Comfort and Courage in Grievous Times
Have you felt the grief over all kinds of news worldwide lately? Grief. That word describes how many feel as hate, gossip, and anger combust in conversations and actions throughout our country and around the world. Rocket-fast news coverage from unverified sources and AI fallacies add mud to the murky water of media.
Honestly, we have reached a point where sometimes it is difficult to know what news item is true and whom to believe. But we need not despair. We must instead prioritize prayer and actively loving God and others. Let’s cover ways to re-center after feeling burned-out or discouraged.
How do we respond and pray proactively? Well, each of us individually must pray for discernment and repentance. Keep sharing the truth with love –not a shove. No one is perfect. Each person needs to repent (turn from anti-God ways) and listen to God instead of our own hearts. God’s heart for us –His love, His holiness, His goodness— exceed description. We must seek His heart and give Him our own.
Turn to the One on the throne forever. No matter what media or AI adds to our newsfeeds, remember Whom we know and what we do know: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ without holding anything back. Enjoy His Lordship and lean on His loving arms. We know that our Lord Jesus is on the throne. He remains sovereign. He knows everything. And His return remains inevitable. That’s very powerful and comforting.
Ask centenarians: Life is short. Human leaders appear and fade fast. But God is the ultimate King of kings. He is the One Who truly knows everything, He is the One Who is in charge, and He is the One in Whom we can fully trust. He suffered, bled, and died on the cross for us. We sinners are the ones who deserved that, but He made that indescribable sacrifice in our place. He conquered death and sin on our behalf. He then rose again and prepared a place for us in heaven. (Wow, praise the Lord!)
Take courage and comfort in Christ! Do not give up loving God and doing what is right in His sight. He is with us and for us. When our hope is anchored in Jesus, storms suddenly minimize in comparison to Christ. We can face any challenge with confidence in Him. We can rest securely in Him. He will never leave us, and our hope in Christ our Lord will never be misplaced. Here are a few key Bible verses and truths that we hope will be a comfort and assurance during these trying days:
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Finally, please join us as we pray for God to lead all leaders –whether they realize it or note. Pray for our country to truly turn to Him.
In summary, America needs more real, repentant, passionate prayer. Amen? Pray harder for America. May God shed His grace on us.
Please join us in praying for our country, our leaders, and our servicemen and women and their families. There is so much happening both seen and unseen. Pray for repentance and that hearts will turn to Jesus Christ, the One Who loves us most. Click here to learn more about how to know Jesus personally and continue reading below.
And remember: Everyone who follows Jesus never regrets it. And, once we’re with Him, we’ll have perfect perspective and understanding. Be encouraged: God is with us and for us. Christ will return and make all things right! Walk with the Lord and pray on.
With prayers,Carrie and Stacie
Honestly, we have reached a point where sometimes it is difficult to know what news item is true and whom to believe. But we need not despair. We must instead prioritize prayer and actively loving God and others. Let’s cover ways to re-center after feeling burned-out or discouraged.
How do we respond and pray proactively? Well, each of us individually must pray for discernment and repentance. Keep sharing the truth with love –not a shove. No one is perfect. Each person needs to repent (turn from anti-God ways) and listen to God instead of our own hearts. God’s heart for us –His love, His holiness, His goodness— exceed description. We must seek His heart and give Him our own.
Turn to the One on the throne forever. No matter what media or AI adds to our newsfeeds, remember Whom we know and what we do know: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ without holding anything back. Enjoy His Lordship and lean on His loving arms. We know that our Lord Jesus is on the throne. He remains sovereign. He knows everything. And His return remains inevitable. That’s very powerful and comforting.
Ask centenarians: Life is short. Human leaders appear and fade fast. But God is the ultimate King of kings. He is the One Who truly knows everything, He is the One Who is in charge, and He is the One in Whom we can fully trust. He suffered, bled, and died on the cross for us. We sinners are the ones who deserved that, but He made that indescribable sacrifice in our place. He conquered death and sin on our behalf. He then rose again and prepared a place for us in heaven. (Wow, praise the Lord!)
Take courage and comfort in Christ! Do not give up loving God and doing what is right in His sight. He is with us and for us. When our hope is anchored in Jesus, storms suddenly minimize in comparison to Christ. We can face any challenge with confidence in Him. We can rest securely in Him. He will never leave us, and our hope in Christ our Lord will never be misplaced. Here are a few key Bible verses and truths that we hope will be a comfort and assurance during these trying days:
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Finally, please join us as we pray for God to lead all leaders –whether they realize it or note. Pray for our country to truly turn to Him.
In summary, America needs more real, repentant, passionate prayer. Amen? Pray harder for America. May God shed His grace on us.
Please join us in praying for our country, our leaders, and our servicemen and women and their families. There is so much happening both seen and unseen. Pray for repentance and that hearts will turn to Jesus Christ, the One Who loves us most. Click here to learn more about how to know Jesus personally and continue reading below.
And remember: Everyone who follows Jesus never regrets it. And, once we’re with Him, we’ll have perfect perspective and understanding. Be encouraged: God is with us and for us. Christ will return and make all things right! Walk with the Lord and pray on.
With prayers,Carrie and Stacie
How to Know Jesus
Question: How do Stacie and Carrie know they'll go to Heaven?
Answer: It's not because of what they've done or who they are. It's because Jesus lives in them. Anything good in them is because of Jesus in them. They know God and His love in a personal way. They've followed what God said in His book: the Bible. They invited Jesus to be their Savior and Lord. You, too, can know God. Yes, He really does love you!
Take His Word for it:For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. -John 3:16 (NKJV)
For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard.-Rom. 3:23 (NLV)
For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God's anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us... -Rom. 3:25 (NLV)
That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. -Rom. 10:9 (NKJV)
Understand that God loves you with infinite love! God is good, holy and righteous and we fall short of His perfection. So we need a Mediator, Jesus, who lovingly took our punishment for all our mistakes.
Believe that Jesus is God's Son that took your punishment. He took your punishment for all your sins (anti-God ways) and that He rose from the dead for you, __________.
Repent (turn away from) your sins (anti-God ways) and submit yourself to Him as your Lord.
Receive Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord. Talk to God and give your life to Jesus.
Pray from your heart. If it helps, pray something like this:
God, I understand now...You sent Jesus to share Your love and make it possible for me to be Yours. Please forgive me for all my sins. Jesus, I believe you took my punishment on the cross and that you rose from the dead for me personally. I turn away from doing things "my way" and ask that You rule my life, Jesus. I receive You as my Savior and Lord. I put my trust in You not in the things I do. I love You.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Welcome into God's family! You are now His! Get connected with a loving, Bible-based church, enjoy the supreme joy of being baptized, and savor the Savior's love forever! Read the Bible. (If you don't have one, start reading the Gospel of John by clicking here.)
He'll never divorce you. He'll never die. He'll never change. He loves you! Enjoy loving and obeying Jesus and experiencing His love forever and ever! If you'd like prayer or more information, e-mail us anytime.
Answer: It's not because of what they've done or who they are. It's because Jesus lives in them. Anything good in them is because of Jesus in them. They know God and His love in a personal way. They've followed what God said in His book: the Bible. They invited Jesus to be their Savior and Lord. You, too, can know God. Yes, He really does love you!
Take His Word for it:For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. -John 3:16 (NKJV)
For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard.-Rom. 3:23 (NLV)
For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God's anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us... -Rom. 3:25 (NLV)
That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. -Rom. 10:9 (NKJV)
Understand that God loves you with infinite love! God is good, holy and righteous and we fall short of His perfection. So we need a Mediator, Jesus, who lovingly took our punishment for all our mistakes.
Believe that Jesus is God's Son that took your punishment. He took your punishment for all your sins (anti-God ways) and that He rose from the dead for you, __________.
Repent (turn away from) your sins (anti-God ways) and submit yourself to Him as your Lord.
Receive Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord. Talk to God and give your life to Jesus.
Pray from your heart. If it helps, pray something like this:
God, I understand now...You sent Jesus to share Your love and make it possible for me to be Yours. Please forgive me for all my sins. Jesus, I believe you took my punishment on the cross and that you rose from the dead for me personally. I turn away from doing things "my way" and ask that You rule my life, Jesus. I receive You as my Savior and Lord. I put my trust in You not in the things I do. I love You.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Welcome into God's family! You are now His! Get connected with a loving, Bible-based church, enjoy the supreme joy of being baptized, and savor the Savior's love forever! Read the Bible. (If you don't have one, start reading the Gospel of John by clicking here.)
He'll never divorce you. He'll never die. He'll never change. He loves you! Enjoy loving and obeying Jesus and experiencing His love forever and ever! If you'd like prayer or more information, e-mail us anytime.
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Featured Bible Verse
Featured Quote
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"The gospel is this: we are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time, we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope" -Dr. Timothy Keller, 1950-2023
Finding Hope In Your Darkest Times
Sheila Walsh sits down with Pastor Greg Laurie as he shares the story of his upbringing, coming to Christ, and finding hope in God in the midst of many tragedies.
Unite the USA's
Featured Veteran of the Month: Salvatore Giunta
Salvatore Giunta was from Iowa and he became a Medal of Honor recipient after serving in the War in Afghanistan.
Why Does God Allow Suffering In The World?
Here is a helpful Q and A with Billy Graham from the past and it seems timely to share today.Q. Why does God allow suffering in the world?
A. There are no easy answers to the question of the purpose of suffering and evil. The tendency is to blame God for these conditions, but He did not create them. They came as a result of man’s disobedience to God, beginning back in the Garden of Eden; see Genesis 3:16-19.
Often suffering and adversity are brought about by disregard of God’s will or by the direct efforts of Satan or by natural disasters in a physical world which is also affected by man’s sin and the resulting judgment. God, however, has offered the most effective solution possible by giving His Son to die for all.
Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price when He suffered and died on the cross, having taken upon Himself the sin of the world and all of its horrible consequences. When Jesus returns in power and glory, there will be a new world completely free from sin with its sorrow and suffering (Revelation, chapters 21 and 22).
We can be sure that God in His divine purpose desires to bring about in us the greatest good and to allow suffering to be a means of discipline to cultivate love, patience, grace, and faith in our lives. God never asks us to understand; we need only trust Him in the same way that we expect our earthly children to trust our love.
Peace comes when we realize we are able to see only a few threads in the great tapestry of life and of God’s plan. Then we can affirm with great joy and assurance that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
The way we react to suffering will determine whether life’s most tragic experiences bring bitterness and despair or become sources of blessing. The greatest joy will come when, in the midst of adversity, we look up into God’s face and say, “I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:18).
It is then that His promise will be most meaningful, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” (Isaiah 43:2).
Find peace with God today.
A. There are no easy answers to the question of the purpose of suffering and evil. The tendency is to blame God for these conditions, but He did not create them. They came as a result of man’s disobedience to God, beginning back in the Garden of Eden; see Genesis 3:16-19.
Often suffering and adversity are brought about by disregard of God’s will or by the direct efforts of Satan or by natural disasters in a physical world which is also affected by man’s sin and the resulting judgment. God, however, has offered the most effective solution possible by giving His Son to die for all.
Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price when He suffered and died on the cross, having taken upon Himself the sin of the world and all of its horrible consequences. When Jesus returns in power and glory, there will be a new world completely free from sin with its sorrow and suffering (Revelation, chapters 21 and 22).
We can be sure that God in His divine purpose desires to bring about in us the greatest good and to allow suffering to be a means of discipline to cultivate love, patience, grace, and faith in our lives. God never asks us to understand; we need only trust Him in the same way that we expect our earthly children to trust our love.
Peace comes when we realize we are able to see only a few threads in the great tapestry of life and of God’s plan. Then we can affirm with great joy and assurance that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
The way we react to suffering will determine whether life’s most tragic experiences bring bitterness and despair or become sources of blessing. The greatest joy will come when, in the midst of adversity, we look up into God’s face and say, “I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:18).
It is then that His promise will be most meaningful, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” (Isaiah 43:2).
Find peace with God today.
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