Still Growing

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

I am defeated

“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)

Election Day

“O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.” (Psalms 34:3, KJV)

Today in the United States of America is November 3rd, the Official Presidential Election Day, and since this is the case, I decided that I should come on here and say what God has laid on my heart.

When people think of America, some may associate us as a country of freedom.

One with opportunity, perseverance, and hope.

Proud citizens who stand up for what they believe in.

Although, we have to be honest with ourselves. There have been quite a few things that doesn’t give us the greatest image. Imagine looking from the outside in, like many other countries do. It seems that all eyes are on us sometimes doesn’t it?

The technologies that have come about in our age has in a way put everything on blast. This year as a whole may feel like chaos. Although what some may want to use for evil, God can use for good.

Our technology has made it possible to spread the Good News of God, (Mark 13:10; Matthew 21:14). Both to those who have never heard of it and to those who might not have access to it in print.

When God said, ” I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalms 46:10, NKJV), He wasn’t lying!

“God is working out things you haven’t even prayed for yet. He’s the God who works ahead of time.”

& yet, the best is yet to come.

SO,

a few things I believe God wants us to know in this time:

  • HE is in control. (Proverbs 19:21; Jeremiah 10:23)
  • HE is our refuge. (Psalms 46:1)
  • No matter who wins the final vote, Jesus is King. (Revelation 1:5; Revelation 17:14)

“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”

Romans 13:1, NKJV

We travel to and fro in this world as if we are in control of our lives. We are sometimes completely oblivious to Who really is~ God! No matter what the out come may be, Donald, Joe, Jo, or whomever… In the end as we can see from Romans 13, it was Gods ultimatum.

Since this is true, we must also remember that who ever is the President it is for God’s divine plan.

Just as the Bible shows us, beginning to end, God’s plan is for His glory.

So even in these hard, anxious, fast-paced moments, know that God sees the finish line.

“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, take care of them, not by constraint, but willingly, not for dishonest gain, but eagerly.  Do not lord over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock.  And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of glory that will not fade away.” (1Peter 5:2-4, MEV)

Since our Lord is our refuge this means that at all times we can run to Him for shelter. He is our safety net. Does this mean to be cowardly and hide away when ever we are afraid? No, we are to be bold in Christ (Hebrews 4:16) and to not be afraid (Joshua 1:9). Let us instead be confident because know who we are protected by.

With this confidence then, we can show others how to respond.


If we are to be a One Nation Under God kind of nation, then we need to be examples to our neighbors and to the entire world.

Rosa Parks once said, “Each person must live their life as a model for others.” What kind of example have you been in your community?

&

If you feel like you haven’t been much of an example, you can always start!

In God’s Word it is shown that there are many, many, many ways to show a godly example. You could start with, “Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same“(Romans 13:3, NKJV). God often also suggests that we submit. Fear the Lord first of course, then the rest will follow suit. Though of course always do a heart check.

I could possibly go on and on with this post but for now I will just leave you with what has been written and some suggestions.

If you would like please meditate on these books in the Bible:

  1. Psalms Chapter 34
  2. Psalms Chapter 46
  3. Romans Chapter 13
  4. 1 Peter Chapter 5

As always, please go to God first before believing any man/spirit (1 John 4). Including myself, God bless you all.

Psalms 34:4

“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”

King James Version (KJV)