Faith is BELIEVING when all apparent indicators tell you that things are not possible! Faith is KNOWING that regardless of what your body or your circumstances may be screaming at you, GOD has a different verdict for your situation!

Scripture says we are to “love others as we love ourselves” (Mark 12:33 author’s paraphrase).  Maybe the reason some people treat others so harshly is because that’s how they feel about themselves. They don’t see themselves as good enough or worthy enough, so to them no one else is either. When we comprehend the gospel we see that God loves us! He loved us so much that He gave His own Son to die for us!

God created us in His image with dignity and purpose. He created us to experience His love. He has entrusted us with His authority and only requires one thing from us—that we believe and trust His words to us!

Those things that have limited you in your body, your background or your relationships may have made you believe that your future is limited. But I want to let you know that if Jesus is your Lord, your future has NO LIMITS!

Regardless of how uncertain things may appear looking into the year ahead, it is imperative that we stay strong in the face of adversity, and KNOW THAT THE GOODNESS OF GOD RESTS UPON US! Now more than ever, take the time to grow in intimacy with Him through His Word and prayer, and experience both His love for you and His reassuring hand upon you. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

What will the future hold for us as we stand once again on the threshold of a new year? I can predict with confidence that we are more than conquerors in every situation as Romans 8:37 declares! Why expect the worst when all things are possible to those who believe, as Jesus has spoken? Why believe it will be a time of isolation, when Jesus said I will never leave you nor forsake you?

“…But the angel said to them, “Listen! Do not fear. For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11 MEV). “Good news of great joy” means, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

In 1865, William and Catherine Booth started what would become known as the Salvation Army. They fed the poor and opened lodging houses to shelter the homeless from London’s bitter winters. As their work expanded, William began the practice of sending a telegram of encouragement each Christmas Eve to his “soldiers” around the world. In what would be his last telegram, he realized that because of the cost, his message would have to be brief. He decided to send only one word: “OTHERS.”  This Christmas season, allow Christ to dwell in you and live through you—and have a merry, OTHERS-minded Christmas!

God is NOT waiting for you to make a mistake so He can put a sickness or some calamity on you. It’s the devil who walks about like a roaring lion, looking for someone he can devour (1 Peter 5:8)! He’s the one trying to pervert the Word of God with evil schemes and tricks — he’s trying to convince you that what Jesus has already done for you is not really for you!

God is FOR you! He gave you the gift of eternal life so you would have peace of mind about your future. He gave you His promises for every area of your life so you would know His best for you. God is not hard, He is benevolent!