How to Build Strong Character

Our Daily Pain

Matthew 4:4: Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. ‘”

Prayer:

Abba Father God, I am grateful for all the plans You have made for my life. Because You are in control, can place my hope in you even when I face trouble. going forward, please help me to have honest conversations with You when my future feels unclear. In Jesus’ name, Amen.🙏❤

John 6:35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Jesus replied, “I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God’s kingdom!”
Then everyone who has faith in the Son of Man will have eternal life. God loved the people of this world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who has faith in Him will have eternal life and never really die.  God did not send His Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent Him to save them!
(John 3:3;15-17 CEV)
So you will be saved, if you honestly say, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death. (Romans 10:9 CEV)

THANK GOD. Christ Brings Real-Life

You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following Him.  Plant your roots in Christ and let Him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.
(Colossians 2:6-7 CEV)
My friends, I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you! (Galatians 6:18 CEV)Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. (Ephesians 6:10 CEV)
In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

God Bless You

Friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble.  You know you learn to endure by having your faith tested.  But you must learn to endure everything, so you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. (James 1:2-4)

The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. (Psalm 34:10) ❤️❤️❤️

 I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. May the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope. (Romans 15:13 CEV)
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,  for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)


Christians have a unique hope in Jesus–we know that Jesus is victorious over evil and will one day return to make everything right. This means we can have hope in the midst of suffering or difficult times.

Paul knew that affliction produces steadfast character within us. When we choose to endure through suffering, Jesus forms strength and confidence within us that we couldn’t attain otherwise.

But perseverance through affliction also requires constant communication with the One who transforms us through His love. Prayer is a vital part of this. It is the primary way we communicate with God, and it’s also part of how the Holy Spirit strengthens us for following Jesus.

These three things create within us a stronger character in life. They mold us into the image of Jesus who was joyful in hope, patient in suffering, and faithful in prayer. So today, take some time to think of a few ways that you can become more like Jesus in these areas.

❤️❤️❤️

Enduring Setbacks

Our Daily Pain

Matthew 4:4: Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. ‘”

Prayer:

Abba Father God, You are mighty and worthy of all my praise! When I feel overwhelmed, You want to support me. When I feel discouraged, You want to encourage me. When I feel hopeless and alone, You surround and protect me. I will praise You because You are my source of strength. Nothing is impossible for You, and You are for me! In Jesus’ name, Amen.🙏❤

John 6:35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Jesus replied, “I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God’s kingdom!”
Then everyone who has faith in the Son of Man will have eternal life. God loved the people of this world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who has faith in Him will have eternal life and never really die.  God did not send His Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent Him to save them!
(John 3:3;15-17 CEV)
So you will be saved, if you honestly say, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death. (Romans 10:9 CEV)

THANK GOD. Christ Brings Real-Life

You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following Him.  Plant your roots in Christ and let Him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.
(Colossians 2:6-7 CEV)
My friends, I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you! (Galatians 6:18 CEV)Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. (Ephesians 6:10 CEV)
In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

God Bless You

Friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble.  You know you learn to endure by having your faith tested.  But you must learn to endure everything, so you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. (James 1:2-4)

The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. (Psalm 34:10) ❤️❤️❤️

 I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. May the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope. (Romans 15:13 CEV)
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,  for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)


As a teenager, David was anointed as the next king of Israel. But instead of ascending to the throne in a blaze of glory, he spent years running from Israel’s current king (his father-in-law) who repeatedly tried to kill him. 

During this time, David laments to God: that he has honest conversations about his situation while holding onto the hope that God can—and will—restore him. Psalm 59 is the result of one of those conversations.  

David’s laments allowed him to express his grief, cry out for justice, and remember God’s faithfulness. Focusing on God’s faithfulness reminded David of God’s character, and knowing God’s character helped him hold onto hope. That’s why he could say, “But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” (Psalm 59:16 NIV)

Talking honestly with God helped David recognize that even though his current situation wasn’t good, God was still good, and still worthy of being worshiped. David believed that God was still in control, and that he would one day see the fulfillment of God’s promises.

And one day, God’s promises did come to pass. But God didn’t waste the years David spent as a fugitive: instead, He used them to help David become the leader and warrior Israel needed. The setbacks David endured actually strengthened his character and prepared him for his future purpose. Although his circumstances were painful, God was faithful. 

And God can—and will—be faithful with your life. 

When you place your hope in Jesus, you never grieve in vain because the God who is now is also the God who will be forever. And He is constantly advocating and acting on your behalf. That’s why, no matter what you face, you can hold onto this hope: Jesus can turn your setbacks and sorrows into setups for your good and His glory. 

God can take your pain and use it for His purposes. He can make a way through your desert seasons. He is your source of strength and your refuge in times of trouble. Nothing is impossible for God. 

So today, continue to draw closer to Him and look for evidence of His faithfulness. As you intentionally pursue God, look for ways to worship Him as David did.

❤️❤️❤️

Pray for Who?

Our Daily Pain

Matthew 4:4: Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. ‘”

Prayer:

Abba Father God, it can be difficult to love those who have mistreated me, but I know You love them so I want to love them- so I want to love them too. Encourage me to pray for those I am too hurt to be around. Give me the courage to go out of my way and be kind to those who are unkind. And provide me with the strength I need to forgive them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.🙏❤

John 6:35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Jesus replied, “I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God’s kingdom!”
Then everyone who has faith in the Son of Man will have eternal life. God loved the people of this world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who has faith in Him will have eternal life and never really die.  God did not send His Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent Him to save them!
(John 3:3;15-17 CEV)
So you will be saved, if you honestly say, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death. (Romans 10:9 CEV)

THANK GOD. Christ Brings Real-Life

You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following Him.  Plant your roots in Christ and let Him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.
(Colossians 2:6-7 CEV)
My friends, I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you! (Galatians 6:18 CEV)Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. (Ephesians 6:10 CEV)
In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

God Bless You

Friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble.  You know you learn to endure by having your faith tested.  But you must learn to endure everything, so you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. (James 1:2-4)

The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. (Psalm 34:10) ❤️❤️❤️

 I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. May the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope. (Romans 15:13 CEV)
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,  for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)


If you find it hard to bless those who mistreat you, begin with prayer. Between you and God in prayer, ask Him to help soften your heart. Ask Him for justice in a specific situation, but also for there to be restoration.

Every person who exists is a person Jesus wants to love. And when we take steps to love those who are unloving, we’re showing the love of Jesus to someone who needs it. As we take steps to pray for those who mistreat us, we become more like Jesus.

❤️❤️❤️

Healed by His Wounds

Our Daily Pain

Matthew 4:4: Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. ‘”

Prayer:

Jesus thank You for forgiveness of my sins. For righteousness through faith. For healing. The only way was through Your sacrifice on the cross. You gave everything so I could be made whole and have life with You. Thank You! Help me live with that truth as the foundation of everything I am and do. In Your name, I pray, Amen. 🙏❤

John 6:35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Jesus replied, “I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God’s kingdom!”
Then everyone who has faith in the Son of Man will have eternal life. God loved the people of this world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who has faith in Him will have eternal life and never really die.  God did not send His Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent Him to save them!
(John 3:3;15-17 CEV)
So you will be saved, if you honestly say, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death. (Romans 10:9 CEV)

THANK GOD. Christ Brings Real-Life

You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following Him.  Plant your roots in Christ and let Him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.
(Colossians 2:6-7 CEV)
My friends, I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you! (Galatians 6:18 CEV)Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. (Ephesians 6:10 CEV)
In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

God Bless You

Friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble.  You know you learn to endure by having your faith tested.  But you must learn to endure everything, so you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. (James 1:2-4)

The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. (Psalm 34:10) ❤️❤️❤️

 I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. May the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope. (Romans 15:13 CEV)
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,  for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)


Brokenness. We see it all around us. We experience it ourselves: in our relationships, in our dreams, in our bodies. And yet, something happened over two thousand years ago that still has the power to heal that brokenness.  
 
1 Peter 2:24 says, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”
 

Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, took the weight of our sins upon Himself. He carried them to the cross, giving up His life not because of His own wrongdoing, but because of ours. This is the essence of the Gospel. Through His sacrifice, He offered us a path out of darkness and into His light—a life transformed by His grace. 

Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we’ve been given a profound healing of our spirits; new life taking the place of sins and darkness that separate us from God. Through His wounds, we are offered forgiveness and a new relationship with God, healed and whole.  

Understanding His sacrifice transforms us. We can’t live in darkness anymore. Brokenness may surround us, but it is no longer within us. His righteousness washes over us. His healing wells up within us. Our entire life shifts as a response to the profound love and sacrifice Jesus showed us, and the healing that He alone can provide.❤️❤️❤️

Righteous by Faith

Our Daily Pain

Matthew 4:4: Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. ‘”

Prayer:

Abba Father God, I am not ashamed of the Gospel. I am so grateful for Your love for me, and I want to share Your goodness with the world. Help me to be bold in my faith, to love others well, and to live a life that honors You. Guide me as I walk with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 🙏❤

John 6:35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Jesus replied, “I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God’s kingdom!”
Then everyone who has faith in the Son of Man will have eternal life. God loved the people of this world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who has faith in Him will have eternal life and never really die.  God did not send His Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent Him to save them!
(John 3:3;15-17 CEV)
So you will be saved, if you honestly say, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death. (Romans 10:9 CEV)

THANK GOD. Christ Brings Real-Life

You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following Him.  Plant your roots in Christ and let Him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.
(Colossians 2:6-7 CEV)
My friends, I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you! (Galatians 6:18 CEV)Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. (Ephesians 6:10 CEV)
In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

God Bless You

Friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble.  You know you learn to endure by having your faith tested.  But you must learn to endure everything, so you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. (James 1:2-4)

The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. (Psalm 34:10) ❤️❤️❤️

 I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. May the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope. (Romans 15:13 CEV)
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,  for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)


A core component of the Gospel message is the righteousness of God— which essentially means that God acts rightly toward humanity.

Since God is righteous and holy, and we are not, we couldn’t approach God on our own. There needed to be a solution to bridge the gap between us. God sent Jesus in our place to be that bridge. This way, Jesus could make a way for us to have a relationship with Him again, and God would still be righteous.
There is no amount of good work we can do to earn a relationship with God. Instead of measuring righteousness by good deeds or some other metric—God looks at our hearts. He looks to see whether or not we have faith in Jesus. Everyone who comes to God must do so through faith. We can have a relationship with God if we believe in Jesus and walk in faith. As we do that, we are made new in Christ. Our old ways and old habits are gone, and we can now walk in the newness of life with Jesus. 
Spend some time today thinking about what Jesus has done for you on the cross where He gave His life on your behalf. What areas of your life can you live by faith, rather than trying to earn God’s favor? Rest in His presence knowing that you are accepted and made new because of your faith in Jesus.
❤️❤️❤️

What Do You Crave?

Our Daily Pain

Matthew 4:4: Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. ‘”

Prayer:

Abba Father God, You put the thirst and hunger for righteousness in my heart, and You alone can satisfy it. Please help me to hold on to the hope that You offer, and to show Your to everyone. Give me the patience to endure an imperfect world as I wait for You to come back and make all things right. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 🙏❤

John 6:35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Jesus replied, “I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God’s kingdom!”
Then everyone who has faith in the Son of Man will have eternal life. God loved the people of this world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who has faith in Him will have eternal life and never really die.  God did not send His Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent Him to save them!
(John 3:3;15-17 CEV)

So you will be saved, if you honestly say, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death. (Romans 10:9 CEV)

THANK GOD. Christ Brings Real-Life

You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following Him.  Plant your roots in Christ and let Him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.
(Colossians 2:6-7 CEV)

My friends, I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you! (Galatians 6:18 CEV)

Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. (Ephesians 6:10 CEV)

In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

God Bless You

Friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble.  You know you learn to endure by having your faith tested.  But you must learn to endure everything, so you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. (James 1:2-4)

The lions may grow weak and hungry,

    but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. 

(Psalm 34:10) ❤️❤️❤️

 I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. May the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope. (Romans 15:13 CEV)

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,  for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)


Every day, multiple times a day, little alarms are triggered inside your brain. They make your stomach growl, your mouth water, or your mind become fixed on that which you crave.

God gave us physical needs that mirror our spiritual needs, too. Needs that must be met to stay healthy and alive. Needs that must be satisfied over and over again. Food is often used in the Bible as a metaphor for our spiritual needs (it’s called “our daily bread” in Matthew and the “pure milk” of the Word in 1 Peter, to name a couple.)

In the fourth beatitude, which is a series of promises Jesus made about God’s Kingdom, Jesus said this:

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
Matthew 5:6 NIV

Do you long for righteousness and justice? Do you desire the ways of God? Do you yearn for His kingdom to come? Do you want to be someone who chases after that which can never truly satisfy or someone who hungers and thirsts after God?

In this upside-down kingdom where Jesus is Lord, the poor can be rich, the weak can be strong, and the empty can be filled.

Jesus Christ not only holds the keys to “living water,” but He is the “Bread of Life.” So, when you feel Him prompting your heart—to fight for justice, to love the unloved, to stand up for what’s right (even when it’s not popular)—pay attention.

He stands ready to fill you with everything you need.

❤️❤️❤️

Generosity and Provision

Our Daily Pain

Matthew 4:4: Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. ‘”

Prayer:

Abba Father God, You are so generous. I can never outgive You! You are the Giver of every good thing. Thank You. Help me to have a heart of generosity that reflects Your heart. Thank You for inviting me to trust You with everything I have. It’s all Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.🙏❤

John 6:35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Jesus replied, “I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God’s kingdom!”
Then everyone who has faith in the Son of Man will have eternal life. God loved the people of this world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who has faith in Him will have eternal life and never really die.  God did not send His Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent Him to save them!
(John 3:3;15-17 CEV)

So you will be saved, if you honestly say, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death. (Romans 10:9 CEV)

THANK GOD. Christ Brings Real-Life

You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following Him.  Plant your roots in Christ and let Him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.
(Colossians 2:6-7 CEV)

My friends, I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you! (Galatians 6:18 CEV)

Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. (Ephesians 6:10 CEV)

In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

God Bless You

Friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble.  You know you learn to endure by having your faith tested.  But you must learn to endure everything, so you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. (James 1:2-4)

The lions may grow weak and hungry,

    but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. 

(Psalm 34:10) ❤️❤️❤️

 I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. May the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope. (Romans 15:13 CEV)

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,  for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)


Today, this verse prompts us to examine our generosity. Are we holding back, or are we trusting God with all we have? We get to bring our whole tithe to God, not out of obligation but out of faith. We get to say ‘yes’ to God’s invitation to experience His provision in everything, and even provide for others.

❤️❤️❤️

Keep Practicing

Our Daily Pain

Matthew 4:4: Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. ‘”

Prayer:

Abba Father God, thank You for teaching me through Your Word. and thank You for placing people in my life that inspire me to draw close to You. As I go about my day, please surround me with opportunities to learn more about You, and apply what I learn. Let me be on the lookout for ways to deepen my relationship with You, and the people You love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.🙏❤

John 6:35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Jesus replied, “I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God’s kingdom!”
Then everyone who has faith in the Son of Man will have eternal life. God loved the people of this world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who has faith in Him will have eternal life and never really die.  God did not send His Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent Him to save them!
(John 3:3;15-17 CEV)

So you will be saved, if you honestly say, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death. (Romans 10:9 CEV)

THANK GOD. Christ Brings Real-Life

You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following Him.  Plant your roots in Christ and let Him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.
(Colossians 2:6-7 CEV)

My friends, I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you! (Galatians 6:18 CEV)

Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. (Ephesians 6:10 CEV)

In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

God Bless You

Friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble.  You know you learn to endure by having your faith tested.  But you must learn to endure everything, so you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. (James 1:2-4)

The lions may grow weak and hungry,

    but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. 

(Psalm 34:10) ❤️❤️❤️

 I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. May the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope. (Romans 15:13 CEV)

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,  for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)


When someone is training for a job—any job—they must eventually shift from studying to practicing.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we experience peace that comes from God.
This peace is a gift that He gives us. It’s something we experience as we draw near to Him by living in a way that honors Him. If we know His will but don’t do anything about it—that shows that we don’t want to honor God. But if we do His will, then our actions illustrate that our identity is rooted in Christ. And our closeness to Christ allows us to experience His peace. 

Doing the will of God—not just learning about the will of God—unleashes the peace of God. 

So today, let us ask ourselves: “What is God teaching me about Himself, myself, and other people? How can I apply His teachings to my life?

❤️❤️❤️

Closer Than You Think

Our Daily Pain

Matthew 4:4: Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. ‘”

Prayer:

Abba Father God, You are always near, but today I am inviting You to come close to me. Show me how near You are here are my burdens- please take them. I am tired of pretending that I can carry them. Remove my fear and replace any heaviness in my life with Your relentless love. Come close to me as I come close to You. In Jesus’s name, Amen.🙏❤

John 6:35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Jesus replied, “I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God’s kingdom!”
Then everyone who has faith in the Son of Man will have eternal life. God loved the people of this world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who has faith in Him will have eternal life and never really die.  God did not send His Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent Him to save them!
(John 3:3;15-17 CEV)

So you will be saved, if you honestly say, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death. (Romans 10:9 CEV)

THANK GOD. Christ Brings Real-Life

You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following Him.  Plant your roots in Christ and let Him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.
(Colossians 2:6-7 CEV)

My friends, I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you! (Galatians 6:18 CEV)

Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. (Ephesians 6:10 CEV)

In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

God Bless You

Friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble.  You know you learn to endure by having your faith tested.  But you must learn to endure everything, so you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. (James 1:2-4)

The lions may grow weak and hungry,

    but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. 

(Psalm 34:10) ❤️❤️❤️

 I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. May the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope. (Romans 15:13 CEV)

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,  for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)


In one unsuspecting moment, everything can change.

A relationship can shatter, and a dream can suddenly end. Your heart can break for a million different reasons: grief, rejection, loneliness, uncertainty, tragedy, betrayal.

When something terrible happens and the world makes zero sense…

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. 
Psalm 34:18 NLT

David, the writer of Psalm 34, preached what he lived. He experienced some intense highs and fierce lows, but he recognized God’s presence amid his circumstances. He knew that God was near, and God could change any situation in an instant.

Is your heart broken? Is your spirit crushed?

God is near.
He hasn’t left you to fight for yourself.
He sees you in your heartbreak.
He meets you where you are.
He has not forgotten you.
He has not abandoned you.

This doesn’t mean you won’t face hard things. But even when your mind races and your heart doubts, God offers peace and intimacy that cannot be fully explained.

Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we now have constant access to God’s presence through His Holy Spirit. There are many places in the Bible where the Holy Spirit is described as the Comforter—ready to soothe, guide, counsel, and encourage. 

The comfort we receive from God is a gift from His Spirit who is always with us. So if your heart is breaking and your spirit is crushed, know that you are in good hands. God is near, and He will not abandon you.

Today, take a few moments to name anything that has crushed your spirit. Then, permit yourself to just sit in God’s presence for a few moments. When you’re ready, consider memorizing today’s verse and meditate on it throughout your day.

❤️❤️❤️

Jesus Is Lord

Our Daily Pain

Matthew 4:4: Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. ‘”

Prayer:

Jesus, I believe that You are God and Savior of the world. I believe that our Heavenly Father God raised You from the dead, and I know that You can save me. I believe that You are King and Lord over the entire earth, and I want to surrender my whole life to You. You alone can save me, and You alone are worth following. So please take my life- and give me Yours. Amen.🙏❤

John 6:35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Jesus replied, “I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God’s kingdom!”
Then everyone who has faith in the Son of Man will have eternal life. God loved the people of this world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who has faith in Him will have eternal life and never really die.  God did not send His Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent Him to save them!
(John 3:3;15-17 CEV)

So you will be saved, if you honestly say, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death. (Romans 10:9 CEV)

THANK GOD. Christ Brings Real-Life

You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following Him.  Plant your roots in Christ and let Him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.
(Colossians 2:6-7 CEV)

My friends, I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you! (Galatians 6:18 CEV)

Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. (Ephesians 6:10 CEV)

In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

God Bless You

Friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble.  You know you learn to endure by having your faith tested.  But you must learn to endure everything, so you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. (James 1:2-4)

The lions may grow weak and hungry,

    but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. 

(Psalm 34:10) ❤️❤️❤️

 I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. May the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope. (Romans 15:13 CEV)

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,  for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)


No matter how good you are, how hard you try, or how decent of a person you attempt to be, when it comes to following Christ, you can’t earn your way to God. You can’t do enough good things to tip the scales in your favor. You can’t buy, win, impress, or manipulate your way into salvation. 

But Jesus has already purchased your freedom on a cross and offered it to you as a gift. 

But you do have one job, as Paul describes in his letter to the Romans…

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Romans 10:9 NIV

Many people believe that Jesus was a real, historical person. Many people believe that Jesus was a genuinely good man. But the Bible says that even the demons believe there’s only one God (James 2:19).

Minutes before their deaths, two criminals hung next to Jesus on the cross. One of the criminals mocked Him, but the other one trusted in Him. Jesus told the one who trusted Him that he would soon be in Heaven. He received grace.

You see, we’ve all sinned and fallen short of God’s holy standard. We all need His grace, but we haven’t all received His grace.

So are you trying to be good enough for God? The bad news is, you can’t. You can’t ever be good enough on your own. But the great news is, that Jesus has already made a way. However, you can’t simply know that He was a real person or think that some of His teachings were nice.

The most important question remains: Will you make Him the Lord of your life?

❤️❤️❤️

The Best Plans

Our Daily Pain

Matthew 4:4: Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. ‘”

Prayer:

Abba Father God, I know You have a plan for my life, and that You want to bless me. Help me lean into that promise! Sometimes it is hard to see past my present struggles. Thank you for letting me even when I have doubts and fears. Fill me with Your hope and peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.🙏❤

John 6:35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Jesus replied, “I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God’s kingdom!”
Then everyone who has faith in the Son of Man will have eternal life. God loved the people of this world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who has faith in Him will have eternal life and never really die.  God did not send His Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent Him to save them!
(John 3:3;15-17 CEV)

So you will be saved, if you honestly say, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death. (Romans 10:9 CEV)

THANK GOD. Christ Brings Real-Life

You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following Him.  Plant your roots in Christ and let Him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.
(Colossians 2:6-7 CEV)

My friends, I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you! (Galatians 6:18 CEV)

Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. (Ephesians 6:10 CEV)

In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

God Bless You

Friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble.  You know you learn to endure by having your faith tested.  But you must learn to endure everything, so you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. (James 1:2-4)

The lions may grow weak and hungry,

    but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. 

(Psalm 34:10) ❤️❤️❤️

 I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. May the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope. (Romans 15:13 CEV)

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,  for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)


❤️❤️❤️

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

And God does have a plan for you.
God does want to bless you.
God does want to give you hope and a future. 

But—we should also pay attention to the original context

In this case, God was speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Judah—people who’d recently been exiled to Babylon for 70 years. 

The Jewish people were banished to a foreign land because of their insatiable appetite for sin. In fact, for 23 years Jeremiah had been warning them to stop rebelling against God or prepare to face the consequences.

God is patient, but He is also just. In the preceding chapters, God made a case against His beloved people:

They’d exploited foreigners, orphans, and widows. They’d denied the rights of the poor. They’d refused to stand up for truth or obey God’s instructions. They’d murdered the innocent and committed adultery. They’d rejoiced in doing evil and their lives were ruled by greed. They’d even built pagan shrines, sacrificing their sons and daughters in the fires. It was a dark time. And yet, somehow, God’s mercy always extends to the darkest places on earth.

That’s why, just a few verses later, God said they could seek Him and find Him, and He’d bring them back from captivity (Jeremiah 29:13-14).

That’s why he encouraged them—while in exile—to build houses, plant gardens, get married, have children, and work for the peace and prosperity of their temporary home (Jeremiah 29:5-7).

He wanted them to know: He hadn’t forgotten them. He still wanted good for them. He still had plans to restore them.

God is serious about sin, but He’s just as passionate about redemption.

Though Jeremiah 29:11 was meant for a specific people at a specific time, God’s heart for the restoration of broken people is generationally timeless. 

Even when we feel stuck in the process, God still has a plan. 
We can put our trust in the God whose goal is always redemption.

❤️❤️❤️

“Here I Am! Send Me.”

Our Daily Pain

Matthew 4:4: Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. ‘”

Prayer:

Abba Father God, thank You that I can be in your presence. I want to surrender my life to You each day- to go where You want me to go. I say “yes” to whatever task You have for me, Lord. I’m ready, I’m willing. I’m listening. In Jesus’ name, Amen.🙏❤

John 6:35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Jesus replied, “I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God’s kingdom!”
Then everyone who has faith in the Son of Man will have eternal life. God loved the people of this world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who has faith in Him will have eternal life and never really die.  God did not send His Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent Him to save them!
(John 3:3;15-17 CEV)

So you will be saved, if you honestly say, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death. (Romans 10:9 CEV)

THANK GOD. Christ Brings Real-Life

You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following Him.  Plant your roots in Christ and let Him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.
(Colossians 2:6-7 CEV)

My friends, I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you! (Galatians 6:18 CEV)

Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. (Ephesians 6:10 CEV)

In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

God Bless You

Friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble.  You know you learn to endure by having your faith tested.  But you must learn to endure everything, so you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. (James 1:2-4)

The lions may grow weak and hungry,

    but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. 

(Psalm 34:10) ❤️❤️❤️

 I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. May the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope. (Romans 15:13 CEV)

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,  for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)


❤️❤️❤️

In Isaiah 6, the prophet Isaiah describes a vision God gave him. He saw the Lord on a throne with angelic creatures flying around, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (Isaiah 6:3 NIV)

An angel then touched Isaiah’s mouth with a burning coal to show his guilt was removed and his sins forgiven (Isaiah 6:7). Then Isaiah heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” (Isaiah 6:8)

Isaiah willingly responded, “Here I am! Send me.”

When Jesus came to earth, He had a similar effect on people as God had on Isaiah. Many people who met Jesus were changed forever. He forgave their sins, removed their guilt, and healed their bodies. When He called His disciples, they willingly followed Him. When He sent them out to minister, they promptly went.

Before ascending into heaven, Jesus said, “go into all the world and make disciples.” He wanted His disciples to tell people about Him and teach others everything He said (Matthew 28:18-20)

What does this mean for us?

God might call some of us to go out into different parts of the world, and He might call others to stay where they are and become teachers, leaders, pastors, mothers, fathers, creatives, business owners, farmers, and active members of their local communities.

So in what ways do you need to say “yes” to God’s call today? What daily opportunities do you have to tell people about Jesus? Regardless of what you do or who you are, each of us can say, “Here I am! Send me.”

❤️❤️❤️

Commit To The Work

Our Daily Pain

Matthew 4:4: Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. ‘”

Prayer:

Abba Father God, I want my life to be lived for Your glory. In times when it is difficult for me to surrender my plans to You, help me to focus on Your vision of the future. In Jesus name, Amen.🙏❤

John 6:35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Jesus replied, “I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God’s kingdom!”
Then everyone who has faith in the Son of Man will have eternal life. God loved the people of this world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who has faith in Him will have eternal life and never really die.  God did not send His Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent Him to save them!
(John 3:3;15-17 CEV)

So you will be saved, if you honestly say, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death. (Romans 10:9 CEV)

THANK GOD. Christ Brings Real-Life

You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following Him.  Plant your roots in Christ and let Him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.
(Colossians 2:6-7 CEV)

My friends, I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you! (Galatians 6:18 CEV)

Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. (Ephesians 6:10 CEV)

In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

God Bless You

Friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble.  You know you learn to endure by having your faith tested.  But you must learn to endure everything, so you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. (James 1:2-4)

The lions may grow weak and hungry,

    but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. 

(Psalm 34:10) ❤️❤️❤️

 I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. May the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope. (Romans 15:13 CEV)

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,  for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)


❤️❤️❤️

Being faithful with the opportunities God gives you while trusting Him with what’s out of your control is important. Proverbs 16:3 ESV says: “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” In the Bible, we see different kinds of work: farming, building, pastoring, parenting, fishing, doctoring, leading, designing, singing, writing, engineering, shepherding, and more. Paul’s letter to the Roman believers talks about talents and gifts: “In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well…” You can commit your work to God by: – honoring Him with your efforts – valuing the people you interact with – faithfully returning the tithe – promoting truth and love – living graciously and generously – thoughtfully utilizing your time – leveraging your God-given creativity to glorify Him Our job is obedience; God’s job is everything else. Commit your work, your efforts, and your life to Him—and watch Him work through you.

❤️❤️❤️

The Good Life

Our Daily Pain

Matthew 4:4: Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. ‘”

Prayer:

Abba Father God, I pray against all the distractions of the enemy. I know that true joy and satisfaction can only be found in You- the giver of life. Help me as I face daily attacks on my time, attention, and energy. Empty my life of any lies and false securities. I trust Your way. In Jesus’s name, Amen.🙏❤

John 6:35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Jesus replied, “I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God’s kingdom!”
Then everyone who has faith in the Son of Man will have eternal life. God loved the people of this world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who has faith in Him will have eternal life and never really die.  God did not send His Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent Him to save them!
(John 3:3;15-17 CEV)

So you will be saved, if you honestly say, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death. (Romans 10:9 CEV)

THANK GOD. Christ Brings Real-Life

You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following Him.  Plant your roots in Christ and let Him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.
(Colossians 2:6-7 CEV)

My friends, I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you! (Galatians 6:18 CEV)

Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. (Ephesians 6:10 CEV)

In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

God Bless You

Friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble.  You know you learn to endure by having your faith tested.  But you must learn to endure everything, so you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. (James 1:2-4)

The lions may grow weak and hungry,

    but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. 

(Psalm 34:10) ❤️❤️❤️

 I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. May the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope. (Romans 15:13 CEV)

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,  for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)


❤️❤️❤️

Everyone wants a meaningful life filled with purpose and fulfillment. But often, we look for these things in fame, material possessions, or wealth, only to find that they don’t bring true happiness.

In John 10, Jesus compares Himself to a good shepherd, saying that He is the way to true life. He wants us to trust and follow Him to experience life to the fullest. Fulfillment doesn’t come from possessions or wealth, but from following Jesus.

Consider how you’re seeking fulfillment and meaning in your life. Are you looking to worldly things or following Jesus for meaning and purpose?

Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and He wants to lead you to a fulfilled, abundant life. Keep trusting and following Him, as life with Jesus is a good life.

❤️❤️❤️

The Truth About Death

Our Daily Pain

Matthew 4:4: Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. ‘”

Prayer:

Abba Father God, thank You for the life that You’ve given me. While I know life isn’t always easy, I do know that living my life for You is worth every second I have. While it can be scary to think about death, I rest knowing that You defeated death on the cross and You made a way for me to live forever with You. Thank You! In Jesus’ name, Amen.🙏❤

John 6:35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Jesus replied, “I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God’s kingdom!”
Then everyone who has faith in the Son of Man will have eternal life. God loved the people of this world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who has faith in Him will have eternal life and never really die.  God did not send His Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent Him to save them!
(John 3:3;15-17 CEV)

So you will be saved, if you honestly say, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death. (Romans 10:9 CEV)

THANK GOD. Christ Brings Real-Life

You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following Him.  Plant your roots in Christ and let Him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.
(Colossians 2:6-7 CEV)

My friends, I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you! (Galatians 6:18 CEV)

Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. (Ephesians 6:10 CEV)

In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

God Bless You

Friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble.  You know you learn to endure by having your faith tested.  But you must learn to endure everything, so you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. (James 1:2-4)

The lions may grow weak and hungry,

    but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. 

(Psalm 34:10) ❤️❤️❤️

 I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. May the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope. (Romans 15:13 CEV)

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,  for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)


❤️❤️❤️

No matter where you live, how healthy you are, or how much money you have, everyone faces death.

But there’s good news for those who believe in Christ…

“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your bodies by this same Spirit living within you.” Romans 8:11 NLT

Death is our enemy, but Jesus defeated it. He became human, faced punishment, and put death under God’s control.

Life is short, but death is only temporary. The Spirit of God can give life to the lifeless and restore what is lost.

Death is not the end of the story.

One day, God will wipe away every tear and make all things new. His Spirit will bring the dead back to life, just as a baby is given the breath of life.

For those who believe in Christ, death is not the end. That is the good news.

❤️❤️❤️