faith and stand strong continually.

Realizing that our battles extend beyond human conflicts, but are against spiritual powers, enables us to face difficulties with wisdom and discernment. God doesn’t want us to shut down emotionally due to hurt or betrayal. Instead of harboring bitterness and anger towards people, we’re encouraged to employ fail-proof weapons like prayer, faith, and truth. Whether it’s betrayal in marriage or any other relationship, relying on these tools helps us navigate with the authority and power of Christ, avoiding emotional paralysis and fostering forgiveness and growth.

Trust in God is pivotal to overcoming brokenness. Psalm 51:10 (NLT) beautifully invites God’s restorative work within us: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Our loving Heavenly Father desires the best for us, far beyond our own comprehension. So, stay steadfast in faith, facing challenges with courage, because nothing can hinder the reality that your inner strength of faith will always manifest the victory of Christ. Despite pain or adversity caused by others, God’s presence and power surpass all, guiding us to overcome with a renewed spirit. Take heart and trust in His unwavering strength. knowing that victory is within reach. ■

A Glad Heart Makes a Happy Face

Posted on September 24, 2025 by daaorg1214

Proverbs 15:13 (NLT)
“A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.”

Eric and Emma were MIA at Clara’s big shindig last weekend, and it wasn’t lost on anyone. These two are usually the first to arrive, with Emma staking her claim in the kitchen to keep tabs on Eric. They’ve been hitched for six years now, but what sticks out like a sore thumb is the tension between them.

Eric shattered Emma’s heart when she found out he’d been two-timing her a week before they tied the knot. The betrayal hit her hard, and she kicks herself for not spotting the signs earlier. “My marriage means the world to me, but sometimes I can’t shake off the hurt,” she admits.

When a marriage begins with feelings of insecurity and doubt in the other partner, those feelings don’t disappear. They linger and can intensify, bringing distrust into encounters and experiences that should be filled with joy. Our Heavenly Father advises us in Proverbs 4:23(NLT): “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” This verse tells us that we should prioritize guarding our hearts because it holds immense power over the direction our lives take. The heart is the seat of our being, driving our actions and decisions. It’s an internal reality, and as such, it’s our responsibility and privilege to protect this inner realm from influences that can harm us spiritually and emotionally.

God tells us in Ephesians 4:31-32(NLT): “31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Forgiveness is a benchmark in the example of Christ. It’s a profound virtue that can transform lives and relationships. At its core, it’s about letting go of resentment, vengeance, and anger toward someone that has wronged us. It’s grabbing onto faith, and releasing any fears and anxiety that we have. Emma found this very challenging to do.

Emma’s fear of being hurt again was not only damaging her relationship with Eric, but more concerning, it was also eroding her relationship with God. Her paranoia about Eric’s actions consumed her thoughts, infiltrating even the most mundane activities like trips to the grocery store, which became battlegrounds for accusations. Eric, constantly under Emma’s scrutiny, grew anxious about interacting with any women he knew, fearing her relentless questioning. Without realizing it, Emma had adopted a rigid stance against forgiveness, hindering both her own heart and the possibility of healing in their relationship.

Our powerful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ teaches us in Mark 11:25 (NLT): “25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” Forgiveness isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a display of strength and resilience. It takes guts to forgive someone who’s hurt us deeply. When we choose to forgive, we’re not just letting go of the past; we’re also reaffirming our faith and refusing to let pain dictate our lives.

Forgiveness isn’t just about us; it sets off a chain reaction that can break the cycle of hurt and retaliation. It paves the way for Christ to reign supreme in our relationships. Holding onto grudges can mess with our spiritual and emotional well-being, but when we choose love through forgiveness, it’s like flipping a switch! It transforms us, bringing smiles back to our faces and joy back to our hearts.

Your Way Out Through the Love of Christ

Posted on April 15, 2025 by daaorg1214

Psalms 34:8 (NLT)
“Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!”

Jesus Christ said in John 14:27(NLT), “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” Peace is very important to every individual because it means that we are living in the present with faith in God and faith in the hedge of protection that He’s placed around our lives. The Father gives us peace through Jesus Christ, and it is an inner reality. When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside us and brings the fullness of Christ with him, but sometimes we forget this. We need to remind ourselves continually that peace is an inside job. It isn’t dependent on what is happening on the outside. There can be chaos and confusion all around us, but inside is a different story if we trust and honor God and have faith in what He is given us through Christ.

As we mature and gain experience in life, we learn that there can be situations that cause us to worry and have anxiety. We might think to ourselves, “I thought life would be easy since I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, but that has not been the case at all.” Jesus never promised that life would be a bed of roses all the time. He taught the disciples in John 16:33 (NLT), “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Trying to live a life outside of Christ, without his help, is treacherous, but living life in Christ brings us peace no matter what we face. He is our Refuge and our Savior, and we can trust him with all that we are.

Significant relationships have been a source of pain in the lives of many. They can disrupt our peace more than any other situation. In an abusive relationship, it’s unbelievable that the man that used to be so kind and patient is now mean and very hurtful. He may even be demeaning and call you horrible names, and you’re always shocked when you’re treated this way. It’s not surprising that the heartbreak of being treated this way by the person that is supposed to love and support you changes your outlook on life. We might be tempted to let our faith plummet and think that the Lord isn’t going to help us, but this isn’t true.

When we’re in the valley of despair, God is with us. In Joshua 1:9(NLT), He told His people living in Old Testament times, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” When we place our faith in Him, God will always give us a way out. He has delivered us through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and because of this, we have unlimited access to God’s peace, mercy, grace, and love.

Every answer to any and every problem will always be found in the truth of the life and love of Jesus Christ, and any problem that we will ever face has already been nailed to the cross. Galatians 2:20(NLT) tells us, “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” When trials and tribulation weigh heavily on us, we may feel as though we have nowhere to turn, but this is when we must turn to the face of God. His love, grace, and mercy are what we need to make it through.

Psalm 34:8 invites us to taste and see that the Lord is good. Indeed, He is good beyond our greatest imagination, and He invites us to put Him to the test because He never disappoints. God uses our senses of taste and sight in this verse because they are how we interact with the world around us. In this same way, He tells us to interact with His spiritual realm through our faith. He wants us to experience the truth that He cannot fail, and His mercy endures forever.

Lamentations 3:22-23(NLT) declares, “The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. 23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” As we face difficulties in our relationships and in other parts of our lives, we would give ourselves the greatest gift of turning to God so that we can encounter His love, mercy, and comfort. The weighty problems of life can easily slow us down, but our way out is through the love that Christ has for us. In the middle of our heartbreak and pain, we can have peace if we have faith that Jesus is our Helper, and as we draw closer to him, he will be our refuge and source of strength. ■

Let Go of the Baggage

Posted on January 21, 2025 by daaorg1214

James 1:5(ESV)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

Noemi is a girlfriend of mine, and we decided to go out to dinner together to catch up. We were just finishing up when her boyfriend, Jake, called to say that he would need to break their plans for the weekend. He’s a truck driver, so she’s used to him being on the road, but this time, she felt things were different. He’s been distant lately. At times, she says his attitude and words are hurtful and aggressive. She told me, “I think he may have found someone else! He’s just not the same, and I don’t know what I’m going to do! I really need him in my life!” When will we understand the only person that we truly really need in our lives is Jesus Christ? Without knowing him and his love, we can be easily deceived into thinking that another human being can give us what only God can.

We read it in romance novels and see it on just about every form of media out there. Through them all, women are taught to make the significant man in their lives their everything, and this is never a good move. When we believe our prayers are answered, and we find someone that appears to be compatible, some of take all our eggs and put them in his basket, so to speak. We immediately invest times, energy, and other resources into this man, without a green light from the Lord that this is the man God has sent.

As women, we should be confident that our eggs are well preserved and beautifully adorned. These eggs are representative of wonderful goodies like our spiritual well-being in Christ and our level of confidence and authority in our Blessed Redeemer. They also represent our womanhood, self-esteem, and our capacity to love, grow, and thrive in God’s peace. As you can see, our eggs are very valuable, and this is the way we ought to view them. Placing all our eggs in a man’s basket without investigating the condition of his basket or his capacity to handle one, is not wise, and it often leads to heartbreak.

Is the heartbreak worth it?
Proverbs 4:7(NLT) tells us, “Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” Our Heavenly Father is a God of order, and He leaves nothing to chance. He’s set the priority that leads us to a fulfilling and meaningful existence, and this priority is wisdom. It’s the principal things, which means it must be the first step in acquiring all that God has for us. Proverbs 1:7(NLT) says, “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” We should never want it to be said that we will not listen and despise wisdom and discipline. Wisdom is more than just acquiring knowledge. It’s the right and proper use of the knowledge we’ve acquired; and honoring and reverencing God is where it all starts.

We must be wise, especially in relationships, and we must seek understanding from God’s Word so that we can accurately use the wisdom we’ve acquired. Without wisdom we make mistakes, and this is where heartbreaks makes its grand entrance. Without wisdom, we invest our resources and energies into a man that was never meant for us. We allow his baggage to become our baggage, and we become so weighted down that we can’t see straight. Then, when things inevitably crumble, and he decides he no longer values what we have to give, some of us use this as an excuse to fall apart. It’s important for us to know that we’re the ones to decide how we’re going to respond to heartbreak. We have a choice. We can continue to spiral, or we can release the baggage and choose to trust wholeheartedly in God. We can choose to believe in the strength and power He’s given us through Jesus Christ.

There can be no question that we learn from our mistakes, but there can also be no doubt that it’s best not to make the mistake in the first place. Mistakes often cause us to lose time, momentum, and stamina. This is especially true with heartbreak. It’s not worth it to put ourselves through heartbreak when it can be avoided. James 1:5 gives us a strategy for choosing the right person for our lives. It tells us that if we don’t know or we’re unsure, ask God, and He will not be upset if we keep asking for His wisdom and help. Our Heavenly Father will let you know what you’re working with because He wants you to avoid heartbreak and to have a blessed and bountiful existence.

Jesus Christ told the disciples in Mark 11:22-23(NLT), “22 Have faith in God. 23 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.” God is our everything, and no human being deserves or can handle the heft of that distinction. A human being can’t make you, and if the man leaves you tomorrow, that’s not going to break you. God is your sufficiency and the Source of your blessings. Have faith in Him. He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to save us from the destruction of sin. So, let go of the baggage. You might have thought it was a basket, but it was baggage you don’t need. Let it go, be more committed to grow in Christ, and always let God’s wisdom be your guide.■

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Jesus Christ Is the Door

Posted on December 26, 2024 by daaorg1214

When family, friends, and those you once trusted turn on you, it’s easy to feel utterly abandoned. Lately, a friend of mine has been facing this harsh reality, feeling as if the world is caving in around her. “I can’t trust anyone anymore!” she says. Sadly, this sense of uncertainty is not unique to her. For many born-again believers today, the very foundation we once relied on—our relationships, jobs, and self-confidence—feels increasingly shaky. Some of these things are beginning to crumble, and we’re tempted to let them affect our faith. Christians who once declared their love for the Lord are now questioning His love for them. They’re losing focus and not as committed to God as they once were, but this is a mistake. We should never allow anything in this world to deter us from trusting God wholeheartedly and fulfilling His purpose.

Our Lord and Savior warned us of how difficult things would become in the last days. In Matthew 10:21-22 (NLT), he said, “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father will betray his own child. Children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved.” This is happening everywhere, just as he foretold.

Even so, we must not lose hope. Our Lord took every obstacle we could ever face and overcame it on the cross. Jesus Christ knows all that’s happening to us. He said in Revelation 3:7-8(NLT) “This is the message from the one who is holy and true, the one who has the key of David. What he opens, no one can close; and what he closes, no one can open. “I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close.”” He has clearly explained in this passage that only he holds our tomorrows. Only he opens and closes doors for us. He said in John 10:9 (NKJV), “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” Jesus is the only way to find safety and fulfillment, and through him, we can experience a life of freedom, security, and peace, despite any condition or circumstance we face.

We cannot allow our behavior to suggest that following the world is the answer. The world’s foundation is weak, and it can never yield the fulfillment, purpose, and peace that comes from aligning our lives with the example of Christ. He’s the Door! Through him, we can walk into the breakthrough and opportunities we’re praying to receive. When we place our trust in him, we tap into the Source of our strength and confidence. The world has nothing that compares to this—nothing that brings lasting peace, true purpose, or the security of knowing we are firmly rooted in His love.

Feeling alone and rejected, many of us listen to the adversary when he whispers that we’re nothing, and that we are unworthy of God’s blessings. In those moments, we can spiral into deeper despair, thinking that we don’t have an escape and that God has abandoned us. But our Heavenly Father will never do this. He promises in Hebrews 13:5 (NLT), “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” His love is constant and unfailing, and He is always near, even when we cannot feel His presence.

There are no words to describe how difficult life can be at times, especially when we feel that no one understands our pain. It’s challenging to rise above it all when we really don’t feel like it, but we can’t allow our emotions to dictate our actions and behaviors during these times. If we do, we might do something that isn’t wise, loving, or advantageous to our lives. The best possible strategy is to lean on God’s grace. Through the Apostle Paul, He tells us in 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT), “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” God’s grace is sufficient, and in our weakest moments, His power is made perfect.

Our Heavenly Father’s plans for us are filled with hope, and His timing is perfect. With absolute certainty, we can trust that we are cherished, worthy, and deeply loved by Him. God tells us in His Word that Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son and our beloved Savior, is the door to all that He has in store for us. Jesus declared in John 14:6 (NLT), “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” Don’t allow despair to cause you to look for comfort and restoration anywhere else. Only Jesus Christ can lead us to victory, and he will lift us higher as we lean totally on his guidance and trust that he is the way through every trial, and the path to our healing and breakthrough. ■

Get Unstuck!

Posted on December 23, 2024 by daaorg1214

Our powerful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, declared in John 10:10(NKJV), “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have [it] more abundantly.” The thief that he is referring to in this verse is the devil. Jesus Christ also informs us in John 8:44 that the devil is the father of lies who lusts after evil and does dastardly evil things. Stealing, killing, and destroying anything and everything is the enemy’s trademark, and he is merciless with all his corruption and deception. So that there would be no confusion, our Lord and Master very clearly makes the distinction between the love, light, and life that he gives us and the evil and darkness of satan. This distinction is a serious issue, and we can’t afford to make a mistake. We must gain the wisdom to discern whether we’re dealing with a trick of the enemy or a blessing from the Lord.

God’s Word tells us that satan was once called Lucifer, the archangel of light. You and I don’t fully know the extent of authority and power he had as the archangel of light, but we can imagine that it was extraordinary because light is extraordinary. Our Master Jesus is the light! He said in John 8:12(NLT), “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” The light to which Jesus refers in John 8:12 encompasses love, power, intelligence, and every other good thing that exists. Because of his prior rank and occupation, satan knows more than any of us do about all that light entails, and he is a masterful manipulator and deceiver. Disguising and counterfeiting are right up his alley, and if we lack wisdom, we can mistake the deepest darkness for a rainbow.

Examine your heart

Becoming stuck in life is a condition that is caused when the enemy has found a way to block us, and therefore keep us from going higher. This is not something that occurs externally and then makes its way internally. It’s an attitude, a way of speaking, thinking, and feeling that is contrary to the way of Christ. It’s in our hearts, and because it is, it trickles out to impact many other aspects and details of our existences. The reality that we live from inside out cannot be denied. We are deceived when we think that the reason our momentum has come to a halt is simply because we can’t figure out our next move. The truth is that we’ve come to a place in our spiritual journeys when the light of Christ within must shine brighter and light a new path to God’s blessings.

For as long as we sojourn on earth as human beings, we will have the responsibility and privilege to continually grow closer to God through Jesus Christ. Our goal should be to become more like Christ and put on his love and light in a greater way. Our Heavenly Father designed life to cooperate with our efforts to have a clean heart and a pure soul. We should also know that life has a way of stopping us in our tracks when our dedication to grow in the Spirit doesn’t match the blessings God has for us just around the corner.

Be diligent in prayer

Jesus Christ said in Matthew 6:21(NLT), “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Most of us would walk a thousand miles barefoot if we knew that our treasure would be at the end of that road. This willingness and aspiration are targeted at what we desire most, and if what we desire most isn’t God, we’re headed in the wrong direction. God doesn’t punish us for this, He works with us, and our prayers to Him are just the invitation He’s waiting on.

We grossly underestimate the power that is released when we align our prayers with the Will and purpose of God for our lives. When we’re stuck, the reach of our vision is stunted, but when we begin to see what God sees, the possibilities in Christ open up for us. Our souls have room to breathe, and we regain momentum.

We can’t remain in a weakened state where we are vulnerable to the enemy’s tricks and plots. To get unstuck and witness greater blessings in our lives, we must grow spiritually in Christ and in our faith in him. Making decisions based on our own desires will not yield the results we need. A habit pattern of spending more time with the Father in prayer and surrendering to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, this is our path out of confusion and chaos; this is what leads us into to the light.

Remember, getting out of sync with God’s agenda makes us feel as though we’re wading through quicksand, but Jesus Christ is our firm foundation, and following him will always lead us to safety. He tells us in John 14:6 that he is the way, the truth, and the life! So, we can be confident that we don’t ever have to be stuck or feel as though there are no options for us to move forward in life. This is never a reality for the believer that renews their mind and feeds their heart God’s Word. When we get on board with loving our Heavenly Father the way that Christ does, we can enjoy the peace of knowing that no trick of the enemy will be able to keep us from all that God has in store.■

Don’t Renew Your Expired Subscription

Posted on December 16, 2024 by daaorg1214

Proverbs 15:24 (NLT)
“The path of life leads upward for the wise; they leave the grave behind.”

The Old Testament teaches us that God chose the children of Israel to be His own people for a special purpose. Our Heavenly Father chose Moses to be His servant, and to lead the children of Israel out of the tyranny of Egyptian slavery. Moses told them in Deuteronomy 4:20(NLT), “Remember that the LORD rescued you from the iron-smelting furnace of Egypt in order to make you his very own people and his special possession, which is what you are today.” We learn in the Old Testament that the Promised Land that God promised them was a land of milk and honey because it was bountiful and flourishing, but there were also inhabitants in that land. They were numerous and large in stature. God’s people saw this as a huge obstacle, and rather than pushing forward with faith and confidence in God, many of them refused to trust Him and chose to cower in fear.

Fear is an enemy of our faith in God, and it keeps us from fulfilling His purpose for our lives. Through His Word and the prompting of the Holy Spirit, our Heavenly Father gives us directives and clears the path for us to carry them out, but because the circumstances don’t look optimal and the situation is uncomfortable, we shrink. We regress to old habit patterns that make us comfortable in spiritual infancy. We attempt to renew our subscription to these when life has revealed to us that they are way beyond their expiration date. God’s Word has a remedy for this kind of thinking and behaving. He commands us in Ephesians 4:22-24(ESV), “22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

When the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they complained incessantly. Numbers 14:1-3(NLT) tells us, “1 Then the whole community began weeping aloud, and they cried all night. 2 Their voices rose in a great chorus of protest against Moses and Aaron. “If only we had died in Egypt, or even here in the wilderness!” they complained. 3 “Why is the LORD taking us to this country only to have us die in battle? Our wives and our little ones will be carried off as plunder! Wouldn’t it be better for us to return to Egypt?”” They were blatantly ungrateful for all that God had done for them. He delivered them from slavery, parted the Red Sea for them to walk through to freedom, fed them manna from heaven, and caused them to be healthy and whole, but they refused to rally their faith. Even after witnessing God’s insurmountable power on their behalves, they would not place their wholehearted trust in Him.

This should never be said of us. Galatians 3:13(NLT) says, “13 But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”” We must trust God and be deeply thankful for all that He has done for us through Jesus Christ. We must move out of our comfort zones because He’s empowered us through our Lord and Savior to do great things. He has designed life to cooperate with us when we make a move to go higher in our level of spiritual growth. It is the Will of God that we do so, and we should also know that this is not always comfortable. In truth, it is almost always uncomfortable. People and relationships will come into our lives to help us stretch in our faith and love of Christ, but often we don’t see this. We adopt a habit of rejecting anything that doesn’t preserve our comfort zones. If higher blessings are our goal, this is a habit we must release.

To renew our minds is to change the way we think. Our subscription to new blessings never expires, but the time for our old way of operating is over. It’s time to line up our thoughts and feelings with God’s Word so that His love is our great motivation for all things. Proverbs 15:24 reminds us that the path of life leads upward. We don’t have the time or luxury to continually reach back for our comfort zones. Genesis 19:26 tells us that Lot’s wife tried to do this, and she turned into a pillar of salt. Our powerful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, reminds us in Luke 17 not to follow her example. He tells us in Luke 17:33(NLT), “If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it.” We must have unwavering faith in God and not be afraid to leap when He says leap.

He told His people in Isaiah 43:19 (NLT) “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” Our Heavenly Father never changes but He is always allowing our eyes to see wonderful dimensions of His grace and power that we haven’t seen before. He always wants to do something new in our lives, but if we’re not changing, our circumstances will remain the same. We must develop the endurance, patience, and faith that spiritual maturity in Christ requires. When we do, we’ll be prepared to embrace the newness that God has in store for us. ■

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