You Are Worthy Because of His Mercy!

"He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy." — Titus 3:5

When you were born into the world, you were so excited about the gift of life.  To live in a new world was amazing.  You don't know how you got here to planet earth, but you didn't question it. You didn't work for it.  You didn't earn it. You were simply happy to be alive.

The same is true with our new life in Christ.  Like being born, it is a gift from God. This time, we receive it by faith in Christ. Unfortunately, people often think, "I don't deserve to be blessed." "I don't deserve to be happy." "I don't deserve to be favored."  You may think you've made too many mistakes; that you're just not good enough; or that you come from the wrong side of the tracks. 

The Bible says, "He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy" (Titus 3:5).  Therefore, we are worthy because of his mercy!

It doesn't matter what you've done; how you feel; or where you are from.  Jesus paid the price for our sins and cleansed us.  He gave us "a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:6).  All you need to do is receive it.

God's Mercy to Saul

The Bible tells us the story of Saul who was an enemy of the Christian church. He devoted himself to trying to destroy the church. He persecuted Christians and even murdered believers in Christ. But Jesus saw beyond his faults!  He went after Saul to make him a child of God.  He called to Saul as he traveled on the road to Damascus and said, "Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?"  Saul replied, "Who are you, lord?"  The Lord replied, "I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!  Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do" (Acts 9:4-6).

God forgave Saul and gave him a new name: Paul. From that moment onward, he no longer persecuted the church but helped to grow the church.  In fact, he became the church's most famous apostle. God turned his life around, promoted him, and gave him a position of influence.  His life was far from easy, but it was indeed blessed.

How You Can Accept God's Mercy

God is willing to forgive anything and everything when we turn toward him.  If anyone had an excuse to feel unworthy, it was Paul. But he said, "Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us" (Philippians 3:13-14). Essentially he was saying, I know I'm worthy. I know I'm forgiven; I'm looking forward to the future.

You don't have to feel unworthy either.  Overcoming that feeling may be a process, but you can start by saying aloud, "Lord, I accept your forgiveness and mercy! I receive your promotion! Use me for your glory!" Amen.

Trust: The Key to Peace

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." — Proverbs 3:5-6, KJV

In life, we often have situations in our pasts we do not understand or things in our future we don't know how to face. In the past, you may have been through a difficult childhood, a relationship that didn't work out or have been forced to leave a job from which you thought you would retire. You may be tempted to ask, "Why did this happen to me?" On the other hand, now you may be going through a sickness, a period of unemployment or whatever you are going through and wonder, "How is this going to work out?"

There will always be things we don't understand while we live on this earth. That's why the key is to TRUST. The activity of trust, allows us to have peace. I call it an activity because sometimes we have to work at trust. You can make a well-intentioned decision to trust, but no sooner have you made the decision than worries start revolving around in your mind again. Our minds can be restless, unfortunately.

So what do we do? Today's verse says, "In all your ways acknowledge him." An excellent way to acknowledge God is to thank and praise through out each day. Say, "Thank you, Father, that you're working everything together for good. Thank you that it will all work out!" Praise and thanksgiving put your faith to work, allowing trust to grow in your heart. Gratitude, therefore, is an activity that builds trust and allows your mind and soul to rest.

Another great way to acknowledge God is to use your gifts to the best of your ability. I find that nothing allows my mind to rest like writing. It's one of my gifts. The great thing is, it helps me to forget about the "What ifs?" I have peace about the things I don't understand, not just while I'm writing, but all throughout the day.

Finally, make a decision to trust God. Then take some time each day to acknowledge and thank him for his eternal goodness, and praise him with your gifts. When you activate your trust in these ways, you'll have more peace and consequently, greater joy. You'll know that while you may not understand, he does, and his peace will be with you. God bless you!

Believe Without Seeing

"Blessed are those who believe without seeing." —John 20:29, NLT

In life, we are all waiting on God for something: waiting to be married; waiting to overcome a challenge, or waiting to accomplish our dreams. Sometimes we are double minded, meaning we think we can and we think we can't.  We have a promise in our hearts, but at the same time, we doubt if it is true. We think, "How could I ever meet the person of my dreams?" "How can I overcome this challenge; I don't have the resources?" "How can my dream come to pass when so many parts of it are beyond my knowledge and control?"

Jesus' Answer to Thomas

In the New Testament, Thomas suffered from doubting.  He was a disciple of Jesus, and he refused to believe the testimony of the other disciples that Christ had risen from the dead. He wanted to touch the wounds in the Savior's body. He said, "I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side" (John 20:25). Knowing Thomas' mind, Jesus appeared to his disciples and commanded Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." (John 20:27). Thomas did so and said to Jesus, "My Lord and my God!" He finally believed.

Jesus replied to Thomas, "You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me." 

God's Call to Us

God is asking us to believe in that which we cannot see. He's asking us to trust the promise, even if we can't see it with our own eyes. To believe that God exists takes faith. To trust that Christ died for the sins of the world and rose from the dead takes faith; we cannot see this. To believe that you have eternal life through Christ is another act of faith.

Just as you accept eternal life through Jesus, God has a unique and individual plan for your life on earth. You are waiting on things you cannot see. Stop doubting and believe! Start trusting God for the spouse of your dreams, the position he promised you, and to live out your days in peace and joy. It takes faith, but you are blessed when you believe without seeing.

God Will Lead Us to a Place of Peace

When Jesus was crucified, his disciples were distraught. They had lost their teacher and didn't know what to do. They feared for their lives and had many doubts and worries. But God brought Jesus back to life and brought peace to his followers. God gave them the Holy Spirit to empower them. They became extremely bold, and their testimony changed the world! You may be going through a time of doubting and worrying, like the disciples at Jesus' death. But I believe God will lead you to a new season of confidence, peace, and trust!

Keep believing. Hold on to the promises. Read God's Word every day to feed your faith. Follow your heart. God will always lead you in the right direction.

How God Cares for Disabled People

How Mephibosheth Became Disabled

The Old Testament teaches about a child who suddenly became disabled.  His name was Mephibosheth, and he was a member of the royal family.  His grandfather, King Saul, lost favor with God, and he was killed in a battle along with his sons; his son's included Mephibosheth's father, Jonathan.  When the remaining family at home heard about the events, they became afraid.  Mephibosheth, who was five years old, was being cared for by a nurse.  She picked him up and went to flee, but she dropped him.  Both of his feet were broken.  He became disabled and could never walk again (2 Samuel 4:4).

When you lose some of your abilities, or love and care for come one who has become disabled, life will radically change.  Grief comes along with any loss, and you may spend some time in mourning.  Try not to let a time of mourning become a lifelong process.  Although disability can affect your vocation, your standard of living, your relationships, your self-esteem and more, there is hope.  

I imagine that Mephibosheth's injury was not only painful but emotionally devastating.  He could not play like other children.  His dreams of what he wanted to do when he grew up suddenly were shattered.  Being unable to walk would affect his ability to work and to live a normal life.

How God Took Care of Mephibosheth

Years later, when Mephibosheth was an adult, King David was on the throne of Israel.  Mephibosheth lived a life not only affected by disability, but also by fear.  As a grandson of the former king, he was considered a threat to the new king.  He lived in hiding in an impoverished community, hoping not to be found out.

But David remembered his friendship with Mephibosheth's father, Jonathan.  He said, "Is there yet anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?" (2 Samuel 9:1).  One of the servants in David's palace knew about Mephibosheth, and David ordered the former King's grandson to be brought into his presence.

When Mephibosheth arrived, he was probably afraid.  He may have thought he would be killed.  But David said, "Do not fear, for I will surely show kindness to you for the sake of your father Jonathan, and will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul; and you shall eat at my table regularly" (2 Samuel 9:7).

How God Will Take Care of You

You may have become suddenly disabled, like Mephibosheth, or you may be caring for someone with a disability.  Do not fear. God will surely show you and your family kindness for the sake of his Son, Jesus.  God's going to take care of you.   Trust that he's leading you the right way even during the difficult times.  He's planned out all your days for good.  It may seem dark to you as it did to Mephibosheth.  He was living in hiding for many years.  But at just the right time, God reached out to him through King David.  Because of God's blessing, Mephibosheth was no longer living in poverty, he overcame discouragement, and he was honored by his relationship to the king.

If you have faith in Christ, You also have a relationship with the King of Kings.  Living with a disability is challenging, but hold on to the hope of Christ.  Declare, "God remembers me and is supplying all of my needs." Pray for wisdom when you feel discouraged so that you can understand the truth about God's power.  He wants us to have a good life, so keep believing this.  The Bible doesn't tell us that Mephibosheth ever gained the ability to walk, but God gave him a good life.

How God Delivers People from Disability

Sometimes God will care for us in our disability and take care of all our needs as he did for Mephibosheth.  At other times, God will deliver us from the struggle.  In the New Testament, we learn about the healing power of Jesus.  When Jesus walked the earth, people flocked to him from all around because they heard God's power was with him to heal the sick.  In the book of Luke, a paralyzed man came to him.  He had four friends carry him to the place where Jesus was teaching.  The house was so full, and they could not get near him.   So they went up on the roof and cut a hole in it to lower the man down.  Jesus was greatly impressed by their faith.  He said to the man, "Friend, your sins are forgiven" (Luke 5:20).  At this, some of the teachers of the religious law at the time became upset and, in their thoughts, questioned Jesus' authority to forgive, and consequently to heal the man.

Sometimes we do the same thing.  We know about Christ's precious blood, but we still feel guilty for something we did.  We know God has to power to heal, but we question if he can and is willing to do it for us?  Jesus answered the teachers of the law, saying: "‘Why are you thinking this in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, "Your sins are forgiven you," or to say, "Get up and walk?" But so you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.' He told the paralyzed man, ‘I tell you: Get up, pick up your mat, and go home.' Immediately he got up before them, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God" (Luke 5:22-25).

When we think that God can't or won't take care of us or that God can't heal us, we're giving into temptation.  We need to pray the Lord's prayer which says, "Lead us not into temptation…"  We need to have faith, like the man Jesus healed.  We also need to praise God because this is what he created us to do; it helps us to feel better, encourages our spirits, and prepares us for the miracles of God.

Being Yourself

"Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never cast out." — John 6:37

People have joined gangs, participated in acts of hatred and prejudice and other behaviors they regret in to gain the approval of others. All people desire acceptance from others. When we compromise our character and integrity to obtain approval from others, this becomes unhealthy. If we're doing something that goes against our consciences to gain acceptance, this is a sign that we're doing something unhelpful.

Sometimes in life, we're exposed to small-minded people: these could be family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and so on. Unfortunately, sometimes people will not accept you as you really are. In times like these, we need to reach out to others and seek friends who will value us, for us; not appreciate us as long as we meet their expectations, but value us for who Jesus made us to be.

The good news is, Jesus accepts us the way we are. He is our first and most powerful friend. God has chosen us to to be Christ's and, as Jesus explained above, "The one who comes to Me I will never cast out." We're accepted forever in Jesus! If he accepts us forever, there is no reason why we should let the disapproval of people dissuade us from being ourselves. Jesus calls us strong, unique, original and set apart. That's the way he made and saved us. Let's accept ourselves!

Sometimes we develop limited ideas of who we are, and we feel compelled to stick with these ideas of self. There is more to us that we often realize. There is a poised, confident, genius within, waiting to be discovered. 

How do we discover our hidden potential? An excellent way to start is being open to following your intuition. It may lead you to try something new online, to shop in a new store, take a different route to the gym, or reach out to someone who needs help. Before you know it, you'll develop a new perspective, and you'll discover more of who you are in Christ. 

Remember, Jesus accepts you the way you are and he always will. There is more potential in you that you realize. Follow your intuition to experience more of yourself and more of life. Jesus will be your friend and lead you. 

Overcoming Fear of Dying

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

We all face the inevitable: dying and death.  But fear of dying, or losing loved ones, interferes with our joy and peace.  We need to live and enjoy life to the fullest.  This is what God wants us to do.  But when we are afraid it drags us down: it steals our joy, it drains our energy, and can even make time seem to go faster.  I believe time goes faster when we worry because we don't take in all the things we have to enjoy, such as the sunlight, trees, and children playing.  We get so focused on the worry that we miss the beauty of life.  

We cannot deny that death brings up practical issues for the person leaving and for those who are left behind.  How will a family survive emotionally or financially without their leader?  "Who will take care of my children?" people wonder.  Although these are important concerns, they should never be worries.  God has promised to take care of us each moment of our lives.  If we pray to him, he will show us his plan to take care of all our needs.  Maybe we need to purchase some insurance or reach out to friends and family to help us to cope with a loss.  God will lead each step of the way.

We do not need to let the practical concerns preoccupy us and interfere with the glory of living.  My father was 79 years old when he passed away.  Years before his death, I began to worry about his passing.  I thought I could not handle it emotionally if he were to depart.  Interestingly enough, the night he went to heaven, it was just the opposite.  I was sitting in the hospital lounge while my Mom and sister were in the room with him.  The doctors had told us his situation did not look good.  I had a feeling it was time for him to go.  While I was sitting there in the lounge, I began to sense a feeling of peace or bliss that I sometimes get when I think about God.  Something told me that my Dad had gone home to heaven.  

Soon, my sister returned to the lounge with the chaplain to break the news.  I already knew.  And God gave me peace about it.

Now, I feel silly for all the time I spent worrying about Dad going home.  God gave me the grace to handle his departure when I needed it, not before.  If I had trusted the Lord more in the time before his going, I would have enjoyed my life more.  So I encourage you not to let worry steal your joy of living.  We all need to make plans for leaving this earth, so let's go ahead and make them, and not allow the inevitable to interfere with our love of life.  

Remember, “Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?'”   If we accept Jesus as Lord, we will live forever and have an overflowing life on earth.  God's grace will be with you when you need it, so thank God for his goodness.

The Ultimate Reason Not to Worry: God Is Good

"For Yahweh is good, and His love is eternal; His faithfulness endures through all generations." - Psalms‬ 100:5‬ 

Why is worry bad for your health?

When you worry, you lose sleep, your concentration suffers and you become unable to enjoy time with family and friends. Your fear factor increases, and this can interfere with your quality of life. Some common fears are fear of death and dying, fear of failure, and fear of rejection.

The Importance of Trust

No matter what you are going through, whether it is terminal illness, being rejected for a job or a business opportunity or a spider infestation in your house, that situation is part of God's goodness for your life. Often when we go through difficulties, we ask "Why is this happening to me? What am I going to do?" We need to turn these questions into, "Lord, I trust you!"

When we worry, we forget that the Lord is good. Our minds get used to worrying. And when we worry too much, we forget to trust. But the Lord is good. He knows all of your needs, including your need to believe in Him. You can pray, "Lord, help me to trust you more." You can know he will help you to do this because he wants you to trust him. Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” What could be more pleasing to God than a prayer to trust in his will?

A Johns Hopkins study once found that worriers die sooner than non-worriers. When commenting on the Hopkins study, Dr. E. Stanley Jones, the author of "Transformed by Thorns," had this to say:‘We do not know why it is that worriers die sooner than the non- worriers, but that is a fact.' But I, who am simple of mind, think I know; We are inwardly constructed in nerve and tissue, brain cell and soul, for faith and not for fear. God made us that way" (95).

Trust Overcomes Worry

God created you to live full of faith and trust. When you don't worry about past mistakes or future challenges, then you know that God loves you; he will take care of all of your needs. You can enjoy your life today.

If you are seriously ill or dying, you can know that His love is eternal and everything in your life will work together for good. When you claim Jesus as your Savior, He promises you eternal life with Him. He will love you forever. You can say, whatever the outcome, "I have an eternal home in paradise!" 

When you know the Lord is good, rejection won't worry you; God will be the source of your self-worth and self-esteem. His love for you is eternal, and nothing can ever change that. You will love yourself and rejection will roll off you like water off a duck's back. 

When you know the Lord is faithful, failure becomes a mere speed bump. You won't worry about it. You won't be afraid to try that new career opportunity or to form a new relationship. You will understand that all your success comes from him and that failures and setbacks are lessons to prepare you for future victories.

Remember, God's love is good, faithful and forever. The next time you feel worried, ask God to help you to trust him. You'll be able to enjoy each moment, focus on the task at hand, and enjoy a restful sleep.