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FAITH – WHAT IS IT?

WHAT IS FAITH TO YOU AS A CHRISTIAN IN BRIEF?

What is faith, one may ask? “In Christianity, faith is deep, active trust and reliance on God and Jesus Christ, going beyond mere intellectual belief to a confident commitment that shapes one’s life and actions, rooted in God’s revealed character and promises.”

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, “the evidence of things not seen.”  [Hebrews 11:1].  However, the secret to receiving what we as Christians need is to take a walk of faith.  No action, no results. You must take the walk to effect the change. Jesus knows what you need, but he reminded us in Matthew to do so. This is active trust and reliance on God and Jesus Christ must be rooted deep in your faith journey.

Another way of delving into Faith is that: “It’s not just knowing God is good; it’s living like God is good and trustworthy,” it is like walking “in” God and walking “with” God and trusting in him, “even when circumstances are hard, because you believe His promises are true.” 

Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you; for everyone that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.” [Matthew 7:7-8] It takes the effort from you to activate the promise.

When you pray for your need, you activate the process by aligning your prayer to God’s promise with trust, faith and hope in receiving. So your asking must be your deep faith and your reliance rooted in hope.

James the Apostle also cautions Christians that, however, when you do these, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. In fact, don’t be souls with doubt wandering hopelessly to find a miracle, while the Lord has affirmed his promise for you.

When we pray, we “must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind” [James 1:6].

Accordingly, let me invite you to look at this from the above statement through another lens as well. If we as Christians fail to believe or trust Jesus, what becomes of us? The simple answer is:  we have no faith, and our hope in receiving what we ask for becomes fruitless. – (unanswered).  Our faith is not deeply rooted in God’s revealed character and promises.”                                                                            

What some of us tend to forget is that Jesus had it all borne on the cross for all his followers. Failing to understand these three principles, (1) trust in him; (2) have faith in him; and (3) hope that it will be received, will make Jesus’ endurance on the cross in vain and hollow in our lives as Christians.   

Let us connect with the book of Hebrews and see what it says in chapter twelve. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and sit down at the right hand of the throne of God.” [Hebrews 12:2] 

In essence, the book of Hebrews is encouraging us to have faith by prioritizing Christ in every minute of our lives as Christians and never giving up hope because Christ is the pioneer and finisher of our faith. This tells us that we should rely on and focus on Jesus to bring us into a stronger relationship with him.

With a stronger relationship with the Lord God, the stronger our faith grows from a mustard seed to greater faith. Then we can certainly tell it to the mountain, “Be thou removed from here to there or into the sea, and it shall be done.”  When we focus on Jesus, we have the hope of the joy that is to come because of our faith and trust in him to receive what we envision with our prayer requests. This is deep and self-reliance in our Lord.

Lord Jesus, I thank you for being the Author and Finisher of my faith. I am so grateful for understanding my every trial and temptation I face because you endured the cross for my sake.

Father, thank you for helping me to trust in your power to bring new life in every season, and I thank you for filling me with trust and hope that never dies.   

I know that the resurrection power of Christ is real; the word of God is unstoppable; the Lord our God does not disappoint; the Lord keeps his promises; and so I will keep my FAITH and  HOPE deeper and alive.

“And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us……   [Romans 5:5] 

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TRUST– FAITH – HOPE

Christian’s Life With The Lord Must Be Aligned With: Trust, Faith, and Hope.

As Christians, Faith in the Lord is our foundation, and we should not be shy to present ourselves as such. We must constantly seek him and rely upon him. We must not be ashamed or afraid to exercise our beliefs and faith in our everyday lives. – Trust
Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him,”- Faith

The Lord God is our advocate, and we should be fearless. So if we do all these and believe in him, then he will answer us according to our needs. Our needs are numerous, and if we trust him, he will fulfill his promises to us by rewarding us the more we seek him. – Hope

So these three (3) things, we must adhere to, to align our Christian life with the Lord – Trust – Faith – Hope.

Hebrews 11:1-3. “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
In tough times, it is complicated and easier said than done to wrap your head around such phrases like “the conviction of things you have not seen,” but believe that you will get the answers with genuine communication with the Lord. – Prayer
Trust me, you are not alone. You just have to trust, obey, and rest assured that the Lord is right on the bat for you.

Trust the Lord and believe his promises. Trust in the Word, Have Faith that the Lord will answer, Hope that you will receive what you envision.
Likewise, Hope is Trust in the Lord, with Faith deep-rooted in the spiritual anchor of the Lord.

If we as Christians have the clear understanding of these three (3) beliefs anchored in our souls, the consequential effects that will be significant, or important in our lives as Christians will have major impacts in our spiritual and physical lives happening as a direct effect of our Trust, Faith, and Hope in the Lord Jesus in shaping our future state of our walk with him.

Consequently, the result of receiving what you Hope for is through great Faith. If you doubt, you will not receive. What use is it, if you ask, and you are skeptical of receiving what you ask for? James 1:6 “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”

Let me ask a simple question? How often do you check to see that a chair is in good condition before you sit on it when you enter an office? And how often do you check a chair’s condition when you enter into an office, and you are welcomed by your host asking you, “Can you have a seat?

Without a doubt, you act with all your faith without thinking; you drop into the chair like a bag of sand. Why do you act with no hesitation but act with trust? Why? Is it because you physically see the object? Think about it. Hence, what are trust, faith, and hope to you as a Christian? What is your faith level?
Ephesians 2:8-10 states that, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Belovers, let us receive God’s grace and promises with a strong bond. So as we build stronger relations, we henceforth establish our trust; increase our faith and our hope. Furthermore, as long as we can trust in the Lord and have faith that the Lord can do, we can also hope for what’s coming in the future. In the affirmative, we will build our faith stronger, and we will build a perfect faith.
So below are a few key takeaways:

Trust relates to the relationship between the Lord and us as Christians.

Faith believes “he can.”

Hope focuses on what’s coming in the future and how the Lord, based on our faith and experience, will act.

For greater faith, we must practice: Patience / Endurance, Resolve, and Resolute.

Endurance, Resolve and Resolute: These three concepts are foundational to a life built in Jesus Christ.

Faith (or Belief): This is the foundational trust and confident reliance on the character, power, and promises of God.
It is not a mere mental ascent but an active trust that leads to obedience and action. Hebrews 11:1 states that it is “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Faith is essential for salvation (Ephesians 2:8) and for pleasing God (Hebrews 11:6). It is rooted in the reality of the crucifixion of Christ on the cross, Jesus Christ’s resurrection as he prophesied before he went to the Cross.
Hope: In the biblical framework, hope is not idealism or self-delusion but an exciting expectation of the future good that God has promised.

As Christians, hope is a spiritual anchor for our souls without wavering. It provides endurance and perseverance during trials. It is anchored in God’s faithfulness to fulfill God’s word. Hope is our provision for inspiration to sustain us as Christians through difficulties because we know that what is envisioned will end in the glory of God.

Take Note: Faith is our foundation as Christ Followers, hence Trust in the Lord, -Keep the Faith and keep Hope alive.

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INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES AND SOURCES

LEARN HOW TO SMILE AGAIN THROUGH THE WORD

Job 22:23: Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.

Believe it or not. God is the centerpiece of your day and your whole life. In our journey with Christ, there will be sunshine and rain, but we must learn how to lift our spirits through Christ Jesus. There’s no better way to lift up your faith and hope than saying a prayer and reading at least a little scriptural verse from the Bible for inspiration every morning and throughout the day.

Whether you are a Christian or not, everyone finds themselves seeking strength, love, and hope during difficult times. For Christians, the Holy Bible is a vital source of encouragement to build faith and hope.

If you cannot think of anything, follow us daily through the list of inspirational Biblical quotes and verses from time to time to find yourself again in Christ.

Whether you are in search of healing or displaced by the vicissitudes of life (sickness, job loss, and other unwelcome episodes), these verses will, no doubt, inspire you to move forward steadily.

As Christians, God occasionally will allow struggles into our lives for spiritual growth and strengthening, to refine our faith when we are so comfortable at where we are, with no or little glory to indicate God is even in our lives.
So, when we “believe” in our might and self-righteousness, we are likely to face trials, but these trials build perseverance and maturity, as in James 1:2.

“Consequently, when you face difficult times, know that challenges are not sent to destroy you. They are sent to promote, increase and strengthen you.”

So here are some inspirational quotes and Bible verses for every facet of our life circumstances and how we can manage them for our peace by aligning them with the Lord through prayers.

Henceforth in our perplexing conditions, we should take solace from the scriptures. 2 Corinthians 4:8: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. This is a promise, so we have to declare based on the situation.

Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me”. Decree and declare in your case.

Why did David pray this prayer? He trusted the Lord for comfort through his darkest, most dangerous, and uncertain times like fear, depression, and loss and expressed his deep trust in God as his ultimate Warrior who provides protection, guidance, and comfort through life’s darkest moments. David’s prayer from Psalm 23 should be our cornerstone for hard times.

BELOW WE PRESENT PERIODICALLY A PRAYER(S) FOR YOUR UPLIFTING THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD.

Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”.

1 Peter 5:10: “And the God of all grace… will restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast”.

People will love you as long as you provide. They will stop loving you as soon as the benefit stops. Their loyalty is the provision. But here is the thing where Jesus asked his Disciples. Luke 6:32-35, “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? … But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.” If you can understand Jesus, then you should get no love or anything back. This echoes the theme of radical, selfless love.

Isaiah 54:10: “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”

Isaiah is reminding us about God’s commitment to his promises. It is a covenant of peace that won’t be broken, even when circumstances are chaotic. It’s a message of comfort, which means that even if everything else falls apart, God’s steadfast love for his children remains solid. Quote them, declare them to your situation for inspiration, faith and hope.

BELOW ARE MORE INSPIRATIONAL BIBLICAL VERSES FOR YOUR DAILY DEVOTION AND IN TIMES OF NEED.

THIS IS HOW TO USE THEM:
1. Speak them aloud and declare them daily to align your thoughts with God’s promises.
2. Sync them into your life and write them in a journal to reinforce them.
3. Meditate over them and let them fill your mind to overcome negativity.
DECLARATION
I Can Do All Things through Him who strengthens me.
My father in Heaven, I decree and declare over my life, in agreement with your word that says, we shall decree and declare a thing, and it shall be established in Heaven.

So my Lord Jesus, I come before you with a heart full of thanksgiving and humility, recognizing that in you, I find my strength, my hope, and my purpose. You have promised that: “I can do all things through you, for you strengthen me” [Philippians 4:13].

Father God, I choose to believe this promise, and I ask for your guidance, wisdom, and power as I face the various challenges and opportunities in my life.

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Nehemiah 8:10 “I will not be sad or depressed because the joy of the LORD is my strength.”
Deuteronomy 28:13 “I will always be above, but never beneath.”
Deuteronomy 28:6 “I am blessed in my coming in and my going out.”
2 Timothy1:7 “God has not given me a spirit of fear and timidity. I have a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.”
Isaiah 41:10 “I will not fear, because My God is with me.”
1 Peter 2:24 “By His stripes, I am healed.”
Matthew 5:14 “I am the light of the world.”

Our Lord Jesus, we know that you are our strength and our song in our hearts and on our lips. You have become our salvation; we will praise you, and we will exalt you. Father, I decree and declare that every mountain be removed from my life through the working power of the Lord Jesus Christ. We trust your promises through our Faith and Hope in Christ Jesus.

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OUR DAYS ARE GLORIOUS, NOT GLOOMY, EVEN IN OUR PAIN.

Every so often, the days can be so gloomy, life can be tough, and you only see the road getting narrower and narrower. Situations might be continually changing around you, but not for the better. You wake up every day to face huge battles. Such battles are beyond your comprehension. It may include one or multiple of these:

1. A protracted illness
2. Financial and economic hardships
3. Loss of job or career, or can’t find employment
4. Going through a bitter divorce or in a hard marriage
5. Time to marry – you’ve been craving for Mr./Miss Right – but no sign
6. Death in the family – loss of a child as a parent or loss of a spouse

The struggles seem to be protracted for far too long, and they still linger with no end in sight. So you ask yourself and ask God, Oh Lord, what is going on in my life?

While any one of the examples above is so concerning, there’s not one that can equal the death of a family member so close, a spouse or child. “The death and loss of a child are frequently called the ultimate tragedy, and nothing can be more devastating.” Without faith and hope in God, stages of grief, and other issues, “make parental and spouse bereavement particularly difficult to resolve.”

Take Stock around you, and hold firm to your Faith and do not be separated from the love of God.
Hold on and don’t give up – for the Lord is with you. Your faith and hope in the Lord is being put to the test. Psalm 120:1: “In my distress I cried to the Lord, and He heard me.”

As it is written in Romans 6:36-39 – “For your sake we face death all day long;
We are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present, nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Always keep in mind that in the center of all these, you still have so much to be thankful for. Take a look around you – outside of the box you are in now and take stock to see God’s unfailing love for you. For this reason, and even in the midst of it all, we still have so much to be grateful for in this life.

We Must Be Praiseworthy
We must also note that communication with God through prayer shouldn’t be only about requesting what we want; we must be thankful to the Lord for all the things we are praying for, as if he has already given them to us. These prayers must be backed by genuine faith that we have already been answered. 
From the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encouraged us in Matthew 7:7 that with persistent prayer, you should: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

Jesus encourages us to have faith that we will receive what we ask for.  When we pray, we must trust that God will answer us. Without that trust, it’s meaningless to pray for something you are not sure of receiving. You may find this odd. However, God expects us to do it. This is what is called Faith and Hope in God.

God is Always Trustworthy. Bring Your Needs to Him (Sorrow, Happiness)
God is infinitely more trustworthy than any human. God is dependable and has never lied. Correspondingly, the Lord God expects you to have faith in Him and expect the result. Whatever peril you are facing, don’t give up; you can pray like David when his own inner circle stood against him. He was straight to the point and strong in his prayers. You can always trust in the Lord God to save you.

The Lord God is Always Our Refuge. Lord God, you are my refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. I will not fear when “earthquakes” come and the “mountains” crumble into the sea. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies are here with me. You are my fortress. I will be still, and know that You are God.
When you find yourself that you’re in despair and feel that God is too far away from you in such a troubling situation or trials, let the words of Psalm 46 resonate in your heart. “Hold fast to the truths that God is your refuge, your strength, and present help.”

You Always Have an Ally
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Trust in the Lord, have Faith and believe what you hope for.
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    WAITING REQUIRES ACTION AND DIVINE STRENGTH

    WAITING FOR RESULTS IS NEVER EASY

    The word “waiting” captures a key aspect of shared human experience irrespective of your belief. That enduring patience and waiting are universal arguments connecting Christians and the Secularists across generations.

    It suggests a cycle where the act of waiting is a common, perhaps even necessary, part of the human condition, one that those who are gone before us also experienced.

    The worldview of “waiting” does not conform to Christian ethos of “waiting.” They don’t believe that old truism that good things come to those who wait in the Lord. They rather believe that good things come to those who want something so bad and that they can’t wait. They put the wagon before the horse unfortunately missing the divine principle.

    So they “believe in themselves” and do everything in their physical power without what the Bible teaches us as Christians. So here is what we do as Christians that they don’t understand or aware of it.

    As Christians we firstly believe in effective results with prayers through the divine power of the Lord, and secondly we take the action – making the move much stronger towards what we have prayed to effect divinely.

    The professed Christian does not put the wagon before the horse. Hence when the Christian quotes Isaiah chapter 40 in waiting, it does not mean he/she is folding his/her arms drinking coffee on the porch and gazing into the clouds waiting for action or manna. It does not make the Christian lazy as long as he/she is going for the action to effect a positive result.

    Here is the “Positive Kicker”: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. ISAIAH 40:31 (KJV)
    So in defense of the Christian to the world – these are some of the takeaways for our scriptural ethos to all faithful Believers:

    Waiting is never easy and everybody knows that. It can feel like being stuck, overlooked, or falling behind while others move forward. But God sees the waiting differently. In His kingdom, waiting is not wasting time or doing nothing, but it’s preparing and becoming. Start it with – Prayer – Act to effect the result – and continue to pray for the results from your action.

    David waited for many years and went through the toughest battles of his life before he was enthroned as the king after being anointed by Saul. In the waiting David did not sit idle but went about doing what he does even though the monarchy was his.

    Joseph in his case waited with no sign of success. He continued to trust and have faith in the Lord and endured hardships before he became ruler of Egypt.

    Beloved, God is always doing something very crucial in the quiet seasons. He renews your strength—not just to survive, but to soar when we act. You may feel like you’re crawling, but in His time, he will help you fly. Continue walking in His presence and don’t skip a process, no matter how difficult the road may be. God’s presence is with you! Pray-Act- and receive the effective Result.

    In everything give thanks to the Lord and stay tuned in to his voice and direction.
    Thank the Lord with praise and with all your heart in preparing you to wait with faith despite the endurance.

    Trust him and don’t believe that it’s your wisdom or self action that can give you the result. In your waiting the Lord is making you strong and getting you ready for other very important things for the next season while you’re still in the waiting of things you aren’t even aware – but this one must pass first.

    Don’t you stop to thank him even at your lowest point when your legs could not even support the load any further. Be direct with humility and ask the Lord – Oh God increase my FAITH by replenishing my weary heart. And when you ask – believe it – take action and trust the Lord that your action brings effective result.
    Trust the Lord with Faith and Hope that you will be answered by your Faith.

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    THERE IS A TIME FOR EVERY SEASON

    THERE IS A TIME FOR EVERY SEASON

    Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

    From this verse [ Romans 8:28 ] we realize there is a necessity to have faith in the Lord without doubt. The commitment is made by God and the precondition to receive is your love for God and your faith. This is a must for everyday in every season. This is not unconditional but a conditional to walk in the Lord – Faith and hope.

    You have to have faith and hope that the Lord who is your father in heaven is ready to answer you, if you can trust and believe it with your faith in him.  

     Let’s put it this way that as a true child of God your grocery list of needs are always before him and pre-approved as long as they align with your needs to glorify him.

    Accordingly, to trust in the Lord with all our heart, we must wholly rely upon his promises, wisdom, power, and love to help us in every circumstance.

    These promises are not frivolous, and informal promises such as men make. God promises and commitments are rock-solid. They are yes and Amen and unquestionable.

    He pledges and fulfils. He is not a man that promises and not acts. He does not take his word back. What God has promised he will without a doubt fulfill it.

    Numbers 23:19: – “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?“ This is God’s unchanging faithfulness. He always keeps his promises and acts on his word.

    This Bible verse above should encourage and remind you when you seem to wonder why your prayers are still. Mind you the Lord hears the voice of all his children in Christ.

    Ecclesiastes 3:1 says: “There is a time for everything, and a time for every purpose under heaven.”

    The wait does not imply there won’t be an answer to your prayers. Your faith may be at test or you may be not packaging your prayers to align what you need. Don’t you give up. Trust and have faith in the Lord and hope that your prayers will be answered.

    So my dear beloved, I declare a simple message of hope for the struggling ones: enjoy life by fearing the Lord even when you cannot comprehend his works and ways. You are not alone because as a child of God you stand out as a conqueror with your leap of faith and hope.

    Sometimes life is full of different seasons, and things can change: your season is just arriving. Keep your prayers up. Have FAITH in Christ and keep your HOPE active.

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    JESUS IS NOT JUST PART OF THE STORY

    Philippians 1:6: God is the “Author and Finisher of our Faith” and he who started will complete the good work He started in believers.

    In retrospect this verse is central to the idea that God is actively writing and completing your story. He is not just part of the story—He is the story.
    As men and women of God we are prone to make decisions that are often times blundered. God, on the other hand, sees and understands it all. He is the one we can all incline on and trust him. This is not just a partial inclination under a forty-five degrees angle but this is a full inclination on any turn or angle on the circle.

    This in short is faith and trust – trusting the Lord fully. I hear people sometimes say things like and “I believed in me” and it worked out for me successfully. This statement is very typical of sportsmen and women as well as celebrity stars from Hollywood. But, No – you’re “dead” wrong. Give the glory to the Lord, because it wasn’t about your wisdom, energy, and power, but it is/was by the Spirit of the Lord.

    The glory belongs to him and him alone. When we seek to glorify ourselves we are putting ourselves above God. This is where we sin, because we tend to worship ourselves. But No, the glory belongs to the Lord. 1 Corinthians 10:31 states: – “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”. Glorify the Most High God and he will always be in your story.

    As Christians our life and perception should not be self-centered. We must not allow our hearts to be contaminated by pride with foolishness, narrow wisdom, spontaneous presumption, imperfect emotions and self aggrandizement. We should trust the Lord always with all our hearts and avoid foolish talk.
    In trusting, the Lord with all our hearts, the Lord who is all-knowing, all-powerful, loving, and has good plans will guide, and establish us in every way. In this way, we also have invited him into our story.

    If in doubt pray and remind the Lord of his promise in the Book of Joel chapter two. God is always doing something very crucial in the quiet seasons and in the times where the heat is on. He will renew your strength, he will mend you, he will replenish and restore you fully, not just to survive, but to restore you completely with all that the cankerworm have eaten. Joel 2:25“ And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm and the caterpillar and the palmer worm, My great army which I sent among you.” This is the Lord’s promise. Trust the word, pray, have faith and hope and he will make it happen.

    You may feel right now like you’re going nowhere and at a standstill, but in his time, he will help you soar like the eagle. You should continue to walk in his presence. Do not take your eyes of him at any moment. Let the ensuing verse below reminds you of the temptation that may take your eyes from the Lord promise. In all the toil and frustration –stand firm. “Proverbs 14:12 reminds us of this: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

    No matter how thorny the road may be, the Lord is in your story, and he will bring you to the level of his glory, so don’t back down and make some short bends.
    Keep the FAITH and HOPE alive, he is in your story.

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    EVERYTHING MADE BEAUTIFUL IN ITS TIME

    Ecclesiastes 3:11 – “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.“

    Watch and pray to keep Faith and Hope alive if it’s not your season or time. Sometimes, life just doesn’t make sense. You know you’ve done everything but your prayers are just hitting the ceiling or the brick wall and not going anywhere – no answers. The doors of opportunities are being shut before you just as you are about to enter. You are going through a storm and no sight for the storm to stop. You are going through a season, except that no one can find out the work that the Lord is doing in your life from the beginning to the end.

    Or you are on the other hand going through a plague. You are prone with disease or some illness but no cure after all. Your hope is running down and has forgotten that Job was plagued with all kinds of sores and illnesses. Job plagued with poverty by losing all his wealth through these testing moments but came out with victory because of his strong conviction, faith and hope in the Lord.

    Or you are going through a marriage crisis. You have tried everything but the center cannot hold. The trajectory that you’re on seems blurry at best. You try to figure it out, but the more you lean on your understanding, the heavier everything feels. Everything is collapsing right before you. It is not a beautiful time.
    It’s in moments such like these that God is calling you that child – have faith and hope in me and do not be discouraged because I am with you.

    Bear in mind that even when your eyes can’t see it, God’s heart is still for you. He’s not asking you to pretend everything is all right. He’s always inviting you to lean on him instead of prioritizing your need to understand.
    Here trusting the Lord does not mean your plan and your need is align with Gods’ plan. He is the only one who holds the plan that is good to carry you through it.

    Hence, watch and pray, strengthen your Faith. You don’t need all the answers when you’re anchored in the Lord. God never changes. He is faithful even when nothing makes sense so do not lean on your own understanding to cut corners.

    Proverbs 3:5-6 advises that, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

    So, here are some takeaways for your knowledge, understanding and firm foundation for your trust, faith and hope in the Lord.
    The Bible tells us to “trust in the Lord.” This means we have to fully rely on God’s wisdom instead of our own, acknowledging Him in all our actions, and having complete confidence in his guidance and character.

    It involves surrendering control of our life to God, with the promise that he will direct our path and make it straight.
    TRUST in the LORD, have FAITH and HOPE

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    HOW DO YOU ALLOW THE WORD OF GOD LIVES IN YOU?     

    HOW DO YOU ALLOW THE WORD OF GOD LIVES IN YOU?

    “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” COLOSSIANS 3:16

    God doesn’t want his Word to temporarily visit your heart but he wants the Word to reside there to be fruitful. So when the Word lives in you, it will influence your belief, your attitude, and your practical theology and ethical decision makings. The Word becomes your compass, your collaborator, your language, your strength, and your song.

    I would strongly encourage associating with mature Christians and seeking wise counsel for mutual growth and accountability. Don’t you stay idle and lonely but also associate with Christian fellowships and align yourself with mature professed Christians – not those professing one thing while living another, and learn their foot prints and take heed. Try it with all your heart and you will not be disappointed in your Christian life. “Do not be deceived bad, company corrupts good character.” 1 CORINTHIANS 15:33

    The Word is the Lord. He wants to dwell inside of your house. Your house must be accommodating forever. He doesn’t want to come in and off he goes out through the backdoor. Uphold him and glorify him. Let Colossians 3:16 from the beginning of this write-up be part and parcel of your spiritual life.

    Let the teachings of God’s Word impact your life, including your words, actions, and relationships. This means trying to be tender, kind, and humble, and living your life in a way that is pleasing to God. It is all about applying the Word and obeying.

    “They profess to know God, but through their works they deny him, being detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work”. TITUS 1:16. Here in this verse Titus is trying to bring to light the hypocrisy of people who are professed Christians but their actions and lifestyle utterly contradict the ethos of their faith. It will be morally corrupt in the presence of the Lord, and in essence, those people will be denying the Lord through their behavior. 

    And obviously this is not what you want to position yourself in the Christian faith. This is a complete deficiency of moral behavior hence such corrupted character averts them from being useful in the way that honors God. So let your true relationship with God be revealed not by your words, but by your behavior and godly action.

    Pray to the Lord God to make the Word your constant companion to honor him. Meditate on the Word, memorize it, and allow it to soak your spirit. The richness of the Word produces wisdom. Ask the Lord to seal every part of your life with wisdom and truth with divine direction in every area of your entire life. The book of James fulfils Gods’ promise of asking for wisdom. 

    And this is what JAMES 1:5, says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him”. This is the promise from God.

    Invite the Lord to take root in every part of you. Pray that you may be known as someone whose life is deeply rooted and guided by the Scripture with Faith and Hope. Don’t be weakling in your Faith and don’t give up Hope. The Lord is always waiting to hear your request to take care of it, but you must take a step of FAITH and HOPE.  

    FAITH MOVES FIRST BEFORE IT SEES

    “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 CORINTHIANS 5:7 [KJV]

    To obey the Lord’s calling you are obliged to act positively to understand the call. Faith doesn’t wait for clearness or explanation. You have to step up to the plate because the Lord is calling on you.  When God calls, he walks with you all the way through the assignment.

    The book of Hebrews Chapter 11 is known as the “faith chapter.”  It tells us that “faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1]. Faith is not “seeing is believing.” But it is first “believing” and then “seeing.” If you don’t get this in your spirit and act, you will miss the target.

    You don’t wait in anticipation to make judgment for you to obey God’s instruction or command. The Bible tells us that there were men and women of faith that obeyed God’s command and they did exactly so. They were blessed from their generation to-date.

    So, let us look at the comprehension of faith through the lenses of Hebrews Chapter 11:6 which states that, “without faith it is impossible to please God.” The verse is not saying that it’s hard to please God without faith. It is rather saying it’s impossible. If we don’t have strong commitment and the desire to live as people of faith, we will be passengers in the bus which we are supposed to drive ourselves.

    The things we wish (Hope) for begins with the conception of Faith. Another way to put it is that without Faith it is impossible to please God, and therefore your wishes (Hope) are also impossible to achieve.

    As stated above, the Scripture cites many examples of men and women of faith from an array of background. They were all different from various places, but they all had one thing in common, that is they were true men and women of faith.

    Consequently, we can learn from these men and women of faith by educating ourselves how these faithful ones built their divine faith in the Lord to press forward Gods’ plan for mankind.

    Many of these men and women of faith developed their faith through hard times or to some extent. Through it all, the Lord God shaped them, and sharpened them into dependable and honest men and women of faith.

    In brief, Faith is proven when you move. Take the step of faith, trust the Lord to accomplish what your hope is (wish) and God will meet you with strength, provision, and direction.

    If Abraham had refused to answer the Lords call, the nations of the world would have been different – that is without the Abrahamic covenant for the world. 

    In Genesis Chapter 15:6, we learn that Abraham was the first person said to be made righteous by his faith. When God said to him to move, Abraham moved with faith from the land of his birth to an unknown land. And when God promised to give him a son in his old age, Abraham took Him at His Word, no question asked.

    A reminder: If Noah had waited for the rain to fall, he never would’ve built the ark.

    If Peter had waited for calm waters, he never would’ve walked.

    Mark had a rough start, but God shaped him into a truthful and honorable man of faith.

    Deborah, the Judge stepped into a position held by men before Israel even had judges.

    Queen Esther stepped up with faith and courage to save Israel- God was ready to move and Esther eventually decided to move with him with faith.

    Mary, the mother of Jesus was young when God chose her to carry the baby that would save the world. Mary witnessed the crucifixion of Christ but her faith carried her through the horror.

    




    This is Faith and Hope.
    




    

	
    

	

    


    
	
    
		
		
    BE AWARE OF THE TIMES WE LIVE IN
    	
    

	
	
	
    
		

    “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16. What is the Time Now? Do you know what time of the day it is? 
    



    

    

    



     BE AWARE OF THE TIMES WE LIVE IN- THE DAYS ARE EVIL 
    




     Do you know what time it is at the geographical position you are in now? Where are you? What did you just say, and what did you just do in the last 12 hours? What are your longitudinal and latitudinal coordinates now? What have you done today and what are you doing now? What is next? Are you prepared to meet Christ right now at wherever your Geographical position is?  It is never too late to make a U-turn. So do it now.
    




    Even though we are God’s holy children, we also need to be aware of what time it is in our world. “The evil one still exercises his control over the hearts of many people. God wants us to “redeem the time,” making the most of every opportunity we have to touch the lives of others with his grace and to resist the temptation and overcome the opposition of the evil one.”
    




    The days we live in are evil. The state of affairs are being played before us like a movie and this is why this subsequent  verse from James is advising God’s people to take heed unless they fall. James 4:7 – “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you”. 
    




     Ephesians 6:10-11 also emphasize: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil”. 
    




    1 Peter 5:9: “Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world”. We have to know what’s right and what’s wrong as professed Christians. 
    




    We’ve got to be careful and be shrewd, we’ve got to be able to discern, we’ve got to be able to listen to the Holy Spirit in us, we’ve got to be able to ascertain the moments of times, we’ve got to be able to know clearly who we identify ourselves with, we’ve got to be able to know who we follow and we’ve got to know who we listen to. Seems too much of “we’ve got to”? Nope. You have to build an intimate relationship with the Lord and your eyes will begin to open to see all around you.
    




    How? It’s simple. Read the Bible, pray along with it every day and listen to the voice of the Lord. The Bible and prayer are the communication tools as well as your armor for an intimate relationship with the Lord. Press on, even if it’s difficult to understand some verses. The Holy Spirit in you will guide you through the Scriptures with times. As professed Christians we must be very vigilant, shrewd and discerning to the facts and the truth presented by Scriptures. 
    




    Again, we are living in a TIME that has been clearly stated by the Holy Bible.  If we are conscious about all of these surroundings, we should not be caught flat footed as God’s children by the evil one. Let our Spiritual compass be the Lord and he will guide us to navigate through the times we are living in.
    




    He will open our eyes to see the temptations the devil sets up before us each day. Fully conscious of such devices, we will be ready to fight it off before it finds a root in us. Simply, we should not allow the devil to attack us before we act. Be wise and be not unwise about the realities of the times we are living in. 
    




    Child of God be discerning. READ THE BIBLE and don’t close it up. Don’t display it on your bookshelf. This is the Gospel, our FAITH and our HOPE.
    




    

	
    

	

    


    
	
    
		
		
    UNCONTROLLABLE INDISCIPLINE OF HUMAN
    	
    

	
	
	
    
		
    

    

    



    SELF CONTROL – A FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: There is a wise saying by an old man that says, “If a Christian marries a child of the devil, he is  going to have a lot of trouble with his father-in-law.” Seems like humor but that’s the truth. It is a proven fact over the years, but several times in this age, young people have overlooked and doubted the saying. The problem is no patience and lack of self control.
    




    SAMSON LIKE – ATTITUDE – INDISCIPLINE IS WEAKLING: Hence many years later many contemplate over their actions and realize that “the pain of discipline weighs ounces, while the pain of regret weighs loads of tons” regrettably. Such indiscipline often leads to inaction and bad choices in life in the areas of education, career, and relationships. Other times it may affect the health of individuals. The emphasis here is the lack of patience and uncontrollable indiscipline. Proverbs 13:18: “Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame”.
    




    SO WHAT ARE THE TAKEAWAYS: As a Christian sometimes painful regret can also serve as a powerful inspiration? Nonetheless, there is nothing too late if you realize your mistakes and return to the Lord with regrets and with deep repentance. He is always ready to receive you in your suffering. Concede your past indiscipline and the resulting regret can inspire you to make disciplined choices in the present circumstances to avoid future suffering and work towards a better life. The Christian has an assurance. You are strong and have strength in the Lord to overcome your weakness.  2 Corinthians 12:9, states, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
    




    SHOW ME YOUR FRIEND: Remember the saying —“show me your friend and I will show you your character.”   You become like those with whom you associate. We have read, heard, or seen that strong and   powerful people in positions have fallen through bad association and indiscipline. “Do not be deceived: “Bad company   ruins good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33, ESV).  Note in Proverbs: Companion of fools shall perish together.
    




    WISDOM TRUTH: Hence from whatever angle you look at it, such acts, and association with lack of self-control are like these old sayings that obviously prove a point:  “He who lies down with the dogs will rise up with fleas.” And “as the flour miller leaves some tiny sediment of flour, and on all those whom he brushes against on his way home, so do all our associates leave a deposit of their personalities upon our lives.” Proverbs 25:28: “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control”. 
    




    Let us be self-restraint in all our relations. No rush, but be patient, and exercise self-control in choosing. Wait and listen to the voice of the Lord.
    The Lord is always ready with his arms open and stretched to welcome you as long as you are back to seek him. Be encouraged, and exercise your FAITH for there is HOPE 
    

	
    

	

    


    
	
    
		
		
    LIFE OF FAITH AND WALK OF FAITH
    	
    

	
	
	
    
		

    




    LIFE OF FAITH AND WALK OF FAITH
    




    The two most important things in our Christian theology are:
    




    1. the life of faith  
    




    2. the walk of faith.
    




    These two pillars are significant points in the life of a Christian and if you understand these two points correctly your spiritual growth will be stronger. We have to be conscious of the fact that faith and godliness are not separate but are two sides of the same coin. 
    




    Romans 1:17 states: “For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.” [life of faith].
    




    Hebrews 11:6 states: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him”. [the walk of faith].
    




    Hence as we all strive for holiness; true godliness must have its root in a living faith in Christ Jesus. Christians must be careful to seek one without the other on the same parallel. You cannot nurture faith and forget holiness. Faith without godliness would be like having a strong foundation for a house, but no walls or roof. It is incomplete because it offers no true shelter for this divine purpose in life. We must have faith, for this is the foundation: We must have holiness of life, and we must have godliness for this is the framework for our faith and hope. We need the superstructure of spiritual life if we need to live and walk in faith.
    




    Here is a question:  What would it mean to you if you build a house and inhabit in it without a roof? What purpose would it serve when the storm comes?  Even so we need the superstructure of spiritual life if we would have comfort in the day of doubt.
    




    Seek a holy life with faith, so that the Lord can build his house in your life otherwise no matter what you do, you may be able to build the house but the house cannot stand in the Spirit. 
    




    “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” We have a new life and guidance by the Holy Spirit hence, if we should live our lives in consistent alignment with the Spirit but not by our own desires, but by following Christ in our thoughts, words, and actions we will divinely fulfill the godliness and our faith in Christ. This will require an active, daily commitment to yielding in to the Spirit’s control, to allow Him to guide us toward righteousness, obedience, and love for others. 
    




    Walking by the Spirit is the practical application of a life lived by the Spirit, requiring daily surrender and obedience to the Spirit’s will and guidance. 
    




    In essence, Galatians 5:25 is a call to a dynamic and ongoing relationship with the Holy Spirit, where Christians should actively seek guidance and direction in a constant, self-control manner.  
    




    “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit, let us be led in the Spirit, live in Obedience and bear Fruits.”
    




    There’s always hope rooted deep in our faith for us as Christians. This is the Gospel truth for our FAITH and HOPE.
    

	
    

	

    


    
	
    
		
		
    THE CHARACTER OF PEACE
    	
    

	
	
	
    
		

    

    Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you….  John 14:27
    

    




    




    THE CHARACTER OF PEACE IN THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT 
    




    As long as peace negotiators have assuaged or have little perception of peace, they will in no way be looked differently in a different way at the peace table and would not comprehend the issue at the table rightly so if in fact Christ is not placed at the center of the negotiation as well. Peacemakers at the opposite end of the table can’t talk peace if there’s a gun at each other party’s  head. The world does not understand this. It takes the Lord to break the impasse.
    




    The fact remains that: “The continuous refusal from each other to settle any impasse at Peace treaties has rendered and   reduced peace negotiations to a mere name brand,” because we lack the understanding of the presence   of God — the character of peace in the Fruit of the Spirit. At the end of the day, God is the only PEACE MAKER, not man. It is better to approach peace with God in mind as the negotiator.
    




    To be concise, the character of Peace in the Fruit of the Spirit highlights also in this case that authentic peace is rooted in a foundation of mutual understanding, respect, and the absence of fear or external pressure. People at the table should be quick to listen, be careful in their point of views and how they are presented at the table without anger but with wisdom.
    




    When these conditions are not met with God in mind and  in prayer, attempts at the negotiation table are fruitless, as the core essence of peace cannot be achieved under the shadow of conflict in this case but significantly leaving the Lord God outside of the discussion. 
    




    What the Scripture says:  James 1:19-20 states: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.  
    




    Hebrews 12:14: “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord”. 
    




    Romans 12:18: encourages us to make a sincere effort to be peaceful and accommodating to others as far as it depends on you.
    




    Fundamentally, Romans 12:18 confront all peace negotiators in this case to embody a peace-making attitude, even in difficult circumstances, by doing everything within our power to promote harmony as the Scripture says and with faith and hope. 
    




    To all Christians don’t talk Faith without Hope, and don’t walk into negotiation room or table without Faith and Hope in the Lord. This aligns with the principles of the Bible in time of peace negotiation. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” [John 12-27].  This is the Gospel truth of our FAITH and HOPE.
    




    

	
    

	

    


    
	
    
		
		
    WISDOM QUOTES IN TOUGH TIMES
    	
    

	
	
	
    
		
    

    

    




    WISDOM QUOTES IN TOUGH TIMES WITH SCRIPTURES
    




    They say that “Tough times create strong people”. The saying suggests that it’s a situation of survival through strength. Everyone is a casualty and your survival depends on determination, discipline and incorruptible mindset to adapt to the harsh reality of the current situation in the environment. It requires mental courage with unique qualities through Christ Jesus and remember that God is calling you at this time to encounter him in your suffering.
    




    I have seen other friends gone through tough times but to some the bend on the road ended their journey. Some continued beyond the bend and became strong men who in turn created good times for others.
    




    I am a living testimony of what it means to live in hard times at my age. Others may share with me similar issues. It could be personal, it could be spiritual, it could be family, it could be a geo-political and socio- economic chaos.  In any case, yes, I learned, I survived, and became a strong man and my experience in my hard times also created good times for others.
    




    I won but not with my might, or my wisdom or my strength or my degrees and academic qualifications on the walls, but through my Christian belief through prayers with my eyes and heart gazed at the Cross my Lord Jesus Christ was lifted on, crucified died and was taken off, buried and resurrected the third day for me so that I can also believe strongly in him and testify to his glory that his death was worthy for me in every situation of my life.
    




    The phrase “tough times create strong people” is often attributed to Michael Hopf: “Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times”. 
    




    As Christians the scripture forewarns us to take heed lest we fall. When you fall you go through “suffering” (that is hard times).  But our “suffering and trials”, when faced with our Christian faith, can build perseverance, character, and hope to create stronger Christians. So “hard times” is to the world of unbelievers  – as “suffering” is to the Christian.   
    




    Sufferings are hard times, as hard times are to suffering if it is interchangeable. Here are several Bible verses that support the idea that going through hardship can build strength and maturity:
    




    It is our weaknesses in Christ that sends us into Suffering and it is through our Suffering that we become strong and tough in our Christian relationship with the Lord as the world around us in society.
    




    These Are Some Takeaway Key Verses On How To Generate Strength Through Trials As Christians:  
    




    Romans 5:3-4 – This passage notes that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope.
    




    James 1:2-4 – This verse encourages believers to find joy in trials, as they test faith and develop perseverance, leading to maturity.
    




    2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – Here, the apostle Paul speaks of God’s power being made perfect in weakness, finding strength in Christ during difficulties.
    




    Isaiah 40:31 – This scripture promises renewed strength for those who trust in the Lord.
    




    Philippians 4:13 – This well-known verse states that strength comes through Christ to face any situation.
    




    Deuteronomy 31:6 – Advises to be strong and courageous, as God is with you.
    




    John 16:33 – States that in the world there will be trouble, but to take heart because Christ has overcome the world.
    




    1 Peter 5:10 – Mentions that after suffering, God will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
    




    In Christ your weakness is your advantage to depend on the Lord to deliver you through “suffering.” Have Faith in Christ and keep your Hope alive always.
    




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    HOPE FOR SALVATION
    	
    

	
	
	
    
		

    




    HOPE FOR SALVATION
    Romans 8:24-25- “For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”
     What is Apostle Paul saying? To me, Paul, the Apostle of Jesus emphasizes that, based on our faith in Jesus Christ there’s salvation for “anyone.”
    Romans 10:13 – “For whosoever (anyone) shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” There is nothing too complex about this verse but it’s not easy to see the simplicity of it too. Simply put, it is about salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The word “anyone” in the verse also refers to people, whoever you are, wherever you live, regardless of your status, or a particular characteristic. In short, this is the universality of the gospel message. 
    “Believing in Him” means trusting and depending on Christ for salvation. This is an open invitation to all who call on the Lord in repentance with faith and believing with hope. Luke 5:32 confirms that Jesus came to call people who know they are sinners and need to repent, not those who think they are righteous. Salvation is for anyone who’s ready, regardless of what you are and who you are. You have to repent, believe, and activate your faith to receive your salvation.
    Here is the deal if you are a non-Christian. You must be conscious of the fact that this hope of salvation is rooted in the belief that Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross offers forgiveness and reconciliation with God. IT IS FOR ALL HUMANITY. The deal is cemented and never to be walked back. It is the pathway to an unshakeable hope for salvation. All you have to do is come boldly repent for your evil past or sins and declare that you have ACCEPTED him as your Lord and personal Savior and indeed as the son of God.
    The Lord’s promise of salvation provides comfort, strength, and hope in times of difficulties and encourages us as Christians to live an honorable and virtuous life.
    If you are not a professed Christian and you are reading this piece, I must say you are not here by chance. The Holy Spirit has brought you this far. Do not turn your back on the Lord.
    If on the other hand, you are devoted or a baby Christian, it is a reminder for you to increase your relationship with the Lord, eradicate your unbelief, and stop being focused on your “selfish self.”
     I would emphasize that this hope in Christ in the subject under discussion is much bigger than the idea of an everlasting life where believers in Christ will experience timeless life with God in Heaven beholding our Lord God forever. 
    I will also stress that Christians who are struggling with hopelessness should remember their covenant with Christ. Your faith, trust, confidence, and motivation will increase your hope and break the chain of hopelessness to allow you to glorify the Lord here and eternally. 
    Your future is brighter than you think. Don’t you ever quit, open your heart to the Lord. Hope with perseverance will yield results for God’s glory. Without hope, we don’t have Christ and without Christ, we don’t have salvation.

    DECISION
    1. You have the choice to renew your Salvation, and the time is now.
    2. You have the choice to accept the Lord as your Lord Jesus your Salvation. The time is now.
    Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.” 
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    WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT BUILDING WALLS?
    	
    

	
	
	
    
		
    

    

    



    WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT BUILDING WALLS?
    




    “In this day and age, walls can be viewed with negative nuances but the truth with the matter is building walls is for many reasons, spiritually and physically. In the Christian belief, walls symbolizes divine protection spiritually for a faithful life and physically as boundaries for a peaceful environment on Earth for God’s people.  
    




    Physical boundaries are not a new norm in the world when we go back into history and it is always aligned with Biblical beliefs of the faithful ones and secularists alike.
    




    “Overall, walls in the Bible carry rich and varied meanings, from literal structures of defense to powerful symbols of spiritual truths. They reflect the human need for security, the reality of division, and the hope of divine protection and unity.”
    




    In Revelation 21:12,” the New Jerusalem is described as having a great and high wall with twelve gates, symbolizing the perfect and eternal security of God’s redeemed people.”  [Bible Hub]
    




    One of the most popular walls physically and divinely rebuilt from Biblical history was the wall of Jerusalem by Nehemiah. It is recorded that, after the Babylonian exile, Nehemiah was moved by God to return to Jerusalem and oversee the rebuilding of the city’s walls, which had been destroyed. 
    




    The book of Nehemiah 2:17 says: “Then I said to them, ‘You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we will no longer be a disgrace,” and the walls were built for security and peace of the people.
    




    Nonetheless, to some, walls can be seen as a source of imprisonment and division. They are often called things we need to break down and overcome.
    




    However, when we look at walls in the Bible, they are also seen as structures that protect, provide security, and represent a place of peace, and shelter forming a sense of belonging. In the Old Testament, physical walls were built to serve as a deterrent vital for a city’s survival against intruders or enemies.
    




    In the Christian life, walls are not only physical deterrent but also spiritual defense against attacks from the devil. So as spiritual walls of salvation and security are built through Christ our physical life must be protected by aligning it what the Bible say.
    




    Critics on the other hand misinterpret Ezekiel 13:10 by using it as an excuse to support and justify their argument of tearing down of physical structure of walls whereas this is a spiritual statement warning false teachers and prophets – wall as a metaphor to say.
    




    Exekiel 13:10-12 states: “Precisely because they have misled my people, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and because, when the people build a wall, these prophets smear it with whitewash,say to those who smear it with whitewash that it shall fall! There will be a deluge of rain, and you, O great hailstones, will fall, and stormy winds break out. And when the wall falls, will it not be said to you, ‘Where is the coating with which you smeared it?”
    




    “In Acts 23, Paul stands before the Sanhedrin and is struck on the order of the high priest Ananias. In response, Paul exclaims, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck” (Acts 23:3). Here, Paul uses the term to denounce the hypocrisy of the religious leaders who outwardly uphold the law but inwardly act unjustly.”
    




    “Paul’s rebuke highlights the theme of God’s wrath against those who maintain an outward appearance of righteousness while engaging in unrighteous actions. The whitewashed wall serves as a metaphor for the superficial piety that God condemns, emphasizing the importance of genuine faith and integrity.”  Stand firm in your FAITH and HOPE for your blessings.
    




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    HAVING HOPE-OUR FAITH IS IN JESUS
    	
    

	
	
	
    
		
    

    

    



    HAVING HOPE – OUR FAITH IS IN JESUS
    




    “Having hope links your past and present to the future. You have a vision for what you hope will happen. Having hope is important to the very act of being a human being.” As Dr. Judith Rich writes, “Hope is a match in a dark tunnel, a moment of light, just enough to reveal the path ahead and ultimately the way out.”
    




    Having hope in God will never lead us into misery or depression, because God has a plan for everyone who believes and trust him. God is the only one that we as believers can count on for a future that is filled of hope.
    




    In a straightforward term, Biblical hope is built on faith and hope. You cannot alienate one from the other. Our hope in Christ encourages us as believers to rejoice because the Lord is with us now and in the future. We must be patience to endure any tribulation, and persevere in prayer with God. This hope provides support for living with a Christ-centered perspective in such a time like this to rejoice as stated in Romans Chapter 12:12– “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.”
    




    Consequently, we can say then that Biblical definition of hope is “the sure and confident anticipation of getting what God has promised believers in Christ for the future.” In the simplest term Biblical hope is built on faith. The believer’s hope is not a faint or obscure wish but a firm foundation in Christ. “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the presence behind the veil” [Hebrews 6:19].           
    




    The Word of God lays a clear emphasis on Hope as a virtuous quality because it contains no doubt, always trusting in God’s faithfulness and presence no matter what and how the circumstances, whether it is good or it is bad. “For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth.” [Psalm 71:5].
    




    FURTHER REFERENCES:
    




    “Jesus Christ is our hope..” [1 Timothy 1:1].
    




    “Hope of Israel in time of distress..” [Jeremiah 14:8]
    




    “That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people..” [1 Timothy 4:10]
    




    “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?” Romans 8:24
    




    Paul the Apostle’s writings by far explains extensively hope in God and faith in God more than the Christian or non -Christian can imagine and understand.
    




    As Christians if we have worldly hope in people and things of this life we will be in realism living in a state of hopelessness. We can’t count on people, else we will be disappointed, but if we have our confidence in Christ we will never be disappointed as long as we trust in him with Faith and Hope.
    




    Without hope and without God in our life the world will be hopeless. [Read: Ephesians 2:12]. In contrast, the believer’s hope cannot be frustrated or hindered by anything in this life. We know what we have safely “stored up for [us] in heaven” [Colossians 1:5]
    




    Paul’s hope was so secured in his eternal future that he was willing to suffer and die for it: “I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead” [Acts 23:6].
    




    Consequently we recognize at this point that hope is unseen. So, the question is: Can we now trust this assurance from the Scripture and from the Lord? That said, we trust things in our natural surroundings that we don’t see its finality more than what the Scripture says.
    




    When it starts raining, you don’t know when it will end, but you trust that it will, you have that envisioned. Why that? I will tell you why, for the reason that, it is God’s natural law through the physical. Even though you don’t know when the rain will stop but you have the faith and hope that it will stop. Isn’t it interesting?
    




    So, why is it difficult for you to relate or trust the Lord about your request to him the same way you envision this law? Why then do you doubt if your request is going to be answered positively by God?
    




    We are confident in them because these are natural laws. In the same way, although we can’t see the end or when but we can be full of hope of the rain ending. Hope assures us that we can be confident in it because it’s the law of God.
    




    So then, let us consider the following and apply them to our faith and hope in God.
    




     “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?” Romans 8:24
    




    “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” [Hebrews 11:1]
    




     “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” Proverbs 23:18.    Trust in the Lord always for he is our FAITH and HOPE.
    




    From Faith and Hope Diaries. Share