TESTIMONIES AND INSPIRATION FROM THE BIBLE

In today’s world, the only thing that I am absolutely sure of is that I need Jesus. I need Him every second of every single day. I am running on faith alone and leaning on Jesus as he walks alongside me. I want to know Him more intimately every single day I want to feel the comfort of His love and rest in the grace of His forgiveness. I want to sing of His love, worship His name, and praise Him no matter what comes at me!

I once had a friend tell me that neither Jesus, nor religion was real. She educated me with strong conviction that these silly concepts were made by man for people who suffer trauma and don’t have a support system. I know that there are many people out there who believe the same. They think what we believe as Christians is merely fables and stories written by man. I still choose to believe. Not because I am weak, nor because I am a sheep needing a shepherd, nor because I am broken by the trauma that I’ve endured.

I believe because I know. I have always known. I recall Jesus being present within me from as early as my toddler years; way before anyone ever took me to church. I remember, very vividly, the feeling of calmness He brought to me in times when I was utterly terrified and paralyzed by fear. I reminisce knowing that He was in my heart, transforming me, shaping my thoughts, and setting the foundation for a life built on a personal relationship with Him.

From my first memories, I recollect being naturally drawn to worship, to pray, and to call out to the Lord. I longed to be a part of what was good and I had a deep fear of what seemed evil and unjust. My parents did not teach me how to pray. They did not take me to church on a regular basis. We went to church for weddings, funerals, and a few holidays here and there. My aunt took me to Sunday School with my cousins on occasion. With such little exposure, I still knew undoubtedly that Jesus was real, and He was within me.  I loved Him unapologetically without needing scientific proof of his existence. I knew Him without reading the Bible. I felt His presence. I heard His quiet callings, and I felt his gentle nudges. He was sure to show me who I was, and whose I was: a child of God.

I know no other way and I choose to believe in Him unapologetically. Follow Him unapologetically. Call out to Him for love and forgiveness, unapologetically. I will sing in worship loudly with my horribly off pitch voice unapologetically!

Does that mean I am free of sin? Perfect and all-knowing? Absolutely not! I am far from it. I am quick at the mouth; I sometimes exude jealousy; and I am still striving to read through the Bible from front to back. With all of that in mind, being fully aware of all my faults and every short coming, I will never stop seeking the Lord. I will forever love Him unapologetically and lean on Him in faith. I will never take for granted that I knew without a doubt that the Lord was in me.  

The Bible confirms that Jesus is within us and seeks to know us in many places.

John 14:18-20 NIV

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me.  Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.

John 20:29 KJV

Jesus saith unto him, “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”
 

1 John 5:20 ESV

And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

1 John 4:19 NIV

We love because he first loved us.

The Bible clearly tells us that He loved us first! He sought me first. I seek Him because He first sought me. What a blessing to know that our heavenly Father longs to know us deeply!

I challenge you to seek Him each and every day and worship Him unapologetically. He loves you!

I feel closest to God when worshipping Him through song. His words embedded beautifully within those songs written and belted out by amazing artists resonate through my soul; touch my heart and transform my mind in an astounding and permanent way that brings chills to every fiber of my being. When I worship Him, I feel Him near me; within me. I believe that this is because He gave us the desire to worship Him through song. He gave us the gift of divine connection between His soul and ours through prayer and worship. The Bible refers to singing God’s praises and worshipping Him through song in many places.

Bible verses that support praise and worship:

Psalm 95:1 NIV

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

Psalm 147:1 NIV

Praise the Lord.  How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!

Psalm 5:11 NIV

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Psalm 96:1 NIV

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.

To accompany many of the passages and verses we share, we will recommend songs that the Lord puts on our hearts to share. We pray that they bring you joy and comfort!

We are called to love others they way Jesus does, even if they treat us horribly. That is a hard pill to swallow, but His words are clear on the matter. The good news is, with His love we can obey.

Matthew 7:12 NIV

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” 

Sometimes it is tempting to treat others the way they treat you. An eye for an eye; even the score; let anger and resentment serve as a wall between you and those who have done you wrong. The hard truth is that although we tend to act that way in an attempt to protect our hearts from pain and suffering, it ends up hurting us more deeply than it hurts them. The Lord calls us to hold ourselves to a higher standard; to be more like Jesus. Jesus showed us extraordinary love by giving His life to save ours. He gave the ultimate sacrifice not to save the righteous, but to save sinners and the enemies who persecuted them. He brought us unwavering love and forgiveness.

 
He calls us to serve others without judging them. He wants us to know that even the most difficult people are also children of God and that He loves them just as much as He loves us. We are to care for them as He would. We are to treat them with the Golden Rule. Not to treat them as they treat us, but how He would treat them. Even if they cause us suffering. 

Matthew 5:43-48 NIV

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” 

Living by this principle can be a challenge, but with God all things are possible. I once poured my heart and soul into helping a couple who were self-centered, untruthful, condescending, vengeful and manipulative.

Their choices got them into a terrible predicament, and they needed help to get themselves and their children through the worst times of their lives. God called me to be the one to support them as they fought to overcome great battles. I was faithful to forgive them each and every time they hurt me and brought pain to their children. Through the lies, the accusations and the schemes to cause me harm, I followed the Lord’s calling obediently. It wasn’t easy. It was treacherous and exhausting. I endured many nights of fear, uncertainty, and pain. Watching their children’s hearts break when promises were disregarded and lies were told was heart-wrenching. I remained steadfast in my mission and strong for them as I attempted to mend their hearts, comfort, and nurture them. It was hard to keep enduring the abuse and anger they threw at me as I worked tirelessly to help them. I felt hopeless and helpless. As I cried out to God, He kept reassuring me, “My love is bigger than all of this!” I heard Him whisper it to me day after day, “My love is bigger than all of this!” I knew that I was on the path God had planned for me. I knew that it was the right thing to do and if they succeeded, their health would be restored and they’d be reunited as a family. As He promised, the Lord got me through all those trials and they were indeed healed and reunited as a family. It was a precious gift to their children and they all got the second chance we all prayed so diligently for. He was with me every step of the way, fulfilling His promise that His love would get me through each and every battle.

There are countless Bible verses to support that this is what the Lord asks of us:

Romans 12:17-21 NLT

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,“ I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.

Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

 
Mark 12:29-31 ESV

“The most important one,’ answered Jesus, ‘is this: ‘Hear, O Isreal: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and strength.’ The second is this: “Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Luke 6:29 NLT

If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, offer your shirt also. 

1 Thessalonians 5:15 NLT

See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.

1 Peter 3:8-10 NIV

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech."

Whenever you are struggling to get through the toughest situations and love those who treat you less than ideally, remember just how great the love of Christ is. Through Him, you can persevere and love others the way He wants you to!

We live in a world where the majority is focused solely on gaining more: more material things, money, fame and followers. We have convinced ourselves that we need to keep up with the trends and "have it all" to be considered successful and noteworthy. We kill ourselves working around the clock to get more money, earn recognition and gather useless possessions. We have become slaves to the daily grind. We set our hearts so intently on worldly ideals and metrics that we often forget our calling as Christians. The Lord desires for us to rely fully on Him to meet our needs, fill our cup and fuel our souls. We were made to worship Him; to be satisfied by the blessings He has bestowed upon us with gratitude and thanksgiving.  He gives us everything we need to live an abundant life filled with joy, peace, and purpose. Whether we are in a season of prosperity and health, or experiencing tribulation and despair, He yearns to have a deep connection with us. A bond in which we put our faith in His provision so that we can enjoy all that He has in store for us. He consistently reminds us that we are destined for the Kingdom of Heaven. Heaven is where we will be showered with treasures and eternal life free from sin, free from sorrow, and free from pain. He calls us to be content in Him alone. His love is enough. When we learn to be content in Him no matter our circumstances, we begin to live a life that is truly abundant. 

The Bible gives us detailed instructions regarding how to achieve contentment so that we can receive the Lord's blessings and inherit His kingdom. 

1 Timothy 6:6-8 NIV

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

Hebrews 13:5 ESV

Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you. 

Matthew 6:31-33 KJV

Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 HCSB

The one who loves money is never satisfied with money, and whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with income. This too is futile. 

Philippians 4:11-13 HCSB

I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content-whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. 

Psalm 37:16 KJV

A little the righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. 

Psalm 32:1 HCSB

How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! 

Philippians 4:12 NIV

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Matthew 6:33 KJV

But seek ye first his kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you.

Philippians 4:19 NIV

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Luke 12:15 NIV

Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 NIV

Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless. As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owners except to feast their eyes on them? The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether they eat little or much, but as for the rich, their abundance permits them no sleep.

Psalm 37:16-19

Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous. The blameless spend their days under the Lord’s care, and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

1 Timothy 6-21 NLT

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses. And I charge you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate, that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen. Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.  Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they experience true life. Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness.

2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Romans 12:16 NIV

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Job 1:20-21 NIV

At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”

Psalm 37:3-4 NIV

Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Matthew 5:6 ESV

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 

John 10:10 NIV

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

These verses truly demonstrate that the answer to many of our problems and the cure for our sorrows is to focus not on the things of this world; not on the pursuit of earthly riches; not on material possessions, or  likes and followers, but on a solid relationship with Jesus. He gave us a God-shaped hole that can only be filled by His love. Trying to satisfy that craving with anything else will only leave us empty and longing, because it was intended to be fulfilled only by Him. Christians, we need to seek Him first and be content in His love. Doing this takes practice. You might even say it takes hitting the "reset button" each and every single day as we try to thrive in this crazy world. Sometimes, it requires hitting that button a few times per day! 

The peace of knowing that we will enjoy abundant treasures in Heaven with the love of God for all of eternity is worth more than all of the riches the world can offer.

Did you know that the Bible gives us specific directions regarding how to pray? Jesus taught His followers how to pray and what type of relationship the Father wants with us. He preached that God wants us to be honest with Him, tell Him what is on our hearts, and ask for His blessings! He already knows your needs and wants you to lay down your burdens at His feet. In the book of Matthew, Jesus revealed that the Lord already knows what you need before you ask Him and He sees and hears you when you pray.

Matthew 6: 5-15 NIV

5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

9 “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.

14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

In the book of Luke, we learn that Jesus gave additional instructions about praying. He tells us that the Father wants to bless us and give us the gift of the Holy Spirit and all of the wonders that come with accepting that gift wholeheartedly!

Luke 11: 1-13 NIV

11 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

2 He said to them, “When you pray, say:

“‘Father, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
3 Give us each day our daily bread.
4 Forgive us our sins,

for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.

And lead us not into temptation.

5 Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ 7 And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.

9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

When we pray, we are being obedient to the Lord and building a more intimate relationship with Him. He says if we seek Him, we will find Him. Although we may not always see how or when He will answer our prayers, we know that He is listening and wants what is best for us. If our desires align with His will, He will bless us in His perfect timing. If He has something better in store for us, He will lead us to it. If He has a lesson for us to learn, His answer may reveal itself at a later time. He will give us the discernment to recognize how He is moving in our lives.  

What a blessing it is to know that the creator of the world listens to the prayer of His children intently with the goal of blessing us beyond measure!