Tag: Christian community

Part 2 of 3 of Dr. Charles F. Stanley

On By SkyIn Tributes5 Comments
“And I can only attribute anything productive or effective in my ministry to His wisdom and power.” – Dr. Charles F. Stanley

Welcome back to our sequel of our conversation on the teachings of Dr. Charles F. Stanley!

Last time we talked about how Dr. Stanley encouraged us to be Christ focused, stay driven to run the race, and taking the time to remember those who have gone before us by learning from their example.

Today, my interest is to mention one of many gifts that we have, and that is prayer.

The way you pray can reveal your relationship with God. How is your prayer life going? What does it look like? These are the types of questions I had once asked myself. Am I praying enough? Am I doing it correctly? Are just some other examples.

Intimacy is a game changer when it comes to prayer. The more intimate you are with the Lord, the more you will desire to communicate, discuss, seek, and ask of Him. You learn that this is God’s longing as well. The Gift of Prayer allows us to be unified with Father. What a word Dr. Stanley used, unified. It reminds me of what Jesus had once stated, “I and my Father are one.” (John 10:30, KJV), and we are promised that we also can have this kind of relationship too (please see 1 Corinthians 10:17, John 17:22, + Ephesians 4:4).

“His throne is free to us, it was very costly to Him.” – Dr. Charles F. Stanley

Being able to be presented in God’s presence is a privilege. For He is the Creator of all things. He not only created everything, but He takes pleasure, dedication, and honor in all the things He has considered to make. “But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him.” (Psalm 4:3, KJV). It is truly amazing that we don’t have to be like the people of the world who have no hope. We have a caring Father who is willing to bend down to listen to anything that is dwelling within us that we cannot bear. OR even if it is something good with a thankful heart. Dr. Stanley made it aware that prayer is powerful & impactful simply because of the One whom we pray. He is the true source of our help.

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?”

Jeremiah 32:27

With all of this being said, I hope that this encourages you all to continue to pray. To consider improving your prayer life and if you lack in this department to not be hesitant in attempting to strengthen it. Even if you think you are ‘fine’ in this area, ask the Holy Spirit if there is anything you need to be brought to your attention. For we are all continuously learning and you might be surprised by what He brings up. Plus, why wouldn’t you want to give yourself the excuse to talk to the Most High any how? Nothing in your life escapes His notice. “ For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39, KJV).

Part 1 of 3 Dr. Charles F. Stanley

On By SkyIn Hardships, Tributes1 Comment
“The Lord is trustworthy. Whatever His plan for you, be assured He will see you safely through.” – Charles F. Stanley

Welcome to day 1 of 3 posts I will be dedicating to Mr. Stanley.

Today I wanted to talk about running this race called life.

Depending on the day, it can feel really defeating to keep going with endurance. I’m sure a time or two you have felt the same way.

“There’s something comforting about knowing that men and women have finished their races well for centries – it gives me faith that I can too.”

Trillia Newbell

What I love about Dr. Stanley is that he always pointed us to Christ, always. If Christ wasn’t your focus, you needed to get refocused. A lot of the time I noticed when we become unfocused we loose sight of who God is. Then we fall into fears, doubts, and lies. This is a tactic of the enemy but this is also the weakness of the flesh. Which is exactly Mr. Stanley’s point. Without Christ, this race will be more exhausting than how it already feels. Below are some truth’s that he wanted us all to hear:

As you see, looking back on those who have gone before us can push us with further endurance. We can look back on Dr. Stanley, David, Noah, and more who have also anticipated God’s aid, armor, and assistance. Sometimes like David we cry out, “How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? How long wilt thou hide thy face from me? (see Psalm 13:1), but no matter what it is you are hoping for or struggling with, God will always look out for our good. Even though at times it may feel we are alone, there are people all around the world awaiting for similar blessings and also feel disheartened. Through wisdom he says it best, “In fact, throughout Scripture, there’s not a man or woman whom God used in a powerful way who didn’t first face a long and difficult time of waiting. So don’t despair… take it as the Father’s special favor and guidance in your life.”

“For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.” (Isaiah 64:4, KJV)

God’s Covenant Love

On By SkyIn Relationship, Uncategorized3 Comments
“I will maintain My love for him forever, and My covenant with him will be firm.”
(Psalms 89:29, TLV)

More than ever, I feel it is of importance to bring our minds the remembrance of the expanse of God’s Love.

Our Father is faithful to us.

He rewards us openly, all because of His loyalty toward us.

Although, if we are unfaithful in our covenant with Him.. “If his sons forsake My Torah, and do not walk in My judgments”..(Psalms 89:31, TLV), then we will face chastisement (See Hebrews 12:7).

“We must allow the Word of God to correct us the same way we allow it to encourage us.” – A.W. Tozer

YET despite this correction. God does not change.  He will never not love us.

“But I will not withdraw My lovingkindness from him, nor will I betray My faithfulness. I will not violate My covenant, nor alter what My lips have uttered. Once for all I have sworn by My holiness —surely I will not lie to David— his descendants will endure forever, and his throne as the sun before Me, and as the moon, established forever, and a trustworthy witness in the sky.” Selah

(Psalms 89:34‭-‬38, TLV)
“The secret of Adonai is for those who fear Him. He makes His covenant known to them.” (Psalms 25:14, TLV)

To understand God’s covenant love,  is to fear Him. You will take the time to seek Him out,  spend time with Him, and hear what He has to say. In the verse above, Psalms 25:14, the word for fear is from the Hebrew word יָרֵא ‘yare’. You can find it in the Strongs concordance (3373) and it means fear or reverence. When it speaks on these terms it is referring to morality. As human beings, we ourselves have come up with moral codes to stand by in our society. Such as telling the truth, do not steal, and keep your oaths. Actually, a lot of these values we hold, stemmed from a Biblical origin. If you take a look at the Ten Commandments for example, you will see many similarities between what God had instructed man to carry out and what our current civilization expects. So ultimately, we know there are things we must follow accordingly if we want this life to go as smoothly as it can. Unfortunately though, there are too many who have gone astray and do not have the fear of God in them. Some fear man but not the One who made man in the first place.

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but one who trusts in Adonai will be kept safe.”

(Proverbs 29:25, TLV)

God’s Love is how I know He has not given up on me. Personally,  I am undeserving. He has been faithful during my times of faithlessness. Unwavering, when I have been moved. And comforting when I’ve been pushed by every side. Have you experienced the same in your life during the trials? All of these traits are signs of the Holy Spirit in our lives. While God may be unseen to the naked eye,  He is shown through His actions, love, truth, and creation. I hope this encourages you to see His love for you and everyone around you again.

“that the God of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, our glorious Father, may give you spiritual wisdom and revelation in knowing Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what is the richness of His glorious inheritance in the kedoshim, and what is His exceedingly great power toward us who keep trusting Him—in keeping with the working of His mighty strength.”
(Ephesians 1:17‭-‬19, TLV)

Still Growing

On By HannahIn Hannah, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Hello there!

Let me introduce myself. My name is Hannah. Sky is a very dear, close friend of mine and she has so generously invited me to be a co-blogger along with her here on Love Never Fails. To begin,  allow me to tell you a little about myself. I’m a Kansas girl, born and raised in Wichita. I’m from a family of seven, my parents, my four brothers, and myself. I am 28 years old. I was born into a Christian household, I have known about Jesus my whole life, but I didn’t really come to know Him for myself until I was a teenager. I love Him with all my heart and I pray that my love for Him will continue to grow over the course of my life. And I pray that your love for Him will also continue to grow. If you don’t know Him or love Him, I again pray that you will come to know Him and love Him shortly.

Actually, today I would like to speak about growth, and I want to do that by mentioning a familiar name, Moses.

“Moses grew and became a man. One day he visited his people, the Hebrews. He saw…”
(Exodus 2:11), besides being a part of the great account of God delivering Israel out of bondage from Egypt, it gives us some glimpses into the character of Moses, the meaning of maturing and the little miracles that play into the big ones. Hence, “Moses grew…” It’s almost ironic, but Moses did not come out of the womb, nor was he drawn out of the river, equipped to fulfill God’s plan for him. Moses grew. That is probably the best thing that can be said about any of us – not that we have become – but that we are continually becoming. Growth is a sign of life, and if Jesus said that He came that we might have it, then it must be a good thing.

Moses’ growth did not happen as we might think: after becoming a man, he would still experience  anger, worry, fear, and all those things we’d rather outgrow and not feel anymore. These flaws, these sins, along the way make it difficult to measure growth, and that difficulty makes it tempting to give up. But to give up – to refuse to grow – is to perish in a way. “…and became a man. One day he visited his people…” The mature person is one who is ready to see themselves in a context bigger than themselves. Many of us believe that we need to find ourselves – a notion that may be true in a limited sort of way. Many of us think that we must define or invent ourselves – possibly equally true but in an even more limited way. When Moses visited his people he was beginning to accept himself, not as the Egyptian prince he once was, but as the heir to something far greater than a crown made by human hands. He was beginning to accept himself as being a part of a people, a “chosen people” (1 Peter 2:9). The identity given to him by the palace could never give him what someone truly needs – a sense of who we are. Only God can do that. Only our Heavenly Father could ever give us a true identity and purpose.

“He saw…” When Moses saw, he had come to a place where he was able to set aside his own constructed world and enter into the one that existed independently of his plans for himself. What he saw in Egypt would be stretched by what he would come to see in Midian, but here was the beginning of what would end with his view of the promised land. He reached that place where God wanted him.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” – 1 Peter 2:9

I want to tell you something that Sky, my now fellow blogger and best friend, once told me. It is related to this example of Moses. She said, “Imagine your heart within you having roots. It is within that secret place of the heart where God is. We need to make sure our roots are growing deeply into Him and His Word. We need to be deeply rooted in Him and make sure there is nothing that is weakening our root system.” Moses became deeply rooted in the Lord over time. Everything God did in his life went hand in hand. Also, just as everything in scripture goes hand in hand, so they do in our lives as well today.

God is doing good things, amazing things! Do you see this? We are temples of a Being far greater than ourselves, temples being brought to life. Though we may not understand the process, our Builder does. We are His workmanship and the place where He lives. I have no doubt that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). Therefore, I encourage you, to keep on growing. Though you – like Moses, myself , and everyone for that matter – have flaws. It’s okay to have flaws. If we didn’t have any flaws, then we wouldn’t need to grow. But we do. I hope that you will learn that you are a part of a chosen people, and I also hope you recognize that the Lord is indeed good, and that He loves you. Thank you for reading. God bless you!

Much love in Christ,

Hannah

Eternity

On By SkyIn hope, Uncategorized2 Comments
“No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him.”
(Revelation 22:3, NLT)

I’ve thought of the Revelation 22:3 verse before and I pondered on the fact there will be no curse. It says there will be no curse on anything. Which goes to show that this curse is not just on mankind but it is intertwined through most things on this earth. Which is why even creation groans for the new to come. Even creation anticipates God’s promises (Romans 8:22). Also thinking about that this sin caused a curse… makes you realise a lot of the things that trouble us or upset us are not only temporal but are they even really a reality or truth? When you think of someone putting a curse on something its a spiritual thing for sure. An invisible action that caused a physical change.  It reminds me when God says in the future He will bring the people a strong delusion (2 Thessalonians 2:11) and they will believe a lie. This sounds like a curse no? Curses are more common that we perceive. Yet when we will be present at the throne of God and of the Lamb it will no longer exist. What a breath of fresh air that will be in itself.

“Hope, in the biblical sense, means certainty and assurance. It is the firm, unshakable, indomitable belief that we will be raised from the dead (as Jesus was) and will be welcomed into out eternal home. That’s enough to put joy in our heart and a spring in our step this day!”

David Roper from Our Daily Bread
“And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us.”
(Romans 8:23, NLT)

So we have an amazing hope! Hope is defined for us in Romans 8:25. Hope is looking forward to something we don’t have yet, and because we don’t have it yet, we must wait patiently and confidently. Although, do we do this? Do we wait for our hopes in this fashion? I don’t really think we do. We moan, we get tired, and we complain. A few days ago, a friend Hannah and I pondered a thought, “Once we’re in heaven, we’ll wonder why we weren’t even more excited about going there.” I think that’s why God often commands us to be joyful in hope. It often seems hard to celebrate, but when we focus on eternity on high versus temporal down low, it will become a good habit to exhibit.

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
(Colossians 3:2, KJV)

God says it best in His Word,

“For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.” (Colossians 3:3‭-‬6).

I encourage you all to read and pray over this chapter of Colossians. May God bless you and grant you His peace, mercy, and love.

Tomorrow’s Worries

On By SkyIn Hardships2 Comments
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)

Each day has enough trouble of its own. Isn’t that the truth. Today’s struggles are very relevant to this verse today. Concentrating on today’s troubles will benefit me more than worrying about today’s plus about the non existent ones still to come down the road (if they even do).

By focusing so much on them both, will put so much more weight on your shoulders, and it will be very difficult to bear.

“Focus on the step in front of you, not the whole staircase.”

Today, I was told to quarantine for 10 days, because I am not vaxxnated (purposely spelt incorrectly). Yet if I was vaxxnated, I’m sure I’d be allowed to work (I know this because they told me so, not just my assumption). 10 days without pay will be difficult on us for sure. I already stuggle more than before just because my pay is lower than my previous job.

To think God knew where I would be at this time of my life is boggling. It’s something we often forget. We worry but God already knew about it.

“When you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond.”
  • What problems are you facing today?
  • Are those problems causing you to fear of things in the future?
  • How can you look at these things with a new perspective, now that you know God saw before it would occur?
  • How will you respond?

“casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
(1 Peter 5:7, KJV)

By Faith

On By SkyIn Faith4 Comments

Exactly one year ago, on October 27th 2020, we spoke together about how faith is a risk. One year later in the year of 2021 a lot has occurred in just that short amount of time. I cannot
fathom enough how important faith truly is. Faith is SO important to God, and I feel the Spirit of
the Lord leading me today to express that.


As always, the Word of God is the best place to go to explain:
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by
it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the
universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of
things that are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than
Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by
accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch
was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had
taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God.”
(Hebrews 11:1-5, ESV)


Hebrews chapter 11 is an extraordinary example of how many have led their walk with
God in faith. It also shows how walking out in this faith is rewarding, especially with your
relationship with God the Father. I couldn’t recommend enough to thoroughly read
Hebrews 11 in it’s full context for yourself. Whether you haven’t read it yet, or need a
refresher. It will encourage you to keep contending!


“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to
God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
(Hebrews 11:6, ESV)


Are we not a people that want to be pleasing to God? Do you want to be a sweet aroma
(Song of Solomon 4:11) to God? When you approach God, how is it that you want to
present yourself? How will He see you? Did you know faith is a spiritual gift? (1
Corinthians 12:9)


Jesus says, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me.” (John
14:1, ESV). When Jesus left the earth and ascended to heaven He promised us
something. He exclaimed that the reason He left was to prepare a place for us. A home
with no more crying, no more pain, no more thirst. At this new home we will have
everything we need. We will no longer need to worry about tomorrow.


Sounds like a beautiful promise right? Yet to attain this promise Jesus made it very
clear. We must have faith. Jesus explained to Thomas, “I am the Way, and the Truth,
and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6, ESV). You may not understand faith right away and faith may seem a bit risky, but it is your faith
that will save you (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is your faith that will heal you (Mark 5:34; Acts
3:16). Your faith will secure you (Proverbs 20:28), make you righteous (Romans 3:22), it
will strengthen you (Romans 4:20), and most importantly, give peace between you and
God (Romans 5:1)!


The most important thing you could ever have faith in is Jesus.
“Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Phillip? Whoever has seen
me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” (John 14:9, ESV). Do you recognize who Jesus is? If so, He is asking you today to have faith in Him. Without Him, there is no salvation. You will not inherit the promises of the coming kingdom. I promise.

I am defeated

On By SkyIn Bible study, Enemies, Faith, Hardships, Relationship4 Comments
“To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” (Proverbs 21:3, ESV)

I feel defeated. What do I do?

“As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.”
2 Timothy 4:5

Reading in 2 Timothy this morning I noticed something. Whether the timing for us is favorable OR unfavorable we should still be proclaiming God’s message.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:30-31

Every one, no matter the age, goes through rough waters. We all have seasons of weariness and doubts. Yet what is important during the fight is to keep striving, even if we feel like we can’t. Even if we lose the sense of purpose. We are urged to to endure this suffering. Urge sounds pretty urgent,  persistent,  important. Doesn’t it?

He doesn’t just urge us, but solemnly urges. This is with deep sincerity. God isn’t just trying to pump you up or motivate you, but instead genuinely strengthen you and show His consistent faithfulness.

Our Father has more faith in us than we do ourselves. Proclaim the message. Keep the faith.  People will always do their way, everyone has a choice, yet, You as a child of God have a mission. You have a direct order from the Commander in Chief Jesus Christ. Carry out your ministry…fully!

Finish the race.

“From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8, NRSV)

The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
(2 Timothy 4:18)