"My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (1 Corinthians 12:9). The phrase in this scripture that God’s grace in sufficient, resonates with me during difficult times. This reminds me that God's grace sustains us through any and all hardships. It offers strength, comfort, and assurance that our God is trustworthy in all circumstances. Because the Lord is alive nothing is too challenging for Him to work on our behalf if we release all to Him. Christ is ALIVE.

“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So, she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,’ she said, ‘and we do not know where they have put Him!’
Then Peter and the other disciple set out for the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down and looked in at the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Simon Peter arrived just after him. He entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there. The cloth that had been around Jesus’ head was rolled up, lying separate from the linen cloths. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in. And he saw and believed. For they still did not understand from the Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.” (John 20:1-10 NIV)

The following is part two of a letter to Simon of Cyrene that was written by Joseph McAuley (assistant editor of the magazine “America”) on March 26, 2016:

“…Carrying a cross demands everything a person has and in doing so, Jesus went to the boundaries of endurance and beyond, when he could endure no more and offered himself totally. He became the receptacle of humanity’s untold sins, crushed for them on the cross, in order to affect redemption. It is incomprehensible and frightening thing to do, but Jesus went to Calvary and stayed ‘obedient unto death, death upon a cross.’
Jesus entered Holy Week with palms and hosannas in the highest and ended it being treated worse than a criminal, being crucified between criminals, with the prospect of burial among criminals. And among the sufferings he had to endure were those of betrayal and denial, to the point that the only ones left at the foot of the cross were his mother, the dedicated women who believed in him, and the beloved disciple, John.
The connected and the powerful of his day disdained him and his message; his own people (and not a few of his disciples) hoped he would be a Messiah and the rescuer of Israel. Everyone, from Pilate on down, had him pegged wrong and only saw him in ways they only wanted to see him, not as he was. Because they were human, they could only see surface realities; the Romans and the Jews of the day could only think about what truly mattered: their rank and position in the world. For them, there was no other reality. It took Jesus being crucified on the cross to prove them wrong.
Once you and Jesus—and the cross you both carried—reached Calvary, you “disappeared.” You had done your duty in what was perhaps the very first act of Christian charity: you performed an act of mercy when you helped Jesus carry the cross. Simon of Cyrene, you are a figure of curiosity—what happened to you afterwards? Did you leave Calvary hill a changed man? Were your eyes opened by Jesus? Was your life given a new sense of purpose by what happened? Or were you like the others, who felt sorry for a good man who was overwhelmed by the powers that be who could not possibly have been the Messiah, but simply a man who preached justice and mercy but was given none?
I prefer to believe the presentation of you as a man of tender countenance who willingly offered your hand and your heart to Jesus, with mercy, pity and compassion. The picture of you that has survived through the millennia is a needed one, especially in these days, when hatred, intolerance and violence are the rampant diseases of people who wish to overwhelm everyone with their sense of rank and power, expressing in the evilest way possible their never-satiated need of entitlement and dominance, in defiance not only of their fellow man, but of God.   Simon of Cyrene, you took it upon yourself to help a suffering Jesus. You didn’t have to, but you did. You are the model that the world needs today. In carrying that cross with Jesus, you became like him; help us to become like you, so we can become like him whom you helped that day and that in so doing, we can be the servants he wanted us to be and show the world yet again that there is another way.”

Simon of Cyrene was from Libya in northern Africa. He was in Jerusalem to celebrate Passover when Jesus was taken into custody and crucified. He is mentioned in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

The following is part one of a letter to Simon that was written by Joseph McAuley (assistant editor of the magazine “America”) on March 26, 2016:

“Dear Simon of Cyrene,
In the New Testament narratives of the Crucifixion, you make only one appearance, one that is brief but meaningful: you were selected to help Jesus carry his cross. In Matthew’s Gospel (27:32), we read that “as they went out, they came upon a man of Cyrene, Simon by name; this man was compelled to carry his cross.” And in Luke’s Gospel (23:26), you were “seized” when you were coming in from the country. Whether you were “compelled” or “seized” does not matter; it was you, of all the people present that day, who became the one who helped the Son of God.
You were one of many people there on that day, that Good Friday, to be a witness to the death of a good man who happened to be the Savior of the world, only no one knew it at the time. Perhaps you realized that after your encounter with Jesus on his last journey and walked with him, literally, on his last mile.
We don’t know why you were there; perhaps out of curiosity you went to see for yourself—what and who—Jesus of Nazareth was all about, like many other people who were present that day. Were you one of the “secret followers” of Jesus who remained hidden until the last moment when, by your actions, you came forward to assist him? Scripture says you were “compelled” and yet, people since that time have continued to believe that you volunteered out of pity and mercy for a good man who was facing his death alone. We are not precisely sure why you were there, but you were, and you were plucked from obscurity by the Roman soldier to come forward to carry Jesus’ cross with him. You were Jesus’ last helper.
You are depicted in many ways and in many forms of media, through paintings, sketching, sculptures, even in mosaics. Sometimes, you are presented as rough- hewn and scowling, not a little put-out by having to perform this duty, when others could have done it, and you could have been left alone; at other times, you are presented tenderly, with a countenance that bespeaks of mercy, pity and compassion, and you willingly offer your hand and your heart to Jesus, who, divine as he was, gratefully accepted the very human help you offered him.
Carrying a cross is a difficult thing. Early on in his ministry, Jesus beckoned everyone to “pick up your cross” if they wished to follow him. Many at the time did; and today, many do, and yet there are others still who either don’t or won’t, for it is too much.
The cross is a burden and far from being a light yoke, but Jesus underwent the burden of carrying it. It required fortitude and patience and in many cases, not a small amount of suffering and a great deal of love—yet Jesus took it up…” (continued next week)

It’s easy to become discouraged and distracted in today’s world. With wars and the constant threat of conflict in so many places, you may find yourself wondering, “What is this world coming to? Will I make it?” These feelings are understandable, especially when uncertainty and fear seem to dominate the headlines and conversations around us.

Popular culture often portrays the end of the world or the ‘last days’ in ways that differ greatly from what the Bible actually teaches. Numerous films have been made about the end times, each offering its own reasons for how and why the world might end. However, only the Bible provides a clear account of how the world will end, describing the End of the World within its pages.

To understand what the future holds, you must open God’s Word. For Christians—God’s children—this is no secret. But those who don’t believe the Bible are left to draw their own conclusions, often guided by their own assumptions. People who don’t know Christ are continually searching for fulfillment, yet never truly find it. True fulfillment comes only by surrendering your heart to Christ, for He alone is the true giver of peace. When we allow Him to guide our lives, He fills us with His peace and purpose.

Someone sent me an interesting Quote from the ‘Daily Bread Sept 2001’ that I want to share with you: “The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, caution lights called Family,. You will have flats called Jobs. But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith, and a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called SUCCESS.” “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

What is the difference between doing things out of desire ("I want to") versus obligation ("I have to")? Years ago, a church member was struggling financially. I saw that her son needed new shoes, so I helped to buy him a new pair. I didn’t think about being repaid or even the cost; I just wanted to bless him. This made such a lasting impact that years later, he still recalls this act as genuine kindness. Scripture teaches that blessing others is both a command and reflection of God's nature, as seen in Genesis 12:2 and Matthew 7:12. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. For this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”  

A ‘want-to-give’ comes from a I-want-to-bless-you genuine desire from the heart to do good for someone else, expecting nothing in return. The reward is the fulfillment it brings to the soul along life's journey, and the joy of experiencing God’s Heart.

A ‘have-to-give’ comes from a really-don’t-want-to spirit, expecting something in return. There is no joy in it as it lacks fulfillment and can even lead to bitterness and resentment. (I must point out here, please don’t mistake this with obligations that need to be met such as bills and family; there’s no escaping those responsibilities. That’s LIFE.)

Biblical teachings encourage kindness and charity. The importance of giving from the heart and finding joy in helping others, rather than seeking repayment or acting out of duty, is emphasized. My desire to be a blessing to others without looking for pay back has always resulted in God blessing me abundantly with His joy and enriching heart. I encourage you to live a life aligned with God's principles, embracing, not only the necessary have-to responsibilities, but also the joyful acts of want-to blessings to others.

We just celebrated Martin Luther King Day on January 19 th . I loved his iconic speech, “I have a dream.” ‘Dream’ stood out to me because everything I see around me is somebody’s dream. As people, we were created to dream and, if we look at the world we live in, we can see God's dreams.

The first book of the Bible, Genesis, gives the account of Creation including man; “In the beginning God created heaven and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.  He called the light day, and the darkness he called night. And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day” (Genesis 1: 1-5). It goes on to describe the sky and earth, separation of the waters, vegetation, and so forth.

I see this as a dream, defined as God having a strong desired goal or purpose. There are times I look at the beauty of nature and say to myself, “God created that for me because He had me in mind when He created it all and He loves me beyond words.”  

When it comes to you and me, we were created to dream. Dreaming has an essential role in developing our faith and helping us become the kind of person God has always intended us to be. There is a key between dreaming and believing, between our imagination and our growth. Without a dream we get stuck. But with God-inspired dreams we have almost limitless possibilities. We are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), with God’s ‘dream’ to bear His image on earth. God designed us with intelligence and the desire to live in relationship with Him and other human beings. We have value and worth, so let’s dream His dreams for us.

My mother went home to be with the LORD, June 21, 2021. She lived in another state, so my husband went with me to empty her home. I must admit it was quite a task. My mother was a child of the Depression; therefore, she believed in saving every newspaper, magazine, and the list goes on. As we emptied the house in order to put it on the market, I brought back with me some of her things. Why am I telling you all this? Because every time I passed her beloved china cabinet I placed in my dining room, I would have to fight back the tears of missing my mom. I wanted to run to the phone to call her to ask how she was doing. But I knew where she was - with the Lord.

I knew she wouldn’t come back even if she was able, but that wouldn’t stop my meltdowns. One day one of our church intercessors called me and asked me to go into my dining room and look at her expensive beautiful china cabinet. She told me to say to my mom’s china cabinet “This cabinet is mine now because my mom wanted me to have it!” As I spoke those words I began to cry tears of healing. I still miss my mom, but not in the same way as before.

In thinking about my china cabinet, I am reminded that the Bible has numerous promises geared for you and me. Just like I verbally claimed my mom’s cabinet, we can claim the Word of God as our very own. There are over three-hundred scriptures that belong to us because the Lord’s shed blood on Calvary made it ours for the asking. Elohim is the one who began it all. God, Almighty Creator, reveals himself in the beginning, Genesis 1:1-10, 31.

Many years ago, I taught this song in Sunday school: “Every Promise in the Book is Mine.” We can take the blessings and promises found in the Bible as our own as we celebrate faith and hope in Jesus.

We have entered a new year, leaving behind the old with its mix of challenges and joyful moments. Regardless of what 2025 brought, one undeniable truth remains: we are here today, experiencing a day we have never seen before. This is a gift granted by God’s grace, who generously and continually gives us blessings that we don’t deserve and, through His mercy, spares us from hardships that we might deserve.

As we move forward into 2026, let’s look at the power and necessity of forgiveness. “Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Colossians 3:13). We have a duty to forgive others because that is what frees us to continue to walk forward and be victorious. As the saying goes, “Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” Unforgiveness will eat up your future, destiny, and your effectiveness.

What is unforgiveness and what does it look like?

• Lingering resentment: replaying the hurt or betrayal long after it happened.
• Emotional tension: feeling tight, guarded, or reactive around the person or memory.
• Desire for repayment: wanting the other person to feel what you felt or “make it right.” 
• Avoidance or withdrawal: distancing yourself to protect the wound rather than heal it. 
• Selfprotection that becomes selfimprisonment: holding on to the hurt as a shield, even when it starts to weigh you down.

Self-unforgiveness I believe is the worst because you live in a state of torment from your past every day. At one point in my life, I was in prison of my own making because I did not forgive myself. I lived like that for over thirty years, walking around like everything was fine, hiding behind my happy-go-lucky mask. One slippery night on the freeway a drunk driver and I almost had a terrible accident. It was that point I cried out to God, “Lord! I can’t live like this any longer! You have to let me out of this prison.” I clearly heard the voice of the LORD, “Gail, you’re locked into your self-made prison and you threw away the key. I forgave you the second you asked me, but you refused to let go of your pain.” That wintry night I was set free, so I know what pain is all about. Everyone has different crises, but God can take care of all situations. He is our Jehovah Jireh, meaning “He sees.” He sees everything you have suffered from others and from your own decisions. In 2026 allow the Lord to heal you through forgiveness, so you can be free to be who HE has called you to be. “So, if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

When I was a child, my great mother told me that our memories never really fade away. OUR MEMORIES are stronger than we realize. As we age our minds recall our past and see yesterday like it’s on a movie screen. I didn’t realize what she meant until I got older, and I’m reminded every day that God is faithful and true to His promises.

Not only do we need God in our lives, but we also need each other; “No man or woman is an island unto themselves.” I saw a quote by Desireé B. Stephens, that said, "Community is the willingness to sit together when joy and grief share the same breath." I thought on this as I was reflecting on the memories of those loved ones who have transitioned from this life.

My husband and I were recently on our way to Starbucks when I said, “I wish my mom was here so I could hear her voice, or my very dear friend so we could go to the Noodle Shop together. We found such peace just hanging out doing extraordinarily little or nothing some days.”

My husband waited patiently until I was finished and he said, “Gail, do you realize that you’re closer to your transitioned loved ones now, more than you have ever been? You’ve known your mom your whole life, but you’ll never get those years back. They’re not in front of you, but behind you and you don’t have seventy odd years in front of you. Eventually you will see your loved ones. So, until then God wants us to keep on trusting and working until He calls us home.” That’s not morbid, but factual and it gave me total peace.

Trusting in the Bible is a profound and active reliance on God, rooted in the belief that He is faithful and will fulfill His promises. It’s a vital aspect of faith that encourages believers to lean on God's understanding and guidance in all aspects of life. Trusting God leads to peace, direction, and fulfillment of His plans for our lives, so I will go on with my life of trusting God.

Everyone is hustling and bustling around looking for gifts to buy relatives, friends, and church family members, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I was in the nail salon yesterday and asked the manicurist if she was done with her shopping. Her face lit up as she told me that she completed her shopping in September because she hates crowds. A lot of people have that same mindset, especially with the recent rise in prices.

So many celebrate Christmas, but do they even know what Christmas celebration is all about? Two thousand years ago the greatest gift of all came into the world with the task of bringing salvation and wholeness to a dying humanity. His name is Jesus. When our children were small before we opened one gift my husband read the Christmas story despite our kids begging to open their gifts. Finally, my husband would finish, and they tore open their presents.

Every element of the very first Christmas was divinely orchestrated. Jesus came into the world at the right time, not a minute too soon or a minute too late. Jesus fulfilled many prophecies of the Old Testament. “Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us]” (Isaiah 7:14 KJV). Scriptures tells us His birthplace would be Bethlehem, emphasizing that from that humble town will come a ruler destined to shepherd Israel. (Micah 5:2) This highlights God’s sovereignty and significance of insignificant places.

Jesus was born in a manger - an animal trough - so He could touch humanity. He came humbly so that everyone reading of His birth would know that He is relatable to any and everyone. Jesus is THE Gift to the world. “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.   For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:16-17 KJV).

The Laws of God are addressed to the people of God who have been redeemed by His Grace and Power. We are studying a book by Max Lucado, “Experiencing The Heart of Jesus.” This material makes you ask yourself, ‘Do I really know what true commitment is about?’ I am reminded of Psalm 139:23- 24 (KJV):” Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”

There are times we get so caught up with life that we might forget how God has called us to operate as Christians. Despite David’s various wrong moves, he was honest with the Lord. There are times we need to take a soul-searching repentance break. The Laws of God are designed to provide guidance toward living a fulfilled abundant life. Some consider the Laws of God to be restricted; however, to live without the structure of the Laws of God brings disaster in our lives. The laws of God are principles and structure to live a successful, healthy, and enriched life.

“Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your words. I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore, I hate every wrong path” (Psalm 119:97-104).

When we encounter situations or circumstances that seem over our heads, we don’t know what to do. These are the times we need to talk to God. David gives us several instances when he turned to God in good times and in bad.

When David faced Goliath, he spoke of his former victories of killing the lion and bear. The devil never wants you to gain strength in remembering what you know in God’s Word through past experiences. Never be afraid to remind the devil of your authority in Jesus.

David sang songs of praise as he watched over his father’s sheep. There is time solitude can be a powerful tool to focus our thoughts. Praising God is one tool that can give us new perspectives as it builds confidence in the ways of God.

When David hid in caves from King Saul, he prayed and encouraged himself in God. He had life issues like everyone else, but his problems didn’t control him. Spending time with God:

• Reduces stress-helps your body and mind to calm down and relax. Psalm 55:22 
• Improves mental clarity-easier to focus. Philippians 4:7 
• Helps you see problem solving easier. Proverbs 3:5-6 
• Gives you better understanding of your feelings and emotions. Philippians 4:13 
• Increases self-awareness to sort out your thoughts, feelings, and judgments about the situation. Romans 12:2 

I am reminded of the song “I Must Tell Jesus All My Troubles.” When it seems like circumstances are pulling you under, Jesus is your lifeline. When you may experience hopelessness, be not dismayed; God is faithful to bring you through. It doesn’t matter if you are a new believer in Christ or someone who has been saved for a considerable time, God has time to listen if you have time to pray. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of situations or people, for the Lord your God goes with you, He never leaves you nor forsakes you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Look around and you will see pressures of every kind. Pressure about the government shutdown, lack of food resources, jobs eliminated, rents due, staffing reductions, increased violence, flight cancelations, and the list goes on. It would be so easy to allow these changes to govern our lives and to title our lives as hopeless.

But as long as Sweet Jesus is on the throne the children of God are not going under, but over in victory. It is vital for us to take that stance regardless of what is happening around us. It is imperative to filter out the noise and go past what we see with our natural ears and eyes. Because at the end of the day, we are to: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). God’s Word tells us to pierce the darkness through prayer and stand our ground as believers. We do this by putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18):

•  Helmet of salvation-protects your mind.
• Breast Plate of Righteousness-as it ought to be according to God’s standards. 
• Feet Shod with Gospel of peace- God is on your side at all times; use your voice of authority to tell the devil to get back. 
• Shield of Faith-Stop the fiery darts of Satan, making the enemy defeated because you will not stand for those evil spirits tormenting your mind. 
• Sword of the Spirit—Word of God is our “bread of life”: meat of the mature, milk for new believers, and a pillow to rest your weary head.

We are then admonished to “pray always with all supplication in the Spirit-being watchful to the end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” Prayerlessness is a sin. (“Seven days of prayerlessness makes one weak.”) Prayer causes God’s power to be manifested in every situation.

Jesus promises PEACE to those who are willing to allow God to be true to His Word in their lives. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

When I was a child, my mother told me that our memories never really fade away, that they are stronger than we realize. As we age our minds recall our past and see yesterday like on a movie screen. I didn’t realize what she meant until I got older. When I thought of David looking at Goliath’s armor hanging in his tent; it was a reminder to me that God is faithful and true to His promises.

Trust in the Bible is a profound and active reliance on God, rooted in the belief that He is faithful and will fulfill His promises. It is a vital aspect of faith that encourages believers to lean on God’s understanding and guidance in all aspects of life. Trusting God leads to peace, direction, and fulfillment of His plans for us.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all of your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). This verse emphasizes the importance of relying on God’s wisdom rather than your own.

Trust, fear not, and honor God. So often we get caught up in fear, but I have learned that fear is Satan’s false evidence appearing real. If we do not take a stand on the Word of God, we will continually swallow the lies Satan feeds us.

“Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:3-4). Here, trust is linked with action and commitment to God.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in You” (Isaiah 26:3-4). This highlights the peace that comes from trusting God. The LORD will never forsake His saints. Victory comes from a fearless stance of believing in the miracle working power of the one who loves you most - God.

The greatest Ambassador sent by God was His Son, Jesus. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus established the right relationship between God and man.

Before His ascension, Jesus gave a mandate to His disciples, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of [be an ambassador to] all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).

Ambassadors represent their country’s interests, care for their citizens, and maintain diplomatic relations. As Christians - citizens of Heaven - we are ambassadors of God to the world. In last week’s Blog, we read about the requirements to be called an ambassador of God: Be willing to say ‘yes’; step out in faith; keep your eyes on Him; be loyal to His calling; trust that He will be with you. Now let’s look at how to apply this Mandate in our daily lives.  

1. Learn of God’s will: Spend time in the Word and in prayer. (Psalm 119:105, Isaiah 40:31)

2. Witness: Share the good news of salvation through Jesus. (Mark 16:15)

3. Embody the sovereign: Live in a way that reflects Jesus’ character, love, and grace. (John 13:15, 34-35)

4. Reconcile: Act as a source of peace and encourage people to be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

This quote from Benjamin Franklin sums it up: “The qualities of a diplomat [ambassador] are sleepless tact, unmovable calmness, and a patience that no folly, no provocation, no blunders may shake. Our documents we carry is the Word of God and to be instant in season and out of season.”

In the Bible, an ambassador is an official representative of God, entrusted to carry the message of Heaven to those on earth. The Greatest Ambassador sent by God was His Son, Jesus. Jesus came to earth to die and establish the right relationship between God and man. His death satisfied God’s judgement against humanity. Jesus paid the bill with His life by totally fulfilling His mission. Before He drew His last breath, He said “It is finished.”

There are several ambassadors of God in the Old Testament: Moses when he told the Pharoah to let God’s people free; Joshua when he led Israel into the Promised Land; and the Prophets who spoke God’s promises to Israel. For now, let’s look at Abraham, who gives us an excellent example of the requirements to be called an ambassador from God.

1. Be willing: (Genesis 12:1-4) Abraham didn’t know what God had in mind when He promised him a new life. He heard God’s voice call him, and he left without questioning.

2. Step out in faith: “Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed, and went… he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country” (Hebrews 11:8-9).

3. Be spiritually-minded: “For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10).

4. Be loyal: Abraham did not look back. “If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country - a heavenly one” (Hebrews 11:15-16).

5. Trust: In all that he was called to do, including the command to sacrifice his only son, Abraham did not waver. (Hebrews 11:13; Genesis 22:1-14)

God has called you to be His ambassador to this world. Be willing to say ‘yes’; step out in faith; keep your eyes on Him; be loyal to His calling; trust that He will be with you.

We had a dynamic Bible Study about the children of Israel’s deliverance from bondage in Egypt. These people had questions that were so real about their survival. They were facing a real crisis, which is a time of extreme difficulty, trouble, and unusual circumstances. Their main concern was how is this going to be done with Pharaoh behind them and the Red Sea in front of them? They forgot about all the miracles that God showed them when He delivered ten plagues upon the Egyptians.

There may be times when we also face a crisis in our lives, and, like the children of Israel, ask the same question of how is this going to work out in my favor? But I like what Moses told the multitude following him, “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14:13). God wants us to use the power of His Word in every situation, especially in times of crisis, to destroy Satan’s kingdom with words of faith. (2 Thess. 3:3). If we settle for less our lives lose delight, fulfillment, and purpose. God can act sovereignly without our help, but He chooses to work through human beings like us.

God has a to-do list that is called HIS WILL for each and every Christian. “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God” (2 Cor 5:12). God’s care for his children is like the sun, it is constant. Even though the clouds obscure it, it does not mean the sun is not there. Nothing happens unless it is given over to the Lord! Of course, the Children of Israel got to the other side safe and unharmed. “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7).

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” “A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone tired.” (Proverbs 17:22 various translations)

The impact of laughter is well documented. Studies show it lowers blood pressure and reduces hypertension and stress hormones. Laughter cleanses the lungs and body tissues of stored stale air because it empties more air out than it takes in. It can also increase the immune functions in the body. On top of all this, it triggers the release of endorphins - those “feel good” chemicals in the brain that make you feel happy. It can in many cases override your pain because it takes your mind off it.

Even at the worst of times we can laugh. Sometimes our bills, health, children, marriage, and other circumstances make us feel like we’ve hit a wall. I call that ‘life’ but it’s not the end. Then is the time to get out and socialize with other like- minded people. I recommend there is nothing better for Christians who are struggling than to ‘eat, drink (not worldly), and be merry’ with family and friends.

Take every opportunity to have a good hearty laugh. Laughter reflects positive emotions and makes it easier to be around. God’s Word highlights the duality of human experiences, stating, “A time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:4). It reflects life's contrasting seasons and emotions. The phrase “The joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10) signifies that true joy, rooted in a relationship with God, empowers and sustains us through life's challenges.

I am reminded of the white rabbit in Alice In Wonderland, a fictitious story written by Lewis Carroll. This rabbit was dressed in a vest and topcoat and wore glasses. The character is remembered for looking at his pocket watch saying, “I’m late for a very important date.” He constantly worried about the fury of the Queen of Hearts if he was tardy. Alice’s curiosity overcame her fear as she followed him down the rabbit hole, and that’s where Alice’s adventures began.

I found that story to be humorous because I can see similarities to our lives when we worry to get somewhere in a hurry. The white rabbit can teach us that hurry does not get you where you always want to go and worry is not your friend. Worrying can cause many unwanted health issues and frustrations. Worry can make you feel as if your world is falling apart with no answers to why or for what. Worry never wins, but trusting God is a win. Here are some scriptures on which we can depend:

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” This verse emphasizes the importance of relying on God rather than our limited understanding, assuring us that He will guide our decisions.  

Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Trusting God brings peace, especially during challenging times, reminding us to focus on Him for stability.  

Psalm 56:3 “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” This verse highlights the choice to trust God even in moments of fear, reinforcing that faith can overcome anxiety.  

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

First, it is important to define what faith is. It is the confident assurance that something is going to happen. It is a certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us. All through scriptures from Genesis to Revelation we see faith in action with its miraculous results. The best scripture on faith is Hebrews chapter 11. It gives us perfect examples how faith was effective in the lives of God’s people. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Heb 11:1 NIV).

Some people think faith is based on your denomination, church attendance, or just wishing something will work on your behalf. It has nothing to do with that but has everything to do with your personal relationship with the Lord. I like to think of faith as an individual personal affair. Back in the old days people used to laugh and believe in the “Blab it and grab from the Lord” method. It was a mindset that said, ‘Because I am a believer in Christ all I have to do is tell God what I want, and He will give it to me automatically.’ But that is not asking from the Lord scripturally; The Lord is not our personnel Santa Claus.

Faith is a choice we make to fully embrace what God says in His Word. We must believe that God is what He says He is; a Being of infinite perfection, subsisting in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. This practical belief of the existence of God as revealed in the Word, causes us to operate according to gospel of obedience. “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” (Heb 11:6 NIV).

God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. By the fall of man in the Garden in Genesis we lost God; we lost the divine light, life, love, likeness, and communion. But God made a way for us to reunite with Him, through Christ, the second Adam. Having faith in Jesus creates a hearty climate that causes us to hold on to what we believe about Him and through His Word.

“One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple” (Psalm 27:4 NIV).

In order to succeed, there are certain things you must surrender to God. You can’t be friends with everyone. There are people who come into your life, but not everyone will stay. Some will enter your life for a season and you will have an impact on each other for a particular reason. But at the end of the day, they’re gone. Then there are those who God has called into your life and you will have added value to each other’s spiritual journey, heart, and life. For example, my sister-in-law shares with me about concepts I shared with her some thirty or forty years ago.

“Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens a friend's countenance” (Prov 27:17 NHEB Messianic). We don’t realize the power of our influence on others until we see how much Jesus has influenced us. How we live our lives has a great impact on others, either for the better or for the worse. Therefore, let our focus be, not only to enrich ourselves, but also to pour into others.

When we choose to do right by others and ourselves, God gets the glory. When we have a healthy balance between our private lives and public lives, God gets the glory. When we allow God to bring in the right people and put us on His path, God gets the glory. And, in the end, we have a sense of fulfillment such as joy, self- respect, confidence, and greater integrity. It’s not always easy to discern which way to go, but I love that scripture that promises, “In all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make your paths straight” (Prov 3:6 NIV).

I Remember a song by Doris Day in 1956 called “Que Sera Sera”. I really loved that song because it predicted my future and made me look forward to who I would marry one day. It was about a young girl asking her mother, “Will I be rich, will I fall in love?” Her mother would answer each question with, “Que Sera, Sera.” In other words what will be will be; the future is not ours to see, “Que, Sera, Sera.”

As I grew up and realized that “Que Sera, Sera” was the only song I loved, I learned that God doesn’t fashion our lives according to a childhood song of dreams and the love of a man. “But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt 6:33 NHEB Messianic).

As I matured, I realized my priorities have changed. I realized God has fashioned my life to HIS WILL. He placed a man in my life and enabled me to love him more every day. But it didn’t start out that way. I remember telling God once that I wanted to give him back. Years ago, during our hard years, I called his mom and told her I was sending him back home. I remember her telling me, “You got him now, I don’t want him back.” As I hung up the phone, I remembered the prophecy we received when we were pronounced husband and wife: “I have called you to bring glory to ME and to bring many into my kingdom.” And, sure enough, God worked everything out for HIS GOOD. We have been married for fifty-eight years, and I cannot imagine my life without him.

It's important to ask yourself, are you living each day with a ‘whatever will be will’ attitude or are you asking God to lead you into His Will? Use those times of pain and breakthrough to help others get their victory. Let your prayer be: “Thank you for maturity, coming to me spiritually, financially, and emotionally. My family will be blessed by what you are teaching me. You have equipped me well.”

Being double-minded means being of two minds, indecisive, vacillating, or ambivalent. We have the free will to choose what we want or don’t want, but sometimes we are influenced by our environment. Years ago, when I went out to eat, I would look at the menu and know what I wanted. This would be until the server brought someone else’s food to them. Then after scoping their order, I would immediately change my mind to what they were having.

Being double-minded can take on other forms: the clothing we wear, the person we marry, etc. These changes take place in our everyday life, but being Christians, the Lord calls us to take one side or the other of who we are. “If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who ‘worry their prayers’ are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open” (James 1:5-8 Message).

Double-mindedness in prayer is like mixing car fuel. Don’t expect a clear understanding of God’s will when you mix your natural mind (what you see) with your spiritual mind (spiritual truths). However, many Christians don’t believe the Lord can talk to them so will rely on their own minds for answers. “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:2).

I saw a church Reader Board that said, “God is always speaking but who is listening?” That ‘WHO’ applies to every Christian. I encourage you to follow the example of young Samuel. While under the tutelage of the High Priest Eli, he heard a voice calling his name over and over. In his natural mind he thought Priest Eli was calling him, but it was the Lord. When he finally answered, “Speak Lord, your servant heareth”, God was able to reveal His will to him. Do you have single- minded listening ears to hear the voice of God in your life?

The Bible tells us that David grew up as a young shepherd boy and that his family treated him as a cast away. His job was to stay out and deal with the family sheep. But God who sits high in the Heavens and looks down on humanity had other plans for David. “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his [the eldest son] appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart’” (1 Sam 16:7 NIV).

In the first century, people in high positions wanted the community to bow down to them and for the poor and commoners to clear a path as they walked by. They were devoid of grace, mercy, and compassion, and Jesus got real with them! He addressed the upper class and exposed their hypocrisy by calling them out for who and what they were. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but, on the inside, you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness” (Matt 23:27-28 NIV).

It’s important to stop and ask yourself, “How can I live a life that represents Christ?” The answer is to follow Jesus’ example. He spent His life ministering to the hurting, forgotten, lost, and lonely. Always remember as a Christian you will still struggle in certain areas of your life, but God sees your desire to walk pleasing to Him. The truth is to not act like you have it all together and never look down on others as if your life is perfect. Instead, stay in God’s promises. Surround yourself with transparent people who encourage you to be real and help strengthen you when you need that extra boost.

While our children were growing up my husband and I committed to display Christ in our home and our marriage relationship. Were we perfect? No! Only the Trinity is perfect - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We strove to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord and we asked for guidance daily on how to raise our family. We never wanted our children to stumble because of poor parenting. Then a few years ago one of our sons told me he learned how to speak in his heavenly language by listening to me praying while cleaning the kitchen late at night. I had no idea he was listening.

Many years ago, my husband instituted a saying for our family and church, “Follow me as I follow Christ.”  (1 Cor. 11:1 NIV) Our sons were following our example without our knowing it. “Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that” (Eph. 5:1-2 Message Bible).

As parents, our moods fill the atmosphere of our home, and our kids will model those attitudes they have seen. If they see complaining they will learn to complain and whine; if they hear nothing but negativity they will dwell on the negative. Even though we were heavy into ministry our kids knew we loved them and we displayed that love and security regardless of what was happening outside of our home. “Buy truth — don't sell it for love or money; buy wisdom, buy education, buy insight. Parents rejoice when their children turn out well; wise children become proud parents” (Prov 23:23-24 Message Bible).  

Are you an example of Christ in your family and church?