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Free From Guilt

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:58:16 GMT

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death…for those who do not live according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1-4

We who have accepted Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins, and have allowed Him to make our hearts His home, are no longer guilty of our past sins. We aren’t guilty, there is no shame for what we have done, God is not looking at us with disapproval (even if those close to us do), we are not to blame for things we committed in the past, we’re FREE!

Jesus’ perfect life, His death on the cross, and His resurrection, were the price of our freedom; and Jesus paid the price for our “not guilty” verdict from our Heavenly Father. When we relive our failures and feel guilty, we’re trespassing on God’s forbidden places. If The Lord refuses to remember our transgressions, and He paid for them with His only Son, who are we to go and retrieve them?

Our emotions are subject to our faith. When feelings of guilt or shame emerge, draw your sword – the Sword of the Spirit, and remember Romans 8:1, “ There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! ” YOU are in Christ Jesus!

Our feelings do not determine our standing with The Lord; Jesus blood determined that. Now, we can walk free by walking in the Spirit of God, instead of our flesh.

Jesus opened our jail cell. Let’s get out of there!

What Are You Worth?

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:09:49 GMT

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s notice? And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31

Sparrows aren’t made in God’s image; The Lord didn’t send His only Son to die for them. Yet, they live under the watchful eye of their creator – because He cares for them. How much more does your Heavenly Father love and care for you, who is worth many sparrows, and the life of Jesus?

At the time this scripture was written, sparrows were only worth one-half of one cent each, yet The Lord kept His eye on them. The culture of the day didn’t think sparrows were worth much, but God did. How much more valuable are you who The Lord loves? God gave His only Son so you could spend all of eternity with Him. It doesn’t matter what others think or the value they place on you; God loves you completely, as you are, and you are His.

“So don’t be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows.” You are worth the most valuable thing God had, His only Son, Jesus.

Walking a Straight Path

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:29:28 GMT

“Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

The information age has affected Western culture in positive and negative ways. One way that is both positive and negative is how we can have answers to most subjects in just a few seconds – this is negative because it has conditioned us to feel entitled to immediate answers. Technology has changed, but God hasn’t. He has never needed an upgrade or an advancement – He has always been perfect.

When we say “trust,” it usually means “wait.” We are terrible at waiting. If we ask The Lord for something, there are three most common answers: yes, no, and wait. I heard someone say recently that God never answers their prayers. I said, “You mean He hasn’t answered yet.” They had given up on God because the answer wasn’t immediate. While we wait on God, our strength is being restored; we grow, develop, and become better qualified to handle the answer to our prayers when it arrives. Leaning on God rather than on what we understand is active trust, not passivity or laziness. While we wait, God is making our path straight, in other words, taking out the dangerous curves and problems that could derail the answer to your prayer. Submit to God’s way, and you’ll have more than you asked for; rush ahead, and you will get only what you can produce in your own strength.

Culturally, trust and submission are dirty words – if you want an instant debate, mention submission. If you want to hear someone scoff, tell them they need to trust. God’s Word is the product manual for human life, and His Words are our instructions and the flashlight for the path to a productive and joy-filled life.

Learn from Me

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:18:19 GMT

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30

I’m sure you’ve heard about the old wooden yokes a farmer would use to enlist two oxen or cows to help when plowing. Jesus chose this particular tool to help us picture a life with Him, in His service; we are expected to work, but we’re going to be working alongside Jesus, and He won’t give us a heavy load, but a light burden. In Matthew 11:29, The Lord tells us He is gentle and humble in heart – our Lord isn’t a hard taskmaster, and goes on to say He wants us to learn from Him and find rest for our souls. The Lord of all wants you to be connected to Him, and for you to let Him teach you not to be anxious or worry as you work for His purposes.

If you find yourself upset, overwhelmed, and burdened, consider focusing on the work we’re called to do for God’s Kingdom rather than on what others expect or think of you. Others may think they know what you should be doing, and some will give you their own plans. Jesus said to join your efforts with His and allow Him to show you how to live a new way, the way of rest and peace.

Nothing is Too Difficult for Our God

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 19:03:57 GMT

“But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile…” Exodus 2:3

In Genesis chapter 2, Moses was born to two Levites (Priests). An edict had gone out from the Pharaoh demanding every male baby born to a Hebrew girl be thrown into the Nile. This is the first recorded genocide. I love Moses’ mother’s response when she saw Moses for the first time, the Amplified Bible says, “She thought he was exceedingly beautiful.” I had three boys, and I get it, I thought mine were exceedingly beautiful, too. But there was something exceptional about Moses from birth, he was special. His mother hid him as long as she could and then had to place him in the Nile, as was required, or they both may have been killed. She engineered a basket and made it waterproof with tar and pitch, and placed the baby in the reeds where Pharoah’s daughter was known to bathe. I can’t imagine what she must have felt as she placed him in the water and walked away from him.

There were many dangers in the Nile: you may think crocodiles, and that was a danger, but there were also hippopotami, dangerous snakes, swift currents (which could have caused him to drown), and the river was known at the time to be very dangerous due to raw sewage. I imagine Moses’ mother must have been nauseous with worry.
Pharoah’s daughter discovered Moses, and hired his mother to nurse and care for him, thanks to the watchful eye of his big sister Meriam who orchestrated the whole thing.

Moses grew up in Pharoah’s house as a son to him. Moses was firmly placed in the palace when in Exodus 2:23-25, “…and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel and God knew.”

Moses, the one God would call to save His people, was already in place when the people called out for help. When you consider all The Lord had to put in place to position Moses to lead His people out of slavery and bondage, we should realize that God hears our cries for help, too. And just as He worked ahead of the children of Israel’s cries for help, He does the same for you and me.

Jeremiah 32:17 says, “Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm, and there is nothing too hard or You.”

The Lord is faithful to take care of all our needs; He was faithful to Moses, and He is faithful to you, also. And nothing is too difficult for Him. You don't need to know the answer to your problem to pray, just say "help." Just as in Exodus when the children of Israel cried out, scripture says, "and God knew." God knows how to help you, too.

Love the Lost

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:59:12 GMT

February is Love Month! This week: Pray for Love for the Lost

Love the Lost
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10

Jesus came to look for the lost, those who haven’t received the Salvation of The Lord, and to save them. Romans 3:23 says, “ All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. ” All are lost until they are found. Those around us who haven’t believed are the very fields we were sent to harvest by The Lord when He said, “ The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to The Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. ” Matthew 9:37-38 It’s our responsibility to love the lost and go out and work to give them an opportunity to believe in The Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus recruited His disciples by going out and saying, “Follow Me!” He worked constantly His whole adult life to bring in those who would believe, right until the last moments of His life He was seeking the lost. The thief on the cross recognized Jesus as The Son of God when he prayed, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” There is no record of Jesus speaking to the thieves, yet, Jesus’ gentleness and submissiveness to His unjust punishment must have spoken to the thief and witnessed to him that this is indeed God’s Son.

You may not think about the unsaved very often, and you can’t help that you don’t love them; remember, we can pray about anything and everything. If we need love for anyone, The Lord will help us develop love, and anything we need to obey a command of The Lord’s, He is happy to answer, I believe.

“ For whosoever shall call upon the Name of The Lord shall be saved. ” Joel 2:32

Who do you know who needs to make Jesus their priority? Have you prayed for them? If not, pray for them today.

How can you grow closer in your relationship with The Lord?

The Believer's Job Descripton

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:21:26 GMT

February is Love Month! This week: Pray for The Will of God to be done in you: love others

The Believer’s Job Description
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?
‘Jesus replied, Love The Lord your God with all your heart, and all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22: 36-40

Mark 12:30-31, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”

Our job description as believers in Jesus Christ is to love . Love The Lord your God, and love our neighbors. These instructions to love The Lord and our neighbors are given with instructions as to how to love them: Love The Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. And love our neighbors as we love ourselves. How do we put these instructions into action steps?

Love The Lord with all our heart; our heart is our affections and emotions; it is the core of our being. It is also where our faith is enacted. (Rom. 10:10) We become affectionate and emotional about those we spend time with; our affections and love grow when we spend time with The Lord in Prayer and worship Him.

Our soul is our will and our desires: it is our will and our desire that lead us to surrender our way to The Lord.

Our mind is our intellect – we allow our thinking to be changed so we think as He thinks. It is by the renewing of our minds that we are changed and become like Christ. (Rom 12:2)

And finally, our strength – not just our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual strength, but all that is within us. Our instruction is to love The Lord with all we have.

1 John 4:20 says, “if anyone says, ‘I love God’, and hates his brothers he is a liar; for one who does not love his brother who he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (AMP – revised)

Of course, 1 John 4:20 is talking about our brothers and sisters in Christ, not our original family – we’re supposed to love them too, of course. The Lord will never ask you to do something you cannot do. He would be a bad father if that were true. You may have to rely on God, you may need to ask for help, you may have to wait until the last second for help to arrive, but God will always help you do His will if you ask. Our job as believers is to love, and there are no exemptions or exceptions from this, the greatest command.

"Here Comes My Betrayer!"

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 20:52:49 GMT

February is Love Month! This week: Pray for those who have betrayed you (You can do it!)

Loving the Betrayer
“Betrayal is believed to be the deepest, most painful form of emotional hurt because it originates from someone trusted rather than an enemy. We expect our enemies to try to inflict pain, or at best not realize or care that their actions were hurtful, but from a friend, we expect more.

Jesus spent three and a half years with Judas Iscariot, knowing all along he would sell him out for money. Yet, He invested in him and shared His life with him as a friend.

“The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies; it comes from those you trust the most.” - unknown

“Real betrayal is that they knew it would hurt you and they did it anyway.” Motivational Quotes

Lazarus was a dear friend of Jesus’, and when he died, Jesus wept openly. There was no time for Jesus to weep or process the pain of loss from Judas’ betrayal as He was taken into custody, and the end began that night.

If you are ever faced with the monumental chore of forgiving someone who has betrayed you, remember Jesus. He was perfect and still betrayed by one of His closest allies and friends. He felt exactly what we feel; just hours earlier, He and Judas were dipping in the same dish during Passover – now He had been sold out, like an animal. When Judas and the Chief Priests arrived in the garden where Jesus and the disciples were praying, Jesus’ words were heartbreaking: “Here comes My betrayer!” We can’t always single out those who betray us, but we can be sure that Jesus knows the pain of betrayal, and when we experience it, He remembers and rushes to our side to comfort and help us through it.

Forgiving someone who has betrayed us, and anytime we go through the sufferings of Christ, moves the heart of The Lord towards us in a very present way. Scripture says, "He is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

You can do all things through Christ, even forgive and love your betrayer.

This is Love

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:58:10 GMT

February is Love Month! This week: Pray and let God Love You

This is Love
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.” 1 John 4:8-12

People try all sorts of things to become secure in themselves; I’ve heard it said like this, to be “comfortable in your own skin.” The most wonderful way to become confident, secure, and happy is to allow God to love you. When you spend time with The Lord just to learn from Him, the first thing you are going to learn is how He is crazy about you. I’m sure you know that God has counted the hairs on your head; He knows how many there are, even if the number is constantly changing. He has your name carved in the palm of His hand, and The Word says He thinks of you more times than you can count. You are always on His mind. He hears your thoughts and knows your motives, sometimes before we even realize them.

God is love; it isn’t something He feels or experiences, He is love itself.
God proved His love for us by sending Jesus, His one and only Son, to die for us. Since God loved us, we ought to also love Him and one another. When we love one another, God’s love is made complete in us, and I believe that’s when those in the world can see God in us.

If the challenges of life ever make you feel that God doesn’t love you, remember, emotions are not facts. God’s love for you is a fact, no matter if you feel it or not. Your feelings don’t change who God is and how He cares for you.

Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this; while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

From Prison to Promised Land

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 15:11:37 GMT

From Prison to Promised Land: Introduction

“Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry. We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day, twenty-three thousand of them died. We should not test Christ, as some of them did, and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did – and were killed by the destroying angel. These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:1-12

Paul is telling his disciples and the early church not to think too highly of themselves, because they, too, could fall into the same sins as the Children of Israel had all those years before. Paul realized the sins of their ancestors were still in the hearts of men.

God used Egypt as a place of provision during the famine when Joseph was managing the food crisis. Jacob and all Joseph’s brothers were reconciled to one another as Joseph saw the big picture of God’s plan and didn’t take offense at his brothers’ betrayal. However, the Children of Israel were led out of Egypt 400 years later when the place God sent them for provision became a place of bondage. God wanted His people to be free, so He raised Moses up and positioned him to lead His people out of slavery and into the wilderness – the intended destination was the Promised Land.

It’s still God’s will for His people to live free from the bondage of sin; shame, condemnation, and guilt keep us from living the lives God desires for us. In this study, we will see that God is still delivering His people and the Promised Land is still available to those who put their faith in God.

That None Should Perish

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 19:44:45 GMT

“For God so loved the world He gave His only son, that whosoever believes on Him would not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17

It is God’s will that all would believe and not perish. You were born so God could love you and so you could be close to Him through the faith He gave you. God’s will is not always done on the earth; when bad things happen, it is because of the sin we constantly bring into the world, not God’s will. To qualify for eternal life, we must believe Jesus is the Son of God and allow Him to cleanse us of all our sins by accepting that His sacrifice on the cross was for your and my guilt, shame, and sins.

Revelation 3:20 says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” If you ask for God’s forgiveness, He will forgive you.

It was for you He came into the world, and it was for you He died, and rose from the dead. If you have questions or would like to discuss your faith, email me at Rhonda@ thelifeoflove.org , and let’s set a time to talk.

Be sure and listen to the corresponding Podcast "That None Should Perish." There is so much more in God's heart for us in His Word. He has always included all people in His plan. I'll discuss it on the Podcast. Coming Soon!

A Savior is Born!

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 23:52:17 GMT

“ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. ” Luke 2:11-12

The Son of God, The Lion of Judah, Savior, Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace, and Immanuel aren’t just adjectives used to describe His attributes; they’re who and what Jesus embodies. He is the Word of God; I know we can’t understand that, but it is still true. He is justice. He is love.

As we think about these things that are over our heads and inconceivable to our minds, the Holy Spirit will give glimpses and insights of understanding in new ways as to who the Savior of the world is, and who He is to you, personally.

Jesus is the perfect picture of selfless love and sacrifice. The darling of heaven came to earth and became a man so you and I could live in His forgiveness, have peace in our hearts, and go to be with Him when we leave this world. A Savior was born so we could live, too. Eternity begins when we surrender ourselves to God and receive Christ Jesus as Savior for ourselves.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Eve!

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 13:49:17 GMT

“ …The time came for the baby to be born, and she wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. ” Luke 2:6-7

Christmas Eve is such a special time in Western Church culture. We have a lot of traditions that vary in churches and families. One common tradition is to have a waiting period before opening gifts. Theologians estimate the world waited over 4,000 years from when God promised to send the Messiah until His arrival. Growing up, I thought waiting from Thanksgiving until Christmas was too long.

If you know me, it won’t surprise you that we open our gifts on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas morning. I can barely wait until then to give my family their presents. I’m always ready to give gifts when everyone enters the house.

God has given every person gifts. Some are inherently part of our makeup, such as our talents. He has also given us the gift of forgiveness of our sins, the Holy Spirit, and His Presence, which we can receive much like a Christmas gift - just by taking them.

Merry Christmas Eve!

Softly, Gently He Came to Us

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:14:48 GMT

“…his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace". Isaiah 9:6

Prophesy spoke of the government being on His shoulders, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and the increase of His reign there will be no end.

The Prophets were given words by God to describe the eternal, spiritual significance of the coming Savior of the world. Wordly-minded men assumed the grand event of a coming king would look like the regalia and pomp they required as world leaders. However, significance to God can come gently, softly, and humbly on a donkey. Momentous occasions on a God-size scale can make an entrance so quiet and soft the world would hardly notice.

Few may know your name in this world, the last stage you stepped on may have been for an elementary school play, yet your significance in the Kingdom of heaven may be unmeasurable to those whose lives you’ve touched. The book of Hebrews reminds us God is a rewarder; He sees you, and He knows all you do for Him. The most significant people in our lives often come softly and gently and are hardly noticed by the rest of the world.

God will Provide

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:06:20 GMT

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed, He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” Genesis 3:15

Genesis 3:15 is the first mention of the Savior of the world. The Lord, God was providing for us thousands of years before we were born. Notice the capitalization of the words “He “and “His” in Gen. 3:15? That is Jesus right there in Genesis chapter 3. Adam and Eve’s disobedience brought sin into the perfect world God made for us – the need for restoration of our relationship with our heavenly Father couldn’t have been greater. Before Christ lived and died for us, God was illustrating His love by putting into motion the greatest rescue plan ever conceived. A plan to save you and I from the tragic impact and consequences of sin.

If God was ready to send His only, perfect Son at the moment sin came into the world for us, we should rest assured there is no need too small or too large to bring Him in prayer. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for my children when they have needs, and I’m not a better parent than The Lord. It’s God’s will and desire to provide for His children – and Jesus is proof.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 12:57:42 GMT

Happy Thanksgiving!

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

How we deal with disappointments often defines our future. If we can train ourselves to give thanks to The Lord no matter the situation, I believe we can drastically improve our lives.

Giving thanks is the quickest and easiest way to focus our minds on things worthy of our time. It immediately helps us by reminding us that we’re blessed and God is good. In light of those things, challenges and difficulties diminish into a more accurate perspective.

No matter your challenge today, if your team loses, if you don’t get to spend the day with those you hoped to see, if the turkey is dry and the weather is wet, remember to give thanks because it’s God’s will for you.

E.L. Cole said, “God’s will is what you would do if you knew what He knows.”

Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving Day!

Winning Over Fear

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:47:58 GMT

“Trust The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Fear is an emotion; it is innate. While it’s natural to fear death, most people do until they trust the truth about eternal life. Some aren’t afraid of deep water (though I’ve been told most people are), some are afraid of heights, and some aren’t. Some people love snakes and bugs, and some have nightmares when the new National Geographic Magazine arrives. Though our fears and the intensity of our reactions to them vary, we all experience some form of fear. Some don’t fear things but have anxiety about failure, while others have cardiac issues over being alone due to fear.

Because fear is an emotion, not simply a thought or opinion, reason and logic won’t solve the issue of fear. We can’t reason our way out of most fears.

Proverbs 3:5-6 speaks of the way out of fear: through faith. " Trust " is a decision to put our concerns in God’s hands. “ With all our hearts ” is a full commitment to trust . Jesus said, “ All things are possible if we only believe .” Mark 9:23 To “ Only believe ” means there is no unbelief. “ Lean not on your own understanding ” is talking about our reasoning and logic; remember, fear is neither, it is an emotion. So, leaning on our understanding is futile when fighting fear. “ In all your ways submit to Him… ” The plans, the offenses, the people, all the things that are causing us to be afraid, give them to The Lord. Cause your mind to focus on The Lord as your answer. “ …and he will make your paths straight . ” A straight path is shorter than a curvy one; it is also the easiest. You can see further down the path when it is straight – The Lord wants to make your way easier and more enjoyable.

Joy and peace can begin and remain in our lives when we trust The Lord with all the things we’re afraid will happen. Remember when Peter got out of the boat and started walking to Jesus? When he focused on Jesus, he defied physics; he walked on the water. When he noticed the storm and the high waves, he sank. Jesus didn’t let him drown; he didn’t let him sink to the bottom – Jesus grabbed him and brought him to safety. Jesus will always be standing beside you when you get out of the boat in faith, and he will never let you fail or allow your worst fears to conquer you.

“ Trust The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him, and he will make your paths straight. ” Proverbs 3:5-6

Those Who Fear Him Lack Nothing

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 13:20:31 GMT

“Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.
The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”

Psalm 34:9-10

Thoughts During Prayer:
Lord, I believe You’re good. When things aren’t good in my life, when things aren’t going well, you are still good.
When I’m in pain, You’re still my healer.
You’re my Savior, when those I love haven’t yet believed.
When I’m in need, You’re still Provider.
When I’m disappointed and at a loss, You’re my Living Hope.
When I’m far off, You’re my rescuer.
You’re the Lion in me when I’m under attack, and the dove when I need Peace.
When I want to quit, and give up, You’re Faithful.
When I’m overwhelmed and so tired, You are my Strength.
When I’m isolated and alone, You’re my best Friend.
When I think I have the most unique problem and no one understands, You remind me that You made me, and there is nothing You don’t know about me; and I trust You.
When I feel rejected, You love me.

You are my everything, my all in all, there is none like You. There is no one beside You. Your Holy Name is higher than any other, and I give You glory and honor and praise.

“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” Psalm 37:25

How Do You Deal with Disappointments?

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 19:32:46 GMT

Fulfilling your destiny depends on your ability to encourage yourself.

“David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.” 1 Samuel 30

David was anointed as the next King of Israel, and about 13 years passed. King Saul had removed himself from God’s favor by looking to other sources for his future and wisdom. Though David was the best friend of Saul’s son, Jonathan, his jealousy and the evil spirits who spoke to Saul wanted to kill David before he could take the throne. Saul, who once valued David’s ministry in His palace, turned on David. There was a manhunt throughout Israel to kill him.

David left Israel and began fighting with the Philistines at night against the enemies of Israel. “David’s Mighty Men” were a group of about 400 whom David invested himself in – he trained them into capable soldiers, and men of courage and might. When the Philistines went to battle against Israel, they sent David and his men back home to Ziklag (a city they had given to David and his men). When they arrived home, they found their city had been ravaged by fire; their wives and children had been captured and taken away. David’s men were so distressed that they began talking about stoning him.

David had been rejected by King Saul, his nation, the enemy army of the Philistines, and now his own men, “…David was greatly distress…”

1 Samuel 30:6. David didn’t try to talk his men into commiserating with him; he did what God had called him to do; he led. In verse 7, David said to Abiathar the priest, “…Bring me the ephod.” (David was going to pray) He asked The Lord, “Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” He answered, “You will certainly overtake them and recover all.”

When everything that could possibly go wrong has surprised you and is even worse than you could imagine, strengthen yourself in the Lord. Encourage yourself. What can you thank The Lord for? Then, go to The Lord and inquire of Him. Ask Him specific questions, “Should I quit?” “Are you done with me?” Then wait, and allow The Lord time to answer; your next thoughts may be the voice of The Lord.

Not long after this, David became King, and his destiny was fulfilled as one of the greatest Kings of Israel. Your destiny may also be determined by your ability to navigate times of deep distress; remember David and find your strength in God.

“And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season, we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9

Be a No Fear Zone

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 22:19:36 GMT

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified… for The Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

If there were an eleventh commandment, I think it would be, “Do not be afraid.” Over 300 Scriptures tell us not to be afraid, yet many live in constant fear of many things. When our identity is in who The Lord says we are instead of how others define us, it causes fear and anxiety to no longer rule our lives. Others may have said we would never amount to anything, we’re worthless, or any other negative things, but those things can only make a difference in our lives if we believe them.

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 1 Timothy 1:7 NIV

Timidity or shyness stems from insecurities; when we allow The Lord to love us and make us who He created us to be, in Him, we become secure and free from fear. The most life-giving freedom I’ve known is the freedom from needing others’ approval. Living to please The Lord and being ok when others don’t understand or approve of us is life at a higher level. The Lord’s commandments always lead us to love Him and others better, not serve ourselves. However, when we live in fear, our insecurities cause us to hurt others.

How can we become secure? We will only become secure in His love by going where He is in prayer. By spending time with The Lord and sharing our heartbreaks, disappointments, and triumphs, only then will we hear His voice and know He approves of us, He loves us, and is working to help us. No one loves us like the Lover of our Souls – no one else can take the broken pieces and unkept promises and make something strong and useful from them. Only The Lord can make good come from terrible things and remove our deepest fears.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified… for The Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

The God of Hope

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 17:22:13 GMT

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of The Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (CSB)

Logic and reason are sometimes enemies of hope. Hope is pure faith, and at times it defies logic and reasoning. Hope is not the same as a flippant wish; hope is spiritual because it is the activation of faith. It made no sense for Moses to march his people directly toward the sea, yet his hope in God allowed his faith and trust in God to see a miracle of epic scale.

Many Pastors and leaders in the world today believe hopelessness is at an all-time high in our culture; they think hope in God is at a dangerously low level. It’s vital that we allow the God of hope to fill us with joy and peace; hope, joy, and peace are a package deal. If we put our hope in God, we have peace because we know we can trust Him to take care of all the cares and anxieties we give Him. When we allow peace to rule our hearts, we can experience joy, and joy brings the benefit of strength, as Nehemiah taught us.

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick; but dreams realized are a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12

Without hope, we’re heartsick and ineffective for God’s kingdom; but when our dreams or answered prayers are fulfilled, we are fruitful and a testimony of God’s goodness to those around us.

Bitter and Sweet Cannot Coexist

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 13:45:39 GMT

“Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?” James 3:11

Joy and peace cannot live in the same heart as bitterness, unforgiveness, and resentment. When we are riffed with offenses and the unnecessary pain of bitterness, we become an allelopathy. Have you heard this term before?

Hebrews 12:15 says, “Make sure no bitter root grows to cause trouble and defile many.” Bitterness and resentment cannot be contained; they defile or infect those around us without our consent.

Allelopathy occurs when certain plants release toxic chemicals into the soil, prohibiting other plants from growing around them; the Black Walnut tree is one example. Plants cannot grow around these trees; their toxic nature is a death barrier. Does it seem as if others want nothing to do with you? You may be emitting poisonous attitudes from a bitter heart. Ask The Lord to search your heart and show you if unforgiveness is hiding there.

We may deeply desire true joy and the peace that only The Lord can provide. Perhaps you have asked Him for these things many times and wonder why you still lack what you know is His will for you. You cannot host bitterness and peace simultaneously – they cannot coexist.

How do we resolve a bitter and resentful heart and attitude? Repent. Bitterness and resentment are nurtured offenses; they are unforgiveness as defiant teenagers in our souls. The Lord tells us to prefer, understand, give grace, and forgive, but we have chosen to hold on to unforgiveness, and now we not only have the original sin of unforgiveness, but it has grown into bitterness.

Bitterness isn’t cute; its endgame is death. Brother and sister in Christ, I urge you with all my heart to get any toxic substance of bitterness out of your heart and ask The Lord to forgive you - otherwise, it will be the end of you. You cannot coexist with any sin and grow into the awesome and powerful believer The Lord has destined you to become. When bitterness is gone, both you and those around you will thrive.

The Spiritual Monarchy

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 18:49:07 GMT

“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His glorious light.” 1 Peter 2:9

Let’s examine 1 Peter 2:9:

You are a chosen race : God picked you; you were chosen by God Himself. Jeremiah 1:5 (MSG) “ Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you. ”
…a royal priesthood: The priests were the only ones who could enter God’s presence in the Holy of Holies, but He made the rules so they would change when the Savior of the world died and rose from the dead. Because of Jesus, you can go into God’s Holy Presence (the Holy of Holies) and be with the creator of all. You can literally and spiritually be with God right now
…a Holy nation: when we surrendered our lives to The Heavenly Father, He set us apart from unbelievers and gave us “holy plans” to do His work. We’re a different kind of people who operate in a different kingdom – our nation has its own identity and culture. We’re part of a family bloodline, we have Jesus’ DNA – that makes you a Spiritual monarch – you’re like the royal family in England, only in God’s family.
…you are God’s own possession. The reason He chose you and made you a member of the House of Yahweh is because He knew you would proclaim, or tell, of His excellencies – you would tell everyone of the greatness of The God you know. If you don’t know how to do this right now, spend time in the Holy of Holies, praying and worshipping Him. You will soon have a heart bursting to tell of our great God.
He, The Lord, is the one who called you and brought you out of the darkness of sin, and into His glorious light, free from shame – where there is forgiveness for all sins, and no condemnation when we need to partake of His forgiveness again and again.

If you’re breathing, you have a purpose, and God has plans for you. You aren’t finished being a royal priest until the day The Lord calls you to rest with Him in glory. Keep pressing, protect hope, keep opening the door to the Holy place – The Lord is with you.

I’ve heard many great thoughts and translations for this verse; share yours at rhonda@thelifeoflove.org .

What Does God Want?

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:35:24 GMT

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” James 4:8

I believe every person has the relationship with God they desire. If you want a close and meaningful relationship, you have one. If you prefer to be aloof and only act as acquaintances, that is your call. If you want to be a servant, son, daughter, or friend, the desire is the recipe to get you there.

What type of relationship does God want with you and me? In Genesis 3:8, God walked in the garden in the cool of the day and called out to His likeness. Adam and Eve had sinned and were hiding as they heard The Father cry out, “Where are you?” God wanted to be with the man and woman He made. And in Exodus 19:10, the children of Israel were in the desert when The Lord instructed Moses, “Have the people consecrate themselves…I’m coming down on the mountain so they can see Me and hear My voice.” The Lord was looking for Adam and Eve and called out to them. He instructed Moses to prepare His people to come up the mountain so they could be with Him.

When God’s presence descended on the mountain, it shook, there was lightning, and fire. The children of Israel, though they had just been rescued by The Lord, chose not to trust Him at that time. Instead, in Exodus 20:18, “…they trembled and stayed at a distance.” And in Exodus 20:21, “They remained at a distance.” It’s so sad because earlier, in Exodus 19:6, The Lord had just told them He wanted them to be a Kingdom of Priests. Priests go into God’s presence and abide with Him. The Lord, God, wants His people to dwell, or live close to Him.

In Deuteronomy 32:51-52, the children of Israel couldn’t find water; this is the famous story of Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it as The Lord commanded. The Lord spoke to Moses and said, “Because you didn’t uphold My holiness before the Children of Israel…You will see the land (the promised land) only from a distance.” When we refuse to obey The Lord and stay at a distance, on our terms, I believe it limits our ability to live in the promises The Lord would love to give us. We disqualify ourselves from things others have from The Lord by the distance we choose to keep from God. Of course, The Lord is faithful to forgive when we repent and return to His ways. We don’t have to stay at a distance – that’s our choice.

Are you close to God? He wants to be close to you.

The Most Loving Thing You Can Do...

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 13:27:33 GMT

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf; Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20

One Friday night years ago, when my youngest son was about nine years old, everyone had plans, except Matthew and me. One of our neighbors’ sons had been over playing with Matt after school. His dad came by to pick him up on his way home and invited Matt and me to dinner at their house – they were having a party and he insisted we come. When we arrived, the house was busy and full of sweet, happy people. My friends were from Persia, and so were most of their guests. After dinner, the ladies gathered in the dining room, and I was asked to sit in the middle as we gathered around the large table. I could tell I was being positioned for something, but I had no idea what to expect. The eldest lady began to tell me the story of the prophet Bahai Allou, who was their “Reformist”, of sorts. One by one, the ladies each shared a bit about their faith and how it had impacted their lives through their belief in Bahai. It was very sweet, and I felt privileged that they wanted to share this with me. However, I didn’t want to offend them, and I didn’t know how it might appear to my host if I disagreed and presented the truth of the gospel at that time. I thanked them and went to check on my son, who was swimming in the pool with the other children.

As I sat and watched the children play, my neighbor came and sat beside me. I told him how sweet the ladies had been to share the stories and doctrine of their faith. Then I asked if he would mind if I shared with him the gospel of Jesus Christ, which was my faith. He agreed, and I proceeded to give him a summation of how God orchestrated the giving of His sinless Son to restore our broken relationship and allow us to receive forgiveness of our sins and spend eternity with Him. When I finished, I looked at him, and with tears streaming down his face, he said, “There is no greater love than to share your faith with your friends.” Then he graciously thanked me.

His appreciation for my desire to share my faith changed how I viewed sharing the gospel. No longer did I see it as something I was going to make someone endure, but I saw it as the caring and loving act that it is.

John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

When we share our belief in Jesus Christ with our loved ones and friends, we’re laying down our lives. We’re loving them more than our reputation or the desire to preserve and protect our standing with our friends.

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15

The Lord is Working for You

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 20:41:36 GMT

“I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!” Isaiah 65:24 (NLT)

Praying is talking to The Lord, and it’s essential for many reasons. Remember, while you’re asking, He has already begun to bring the answer. If it takes longer than you think it should trust The Lord, He’s working. I had a prayer request years ago. I asked and asked The Lord to meet a need in my life. I had faith, I believed, and I asked; yet day after day, month after month, and year after year I waited. I started to get a little attitude and told The Lord something to the effect of, “I’m doing my part, why aren’t you answering?” I felt The Lord speak to me in my heart. He said, “From the first time you asked I started things in motion, but I chose to use people, and until they obey, you will wait. Remember this the next time you know I want you to do something and you delay in obedience.” My attitude changed immediately, and I waited patiently. When He answered, it was magnificent!

The Lord’s love for us is beyond our understanding. He wants to meet your needs and answer your prayers. When you ask, He’s already begun to respond.

Remember?

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 20:37:57 GMT

“I will remember the deeds of The Lord; Yes, I will [wholeheartedly] remember Your wonders of old. I will meditate on all Your works and thoughtfully consider all Your [great and wonderous] deeds. Your way, O God, is holy [far from sin and guilt]. What God is great like our God.”

Psalm 77:11-13 AMP

If you’re like me, you have memories from earlier years of your life that you would rather not think about, yet they come and go and sometimes stay longer than we would like. Psalm 77 was written during days of hardship and trouble; Asaph has determined to remember the works of The Lord instead of concentrating on the grim circumstances he was in. He meditates on the great and wonderous works and deeds of The Lord, and after remembering, he concludes, “What God is great like our God.” He praises God when things aren’t going well.

There is a misunderstanding regarding our minds and our ability to choose our thoughts. Some think they have no control of negative memories or unpleasant thoughts entering their thinking, but Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” NIV This instruction is to “think about such things” - you have control over your thoughts, you can decide to remember the deeds and works of The Lord, just as God’s servant in Psalm 77:11.

The next time your thoughts are flooded with bad memories or worries, discipline your mind, remember what God has done, and allow your anxiety to turn to praise, then you’ll be saying, “What God is great like our God."

What We Remember Determines Our Lives

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 20:29:28 GMT

“They began discussing this with one another, saying, “It is because we have no bread [that He said this].” 17 Jesus, aware of this [discussion], said to them, “Why are you discussing [the fact] that you have no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Though you have eyes, do you not see? And though you have ears, do you not hear and listen [to what I have said]? And do you not remember, 19 when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces you picked up?” They answered, “Twelve.” 20 “And [when I broke] the seven [loaves] for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of broken pieces did you pick up?” And they answered, “Seven.” 21 And He was saying to them, “Do you still not understand?” Mark 8:16-21

The conversation in Mark Chapter 8 took place after another time when Jesus fed the multitudes, when they barely had enough to mention. Each time these miracles of feeding the multitudes occurred, the disciples played an intricate part in the answer; they handed out food to thousands that was intended for just one person.

Yet, when they didn’t have enough bread for themselves, they thought Jesus was fussing at them because they hadn’t remembered to buy bread.

It seems ridiculous to think the disciples would worry about food when they had Jesus with them; however, we do the same thing.

When David and I married, I had a good job at a Pharmaceutical Company, and we served together at our church. We had only been married a few months when the company had a massive layoff, which included me. After several months, we had exhausted my severance money, and we were in a tight financial situation. I remember one Sunday morning, sitting in church with twenty dollars in my wallet. I felt The Lord wanted me to give my last twenty dollars in the offering. My first thought was that it was all the money we had for several more days, but then I realized it wasn’t enough anyway, and I put it in the offering bag as I asked the Lord to take care of us. I forgot about it until after the service when I was getting into my car. I heard a man yelling my name and running towards me in the parking lot. He handed me an envelope full of cash and said he and his wife felt The Lord told them to give us this money today during the service. It was $300.00. The Lord didn’t need my $20.00; He wanted me to empty my hand so He could fill it. Through our lives in ministry, I can’t tell you how many times The Lord has taken care of us with vehicles, vacations, furniture, clothing, and much more.

When we experience a miracle of God’s provision, health, strength, or any other answer, it is our job to remember those things so when we’re in need again, we have confidence and faith that The Lord will take care of us just as He always has. How well we remember God’s goodness to us determines our peace and strength as we rely on The Lord.

When We Cannot Understand

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 20:26:52 GMT

"The secret things belong to The Lord our God…" Deuteronomy 29:29

To live with an entitled attitude is to decide to live in constant disappointment. The Lord, God, doesn't owe us anything . Some say, "How could a loving God?" with an expectation that God should have given them what they wanted, or a favorable outcome. God's will is seldom accomplished on the earth. He created all we see and know, including mankind, and yet there are human disasters and natural disasters more often than we realize. When bad things happen, they are not "acts of God," although insurance companies often refer to natural disasters as "acts of God."

We see God's will when He created Adam and Eve and placed them in a garden with such perfection that there weren't even thorns or mosquitoes, much less volcanoes or hurricanes. Sin hadn't entered into the world, so there was no sickness, or bloodshed – everything was flawless. Sin affects everything in our world and everything in our lives. Psalm 51:5 says, "…I was shapen in iniquity in my mother's womb…" (KJV). King David is expressing that even those who are unborn aren't safe from the influence sin has on the earth.

The mysteries, or "secret things" as Deuteronomy 29:29 says, belong to our God – there are many things so complex our intellects cannot process or understand. When we're faced with these complex situations, our minds race to understand why , but if we're living a life surrendered to The Father, He will lead us to trust Him.

I've lived through loss, death, devastating disappointments, and heartbreak, and I can tell you without reservation that God is faithful and trustworthy. I don't understand why many things have happened the way they have, but I know The Lord, and He wouldn't allow anything without a specific and productive reason. My older sister passed away when she was 15 years old after a year of terrible illness; I don't understand why, but I trust The Lord – I know He rescued her and protected her from worse things. Romans 8:28 says, "…for we know that all things work together for the good of those who love The Lord, those called according to His purpose." I have seen good come from terrible things, just as The Lord said.

It's The Lord's will for you and I to live in a beautiful place with no sin or sickness, where no disasters can harm us, but sin has taken this option away for now. However, when we leave this world, if we believe that Jesus is the Son of God and have asked Him to forgive us of our sins, He will take us to be with Him for all eternity, where everything is perfect, that's His will.

"Precious in the sight of The Lord is the death of His saints." Psalm 116:15

What We Can Do for the World

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 20:18:37 GMT

Series: Knowing God Through Prayer

“If you won’t go with us, let us stay here with You.” Exodus 33:15

In Exodus 33, The Lord told Moses He was going to send the Children of Israel to the promised land with an angel because if He were to go with them, He might destroy them. Moses’ reply, or prayer, to The Lord is so precious when he tells God in verse 15, “If you won’t go with us, let us stay here with you.” Moses would rather have stayed in the wilderness with The Lord than go to the promised land without Him. Once we experience The Lord being with us, we will do anything to stay close to Him.

In Exodus 33:17, The Lord responded to Moses and said, “I will do this thing you have asked, for you have found favor in my sight.” Moses’ prayer and intercession on behalf of the Children of Israel caused The Lord to change His plan to send them without Him. Moses’ love for his people and his prayers influenced The Lord, causing Him to change His mind and go with them.

Our prayers for those in rebellion and stubbornness to the ways of The Lord matter; we can change the course of history for our loved ones. Our prayers on behalf of our lost loved ones change His plans and change their lives.

We can influence God for this world, Jeremiah 32:17 says, "...nothing is too difficult for The Lord." It is what we can do for them. We can pray, intercede, and help The Lord’s favor to rest on those who need Him. Those of us who abide in The Lord, and walk in His ways, owe those who are wandering and lost our prayers and petitions for their sake. When you think of someone, pray for them. When you think of someone often, intercede for them (stand in their place before The Lord). You may keep those close to you from tragedy or making wrong choices just because you loved them enough to call out their name to our faithful, loving God. Prayer is what we can do for the world.

Knowing God Through Prayer

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 17:37:35 GMT

“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray….” Luke 11:1

In Scripture, many verses tell us that Jesus went away to pray. He had a devoted prayer life. The disciples saw Jesus raise the dead, heal the sick, and restore health, and on several occasions, they saw Him feed thousands with very little. Yet, the only thing the disciples asked Jesus to teach them was to pray. Jesus, though fully man and fully God, prayed often. If the Son of God needs to spend time with The Heavenly Father, how much more do we?

James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much.”

Prayer is action and accomplishes more than we could ever do in our own efforts. It isn’t docile or passive. It is taking a situation, need, or relationship and laying it at the feet of the one who is all-powerful and all-capable. You may be able to change someone’s mind, but they can change it back again. Through prayer, God can change someone’s heart - this is not spiritual manipulation because God is holy and will not impose Himself against someone’s will. However, He can help those we’re praying for to see what is best in ways they haven’t considered before.

Throughout The Word of God, there are accounts of people performing extraordinary feats because of their relationship with God through prayer. In 2 Kings 6, we find the story of Elisha being so powerful through prayer that the enemy of Israel’s king thought spies were among his ranks. Those closest to the king said, “No, none of us are spies…but Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you say in your bedroom.”

How would you like to have that reputation? Elisha had such a powerful and devoted prayer life that he was able to advise the King of Israel on how to avoid attack and defeat the enemy army.

The most valuable benefit prayer provides is access to the Heavenly Father in a deeply personal relationship. There is absolutely nothing we cannot take to God in prayer. The Lord honored the Father of the demonized boy in the book of Mark when he said, “I believe, Lord, help my unbelief.” We can even let The Lord know we’re having difficulty believing in Him. When we share our cares and burdens, He gives us His peace and offers answers to whatever we need. Time spent with The Lord allows us to receive His perfect love, which heals all insecurities, emotional and physical pain, and weaknesses.

When we call on The Lord, it’s as though He leans forward and gives us His full attention because He longs to spend quality time with us.

In this series, we will study the answer to the disciple’s question, “Lord, teach us to pray.” As we practice our faith in prayer, we will know God’s heart, and He will know ours.

Decluttering the Heart

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 17:18:39 GMT

Downsizing and minimalism have been popular topics for many years, and our culture is consumed with having less. Decluttering has been a buzzword for at least a couple of years, and has gained momentum rather than losing steam. Social media is saturated with articles, memes, reels, and shorts that show us how to live with less. With fewer items in our closets and pantries, we can expect to have less mental stress and more peace - so we can live happily ever after, or so they would like us to believe. If only it were this easy! I enjoy learning strategies for keeping things tidy, and I do need to purge some things, but some of those content creators can seem as though they’re saying that getting rid of some things will whiten your teeth and retread your tires. It’s just a little too good to be true. However, there are some things we can clean, purge, downsize, and minimize that really will have a significant impact on your mental, physical, and spiritual health.

Psalms 51:10-12, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit.”

When Psalm 51 was written, King David had been unfaithful with a married woman, manipulated her husband, and had him killed; then, he hid his sin and waited almost a year before repenting.

1 John 1:9-10 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.”

Romans 3:23 tells us that “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”

We all need to be forgiven of our sins, confess our wrongdoing, and be cleansed of our transgressions. There isn’t anyone who hasn’t sinned, and there isn’t anyone who can’t be made right with God through His forgiveness and mercy.

I invite you to pray this prayer with me: My Father, you know the wrong things I’ve done, and just as King David, I’m asking you to cleanse my heart of all unrighteousness. Please bring back the joy I had when I first believed in you, and let Your Spirit remain in me. Thank you for redemption, Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Keeping our homes in order is a good thing, but keeping our hearts right with God is the best thing we can possibly do. Guilt and shame are like an anchor to our mind and soul, but when we live ready to repent of any wrong we have done, we have peace and are lighthearted.

No Options (Part 2)

Thu, 29 May 2025 19:30:45 GMT

Series: Forgive as The Lord Forgave You

“If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them, if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” John 20:23 (ESV)

Last week, we discussed living a life of love and forgiveness in obedience to The Lord, not to the offender. The next step in obedience is to understand that The Lord can only forgive you to the measure you have forgiven others (Matt 11:26). Many accounts in Scripture reveal that the Lord’s will for us is to show mercy because we have been given mercy (Matthew 18:21-35). We should forgive because we have been forgiven.

There are trespasses, offenses, and betrayals so deep we cannot forgive or bless the one who hurt us unless we carefully follow The Word of The Lord. Only by the power of The Holy Spirit can we forgive and bless the offender in some instances. Thankfully, The Holy Spirit is in our hearts and waiting for us to ask for help. When we ask, He will give us the power and ability to do what we could never do on our own: forgive and bless those who despitefully used us.

“If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them, if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” John 20:23

According to John 20:23, when we forgive sins, they are forgiven, but if we withhold forgiveness, we retain or withhold the sin. Do you know what happens when we keep the sins of others? We are going to commit those sins to someone else. If you withhold the sins your parents committed against you, you’re going to treat your children or coworkers, etc., just the same as you were treated. Overcorrecting is not overcoming the sin; it’s sinning in the other direction.

I have prayed you will forgive others and set them free so you will be free, to walk in the path of righteousness for The Lord’s sake. So you will forge new ground for your future and the future of those with you now and in the days to come.

Your destiny cannot happen with you anchored to the past. Let go, forgive, bless, and watch The Lord make things right for you.

No Options

Thu, 22 May 2025 19:26:42 GMT

Series: Forgive as The Lord Forgave You

“But to those who are listening I say Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27-28

Steve Jobs, the late CEO and founder of Apple, Inc., found he could streamline his morning routine by always wearing a black turtle-neck shirt and the same style of jeans (which he laid out the night before). Having fewer decisions helped him focus on bigger and more important things.

Warren Buffett, former CEO of Berkshire/Hathaway, and possibly the most successful investor in history, always had the same breakfast, at the same time, in the same seat at the McDonald’s near his home. He found that limiting his options and decisions helped to increase focus. By predetermining as many things as possible, it gave room to think about more important things, he said.

As believers, it would help us live a more productive and successful life in obedience to The Lord if we would predetermine to follow The Lord’s commands. By deciding to obey, we would be ready to forgive when offenses and disappointments come, and they will come. We risk the temptation of unforgiveness and bitterness by allowing ourselves to feel the pain and rationalize the injustice of it all.

By making up our minds to follow after God’s ways and forgive those who have trespassed against us as God has forgiven us (Matthew chapter 6), we’re taking the bullet out of the chamber of the enemy’s weapon. Instead of giving failure-to-forgive an opportunity, if we pre-decide to walk in love and live a life of forgiveness, we’re setting ourselves up to please The Lord and receive His great rewards. You may say, “I don’t need rewards, that isn’t what it’s all about for me.” The Lord’s rewards are our deepest desires and the most sincere longing of our hearts. By living as though we have no option except to obey The Lord, we’re positioned for God’s blessings. Unforgiveness and bitterness only hurt the one holding on to it, not the perpetrator of the offense.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

Decide today to live a life of love and forgiveness.

God's Love is Delivered Through Grace

Thu, 15 May 2025 19:21:53 GMT

Series: Forgive as The Lord Forgave You

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10

I worked with a fellow believer who was ambitious to a very un-Christian degree. She fiercely positioned herself against me when we first began to work together. Once, she offered to help with my responsibilities, stating she had to stay late to wait for her husband, and had nothing to do. She insisted I let her help me. I was reluctant and didn’t trust her, but it would have been obvious, so against my better judgment, I gave her some things to do for me. Predictably, her boss asked me a few days later why I was “off-loading my responsibilities” onto her. When I explained the situation, he said he wasn’t surprised and warned me about things like this in the future, and things such as this continued. I declared her an enemy (within my mind) and tried to avoid her. I prayed for her, but didn’t want to be her friend; there was too much to risk to get close to her – it seemed too expensive.

I went to Germany for meetings, and she to Italy. We planned to meet in Berlin after working separately in Europe for a few days. I met with the people I went to see and worked late each night in my hotel room; I was tired and lonely when my ambitious co-worker arrived, I gladly accepted an invitation to have dinner together, yet I set boundaries for myself as I knew she couldn’t be trusted. My battle plan was to be nice, have dinner, and get out of there before she started asking about personal things, which I knew she would later use against me.

During dinner, she began to tell about her family when she was growing up. She shared events of her father and the sexual and emotional abuse she endured. I knew what The Lord was doing – He was teaching me why she was the way she was…so I could love her. I didn’t want to love her; I wanted to run from her. As I listened, my heart broke, and I realized the person known for her selfish, ambitious ways was desperately hurting and needed love and healing. Forgiving her became much easier after understanding her past, her emotional deficits, and her pain.

God’s grace is the why ; it’s understanding the reason people are the way they are. It’s how God sees us and still loves us, and He knows why we’re the way we are, too. He understands our backstory. Every person has a story and a reason they are the way they are. God has given us a gift of grace and love so we can give that to others, including forgiveness and love.

Ask The Holy Spirit to help you forgive and love; He will.

Why It's Difficult to Forgive

Thu, 08 May 2025 19:17:20 GMT

Series: Forgive as The Lord Forgave You

“See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Hebrews 12:15

Forgiving someone who has offended or worked against you, much less betrayed you, is illogical. It doesn’t make sense to let go of things that caused pain; instead, it seems we should write ourselves notes and remind ourselves to stay away from “Blackheart Bart” because he can’t be trusted. A life submitted to God is all about letting go of our natural inclinations and trusting The Lord and His ways. Isaiah says the Lord’s ways are higher than ours, and so are His thoughts – as high as the heavens are above the earth. In those lofty thoughts and ways are wisdom, and this instruction is to make sure no one falls short of the grace of God (you and I are to extend God’s grace to everyone ), in doing so, we ensure no bitterness develops in us. The trouble with bitterness is that it doesn’t just affect the one carrying the root; it multiplies and spreads like a weed and infects those around us.

In addition to forgiveness and grace being opposite our base nature, it is the preferred tool of the enemy of your soul to derail you from hearing God’s voice. We hear The Lord’s voice through peace, inclination, His Word, Worship, and sometimes even email devotions. When we’re angry, upset, and focused on the offense someone committed against us, it causes our focus to be self-centered and isolated. God’s will is for us to focus on Him, seek His kingdom and righteousness, and see others as He sees them.

Our will, sinful nature, and the enemy’s strategy are some reasons it’s difficult to forgive those who have offended us. “But greater is He who is in me than He that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) We can do difficult things through Christ because He has given us His ability and power.

Revenge Belongs to God

Thu, 01 May 2025 19:14:08 GMT

Series: Forgive as The Lord Forgave You

“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says The Lord.” (Romans 12:19 and Leviticus 19:18)

When our middle son was about four years old, he wanted to play soccer. The league was short on coaches so when we registered Jesse to play, David signed up to help. You probably won’t be surprised, but he became the head coach of “The Lightning.” At first, the team looked like when someone steps on an ant bed, and the ants go in every direction. It was hilarious to those of us watching, but not so much to the dads on the field. One afternoon game in an effort of desperation, David held up the soccer ball in the middle of the team and yelled, “Whose ball is this?” The team of four-year-olds replied, “Mine!” He repeated this exercise several times and then told them, “Don’t let them have it!” They got it! They totally understood that they were to keep the ball and not share it with the other team. We became a really good team after the local pastor taught the children to harness their inner base nature.

I never realized our base selfish nature was a way in which we were made in God’s image. We are born programed with the desire to protect and keep what belongs to us -what we feel is rightfully ours. Our Heavenly Father is very serious about revenge belonging to Him. At times, when we are wronged and offended, we want to even a score; we want to get back at the person who hurt us instead of forgiving them. One reason is we feel they are getting away with hurting us and not having to answer for their unjust and unacceptable behavior. We feel there is no appropriate consequence unless we take revenge into our own hands. However, if we will give the situation and the offense to The Lord to handle for us, we will see the power of Isaiah 55:8 in a way we never imagined.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares The Lord.” ( Isaiah 55:8)

We were in a situation where someone worked diligently to take us down, get us fired from our job, and run us out of town, to put it in as few words as possible. I was so upset at first, I wanted to expose them and let everyone know what a terrible person they were; then, I prayed and prayed for this person and the situation. Trouble came to them in a severe and heavy way – so much so that I began to ask The Lord to have mercy on them.

When we leave consequences and revenge to its rightful owner, The Lord; He can bring things to bear we could never orchestrate no matter how much we try. Forgiveness is our job; wrath and revenge belong The Lord, let’s leave them with Him.

Forgive as The Lord Forgave You

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 19:08:08 GMT

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as The Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

Forgiving others of grievances, wrongs, or unfair treatment is hard; it’s difficult to let go when betrayed or treated unjustly. Yet that is what The Lord requires since He has done this for us. Bearing with each other is the task of dealing with another’s faults, shortcomings, and undeveloped areas.

I’ve spoken to many people about forgiveness and unforgiveness, and I cannot recall how many times I’ve heard these words: “I’ve tried to forgive, but I just can’t do it.” Over the next few weeks, I will share Scripture and personal testimonies that I pray will help you forgive those who have deeply wronged you or those you love. If you're not inclined to forgive, we'll address that as well.

First, 1 John 5:3 says, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.” Ask The Lord to help you love Him so much that you would do anything to obey Him. The Lord will never give us a command we don’t have the ability to obey. Something difficult isn’t impossible; we know all things are possible to those who believe.

Remember Matthew 19:26, “Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” On our own, it is impossible to forgive someone who is still mistreating us, but we aren’t on our own if we belong to The Lord. We aren’t living in our own strength but in His. So, we can forgive an active insulter situation as it is happening – yes, you can!

We will dive deeply into living a life of forgiveness over the next few weeks. God’s Word and His ways can set you free through the forgiveness of your sins and the forgiveness of others’ sins against you. Let’s let God change us so we can change the world for Him!

He is Risen!

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 19:01:24 GMT

Jesus is alive! If you told me a few years ago that Jesus literally rising from the dead would be a major dividing point in the Christian church in my lifetime, I don't think I would have believed it. The Lord Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are the central message of the entire Bible. God loved the world so much He sent His only Son, that whoever believes He is the Son of God, would have eternal life, and never die. (John 3:16, in my words). Jesus' death and resurrection prove He is who He said He was. The resurrection of Jesus is the truth, and believing this will set you free from every sin you have ever, or will ever, do.

To accept this most precious and valuable gift from God, you simply need to believe Jesus is the Son of God, and that He came to die for your sins so you wouldn't have to be separated from God in everlasting hell.

If you would like to take this gift from God today and accept Jesus as the Savior of your life, you can invite Him into your life by praying this prayer, and meaning it for yourself. Let my words be yours:

Jesus, I believe you are who you say you are. Thank you for coming to the world for me and dying for my sins, so I could have a relationship with my God. Please forgive me of all my sins and make my heart right with God so He can come and live in me forever. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

I would love to hear from you if you prayed this prayer and accepted Jesus into your life. If you will send an email to RhondaJohnsonMinistries@gmail.com , I will send you a little book to help you know more about your Heavenly Father and His great love for you. You just made the best decision you have ever made; great job!

Enduring for the Joy!

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 18:54:36 GMT

“…Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Jesus didn’t want to go through the torture, accusations, suffering, and death He was assigned to endure as a human. He understood His purpose, to give His life, yet He asked The Lord, “If there is any other way, please let this cup of suffering not be put on Me” (from Matthew 26:39). Then, He submitted His will to The Father, knowing and trusting it would be worth it all. He focused on the joy awaiting Him after He would experience the worst pain of any human. “…Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne” (Hebrews 12:2).

When we’re facing things we don’t want to go through: the loss of a loved one, a health crisis, the loss of a job, or the end of a cherished relationship, remember your God. Remember what He did at Calvary. Not one person expected Jesus to come to life again. Those closest to Him were thinking of themselves the morning He rose from the dead, as they feared for their lives. Jesus was tortured so severely that even Pilot responded with shock as he exclaimed, “Here He is, the Man!” (MSG) Scholars and theologians teach this phrase as meaning, “What a man!” As Jesus wasn’t expected to endure the torture of the forty lashes, He certainly wasn’t expected to live again after His death on the cross.

Those closest to you may not have confidence in your ability to come through extreme trials well, but The Word of God says, “If the same Spirit of Him who raised Christ Jesus from the dead lives in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you.” (from Romans 8:11). Remember, also, 1 John 4:4, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” Because of this, “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)

If you’re facing a battle, valley, challenge, or trial, it has been vetted by your loving Heavenly Father. You know you can come through successfully because Jesus rose from the dead, and He is alive in you! Let it be said of you, “Because of the joy awaiting them, they endured the trials of life as they trusted in The Lord."

Belonging

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 18:47:36 GMT

“My beloved is mine and I am His; He pastures His flock among the lilies.” Song of Solomon 2:16

A few years ago, many people realized the desire to belong. It seems the need for connection was felt on a global scale. The church made efforts to respond and include those feeling disassociated into fellowship; however, the greatest invitation to belong comes from the lover of our souls. The Lord God Himself wants you to know you are HIS, and He is yours. To belong to The Lord is to know He can be trusted at all times, in every situation; for Him to belong to you is to understand you will never be without the greatest friend, Father, and brother alongside you.

If you’re ever tempted to believe God has failed you, understand that there are things you don’t understand. You belong to God, and He will never fail you. He belongs to you, and you can always depend on Him - this doesn’t mean everything will go as we hope or even pray, but everything will go in a way that will be good for you when all things are worked together.

Psalm 118:2 says, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” He is mine; He is yours; we have Him. He is with us all the time and will never leave us, nor will He abandon us. We can count on Him because He isn’t like those who have let us down – He is God, our God, and we can give Him all our trust. You belong to God, and He belongs to you.

Think About What You're Thinking

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 18:38:50 GMT

Series: Mind Your Mind (Part 3)

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

The pattern of this world is to say, “I can’t help what I’m thinking, thoughts just pop into my mind.” While this is true, thoughts do randomly come into our minds; Scripture tells us many times to guard, transform, take captive, and think about or contemplate what we’re allowing to stay in our thoughts - this is an alert that lets us know we can learn to focus our thoughts and decide what stays and what goes.

For too many years, I allowed negative thoughts to hang around and influence my mood, my attitude, and, by default, my life. When I realized God wanted me to think differently than those who didn’t belong to Him, by being transformed by my thoughts, I began to ask Him for help. I had reoccurring failures and shame that I believe the enemy kept on a constant loop in my brain when I would do mundane tasks, like loading the dishwasher or driving. When I realized The Lord wanted me to do better, I got serious. I put notes on the bathroom mirror with Scriptures; I put a verse on the screensaver of my phone (I still have a saying on my phone to help me with a current issue). I went to war, and I told Satan, “If you terrorize me with thoughts, you’re going to hear God’s Word.” It was shocking how quickly I noticed a difference and how quickly the thoughts stopped.

The model for this world is to go with the flow and allow the enemy to rule our minds, but we can overcome this by changing the way we think with the power of God’s Word. His Word renews our minds and allows us to know God’s perfect will – and that is to have pleasant thoughts, such as Philippians 4:8, “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Being mindful of our thinking elevates our lives.

Mind Your Mind (Part 2)

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 18:00:08 GMT

1 Samuel 30:6 says, “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and daughters; but David encouraged himself in The Lord.”

David was anointed to replace Saul several years before the time when he encouraged himself; however, Saul wasn’t ready to step down from being King even though God was not leading him any longer. As you remember, Saul’s primary mission in life was to kill David so his children would succeed him on the throne and not David.

David went from being used by God to soothe and minister to his King to being anointed his successor and then running for his life. In 1 Samuel 30:6, David began to fight for the Philistine army when they were fighting against the enemies of Israel. He had a group of rag-tag followers who were outcasts who fought alongside him. When the Philistines would fight against Israel, however, they wouldn’t allow David and his mighty men to fight with them, in fear they would fight for Israel and turn on them. For this reason, David and his men were returning home to Ziklag after being rejected by the Philistines when they found their camp had been seized by another enemy who took their wives, sons, and daughters. At this, David’s men turned on him and began to speak of stoning him. I’m beginning to feel things aren’t so bad in my life right now.

Then David reminded himself who he was; he may have quoted Psalm 91 or 93, but he encouraged himself in The Lord. After seeking The Lord’s direction in prayer, The Lord spoke to David and told him to go and “recover all” (1 Sam.30:8) - and that’s precisely what David and his men did, they recovered all that was taken from them.

I believe the difference between those who live with an attitude of constant loss and hopelessness and those who overcome and recover all is the ability and will to encourage themselves in The Lord, then ask for His direction. It’s God’s will for us to “Prosper, as our soul prospers, and be in good health.”
3 John 2, “Beloved, I pray that in every way you may succeed and prosper and be in good health [physically], just as your soul prospers [spiritually] AMP.” David guarded his thoughts about his situation and saw better days, and we can, too, but we must be mindful of our minds.

Mind Your Mind

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 15:24:52 GMT

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2

Over 25 years ago, we were in London for the first time; every time we boarded the subway, we would hear a recording with a heavy British accent say, “Mind the gap!” If you don’t know, this was a warning to watch out for the space between the train car and the platform from which we were boarding. During the entire ride on the subway, these words are repeatedly heard at every stop. Mind, or watch out for the gap!

To “mind” something means to attend to it closely, according to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary. Scripture gives many instructions for us to attend to our thoughts and minds. The Lord is a good Father, He wouldn’t give us commands and instructions to do something we have no control over – that would set us up for failure and we know The Lord would never do that. If The Word tells us to “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” As in Colossians 3:2, we know it can be done; even if we have to pray and ask The Lord to help us obey – we can do it.

To live a productive life of love and overcome the traps the enemy sets for us, we must pre-determine to closely attend to our minds and thoughts. A negative thought that pops into our minds isn’t a sin and can have little effect on us if we capture it quickly and refocus, but when we allow ourselves to relive failures and wallow in negative thoughts, they can become sinful and impact our lives significantly. The Lord desires for you to live a successful life in Him. Setting our minds on things above is a tool in our hands if we will use it. To live successful lives for God, we should mind our minds and attend to every thought closely.

Are You Looking More Like Jesus?

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:13:13 GMT

“For His sake I have lost everything, and I consider it all garbage, so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having any righteousness of my own derived from the Law and its rituals, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith. And this, so that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, by being continually conformed to His death, so that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained it or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own. ” Philippians 3:8-12

Paul considered himself the Jew of all Jews and was “blameless in keeping the law.” He was well educated and had climbed the ladder of success as a Pharisee until he was revered and honored by all the leaders of the Jews. His persecution of the Church was his passion and he did it with great zeal.

Yet, after his experience with The Lord on the road to Damascus, we see in his letter to the Philippians, that he considers his accomplishments as garbage compared to his desire to “know Christ Jesus”. When we experience The Lord, we gain a deep desire to know Him more. If we would like to experience The Lord, we only need to make time for Him in prayer and tell The Lord what is on our hearts. Remember, in the Lord’s presence is fullness of joy, so you have only a life-changing meeting to look forward to and nothing to fear.

Paul changed from zealously killing followers of Jesus to wanting to know Him and the power of His resurrection - and the fellowship of His sufferings. Jesus desires to change us in this way, too, but these life-altering, motive-shifting changes occur by experiencing the Lord. Paul wanted to be conformed by Jesus’ death and die to His sinful desires every day. He was willing to suffer whatever consequences those actions brought. Paul was willing to be stoned, imprisoned, cursed, and left for dead, if it meant sharing that Jesus was the Son of God and the Messiah.

If we aren’t continually being molded into Christ’s image and likeness, we will decline in our faith. Nothing maintains the status quo – every living thing is in a state of change. We’re either growing in our relationship with The Lord or declining in our faith. Paul said he “constantly pressed on to obtain that which Jesus took hold of him.” Are you pressing? Are you asking The Lord for an experience with Him? Is your prayer life growing more meaningful or more boring? I want to encourage you to press and ask The Lord for more of who He is so you can become more like He would like you to be. When you press to gain ground in your relationship with The Lord, you will fulfill your purpose and destiny at a higher level.

“…but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own.” Philippians 3:8-12

Is God's Will Always Done?

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:07:15 GMT

Is God’s will always done? Is what happens on the earth and in our lives always what God wants? In recent years, I’ve heard several say, “It happened, so we know it’s God’s will.” I want to share some scriptures to show how there are times when God’s will cannot be altered or stopped and how many times God’s will isn’t done.

In Isaiah 9:6, for example, The Lord gives a prophecy of the coming Savior of the world to Isaiah and, says, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; And the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

The enemy, Satan, tried to stop the Savior’s birth (in Matthew 2:16-18) by working through Herod to kill all the male babies who were under two years old, but nothing can thwart the plans of The Lord. In instances such as Jesus coming into the world and Him returning for His bride (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17), nothing can stop God’s will from being done.

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world He sent His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This is the clearest definition of God’s will I can find. Does everyone believe in Him? Does everyone have everlasting life? Sadly, no, God’s will isn’t always done.

Some events and things are God’s will that nothing can stop, and terrible things happen to good people that break God’s heart. When sin entered the world, mankind allowed the perfect world God created for us to become hostile and tainted in every way with evil.

When we’re tempted to blame The Lord God, remember that He made a paradise for Adam and Eve; they chose to disobey and open doors for things that were against God’s will to come into the earth. Our sin continues to allow evil to reign in the world God made, but the foundation of our faith is that God is good.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17

God's will is always done in heaven; until we're there with The Lord, it's our job to pray and ask for His will to be done here, as it is in heaven (Matthew chapter 6).

If It Isn't Good, It Isn't Over

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 17:08:58 GMT

“All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord, who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Everyone faces challenges and hardships, and when we do, it’s most important to turn to the one who loves you the most and cling to Him, the Lord your Salvation, the Lover of your soul. We can trust Him because He is good and will not give us more trouble than we can bear. As believers, we know our pain and sorrow have purpose; God will use our pain for many good reasons. Romans 8:28 says, “All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord, who are called according to His purpose.” So, if you haven’t seen good come from your bad situation, God isn’t finished yet.

When we deal with hardships, it is an opportunity to trust and believe God’s Word. Trust that He would never take something from us but will use every situation for good; with God, nothing is wasted, not even our pain. When faced with a choice to trust or blame God, we can have faith in God’s Word. He will reward us for our trust in Him.

The Lord prepares us for trials and ensures we’re capable of leaning on Him before allowing them access to our lives. Psalm 46:1 says, “…God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.” Corey Ten Boom described her family’s tragic experience during her time in a Nazi concentration camp during WWII by saying, “Sometimes His presence was so near it was total darkness.” Psalm 119:111 says, “Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart” (ESV) - This means if he was so close and so near the Ten Boom family, He will do the same for you, His testimonies are our heritage, too.

“Man is born to trouble, as surely as sparks fly upward.” Job 5:7
Edwin Louis Cole said, “Crisis is normal to life,” and God promises that His goodness is normal to His children. If it isn’t good, it isn’t over; you can trust the Lord.