Hope with God... with Andrew and Wendy Palau: Recent Episodes
Luis Palau Association
There is an answer to the hopelessness, anxiety, and depression that you have encountered. Andrew and Wendy Palau have experienced the pain of loss and guilt but have had their lives restored by God. Now they want to share with you the joy and peace they have found in Jesus Christ. Hope with God offers daily reminders of the good things that can be yours too.
Hope with God is a podcast from the Luis Palau Association’s digital outreach, hopewithgod.com. Hope with God exists give everyone on earth the opportunity to receive Jesus Christ; to gather hundreds of millions of Jesus followers together into online communities where they can be encouraged and strengthened; and to provide effective, free resources for spiritual growth.
One of my favorite Bible verses is John 10:10.Jesus says, “I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full.”
He continues with this amazing statement: “I am the good shepherd…and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
Jesus was using the analogy of a shepherd who loves and cares for his sheep to describe His relationship with us. He is God, but He came to this world because He loves humankind to the extent that He was willing to die for us.
Later in John chapter 10 Jesus alluded to His death on the cross by saying that “No one takes {my life}from me, I lay it down of my own accord.”
Never think of yourself as being of little worth. Just remember the Good Shepherd who died to save you. And not only to save you but to give you life to the full. I hope you will open your heart to Him today.
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What do you need today?In the Old Testament, God is named, “Provider.” The one who can miraculously meet our needs. The creator of all knows what you need.
Maybe your need today is physical. Maybe your need is emotional. He is able to provide for you. Being a provider is part of His character. In fact, He's provided for our greatest need—the need for a Savior, the need to be forgiven, by giving and sending His Son, Jesus.
The very first time God was named, “Provider,” in the Old Testament, was when Abraham needed a substitute sacrifice and God provided. If He can provide for our greatest need, He can provide for your daily needs.
Do you know Him as “Provider?” Always remember, there is hope with God.
"And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
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There’s an intriguing verse in the Bible, in the tiny book of Philemon.It’s Philemon 1:6 and it says, “I pray that you will be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of all the good things that you have in Christ Jesus.”
You would think God would have said, “I pray you’ll be active in sharing your faith because I need your help so much.” Right? But He says, share your faith so you will understand all the riches you have in Christ.
It’s amazing! The God who needs no one has chosen to work through and in His children.
We can bless others by sharing with them the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ, and in turn we are blessed as our understanding grows.
As we watch people’s lives being transformed by God, we can more fully grasp what He has done in our own lives. [It’s a win/win situation!]
Let’s joyfully share our faith, knowing that God will bless us as well as those we are talking with.
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Sometimes we find ourselves in a dark place.We all go through struggles with sin, the old darkness that tries to creep back into our new lives.
In those times we need God to come with His wonderful light and keep us from giving in to temptation and despair.
We need Him to forgive and restore us, and fill us with His love. We need Him to shine His light into the dark corners of our souls and illuminate every shadow.
Remember what Jesus said – we read it in John chapter 8 – “I am the light of the world. The one who follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
When you struggle with the old darkness, remember that you have a Father in heaven who loves you.
Call out for help from the One whose light drives out the darkness. Lay claim to the forgiveness which was purchased for you on the cross by the powerful blood of Jesus.
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Psalm 107 tells us that God's love endures forever.The actual verse says, Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever.
Have you thought much about forever and how few things last forever?
To think that the God of the universe has told us that His love will last forever…His love for us, His creation. People who reject Him…we ignore Him, we blame Him, we even curse Him, yet His love endures forever.
If you grew up knowing this, it can be too familiar for us. But maybe you've never considered this or you've never known that if there is a God, that His love endures forever.
I pray this sinks in for you today. His love for you will never end.
Scripture: Psalm 107:1
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There is a house under construction in my neighborhood.The builders started by pouring a solid, level foundation. They then add the sturdy bones of the house. Without that solid foundation and the beams and joists, the whole thing would collapse.
The Bible describes Jesus in a similar role. Jesus became the basis of our salvation, the foundation of our faith. He sacrificed Himself, making a way for us to be right with God, and bringing us into relationship with Him.
Because of this, Jesus has become the cornerstone of the house He is building, and the Bible tells us we are living stones in that structure.
You are joined in Christ to a huge structure of believers all over the world. This is His Church. What an honor to be a stone in that building!
Bible Reference: 1 Peter 2:6
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In Psalm 95, God is called the rock of our salvation.What a beautiful image of something immovable, like a huge rock. God isn’t described as a pebble or a stone. We can't pick Him up in our hands and move Him. We can't hold Him. He is unmovable. And guess what… He holds us.
Christianity is so beautifully unique because of the solid nature of God. What we do doesn't change His attitude or posture towards us.
This is the salvation He offers. It is firm, it is secure. God is the rock of our salvation.
Is He your rock? Or are you continuing to try to move Him according to your desires and wants? He is unmovable and that should be our deep comfort.
"Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation." Psalm 95:1
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Change is hard!Perhaps you are going through a big change in your life, and it all feels like an unstable mess.
It may feel as though chaos is taking over, and your life is completely out of control. The good news is that God never changes. Even when everything else is shifting, He stays the same.
God will give you a firm place to stand – in Jesus Christ. Put your faith in Jesus. He promises that He will be with us through the hard times of life.
When we put our trust in Him and look to Him as the source of our stability, He will not let us be swept away by the changing tides of life. Jesus is an anchor for your soul. He is your safe harbor. He is the solid rock. You can stand firm in Him.
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The Bible records more than 160 of God’s miracles.By miracles, I mean supernatural events that occurred only because the one true God made them happen.
One of my favorite miracles took place during the early days of the Christian Church.
The king had arrested the apostle Peter and had placed him behind bars, under heavy armed guard. On the night before his trial, Peter was fast asleep between two guards, with chains on his wrists.
Suddenly a bright light shone in the prison cell. An angel struck off Peter’s chains and told him, “Get dressed and follow me.” Peter stumbled out of the prison, thinking, “This whole thing must be a dream.” They passed two sets of guards and came to an iron gate, which swung open for them.
Jedi mind tricks have nothing on what the angel of the Lord can do. Right?
In that time of persecution, the young Church was strengthened and empowered by seeing this amazing miracle of God. I’m sure it gave them great courage.
“You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.” Psalm 77:14
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Can I remind you today of some beautiful things about God?Listen to these truths from Psalm 103 and worship Him with me, wherever you are.
He forgives all my sins. He heals my diseases. He redeems my life from the pit. He crowns me with love. He crowns me with compassion. He satisfies my desires with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle's. He is compassionate, he's gracious, he's slow to anger. He is abounding in love. He does not treat us as our sins deserve. He does not repay us according to our sin.
What a list. Do you know this God? If you don't, you can know Him today. Who would not want to know this kind of God?
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God’s promises to us are like gems we find all throughout the Bible.They are reminders, not only about what He does and will do, but about who He is. They are about the deep goodness of His character and faithfulness.
When we have an international evangelistic festival in some distant country, it can be exhausting. I sometimes feel weary and weak, and inadequate to share a strong Gospel message in multiple events.
But there are promises of God I can turn to which encourage me. In Isaiah 40 we read: “(God) gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” A couple of verses later it goes on to say, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”
What power there is in those words! They remind me to trust God to provide everything I need in the moment. You can trust Him too, with all that you are facing today.
Remember, there is hope with God.
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Is your heart pure, clean?Mine isn’t. I'm consistently surprised at some of the things I feel and think… some of the things I say and do. And I stop myself and I think, “Wendy, what is wrong with you?”
But the words in Psalm 51 continue to be my prayer, Create in me a pure heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
If you feel impure or unclean, come back to Him today. Ask Him to forgive you… to continue to create in you a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit.
That just means to persevere in wanting what He wants for you. God is patient. We're on a journey with Him.
Don't give up now.
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When someone upsets you, do you find yourself quickly becoming angry?There is a time and place for anger – even Jesus got angry so we know that in itself, anger is not a sin. It can lead to sin, though.
You can ask God to make you more like Him – to give you patience in place of a quick temper. Patience is not easy, but it’s a skill you can develop with practice, and with God’s help.
It’s easier to be patient with others when you pause and remember how patient God has been with you. Think about all the times God has forgiven you, helped you, guided you. He hasn’t forced you to live up to His expectations all at once. He leads you along step by step.
Next time you find yourself getting angry, pause and ask God to give you patience and His heart of compassion for the person with whom you’re angry.
“The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.” Psalm 103:8
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Do you need help today?Our God is a friend to the weak and a refuge for those in need. If you know God, you are in good hands.
He has compassion toward those who call out to Him for help. He is the God who is with us – who is willing and able to help.
In Psalm 54 we read: “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.” That is a truth I have known for years and have experienced very vividly on several occasions.
There was the plane crash I and my family were in. The plane broke into three parts, but not a single person died. And there have been times of grief, most recently when my father died last year. There have been misunderstandings in close relationships, hurt feelings, parenting pressures.
In all the struggles and choices and pain, I know that God is my help. He will sustain me. I invite you to get to know this wonderful God today.
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Do you remember when you first fell in love with Jesus, that He was real and He loved you… that He'd forgiven you?Do you remember?
Maybe today, you've lost some of your joy, the pressures of life, maybe even sin, or an addiction that is stealing your hope. Maybe you've simply drifted away as the years have gone by, and you realize that you miss Him, your first love.
Why don't you pray this prayer with me, today? A prayer of David in Psalm 51. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation. You can ask God to restore this joy to you—the joy of His salvation.
And no matter your circumstances, He is with you by the power and the presence of His Spirit.
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Have you ever wondered if God really wants to be with you?Doesn’t He have more important people to be with, or more urgent things to attend to?
No – God doesn’t work that way, but it is sometimes hard to believe that the God of the universe cares about us and wants to be close to us.
The truth is, He wants it so badly that He gave His Son over to death on a cross.
In 2 Corinthians 5, we read: “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”
Jesus took our sin punishment so that we could become clean. The sin that was keeping us separated from God could be removed and we could be close to Him.
This reality can be yours. Receive God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ and you too can be with Him, under His care, freed from sin, and thriving in His love.
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Has God done marvelous things in your life?Has He done things that when you take a moment to think about these things, to remember, do you marvel at His ways? I do.
Sometimes I think of the things I fearfully prayed for my children, or situations I was in, or even who I was… and how God has so kindly changed me and helped me and I marvel. I'm amazed.
Maybe you're where I was, and you wonder if God even hears your prayers. Does He know your fear? How will you change, or how can this situation change? I want to encourage you today—press on, press in. Keep looking to Him, putting your faith in Him alone.
He does things His way, and His way is always good.
"For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation." Psalm 100:5
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The words, “I don’t love you anymore,” can cause a deep wound with lasting scars.It is so painful to hear that from a partner or spouse.
Those are words you will never hear from God. He never takes His love away from you.
His love for you is strong and will never be broken. In Romans 8 we read, “Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Isn’t it wonderful to know there’s nothing you could possibly do to make God stop loving you? Isn’t it comforting to know that no matter how human love falls short and fails, God’s love never will? It’s like the world’s strongest rope, tying you to Him forever!
Whenever you feel ashamed, or regret a bad choice you’ve made, whenever someone in your life lets you down – you can rejoice in God’s unchanging, unbreakable love for you.
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God has a wonderful purpose for your life.You get to participate as He enacts His will in your life and the lives of those around you.
And you don’t need to be perfect before God can work through you. All you need to offer Him is a willing and surrendered heart.
In Luke chapter 1, we see how Mary responded when an angel told her she was highly favored—chosen to help bring the Son of God into our world. At first, she was confused. After all, she was just a poor young woman—no one fancy, no one important. But after listening to the angel’s message, this is what she said:
I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.
Believe it! If you will offer yourself to the Lord, holding nothing back, He will lead you into the purposes of His kingdom. He has a tremendous plan for your life. YOUR life matters. Give Him your whole life and do it today.
Bible Reference: Luke 1:38radio.hopewithgod.com
There's a story in the book of John about a woman brought to Jesus.She's caught in the act of adultery, and an angry group of leaders bring her to Jesus, and they accuse her.
We're told that they didn't really care about her, they were just testing Jesus. And, of course, Jesus' response is so perfect and beautiful. He defends her, and He reveals their hypocrisy.
They came angry at her, but instead they leave angry at Him. So angry at Him, in fact, that they eventually murder Him.
Isaiah tells us that God laid on Jesus the sins of us all. The punishment that should be mine has been put on Jesus. This is the way of grace. This is the way of the cross. This is our hope.
"All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all." Isaiah 53:6
Bible Reference: John 8:10-11radio.hopewithgod.com
Have you ever read Jesus’ genealogy?It’s in the Word of God, Matthew chapter 1. The author traces Jesus’ ancestors all the way back to Abraham. And there’s something very unusual about this list—there are several women included! And many of them of unsavory and humble background.
The author departed from the usual way of tracing lineage (through men, at the time) and included these women for a purpose. It demonstrates to us that, no matter who you are, and no matter what your circumstances, God will use your life to enact His plan for the world.
Your life matters to God. Every bit of it. And when you give your life to Him, it becomes woven to this bigger story of His redemption.
Will you surrender to His plan and His purposes, and let Him—the author of all life—be the One to write your story?
Remember, there is always hope with God.
Bible Reference: Matthew 1:1-16
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Does your life feel spent, worn out, used up?There is a beautiful image in the book of Ezekiel where God brings dead bones to life. He breathes His spirit on dry bones and they become a vast army, an impossible thing, a miracle.
But it's an image of exactly what God can and wants to do in your life. He is in the business of bringing life from death.
Ask Him for help. Cry out to Him. Acknowledge your need for Him. Why don't you pray with me? Lord, I'm broken. My life is full of dry bones. Would you breathe your spirit of life on me right now? In the name of Jesus, amen. Amen.
Bible Reference: Ezekiel 37:9-10radio.hopewithgod.com
Have you ever been afraid to draw close to God?Maybe you’ve felt your sin is too bad to be forgiven or that you don’t have anything to offer God.
Well, in Luke chapter 7, we’re told that during the middle of a dinner party hosted by the religious leaders of the day, a sinful woman came, uninvited, and she began to wash Jesus’ feet- it says, with her own tears, and with expensive perfume.
The religious leaders were horrified! But guess what—Jesus was not horrified. He said to them…
When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me even water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
That’s very moving to me. He refused to send her away, and He said that her act of love was better than anything they had done for Him!
Today is the day to draw close and let God into the deepest places of your heart. Go to Him in prayer, and trust He will not send you away.
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What is weighing on your heart today?No matter what it is, Jesus cares about it.The things that cause you mental or emotional pain, they matter to Jesus because YOU matter to Jesus!
Luke chapter 7 tells about Jesus happening upon a procession- a funeral. There was a dead boy being carried out of town, followed by his mother and a group of mourners. And it says this:
When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” he said. Jesus couldn’t bear to see her distress—He responded with love, and raised the boy from the dead! …the boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus returned him to his mother.
So, friend, what is troubling your heart? Bring it to Jesus and ask Him to restore you today. His compassion is for YOU.
Remember, there is always hope with God. This is Andrew Palau.
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It's easy to understand ourselves if we are a victim of abuse or pain, but sometimes it's more difficult to see ourselves as a victimizer.As we read about the life of Jesus, we see His kind love for the victim.
But the truth is, Jesus also came for the victimizer, the one inflicting the suffering and the need.
In fact, the most famous words Jesus ever said were said to one of these kinds of men, Nicodemus. And to this man, Jesus said the words in John 3.16, "God so loved the world that he gave his Son that whoever believes in him would not die, but have eternal life."
Jesus came for you. He loves you, and He offers you life.
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What was Jesus thinking about just before He died on the cross?We can’t know everything that was on His mind, of course, but there is one thing that rose up in His thoughts. We see it in the Word of God.
It was just moments before He breathed His last and it was this: Jesus wanted to make sure there was someone to care for His mother, after He was gone.
Even as life was fading out of His body, and pain was assailing Him, He did not forget about her needs. It says this,
When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.
If you have any needs today, bring them all to Jesus in prayer. He cares about your well-being. He will never forget about you. He will never abandon you. And He might just use you to help someone else in their need.
This is Andrew Palau.
Bible Reference: John 19:27
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Are you defined by your past?None of us can escape our past, things we've done, maybe even things that have been done to us.
Have you ever laid in bed at night, overcome with memories, things you cannot change, things you've done?
There is hope. When you walk with God, you're defined by your future. Your future is more powerful than your past.
There is a beautiful image in Ezekiel chapter 37 of dry bones coming to life by the breath and the spirit of God. What was impossible is possible. We're told it is a vast army in a valley of death.
Have you allowed God's spirit to speak life to your dry bones, to what was dead? He is able, and He will, and He wants to.
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What do you think Jesus wants from you today?Maybe you’re thinking, He wants me to sing worship songs, He wants me to pray, He wants me to serve. All of those are wonderful. But what if Jesus simply wants to be with you?
Luke chapter 10 tells us about two sisters, they were with Jesus at a dinner party. Martha rushed to make everything perfect for Jesus, but Mary sat at His feet listening carefully to Jesus. Martha was upset that her sister wasn’t helping! But Jesus said to her,
My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about, and Mary has discovered it.
Jesus wants to be with you today. Yes, YOU! He wants you to pause from everything distracting you and just sit at His feet. Will you?
This is Andrew Palau.
Bible Reference: Luke 10:41-42
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What kind of people did Jesus hang out with?Do you believe that He wants to spend time with you? The Bible tells us that He often traveled from town to town, sharing the Good News with His friends: twelve disciples. But that’s not all! Luke chapter 8 tells us:
He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.
I wonder—if you have let your past hold you back from an intimate friendship with Jesus?
If so, pray today and ask God to speak this truth to your heart: Nothing in the world can separate you from the love of God.
You are not disqualified from a relationship with Jesus. He is the One who forgives and washes away our sin—as far as the East is from the West.
Remember, there is always hope with God. This is Andrew Palau.
Bible Reference: Luke 8:1-2
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Jesus is the best teacher, and He wants to teach you.In the world, we live by being tested.
Sometimes, we think that walking with Jesus is a test. We put so much pressure on ourselves to pass this imagined test. But His way is the way of a teacher.
Over and over again in the New Testament, we read stories of Jesus sitting down to teach. One by one, in crowds, to leaders, to His friends.
His friends called Him teacher, which in ancient Israel was walking day by day, intimately with the one leading.
Do you see Jesus as a tester or a teacher?
Pray this with me from Psalm 25. Show me your work, God. School me in your ways. Take me by the hand and lead me down the path of truth.
Bible Reference: Psalm 25:4-5
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Have you found yourself in a weak and vulnerable situation?Maybe you messed up and got yourself into some trouble. Maybe some things happened and you had to just humble yourself and ask for help.
Those vulnerable moments are when Jesus meets us with His amazing power. There’s a story in the Bible of a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years. She was considered at that time an outcast, and she was in desperate need of a miracle…so she pushed through a crowd just to touch the hem of Jesus’ robe.
And although He was on His way to heal the daughter of a great leader of that community, He stopped and spoke to this desperate woman, and He said…
“Take heart, daughter, your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment!
When you find yourself in a season of weakness, vulnerability, or desperation—move towards Jesus with determination. He has the power and the desire to help you.
Bible reference: Matthew 9:20
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There's a story in the book of John about a woman caught in the act of adultery.She's brought before Jesus and she is accused. But He would not allow the humiliation of this woman to take place. He spoke to her accusers and one by one they walked away realizing that they were just as sinful.
This is a radical encounter in the ancient world where women were unjustly treated, yet Jesus's treatment of this woman lifted her up.
As a woman, the world will want to humiliate you, dishonor you, and take advantage of you, but the way of Jesus is different.
In fact, He, Jesus Himself, was dishonored through His death on the cross so that we could be honored.
Bible reference: John 8:10
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Who have you rejected?Is there a person or a group of people that you just don’t enjoy being around, for whatever reason? Okay, now imagine Jesus walking right up to that person or group and starting a conversation.
Jesus had no interest in avoiding unsavory characters…even the most controversial people of His time.
There’s a story in John chapter 4 of Jesus walking right up to a Samaritan woman at a community well.And it says…
The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. And she said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?”
He went on to tell her the secret sins of her life, and revealed to her that He was the Messiah. She then went and told her whole village and it says many believed because of her testimony.
Jesus reaches out to those who are rejected. Will you?
This is Andrew Palau.
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Why did God send Jesus to come and offer Himself as a sacrifice for our salvation?Not because we deserved it. Not because it was His duty. He came because He loved us.
John 3:16 says…
For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
I pray that these old familiar words would be made new in your heart today. Let God’s great love for humanity become your core motivation.
It’s about the love of Jesus. Speak it out from a place of love and trust the Holy Spirit to leave that lasting impression.
Let’s demonstrate God’s love to the world by freely and generously sharing His offer of eternal life.
Remember, there is always hope with God.
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Have you ever heard of compassion fatigue?It happens when people get worn out from long seasons of caring for others. They can become detached or irritable and angry. Our human capacity for compassion is limited, but Jesus’ isn’t.
Matthew 9 says this about Jesus…When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Jesus came to save us because He has great compassion!
If you’ve felt your heart harden against people, I encourage you and challenge you to pray today, to ask God to soften your heart, and bring it to life again—with His endless compassion for all who are lost.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
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I’ve had seasons of my life when I feel encouraged—like anything is possible.And I’ve had times when nothing seems to go as planned. But I’m so thankful that God’s goodness and faithfulness never change.
In 1 Corinthians, chapter 16, Paul says this about the town where he is preaching the Gospel:
There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me.
Wow, even though he’s facing great opposition, he still views it as a wide-open door of opportunity! The truth is, no matter what season we’re in, no matter where we go, there are open doors to share the Gospel everywhere—if our eyes are open to seeing them.
As you move forward in spreading the Good News, trust the Holy Spirit of God to lead the way.
Pray this with me today: God, help me to see the opportunities all around me to share your Good News with the world. Amen.
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My friend, listen today to the beautiful words of Psalm 118:I will not die; instead, I will liveto tell what the Lord has done.
These words are true of every person who has given their lives to Jesus—including you and me. Because of God’s saving power, we will not die. Isn’t that amazing?
So Beautiful!
And not only that, our lives have taken on a shared purpose: to tell the world what the Lord has done.
You’re not alone in this mission! We all have the same call, and we get to experience the joy of doing it together—just as we have the same Holy Spirit living in each of us.
We’re people who tell what the Lord has done. So, think with me for a minute today. Who will you tell next?
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God has rescued you.He has taken you from death to life! That is - if you’ve accepted His free gift.
Why did Jesus come and give His life? He wanted us to be reunited with God the Father. He wanted to give us life that is truly life— filled with peace and with hope. And He wanted to offer us eternal life through His righteousness.
I am so grateful for what He has done for me. And I also know His purposes don’t end with my salvation. That is the great critical first step of new life, but then from there , He also calls every one of His followers to share the Good News—so that EVERYONE has a chance to give their life to Him.
Jesus said, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
When you and I became new creations in Jesus, we entered into His purpose—to proclaim the Good News to the world.
Bible Reference: Mark 16:15
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There are no special qualifications for sharing the Good News of Jesus.You don’t have to be good with words, educated, have it all together, or even be “called to evangelism” specifically.
Sharing what Jesus has done for you—especially in your weakest seasons of life—can become a natural and normal part of your day-to-day.
The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians chapter 2, says,
…I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, who was crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling.
Will you let sharing what God has done for you become a regular part of who you are?
The Good News is not about fancy words; it’s about the love of Jesus. God’s mercy and grace are too wonderful to keep hidden.
This is Andrew Palau.
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Imagine with me today: How would your life be different if God had not met you, transformed you, rescued you?Psalm 94 captures this thought so beautifully,
Unless the Lord has given me help,I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.When I said, “My foot is slipping,”your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.When anxiety was great within me,your consolation brought me joy.
So beautiful!
I am grateful for the people who helped lead me toward the moment of salvation in Jesus. Without God, my path would’ve looked so different, so dark. I know for a fact that the pain of life could’ve destroyed me, but because of Jesus, I have hope.
And so do you! Who can we share God’s hope with today?
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What is the most loving thing you can do for a person?We know God wants us to love people. That’s why, when Jesus’ disciples asked Him what’s the MOST important commandment, He said this:
“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is equally important: Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”
And what does it mean to love your neighbor? There are so many ways to answer that question, but I believe the most loving thing you can do for a person is to share the love of God with them—to share the Good News of Jesus Christ—that they are invited into His great forgiveness, into His love and peace, and eternal life. Oh, that is the greatest gift.
Will you show your neighbor that kind of love today?
Remember, there is always hope with God.
This is Andrew Palau.
Bible Reference: Matthew 22:37-39radio.hopewithgod.com
Will you take a moment today to remember the day God made you into a new creation?Who were the people who helped guide you to that moment? What an amazing gift…what a beautiful joy…the day you were rescued from death, and received the gift of REAL life.
2 Corinthians, chapter 6 says,“As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it. For God says, ‘At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.’”
You were saved by grace—and now you’re an ambassador of the same grace. Jesus died to offer salvation for all who would come.
Let Him speak through you—today! Spread the Good News everywhere you go.
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What thoughts enter your mind when you think about sharing the Gospel?Most people agree that God calls us all to share the Good News of who Jesus is, and what He has done for us. But not many people do it regularly.
The truth is, sharing the Gospel is not just for people who are ministers or leaders, experts. seminary graduates, evangelists; it’s for everyone- everyone whose life has been redeemed by the blood of Jesus.
Every person in the world needs a Savior, and every person is needed to spread the word of God’s wonderful offer of life.
Romans 10:14 puts it this way, And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
Sharing the Gospel with them, right?
So you, will you set aside your hesitations, and share the Good News with a friend today? Sharing the Gospel is the most loving thing we can do.
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How can our souls be saved?Jesus said this about Himself, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
What a bold statement! To some, that statement may seem narrow or exclusive. But that’s not what Jesus is saying at all.
His message was that everyone who wants to be saved CAN be saved—through Him. He provided a way for us all to be saved—and without Him, there would be NO way!
The only thing that can truly limit us—keep our souls from being saved—is ourselves. Do you want eternal life? Do you want to know God?
Jesus promised that when we know Him, we also know God the Father. Nothing is preventing you from meeting God today if you want to. It’s up to you. Say, “Yes!” I urge you.
Ask Jesus to be the Lord of your life today. He will welcome you with His amazing love.
Bible Reference: John 14:6-7
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Have you ever thought about this: That the author of the story of life has written himself into the story?Jesus tells His friends in John 16 that He came from the Father, and He entered the world.
And we're told in John 1 that the Word, that is, Jesus, became flesh. And He made His dwelling among us, the creator and the author of life came to the created- to us.
God is the author, and this world is His story. And His compassion was so great that He wrote Himself into the story when He came and He gave His life as a ransom for you and for me.
Is He a part of your story? Will you allow Him to write your story of life? When you walk with Him, He will write a beautiful story.
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First sentence of transcript goes here.As brilliant as some humans are, we cannot heal ourselves. We are not capable of rescuing ourselves from the brokenness that has affected humanity since the Garden of Eden. No amount of effort can set us free from the sin that enslaves us.
In John 12, Jesus says…
For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.
If we were to stand before a judge, on our own merit, we would all be found guilty.
But for those who believe, we are not to be judged on our own wrongness—but on Jesus’ rightness. He took the punishment we deserved and washed us clean with His blood.
If you need Jesus to come, and be your savior, you can ask Him today. You can pray…
Jesus, I receive your sacrifice. Thank You for loving me, even though I didn't know you. Be Lord of my life and wash me clean of all my sin. Thank you. Amen.
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Jesus said that when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He'll guide us into all truth.This is astounding.
Many people might say the truth doesn't exist or it can't be found. Or people might say we each have our own truth.
But Jesus said that His Spirit of Truth will guide us into all that is true. In John 16:13, He says we can know what is true about the world, about life, about eternity, and it is only found in one place: the knowledge of God, the creator and the author of life.
Are you on a search for truth? Look to God, read His Word. Find out what He says about Himself and about the world and ask the spirit of truth to open your eyes and your heart.
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Who do you think Jesus is?Some people think He was just a great teacher or a prophet. But Jesus shocked the religious people of His day when He made this bold statement, “Whoever obeys my teaching will never die.”
They wondered- how could Jesus say such a thing when even the father of the faith, Abraham, had died? Did Jesus think he was better than Abraham?
Jesus answered them, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I Am!”
When Jesus says, “I am,” He’s claiming to be God. The one who was not created, but was The Creator who existed before time, and definitely before Abraham came along.
Jesus is God in human form—truth with skin on. And He came to the earth as a sacrifice for many so that people like you and me could share in the eternal life that He offers.
You can receive that gift of new life. Invite Jesus to be Lord of your life, today.
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Have you ever wondered, “If Jesus was so powerful, why didn’t He save His own life?”That’s a fair question. He was able to heal people. He cast out demons. He walked on water. Yet, there He was hung on a cross and killed.
Before He died, He said this to His disciples.
No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again.
Jesus knew that He had to die. He offered His life freely as a sacrifice for many. But He also knew He would take His life back up at the resurrection, conquering sin and death at the same time.
This is the power Jesus has—power over life and death. He raised Himself up from the dead. And He can give you new life, eternal life. Do you want it?
Remember, there is always hope with God.This is Andrew Palau.
Bible Reference: John 10:18
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Jesus promised us trouble.In John 16:33, He said, “In this world you will have trouble.”
This can feel a bit discouraging. Why would we have so much trouble in the world?
The word comes from the Greek word for pressure or burdened. Does this ring true for you? We all have our own trouble. The thing is, none of us escape.
But the beautiful thing is that Jesus said these words right before He went to the cross, where He took the trouble of the world on Himself so that one day, you and I and the entire world would be free of trouble. We know how the story ends.
Jesus says, “In this world, you will have trouble but take heart. I have overcome the world.” He is bigger than the trouble of the world, and he is bigger than your trouble.
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Have you ever double-booked your calendar and thought, “It’s too bad I can’t be in both places at once.”?God actually can…He is bigger than time and space because He is the one who created it all!
There’s a story of a royal official in the Bible. He asked Jesus to heal his son…
“Lord, please come before my little boy dies.” Jesus told him, “Go back home. Your son will live!” And the man believed what Jesus said and he started home.
This man knew that Jesus’ promise of life would not be rendered void just because his son was far away. He understood that Jesus was God in human form—big enough to handle anything, even from a distance.
Do you believe Jesus is big enough to bring healing to your life? Ask Him today. If you ask Him to be Lord of your life, nothing in the world will separate you from His love.
Remember, there is always hope with God. Bible Reference: John 4:49-50
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Jesus said, "I will do whatever you ask in my name."This is shocking.
But have you ever read these words and thought, “Lord, I can think of one hundred things I asked that you didn't do? So, Lord, I'm not sure if I believe this.”
You know, very often, we read the first part of the verse- I will do whatever you ask, and we forget the significance of the second part of the verse- In my name. Very often, we ask in our name.
The second part of the passage says, So that the Son may bring glory to the Father. This changes everything.
When we ask, do we submit all that we ask to His name and for His glory? Don't stop asking, but ask with humility and a greater Kingdom focus.
Bible Reference: John 14:13radio.hopewithgod.com
Is today your lucky day?If not, don’t worry, because God is bigger than luck.
There’s a story in the Bible about a pool that seemed to be blessed. An angel would stir the waters, and whoever was lucky enough to be the first one in the water- they would be healed.
But when Jesus visited the pool, it was plain that His power was so much bigger. A blind man was waiting there, and he said to Jesus,
“Sir, I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.”
The man was instantly healed, shocking everyone who’d seen him there begging for many years.
Instead of waiting for your luck to change, give your life to Jesus. God doesn’t fix everything immediately, even quickly. But He will give you new life. He offers peace, joy, and freedom. Put your trust in Him today.
Bible Reference: John 5:7-9
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The pain of losing a loved one can be overwhelming.We grieve because the people we care about can’t be with us anymore, and we miss them terribly. But where do they go after they die?
Some people imagine they simply turn into nothing—they cease to exist. Others say they might become an animal or some other creature depending on if they’ve done enough good deeds in their life.
But Jesus says in the Bible…
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
The eternal life Jesus is offering you does not depend on whether you were good enough or bad enough in your life. There’s nothing you can do to earn it. All you have to do is believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. And you make that decision today by just asking Him…
Jesus, will You be the Lord of my life? I want to live for You—starting now—and ending, never.
Bible Reference: John 11:25-26
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Jesus said that He and His Father would make their home with us.This is shocking. Why would the God of the universe come and make His home with us?
The word for home used here means dwelling place; to make His dwelling place in us? What an amazing promise that Jesus made right before He went to the cross.
He promised His Spirit, His very self, to come and be with us and to make His home in us- to dwell with us.
Does Jesus, by His Spirit, dwell in you? You can have this. It is an offer for you. Ask him just say, Jesus, I need you. I want you to dwell in me; I receive you now. Make your home with me.
“All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them." John 14:23
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What if I told you…you didn’t have to die?Yes, your body will eventually wear out and die. But your spirit can live on forever in a new body that will never wear out. Better than that, you can live this new, eternal life face-to-face with God.
How is this possible? It’s only made possible by the one who has authority over all life, and even over death.
That’s Jesus.
In John 11, when His dear friend, Lazarus died, Jesus went to his tomb and called out to him…
Lazarus, come out! And it says, The dead man came out, and his feet and hands were wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. And Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”
I love that!
Jesus is the one who gives real life—a life that can never be taken away. Put your life in His hands today.
Remember, there is always hope with God. This is Andrew Palau.
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Jesus said, "Because I live you also will live."This is startling; what generosity.
God, the author of the story of life, saw fit to write Himself into the story of life. To take what He has, which is life, and to offer it to us. This should astound us and humble us. And move us to love Him even more.
God is the author, and this world is His story. The author of life offers us life.Have you received this life? Life that is truly life?
He is offering it to you, and it is a gift. One day, your body will die, but your soul can live forever with Him.
Always remember, there is hope with God.This is Wendy Palau.
"Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live." 14:19radio.hopewithgod.com
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Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you try, your life just isn’t moving forward?If so, I want to ask you—are you connected to the source of life? Are you getting your strength from God?
Jesus says in John 15…
Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
Our own human strength is so limited, but if you have God moving in your life, directing your steps, filling you with peace, and giving you wisdom…so much is possible!
You don’t have to keep struggling and spinning your wheels in your own strength. Don’t do it!
Ask God to give you life that is truly life. Ask Him to transform you, to fill you with His Spirit, and strengthen you today.
Do it today!
Remember, there is always hope with God.
This is Andrew Palau.
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No matter what your life looks like, YOU matter to God.He showed us over and over in the Bible that He cared for all people, regardless of race, gender, or social status.
In John 4, in the Bible, He demonstrated that by having a one-on-one conversation with a Samaritan woman.
During that time, Jewish men did not usually converse with women in public. And Samaritans were especially looked down upon because of their past religious conflicts with the Jewish people.
So, this Samaritan woman would’ve been considered the lowest of the low.
But Jesus chose to reveal His true identity as the Son of God—to her.
The woman said, “I know that Messiah (called the Christ) he’s coming.” Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”
Jesus will not pass you up. He wants to be near to you, and show you His love. Will you let Him?
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Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through me.”These are startling words. They sound exclusive and narrow. There is only one way to know the Father, and it's through His Son.
It's easy to see this as a negative idea. But, it is actually the most open and inclusive truth. Think of this, the Son came to us, the Son loved us, the Son gave his life for us. And the Son calls us and says, “Come.”
To get anywhere and to know anyone, there must be a way. And God has provided a way to know Him. And this is a good way and it's open for any human being to receive; it is a free gift. And it is for you.
Do you know the Father? Do you know the Father through Jesus? Yes, you can!
Bible Reference: John 14:6
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Why does God have to be invisible?It would be so much easier to believe in Him if we could just see Him with our own eyes and see what He’s really like.
But, we don’t have to wonder what He is like. God showed us Himself in the most easily relatable form for us as humans… He became human!
The Bible says in John 1:18…
No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.
Jesus was not invisible. Real people on earth, they knew Him. They traveled around and listened to His teaching. They touched Him and ate food with Him. And Jesus is God made visible to us—the best way for us to know and understand what God is like.
If you want to see God made visible—just read the book of John in the Bible. It shows us the life of Jesus- all of it. Will you put your faith in God, who became human—who even gave His life for you?
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Jesus told us that one day He would take us to be with Him.This is startling- that Jesus wants us to come and be with Him.
Before He went to the cross, He told His friends…
Don't be troubled. Trust me. There is a place for you in eternity, and I'm going to prepare it for you. And I will come back and take you to be with me.
Some of us find it difficult to imagine what this means. To be in eternity with Jesus to one day see Him face to face? How do we wrap our minds around this? We can't, but we can believe in faith.
He says to you today, Don't let your heart be troubled. I am with you.
Always remember, there is hope with God. This is Wendy Palau.
Bible Reference: John 14:3
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Have you ever wondered, “Where is God when I need Him?”Even though I knew that God had promised never to leave me, sometimes it felt as though He was very far away.
If you’re going through a season of feeling distant from God, I want to encourage you today. Even though God may FEEL distant, trust the promises of the Bible that if you believe in Him, He will never abandon you.
John 1:9 says that Jesus came into the world as the true light that gives light to everyone. It says…
He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.
Sometimes, when we feel distant from God, it’s just because we don’t recognize His presence and activity in our lives. He does speak to us, and He offers us comfort. He does it through people, He does it through His word especially, and through prayer- speaking with God.
Speak to Him and expect God’s presence, and look for it today. Maybe you’ll find Him moving in ways you never expected.
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The night before Jesus would be crucified, He prayed with great faith:“My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Jesus knew what lay ahead…the cross…a cruel form of torture for the worst criminals. He knew He was destined for a slow and painful death. Yet in that moment, He surrendered His own will to the will of the Father who had sent Him.
Can you imagine the strength of faith it must have taken to cooperate with God’s plan? As a result of His obedience, Jesus overcame death. His blood made a way for humanity to be reconciled to God.
What do you think God’s will is for you? Are you willing to obey Him even if it scares you?
Remember, there is always hope with God.
This is Andrew Palau.
Bible Reference: Matthew 26:39b
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Jesus said these unusual words in John chapter 6.“I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.”
What is Jesus saying? It sounds crazy.
But just before that, Jesus said:
I am the bread of life.
… unless you eat this bread—me—you will have no life!
Just like we all need bread—food for physical life, we all need Him—for spiritual life.
He’s saying…Unless you have me, you will not have life.
Do you want life? Do you want life that is truly life? You must have Him—Jesus.
Ask Him to be your Lord in every way. He is the giver of life.
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Does life ever feel like a long, uphill struggle?Our worldly culture encourages us to reach for higher and higher positions of power, hoping that someday we’ll make it to the top of the mountain.
But God instructs us to do the opposite. He asks us to go lower.
In 1 Peter, the Bible says…“...humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, because he cares about you.”
Instead of pushing to make it to the top, you are invited to humbly submit yourself to God’s will. Under His authority, you can give Him all your worries and allow Him to care for you as only He can.
Will you surrender your desire to climb the ladder of worldly success, and trust that God will lift you to where He wants you? Put your trust in God—He is the one who cares for you.
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Jesus says these words in John 6:“Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”
Wow, that is so beautiful. What a promise! When Jesus said it, He meant it!
When we come to Him He will help us.
But are we willing, though, to come with our whole selves?
To truly be helped by Jesus?
He never promised to make our lives easy, but He promised to faithfully help us in our struggles. And He promises to never drive us away or to even desert us.
Do you want Him to comfort you?Bring Him your sorrow.
Do you need wisdom?Ask Him and listen closely to Him.
Give Him all that you are.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
Bible Reference: John 6:37
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Everything has a cost.When we choose to follow God, we do our best to leave behind our old sinful ways and live in a way that’s pleasing to God. But following God is so much more than what you DON’T do.
God is not a taker, He’s a giver.
Jesus said in John 10:10,
The thief’s purpose is to steal to kill and to destroy (only). My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life (the abundant life, He calls it).
God doesn’t want to take the joy out of our lives—He wants us to know better and deeper joy.God doesn’t want to limit us with rules—He wants to protect us from destroying our lives.God doesn’t want to control us like puppets—He wants to guide us onto a path that leads to thriving.
You can trust God to give you much more than He takes. Believe me! Will you put your trust in Him today?
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What happens when you feel confused about God?Do you feel ashamed and question whether you’re having enough faith? Do you run from God?
You don’t have to. You can remember the things you do believe about God.
When Jesus told His disciples, “I am the bread of life,” some of them had a really hard time understanding what He meant. Many left and stopped following Jesus. But Peter did something else.
The Bible says in John 6 that…
Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”
Even though Peter may not have completely understood what Jesus was saying, he held firm to what he did know—that Jesus was the Holy One of God.
Don’t be afraid when you have questions for God. Remember what you do believe, and ask Him to help you understand what you don’t. Seek God, and you will find Him.
Scripture Reference: John 6:68
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Does Jesus offend you?Jesus said these words in John 6.“Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood you will have no life in you.”
Jesus is asking so much here.He’s saying that He is the only ONE to give life. And He wants everything.
Does this offend you?
That’s exactly what Jesus asked his friends in John 6.Many heard this teaching and said:“This is hard teaching.”
Jesus gave all, and He asks all of you.Jesus died, and He calls us die to ourselves.Jesus humbled Himself and He asks us to humble ourselves.
Does this offend you?Oh, my friend, I pray that you will see the absolute beauty of a surrendered life with Jesus. He is worth it all!
Scripture Reference: John 6:53
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Has God ever helped you out of a bad situation?Most of us can think of a time in our lives when something amazing and unexpected happened, and we thank God for His power and His care. Yet, when something goes wrong in our lives, we still worry, don’t we?
When God led His people out of slavery in Egypt, led by Moses, it wasn’t long before they doubted whether or not God would provide food for them. They thought they were going to starve to death in the desert!
But God, in His faithfulness, provided food—bread from Heaven. It’s like it fell right out of the sky, ready to eat.
When Jesus was on the earth, He referred to Himself as “the bread of Heaven.” He is God’s gracious provision for you—the One who sustains life—even eternal life.
The next time you feel worried or scared, remember God’s provision in Jesus Christ. He is faithful to save. He will not abandon you in your time of need.
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Do you struggle to believe in God?You’re not alone.
Even Jesus’ friends who walked with Him—they saw His miracles—they heard Him proclaim that He was the Son of God with His very own voice. And yet, even they struggled to believe Him.
In John 6, Jesus’ disciples were doubting His outrageous claims to be the bread of life that came from Heaven.
He said to them, What if you were to see me for who I really am—the Son of the Living God, in full glory?
Our ability to believe is sometimes so small…
But Jesus went on to say, “The Spirit alone gives life. Human effort accomplishes nothing.” Pray today. Ask God’s Holy Spirit to help you believe that Jesus is Lord over all.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
Scripture Reference: John 6:61-62
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Do you ever doubt that Jesus is God?To us humans, the combination of Jesus’ miraculous power, and His humanity can be hard to comprehend.
When a crowd of people were following Jesus to hear Him teach, He miraculously provided enough food for them all to feed on! They were so enamored with His ability to provide food that they kept following Him around, wanting more food!
But they were missing the point. He even told them…
I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe.
Even the people who saw Him demonstrate His power firsthand had a hard time believing. But God’s power will stand even when your faith feels shaky.
If you’re struggling with doubt today, pray and ask God to help you believe. Let Him show you that He is the bread of life.
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Stories of superheroes in the movies and books can be captivating.They are able to do incredible things because they’re so different from us humans.
Jesus can do things we’re incapable of doing. But the Bible says He is the perfect Savior for us—not because He’s totally different from us—but because He lived as one of us!
He understands us as humans because He lived as a human!
You never have to be afraid to come before Jesus when you need help. You can run into His open arms—just like a child runs to a loving parent—knowing that He will receive you with compassion.
Even though God already knows everything about you, He wants to get to know YOU through a genuine relationship. He wants you to come talk with Him—to seek Him out, and bring Him all your struggles.
Go to Him boldly today! You will find the forgiveness and the grace that you need. He is the only one who can give it.
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When you look at the world today, do you think, “Wow, this is just like Heaven—everything perfect”?No.
This world is dark and confusing, and there’s so much pain.
But yet, in Matthew 6, God tells us to pray for His will to be done on earth, just as in Heaven.
Imagine if your life began to look a little bit more like Heaven! We won’t ever have perfection on this side of eternity, but we can have more of God’s will in our lives.
His will is for us to…
Receive His love,To love Him above everything else, and to love others.
Pray and ask God—that His will and His plan for your life will become your reality.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
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Have you ever been too embarrassed to ask for help?At one point in my life, I realized I was teetering on structures of glass—shiny on the outside but easily shattered with a pebble. Even though I wanted everybody to think I was doing great, inside I was crumbling.
All the garbage of my life tormented my mind. I was held captive by my guilt.
At that time, I didn’t know I could bring all those things before God in prayer. I hadn’t yet discovered how good it is when you let God transform you.
Admitting our weakness to people is hard. But it doesn’t have to be that way with God. He already knows all your junk. And He loves you anyway.
Confess your sins to Him today. Ask Him to help you, and take the first steps to starting a new life in Jesus Christ.
“If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” 1 John 1:9
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No matter what is happening in your life right now, I want to encourage you to bring all your problems to God. Ask Him to carry your burdens.Listen to the words in Matthew 11 from The Message:
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.
I love that! Do you want to walk in step with the Lord and discover His kindness and compassion?
Let Him care for you. Receive His peace.
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What plans have you made for yourself?Often, we make plans that we think will bring about happiness. We try to find joy by satisfying our own desires. But the sad reality is, much of the time, they bring us destruction and emptiness instead.
The Bible says that God has a plan for your life. The plans He makes for us are so much better than the plans we make for ourselves. You can decide to live on His terms instead of trying to be the Lord of your own life.
Jeremiah 29:11 says…
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a hope and a future.”
God knows what’s best for you even when you don’t. He will not fail you. He will not let you down. Put yourself in His capable hands. When you belong to God, your future is filled with hope!
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What are you worried about today?God doesn’t promise an easy life, but when you give your life to Him, He promises to be your help and support! He doesn’t want the weight of worry and stress to crush you.
The book of Philippians in the Bible says:
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.
God wants to give peace—even in the midst of your worry. Have you received the peace God offers?
He offers…
…a relationship with Himself. …freedom from death.…His own blood for the forgiveness of your sins.…His powerful love!…peace so deep that it doesn’t even make sense.
Invite Jesus into your heart today—He is everything you need.
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What if I told you that you could take your burdens, and your fear—your challenges…and exchange them for peace and for hope?This is the way I think of prayer—as a beautiful exchange.
In the Bible, the Greek word that’s translated for “prayer” is actually two words: “toward” and “exchange.”
I pray because I get to connect with God and experience that divine exchange.
And I can talk to God—anytime, anywhere. No fancy language or formulas to follow—just… talking to Him. Sometimes, prayer can simply be sitting with God in silence, just being together with Him.
Why don’t you pray today? Try it for yourself! Talk to God and enjoy being with Him in prayer.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
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Prayer can change your life.It changed mine!
After years of rejecting God, I finally gave my life to Him, and it was on a trip to Jamaica if you can believe it. My inner dialogue went like this:
God, why do I feel disconnected from You? If You’re real, I want to meet You. I have to know!
And God opened my eyes. He showed me… all the garbage of my life that was keeping me from that deep relationship that He desired for me.
And I really cried—I wailed out, “God, I am so sorry! Will You please forgive me?” God’s compassionate response was straight out of Scripture.
“If you confess your sin, Andrew, I will take it away as far as the east is from the west. I will remember it no more."
God used a time of honest prayer and it changed me that day.
Pray today, and seek God. You will find Him.
Scripture: 1 John 1:9
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Is there something you've always thought was true about the world—or about yourself, or maybe even about God—and now you're realizing you might have gotten it wrong?We all get things wrong. The way we think tends to be shaped by the world around us. But we can let our thinking be shaped by what God tells us is true.
Will you ask God today—to show you an area where your thinking needs to change? You don’t have to change on your own. You can ask God to help you in that area—to help you to see things clearly and rightly. He will show you!
He doesn’t hide from you or withdraw from you. He wants to shine His light into your life, and into your heart, and even into your mind.
Always remember, there is hope with God. This is Wendy Palau.
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105
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Do you know that God wants to talk with you today?No matter where you are on your journey, you have access to God in prayer. He is always eager to hear you and be with you.
But, no matter where I go in the world, I find that people feel intimidated by prayer. Maybe you’ve thought…
I’m not holy enough.I don’t know what to say.I don’t know where to put my hands. Should I close my eyes?My needs are too small to matter ORMy needs are too big.I don’t have time.
We love to overcomplicate things, but prayer is simple.
Just talk to God wherever you are—in your car, while you do the dishes, whatever! You can start by setting aside just two minutes.
You can thank Him, share your needs and worries—even talk about your feelings. When you pray alone, God is the only one listening, and He will not judge your prayers. He just wants to talk with you—today.
"Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere." Ephesians 6:18
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Is your soul hungry?Food satisfies the body. It gives you energy, fills your stomach, and hopefully, it tastes good! The Word of God is like good food. It feeds and nourishes your spirit instead of your body.
Without this type of nurturing, your spirit would slowly wither and starve.
Matthew 4:4 recounts the words of Jesus...
“It is written, ‘Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
God’s Word is the main course in your spiritual diet. Come to the Word of Life and feast on the only food that can satisfy your soul’s deep longings. When we meditate on God through the scriptures, our spirits are nourished.
So, friend, will you open up your Bible—open up your Bible app? Do it today! Try starting with the book of John, and let God nourish your soul today!
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What have you done to feed your spirit today?Jesus understood this truth—just like our bodies, our spirits need to be nurtured and fed.
He talked about spiritual food when He said, in John 4
“I have a kind of food you know nothing about….My nourishment comes from doing the will of God...”
The same is true for us. When we do God's will, we find meaning, purpose, and joy.
When you read His word, truth takes root in your heart, like a seed… and as you mature through reading the Scriptures, hearing His Word will blossom into doing His Word!
By filling your spirit with His word, you can begin to walk in every good promise of God’s will.
Is your spirit hungry right now? Fill it with the Word of God.
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What would it be like to journey through the wilderness in total darkness?Maybe you'd get scared, maybe you’d get lost, trip, or fall into danger. Sometimes walking through life feels like you’re embarking on a dark journey without a map. But God's Word is the light of truth. It shines in the dark. Let its timeless wisdom direct your choices.
God hasn't left us alone, without a map. You can let Him lead you with His word—that’s the Bible!
In Psalm 119, King David said...
Your commandments give me understanding;no wonder I hate every false path.Your word is a lamp to guide my feetand a light for my path.
Through His Word, God guides us on paths of grace. It is such a comfort to know that even when the road of life gets rocky, you can trust His Word—today—to lead you in the right direction.
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Does life seem to be crumbling all around you?In the middle of troubles, God is guarding you and He’s guiding you. He can speak to you through His Word, and keep you from going in the wrong direction.
Will you let the light of God’s truth help you avoid falling into fear—or even just destructive traps and habits? Your Shepherd—He cares for you. And He wants to guide you.
Psalm 23 says...
[God] renews my strength.He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.Even when I walk through the darkest valley,I will not fear, for you are with me…
So, friend, will you open up your Bible, or Bible App today? Try starting with the book of John, and let God light up the right path for you today!
Always remember, there is hope with God.
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With so many opinions in the world, how can we possibly know what's right?The world's ideas about how a person should act, think, and believe are always changing. And it’s overwhelming.
But God's Word brings clarity and understanding of His will. It renews your mind and it helps you to see what is right and what is wrong—what’s real or fake, truth or lie. The Bible is pure truth—it never changes! But friend, it will change the way you think. It will save you from being ruled by fear, confusion, and uncertainty.
Romans 12:2 tells us...
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Will you let God’s Word renew your mind today?
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How are you today?If you’re like most people, the immediate answer is, “I’m fine.”
But you know, it’s often when we think that we’re fine that our lives are actually unraveling beneath the surface. We can coast along in life, oblivious to how far from the truth sin or apathy has taken us.
We need God's Word of truth to shape us, to keep the subtleties of evil at bay, and to help us deal with our real struggles. Under the guidance of the Living Word of God, our inner lives will begin to take on a new shape.
Recognizing how much we need God is the first step to understanding just how precious we are to Him, and the Word of God is the roadmap that leads us there.
The cobwebs lingering in the dark corners of our minds and hearts can finally be cleared away as we let the light of truth come in. Try reading the Bible! Do it today!
Scripture reference: Isaiah 49:9
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What has the power to change your life?Reading God’s word, the Bible.
It’s an essential tool in the process of becoming whole, and free.
Right and wrong will become more clear—like you're looking through a new pair of glasses after years of blurry vision.
God-inspired desires will sprout up as new inspiration for you in your life.
The more you listen to His Word, the more you're going to know that God is good…and this changes everything!
If you read the Bible faithfully, one day at a time, the power of God’s Word will work in you. Your life will be transformed.
So, my friend, will you open up your Bible, or maybe even your Bible App, today? Try starting with the book of John, and let God shape your heart, today!
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Did you know that Jesus is sometimes called The Word of God?When He walked the earth, Jesus was truth with skin on.
John 1:14 tells us…
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
You have access to that same truth through God's Word, the Bible. His love, goodness, His grace toward you—it will become clearer and clearer as you read about the life of Jesus.
As you fill your heart and mind with scripture, I know you’ll develop a rich confidence in the faithful and loving God who authored all of creation and gave His life for you.
Don’t take my word for it…
Go straight to the source of truth for yourself. Do it today! Read the Bible—the Living Word of God.
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The word of God is alive and active.Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
What other book claims to have this kind of effect on us?
The Bible helps us to see God properly, to recognize what is true about Him, and what is a lie. It allows us to know Him deeply, and to have our lives shaped by His instruction.
God used 40 authors over 1500 years to write the Bible. But there is one story woven throughout the Bible’s pages and God is at the heart of it all, faithfully and relentlessly loving us.
This is now your story, my friend. And it’s a story of hope for you.
Scripture Reference: Hebrews 4:12
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Do you ENJOY reading the Bible?I get that it can be hard. The Bible is so big, and it’s ancient… and it's hard to know where to begin.
The book of John is a great place to start because it tells the story of Jesus’s life on this earth—His miracles, His death, His resurrection. If you have given your life to Jesus, you want to know what He's like, right? And even if you haven’t yet given your life to Jesus, aren’t you curious?
What was His personality like? How did He treat people?
What did He say to His closest friends before He died?
Jesus is the most interesting person who ever lived! Try reading the book of John today! And don’t worry if you get confused from time to time. You don’t have to perfectly understand it all.
I’m so excited for what God will show you this week.
Remember, there is always hope with God. This is Andrew Palau.
In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:1-5
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I get messages from people all the time, wondering, “How in the world do I communicate with God? How do I hear from Him?”As you read the Bible—as you listen attentively—expect that God will speak to you.
Sometimes you’re going to gain some truth and wisdom—big-picture stuff that just serves you all of the days of your life.
And at other times a verse will jump out at you, and it seems to be addressing the specific challenges of your life right now—right in the moment! God speaks through His word.
Reading the word (that’s the Bible) daily—is essential to your spiritual growth. Trust that it is living and active—able to shape your life every step of the way.
Will you open up your Bible—open up your Bible app? Do it today! Try starting with the book of John—I really encourage you—let God speak to you through the life of Jesus in the book of John. Start today!
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Have you ever been plagued by thoughts that you are…Not enough?Not pure enough?Not worthy of God’s love?
These are the lies of the enemy of your soul, the Devil. He’ll use your negative thoughts to try to convince you that these things are true.
Even though we know they are lies, they still seep into our minds—sometimes without us even noticing.
We need to fight the battle by replacing the words of the liar with words of truth from the Bible.
God says in the Bible that you are…
His child.You’re chosen and deeply loved.Completely washed clean by Jesus’ blood.Created for a wonderful purpose.
Remind yourself daily who you are in Christ, and the voice of the liar of your soul will fade.
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Do you ever feel like there’s a war going on in your mind?The Bible describes your mind as a battlefield. When we follow Jesus, we commit to aligning our lives with the truth. The father of lies does not want that—so he tries to pull you away, tricking you with words of doubt.
Don’t be fooled.
The Bible helps us fight the enemy’s lies. 2 Corinthians 10 says:
…the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ…
God’s Living Word is like a spiritual weapon… stronger than our minds, and it’s stronger than the lies of the enemy for sure!
Spend time reading God’s Word. Let truth defend your thoughts against the lying attacks of the adversary.
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Who is the Holy Spirit?When you give your life to Jesus, the Holy Spirit of God is who enters in, and lives within you. This means you have a direct connection with God in every moment of your life.
He's the One who is present—even right now—and able to help! Sometimes the Bible calls Him the Helper or the Counselor.
John 14:26 says this about the Holy Spirit...
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and remind you of all that I’ve said to you.
Do you want the Holy Spirit to live inside you?
Pray this with me right now…Jesus, come into my heart and be Lord of my life. Please forgive me of my sin and fill me with your Spirit. Amen.
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Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the troubles of life?You don't have to face them alone. When you first accepted Jesus, the Holy Spirit came in to live within you! Maybe you’ve even heard that a lot. Let’s think about what it really means.
The Bible sometimes calls the Holy Spirit, "the Advocate." An advocate is like a friend—someone who stands up for you and protects you from the injustices of the world.
The Holy Spirit is our Advocate because He connects us to the Father. And He's always with us, directing us to what is best for us. He's the One who helps us understand God’s Living Word.
John 14:16-17 says...
I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads you into all truth…
God is personal, and He is present. His Holy Spirit is always there with you.
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Have you ever felt like you were so deep in sin… that crawling out of that pit just feels impossible?You are never too far gone for God to save you.
Listen to this passage from 2 Corinthians 5:17-19.
… anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! …For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them.
Wow. He’s talking to you. If you’ve given your life to Jesus, you’re forgiven. The old has gone, your sin is remembered no more. It’s gone. It is no more!
God’s forgiveness through the blood of Jesus is strong enough to save you and forgive you—no matter what. If you need forgiveness, ask for it today. He will give you new life—a life of abundance.
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Do you trust that God has forgiven the wrong things that you’ve done?“Forgiven” is not just a thing that happened to you.
Because of Jesus, “forgiven” is part of who you are.
When God looks at you, He does not see everything you've ever done wrong. He sees you clean—washed clean—through the blood of His Son, Jesus.
We all struggle from time to time. We stumble, we make mistakes, and we sin. Will that change how God sees you? Will that affect your identity before Him? No! You are forgiven.
Psalm 103 says—listen to these words….
As far as sunrise is from sunset,he has separated us from our sin.
Receive the forgiveness of God fully and deeply, today, and rejoice in what God has done for you.
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One day we will all experience physical death.But if you’ve been made alive in Jesus, you're free from the spiritual consequences of sin. That means you will not experience a spiritual death!
After your body passes away, your spirit—clothed with a brand new body—will live on in the face-to-face reality of the presence of God.
Just like John 8:36 says,
…if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.
Putting your faith in Jesus Christ, then…
You are free from the penalty of your sin—eternal death. And you have a life worth living and the promise of Heaven—for eternity!
Do you have this freedom?
If not, receive it right now! You can! Put your trust in Jesus, now. Pray to Him. Ask Him to forgive you and wash away your sins. He loves you so much, and His arms are open wide to embrace you.
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Do you carry guilt from the sin of your past? You don’t have to.Before you and I met Jesus, we were slaves to sin. We were trapped on a road that leads to death. But Jesus bought our freedom. And He paid the ultimate price for it—His death on a cross.
Romans 8 says,
…because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
Being free in Christ doesn’t mean you'll never sin, but it means you're not a slave to sin anymore.
Jesus paid the price for your sin—so you don’t have to! You don’t have to punish yourself or do anything to earn this freedom.
Death and guilt no longer have any claim on your life!
Share God’s freedom with someone who doesn’t know Jesus. Do it today!
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What are your parents like?Whether wonderfully kind or painfully harsh, you’ve probably experienced hurt from them. Your own childhood—it shapes the way you think about fatherhood.
Have you ever thought of God like He’s an angry father and yourself like a naughty child, afraid that you’re going to be punished?
There’s a Bible story about a son who left his father. And this is how God wants you to think about it. This son asked his father for his inheritance early, as if his father were dead, and then he wasted it on wild living.
When he had ruined his life, he was starving to death, and he went to beg for his father’s forgiveness. He thought, “Maybe if I’m lucky my father will let me work as a servant.”
But guess what… his father saw him coming and He ran to his son and embraced him.
This is the way God feels about you. Run into His open arms today!
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The day I walked into the orphanage to bring home my daughter, Sadie, she had no idea that I was coming.A beautiful baby from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia—she was vulnerable to the harshness of life in that situation. But when I came in and picked her up in my arms, she became my child.
Wow! This is also what God did for me. This is what He does for each one of us. God picked me up, held me in His arms, and marveled at me like any father would. I became a new creation—a child again.
How does it feel—for you—to consider that God would hold you safely and securely in His arms—that you can rest safely in those arms? When you give your heart to Jesus Christ, God becomes your Father—and you His beloved child.
"No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you." John 14:18
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Have you ever felt like you're an accident?I want to tell you today…listen!
You are not a mistake. God created you with love and intention.
He designed you uniquely—there is no one on earth like you.
He made you to love Him, to receive His love, and to share that love with others.
When you accept Christ's offer of new life, you will be born again! And the part of you that’s capable of connecting to God and living forever will come to life.
You will not be your own any longer—you will belong to God, and nothing can separate you from His love.
You can rest in the knowledge that you were made on purpose, and for a purpose. Ask God today to lead you further into His plan and purpose for your life.
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Who God is—makes you who you are.You can’t make things new. But God can. Because He is your creator, when you invite Him to be the Lord of your life, you are made new!
Sometimes we hear people say, “You’re starting a new chapter in life.” But rebirth in Jesus means picking up an entirely new book! A fresh start, but on God’s terms. He begins to write a new story, washing the old mess away.
But being made new isn't just about not sinning. It’s recognizing who God is, and who you are in light of that. It’s the shocking revelation that God’s magnificence envelops everything that you are.
In Psalm 139, David says to God,
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
There is a loving design to your existence.
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Have you ever been awake early enough to see the sunrise?If so, you know how powerful it is to watch the darkness be overtaken by the light. And as the sun’s rays touch the landscape, there is beauty.
When you follow Jesus, your identity—who you truly are—is a reflection of who God is. You won’t be able to know yourself until the Light of Life shines on you. What does that mean?
Colossians 1:12 can help us.
He [that’s God] has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.
We are His people, and we live in the light. We are His children, so we get to live in His light, in His favor and blessing.
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Here’s a question we all ask ourselves.What do I have to offer? Was I made for more than this? Where do I belong?
For 27 years, before I accepted Christ, I was so afraid that I didn’t matter. I had a good mask to cover up all the ways I felt insufficient.
But I wondered, “Will anyone ever see the real me?”
We can spend our whole lives stuck in the fear that we’re not enough—trying to manufacture an identity worthy of love and acceptance of the people around us. But it’s a terrible cycle—a cycle that only Jesus Christ can set us free from!
Where is your identity found?
If you’ve been reborn in Jesus Christ, your identity is in Him.
Just as 2 Corinthians 5 says…
Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; and new life has begun!
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Almost 200 years ago the poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, wrote a piece called “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.”I was struck recently by some of the lines of that song, when it says:
And in despair, I bowed my head:"There is no peace on earth," I said,"For hate is strong and mocks the songOf peace on earth, goodwill toward men."Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,With peace on earth, goodwill toward men."
Those of us who are followers of Jesus Christ can know His peace in our lives.
As we read in Acts 10:36:“You know the message of God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.”
Let’s be reassured by those words as we celebrate Christmas in a world that seems to have forgotten what real peace looks like.
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There's a phrase in Isaiah chapter 9 that promises the coming Messiah, Jesus. And it says… “...the government will be on his shoulders.”The word government simply means rule, authority, dominion. And the Hebrew word for shoulders means the neck, the place of burdens.
The coming Savior will be the ruler with authority and dominion, and the carrier of all burdens. It's exactly what Jesus did when He went to the cross. He took the burdens of the world on Himself.
Isaiah 53 says that…
“…he carried our sickness and our sorrow…. and the punishment that brought us peace was put on him.”
He can't take your burdens until you accept Him as your ruler and your king. He will take your burdens on Himself.
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Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but it can also be sad and stressful for many of us.Maybe you have lost a family member and miss them acutely this Christmas season. Or maybe your life has undergone drastic changes, and you miss the way that Christmases used to be.
I want to remind you today of an ancient prophecy about the first Christmas. It’s the prophet Isaiah, who declared…
“For those who live in a land of deep darkness,a light will shine.”
He was talking about Jesus. And he said,
“...he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
I want to remind you today that if your life feels sad, and chaotic, and dark, you don’t have to go through it alone.
Will you ask Jesus to come into your heart today? Ask Him to be the Lord, the Mighty God, and the Savior of your life.
Scripture: Isaiah 9:2,6radio.hopewithgod.com
Listen to the words of the prophet Isaiah, years before Jesus was born. He said,For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Jesus—our Prince of Peace.
During this time of year, very often, the thing we long for the most is peace, and we don't have it. It feels out of reach, even though we are striving for it.
Jesus offers it to us. He says, I will be your peace. I will be the bridge between you and an almighty God—and there is where you'll find peace.
Ask Him today!
Cry out to Him, Jesus, Prince of Peace. Please come and flood my life with Your peace.
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On this day, over 2,000 years ago, the world was irrevocably changed.The God of the whole universe came into the world—the world He created. Why? To be with His people, to save us from sin and death.
The faithful among God’s people had been watching and waiting for the promised messiah for ages. The prophet Isaiah predicted His birth, saying…
“…his name shall be calledWonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Do you have Jesus, The Wonderful Counselor speaking into your life, guiding and directing you through all the unexpected twists and turns of life? You can!
Pray today, and put your life in the hands of a Savior who loves you. You can simply say,
Jesus, I believe in You. Just as you came into the world at Christmas, come into my heart, and be Lord of my life. Amen.
And Merry Christmas!
Scripture: Isaiah 9:6radio.hopewithgod.com
Sometimes, delaying something can make it better and more meaningful in the long run, don’t you think?Having to work for a long period of time to earn something makes it even more meaningful when you finally get it.
Today’s culture is more about instant gratification, but I think the anticipation of the Advent can be helpful this time of year. Advent comes from the Latin word that means “coming.” It’s a time of reflection and anticipation of Christ coming to be with us.
Spend the weeks before Christmas reflecting on our need for a Savior. Remember Jesus’s birth and the purpose of His life.
Hebrews 12:2 says,“…For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Slow down this Christmas season as you meditate on the joyful and long-awaited birth of Jesus Christ.
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We don't often think about death until we're face to face with it…someone you love dies, or you get sick and you realize that you're mortal.We won't live forever. Death seems to always have the last word, and death silences all our protests. All except one.
The Creator of life is stronger than death. He has authority over death, which is exactly why Jesus came. Because of His birth (which we're celebrating this Christmas), His death, and His resurrection—which proved His power over death—we can have eternal life.
This can sometimes be hard to wrap our minds around, but this is true, and it should fill you with hope. The last enemy of our souls is death, and Jesus has destroyed it.
Do you believe this?
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Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 15:26
During the Christmas season, some of us observe Advent as a time to reflect on the birth of Christ and the long ages of waiting for His arrival.I’m so thankful that Emmanuel—which means “God with us”—came to the earth and sacrificed His holy life on our behalf.
But it’s also true that we are still waiting for something. Hebrews 2 describes how Jesus gained the victory over death and hell. This sealed His rightful authority over all things on the earth.
It says that…
…At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. But we see him… namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor…
This Advent, I invite you to remember the many blessings of knowing Jesus personally and look forward, with great joy, to the age that is to come—when He will return and make all wrong things right.
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Do you need a savior?You might say to me, Wendy, I'm fine. I'm my own savior.
Can I tell you something? One day, you'll realize you are not enough to save yourself. You do need a savior—I need a savior. It's humbling to realize, and it's humbling to accept, and it's humbling to receive. But here's the good news…God lifts up the humble.
So that means, Christmas is for you.
Listen to the words of Luke 2,
“Today, in the town of David, a savior is born to you. He is Christ the Lord.”
Receive the salvation He offers. Saved from sin, saved from death, even saved from yourself. Why don't you humble yourself this Christmas? Recognize that you need a savior, because…He has come for you.
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The world is often a scary and a sad place.People fight with words and with weapons. We lose people we love and sometimes we struggle to love people.
The apostle, Paul, said in Romans 8,… all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to this present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory…
Each of us long for Christ’s return—but even as we ache for His return, we can rejoice in His promise.
When the angels came to visit the shepherds, they announced news of “great joy that will be for all people.” Joy!
Jesus’ birth brings joy to anyone who receives Him as Lord. This doesn’t mean their lives are instantly perfect, but that joy can abide right alongside pain and suffering.
Share His joy with your world, today.
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Someone once asked me, “How can I be joyful at Christmas?”He said, “I was unfaithful and my spouse left me years ago. And now, I’m alone, and filled with regret.”
I shared that Jesus came to save us from our sins—even the worst of them! This is more than enough reason to celebrate Jesus at Christmas.
When an angel told Mary she’d give birth to the Son of God, she said, “How will this be…since I’m a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”
Jesus came as a baby so that He could live and die for you and me.
As Christmas approaches, open your heart to Jesus. Then, rest in His grace. Let Jesus free you, and fill your life with His abundance.
Scripture: Luke 1:35
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This can be a lonely time of year for so many people.You might have many people around you and you still feel lonely. Sometimes the people we love the most die or they abandon us, but you can have an eternal, spiritual hope this Christmas.
You are not alone. God knows you and He sees you. And He says to you today, I love you.
This Christmas, Jesus came for you. Emmanuel means God is with us. And it means God with you.
Why don't you ask Him—talk to Him today? Say…
Jesus, I feel so alone. You came to the world, but will You come for me, also? I receive You now. Thank You for coming into this broken world and into my broken life. I give my life to You.
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Sometimes Christmas movies and TV shows depict the holidays as being about perfect families, about presents, and about Santa Claus.But Christmas—it is so much bigger than any of that. Jesus didn’t come to fill your stocking. He came to fill your life. A life filled with grace and love.
Whatever hardships you are facing this season, remember—they do not define you. You are more than your circumstances, and with Jesus, no circumstance is hopeless.
In Luke 1, we hear the story of Elizabeth. She and her husband had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old.
And yet, she had a baby who would grow up to announce and prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah!
Don’t let your hardships define you. Instead, this Christmas, ask God to change and fill your life. He will do it!
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Have you ever heard these words, “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him will not die, but have eternal life”?This Christmas season, the word that stands out to me is gave—God gave. During this time of year we're thinking about giving and we're buying gifts for the ones we love. Have you ever considered that the greatest gift we’ll ever receive has already been given?
God gave all—His Son, Jesus. There was nothing and no one more precious that He could give. And He asks you, Will you give me your life? Not out of a sense of legalism or trying to make God happy, but out of a step of submission…
Say yes to this eternal, beautiful gift given for you.
Scripture: John 3:16
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Did you know there are two Christmases?One, it’s about eating, drinking, and overspending. The other is about love, joy, peace, and adoration of the One whose birth we celebrate.
Christmas is meant to be a vivid demonstration of God’s love. In Luke 1, Mary, the mother of Christ, praises God in this way:
He has lifted up the humble.He has filled the hungry with good things.
Mary believed God’s promise to send a deliverer—Jesus Christ. The Christ Child of that first Christmas is the One who, 30 years later, sacrificially died for the sins of the world on a cross, and who rose again on the third day by the power of God.
If your life has not gone as planned, don’t give up. Receive God’s promise—eternal life in Jesus Christ. Pray right now and receive God’s marvelous gift, today.
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As December gets underway, I am sure that you have so many things on your mind.Shopping, gifts, travel planning, and how you’re going to afford it all. And maybe amid everything else, there are bittersweet memories of Christmases past weighing on your heart.
I think there’s something God wants to give you this Christmas: peace.
Leading up to the first Christmas, this is what Zechariah prophesied about Jesus…
“Because of God’s tender mercy,the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,and to guide us to the path of peace.”
Jesus came to shine His light on us, and to guide us—even you—to the path of peace. I want to invite you to let God hold you still.
Give yourself permission to slow down and behold the wondrous love God has shown us in Jesus Christ.
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In Luke chapter one, there is a beautiful song about a promised savior—Jesus.One of the many things said about the Savior is that “He will be the rising sun coming from heaven.”
What a beautiful image of a sunrise…the slow infiltration of light that gradually makes everything visible and beautiful.
Are you living in darkness? Are there things in your life that are causing a blanket of darkness over you?
The rising sun, Jesus, wants to infiltrate your life with light. He says to you, “I am the light of the world. Follow me, and you'll never walk in darkness again.”
At Christmas, we celebrate the coming of light—the Light of the World. He came for the world and He came for you.
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The Christmas season is wonderful.We’re celebrating the birth of the Son of God, and I’m so glad for the opportunity that Christmas gives us to speak openly about Jesus Christ and to talk about His purpose in coming to this earth.
Christmas carols, Christmas specials on TV…even newspapers and magazines publish articles about our Savior. These testimonies can soften hearts, preparing people to start a relationship with Him.
In Luke chapter 1, Zechariah prophesied this way over Jesus’ newborn cousin, John:
“And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins.”
Can we be like him this season and share the truth of Jesus with at least one other person? Jesus is the best Christmas gift you could ever give.
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When Jesus was born, the Jewish people were waiting, anticipating the arrival of a savior.The ancient prophets had promised a Messiah and they were waiting for Him.
In Luke 1, the song of Zechariah says,
“He has come. He will redeem His people. Finally, salvation is here.”
Have you been waiting? You know you need help? You know you need a Savior?
This Messiah, Jesus, came for the entire world… and for you.
His birth all those years ago—what we are celebrating at Christmas—is for you. His coming is personal. Why don't you finally say yes, this Christmas season?
Thank You, Jesus, for coming…for me. My life is Yours.
This is Wendy Palau.
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Before the first Christmas, a man named Zechariah found himself in the presence of the angel Gabriel.Incredibly, when the angel told him he was going to have a son in His old age, Zechariah spoke words of disbelief, only to be told he’d be unable to speak another word for nine months.
When he could speak again, eight days after his son’s birth, Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and was anything but at a loss for words. In a divinely inspired prophecy, the first words out of Zechariah’s mouth were…
Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,because he has come to his people and redeemed them.
The birth of Jesus was the beginning of God’s big rescue mission to redeem His people from sin and death. This Christmas, you can speak words—not of disbelief—but of praise and truth. Will you share these words this Christmas season? Tell everyone…
God has come to redeem His people!
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We know that Jesus freely offers everyone abundant life, but just because it’s free doesn’t mean the Christian life is always easy.G.K. Chesterton once said, The problem with Christianity is not that it has been tried and found wanting, but that it has been found difficult, and left untried.
I myself have had people tell me that they want the life Jesus offers, but they are afraid they would have to give up too much here and now.
The truth is that in giving up our old selves and our old ways, we find abundant life.
Jesus told His disciples, If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Sure, sometimes the Christian life can be difficult, but a life lived for Jesus is one of true joy and true abundance.
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What does your soul need today?Your body might need lunch or a good night's sleep. But what does your soul need?
In Psalm 103, David says,
Praise the Lord, O my soul. All my inmost being praise him. Forget not all his benefits.
I believe that our souls need to honor God for who He is, and remember what He's done for us.
Has He forgiven you, restored you, healed you? Has He brought you through some very difficult times? Has He comforted you in pain or sorrow? Has He provided for you in ways you never imagined? It's easy to forget, and it does our soul so much good to remember.
Sometimes we just need to speak to our very own souls, Praise the Lord, O my soul. All my inmost being, praise Him.
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Sometimes, I find myself thinking about… well… myself.I consider my own comforts and personal tastes. And if I’m uncomfortable with a situation, my first instinct is to pray to God to remove me from it—or it from me—or somehow make it better. All of us struggle with this.
I have to remember that God—in His infinite glory—is not particularly worried about my own comfort in a situation. God cares for me absolutely. But God’s greatest desire is to bring glory to Himself. There is no conflict between my true best interest and God’s glory.
1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us,So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Don’t resent the challenges that come, I encourage you; you can glorify God in your actions and reactions.
This is Andrew Palau.
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We often get God wrong.Or maybe we have a warped idea of what God is really like. We’ll lean one direction or the other. Maybe we think God is soft, almost like Santa—jolly and happy and just wanting to please us. Or maybe we think God is hard, sitting back with his arms folded and watching, waiting for us to make a mistake.
Listen to this verse in Psalm 62… One thing God has spoken. Two things have I heard; that you oh God are strong, and that you, O, Lord, are loving.
God is the perfect balance of both love and power. He perfectly embodies both and He moves and acts in our lives in both love and power. Isn't that a comfort that God isn't who we imagined Him to be? He is who He is.
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I know of a young woman who is in college with the hope of going to medical school someday.She works in a hospital all day and takes classes at night. Recently, she said she felt so overwhelmed with the pressures of work, school, and family that she just wanted to give up.
Discouragement is something we all experience at some time. Whether you're in school, or raising children, or running a business, you probably feel pressure to have it all together, even though you may feel you are falling apart.
But you know, we don't have to have all the answers and we don't have to be perfect. All we need to do is trust God in the moment to look to Him for strength and direction.
Deuteronomy 31:8 says,
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
Wow, what a wonderful promise. Always remember, there is hope with God
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I’ve met a lot of Christians who feel too far removed from Jesus; they can’t make that personal connection with the cross.It’s easy to feel like you’re just a random person who happens to be grouped into the others that Jesus died for. But Jesus loves you on a personal level.
And when He was on the cross, He died for all of your sins—for every time you fell short, messed up, or made a mistake. He did it for you.
Jesus didn’t just die for the outspoken Christians, or the missionaries, or the pastors, or for me. Jesus died for all of us because He loves all of us.
And that means He loves you more than you can possibly fathom. He knows your deepest wounds, all of your secrets, and any shame you might carry—and He loves you anyway.
Romans 5:8 says…God showed His love for us in this—that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
Remember, there is always hope with God. This is Andrew Palau.
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If you're like me, sometimes you feel exhausting to God.So needy—always coming to Him with problems or weaknesses or failures.
There's a story in Matthew 15. Jesus is teaching and healing a great crowd of people. And they have many needs. After three days, Jesus realizes they have even another need—they're hungry.
Instead of being frustrated and exhausted because of this situation, Jesus has compassion. And not only is He compassionate, He is able to meet their need, and He miraculously feeds them.
We can't wear God out. He's not like us—thank goodness. He's not tired of you. He sees your need, and He's the only one able to meet it. Always remember, there is hope with God.
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The stories in children’s Bibles are almost always simplified.They are streamlined, so that children can understand the stories at their level. Often, the message in a Bible story will be summed up to one line, like “Jesus loves you,” or “You were created by God,” or “God will forgive you”.
Sometimes, as adults, we get wrapped up in the complexities and finer details within Christianity. We begin to totally miss the main point, which is this: just as the kids’ Bible told us, God loves you.
As you go about your daily life, remember to focus on the deep and simple message of the Good News Gospel, which is highlighted in John 3:16, which says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
Share this simple, good news!
This is Andrew Palau.
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In Psalm 103, the writer says that God will crown us with love and compassion.We don't wear crowns much these days. But in ancient days, a crown was only worn by royalty with wealth and position.
God offers you an everlasting crown. He offers an eternal position as a loved person. You're valued and treasured. You're a child of the King of kings.
He also offers us a crown of compassion. That means He sees you not with pity, but with a sense of being drawn to you, to help you, to encourage you, heal you, strengthen you.
This type of love and commitment is hard for us to understand, but it is true. It's an everlasting crown.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
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When Jesus’ disciples came to Him and told Him that the crowd was hungry, Jesus said, You give them something to eat.The disciples protested, saying, Hey, we don’t have enough. Jesus then took the five loaves of bread and two fish that they did have and blessed it and used it to feed the entire crowd. There were even leftovers!
Notice this—sometimes when God calls His people, they feel ill-equipped. But God, I don’t have enough, we say. Friends, God isn’t asking us for more than what we have. He’s asking that we trust Him to multiply our efforts.
We don’t have to have enough. We need only to trust that He will provide. He’ll make a way. As we act in faith, our perceived inadequacies or shortcomings will not hinder God from reaching people. He’s bigger than that. He’s bigger than us.
Remember, there is always hope with God. This is Andrew Palau.
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There is a thrilling account in the Bible of an event in the life of the prophet Elisha.I love this story! An enemy king sent his army to capture Elisha. The warriors positioned themselves around the town during the night. And in the morning, when Elisha’s servant went outside, he was terrified to see this strong force ready to attack with horses and chariots.
But Elisha told him, Don’t be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them. Suddenly the servant was able to see that surrounding them, defending them, was an even greater army with horses and chariots of fire.
Are you in a situation where you feel besieged, surrounded by enemies? Be encouraged! God is with you. He is for you, and Romans 8:31 says, If God is for us, who can ever be against us?
Ask Him for the strength and courage that you need.
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In Psalm 103, the writer says that God will redeem our lives from the pit.Have you ever been in a pit? It's a dark, deep place. You're trapped and dirty. God promises to redeem us from this type of life. The image is to be rescued—to be pulled out, and freed, and to be cleaned up.
Jesus came to redeem us. The word redeem means to deliver—to purchase. And this is exactly what Jesus did on the cross. His life for yours—for mine. He went down to the pit so that we can be lifted out.
Have you asked Him to redeem your life? Are you in a pit right now? Simply ask Him, Lord, I am in the pit. Will you rescue me?
Always remember, there is hope with God. This is Wendy Palau.
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Most of us have a built-in need to be safe and secure.We spend huge amounts of time perfecting the right diet, the right exercise routine, the right medical regimen, the right home environment. These tactics may give an illusion of protection from dangers, but they can’t guarantee safety.
One scripture passage highlights two ways of attempting to feel safe.
Proverbs 18:10 says, The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Another popular option follows in the next verse: The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it an unscalable wall.
The first way—God—works, the second way—wealth—does not. God is our only safe refuge. Run to Him when there is danger and trouble all around. He is waiting for you with open arms.
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I read this week that the center of human identity is the presence of core desires.Does this ring true for you? We are all filled with desire—the desire to be loved or belong, to have a safe fulfilling place in the world. Added on top of these basic desires are the desires that are unique to us according to our personality or where we come from.
Desire is a powerful presence for every human being. But sometimes our desires can destroy our lives.
We desire things that hurt us and the people we love. God promises something different. He promises to fulfill our desires with good things—things that truly fill us up—not superficial fixes.
Ask him today, Lord, fulfill my desires with good things.
This is Wendy Palau.
"He fills my life with good things." Psalm 103:5a
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Recently, my team and I had a very fruitful time of outreach in a nation in Africa.We saw thousands of people give their hearts and lives to Jesus Christ. But that outcome was certainly not guaranteed For the past year or so we prepared for the events and were met with obstacle after obstacle.
If we had been facing all that alone, in our own strength, we would have failed early on. But God was with us, and we had great success. God will always work out His will and His purpose, no matter what obstacles are in our way.
I don’t know what goal or project is in front of you, but you are not on your own. God is with you! He will never leave you. His power and presence are yours always, in whatever circumstance you find yourself. Isn’t that encouraging? Doesn’t that give you confidence?
We saw God do wonderful things in Africa; you can see Him do the same wherever you are serving Him.
This is Andrew Palau.
"There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me." 1 Corinthians 16:9
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God created you for a unique purpose.The truth is, we are all unique.
Psalm 139:13-14 in the Bible says, For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Consider what your unique qualities are. Are you confident, charismatic, or do you pay special attention to detail? Then, consider how God might want to use you to help spread His message.
Are there people in your circle that don’t go to church? Maybe you’re the person to share the Good News with them. Perhaps others would go to church if you would invite them. Are you a leader in your community, school, or neighborhood? You can be an example of godly integritythere.
Whatever the case, know that you are unique, and you were created for a purpose.
This is Andrew Palau.
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Do you have a secret war in your mind, your thoughts, or imaginations?The workings of our thoughts can be a hidden battlefield. Maybe at times you feel you're winning. Other times invasive and destructive thoughts get the upper hand.
You are not alone. Jesus knows your thoughts. The people around you may not understand, but He does. And He is kind, and He is powerful, and able to help you.
The writer of Psalm 139 cries out to God. He says, Search me, O God and know my heart. test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there's any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.
Ask God to invade your thoughts by the power of His Spirit and to lead you in His way, the everlasting way of life.
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I recently spoke at a church in central Oregon.Afterwards, a young woman came up to me in tears and said that she really connected with my testimony.
She’d attended church as a child but then went off into the world and never returned. She was involved in all sorts of spiritual exercises and self-help practices but her soul was troubled.
St. Augustine said, You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you.
The reason this woman didn’t have peace was because she didn’t know Jesus. I was honored to tell this young lady about the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
There is nothing better than pointing searching, anchorless souls to Him. Searching people are there. But, it’s up to us to step up in obedience and tell them the Good News.
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Do you have a secret?Maybe something you've done that haunts you—maybe an addiction or a sin that no one knows about? And you are wrestling?
I want to encourage you today. First, you can't hide from God. He knows everything you do and think. This shouldn't scare you, but comfort you. He knows it all, and He still loves you. Secondly, there's a way to deal with your sin, your failures, your internal struggles.
Proverbs 28 says,
The one who conceals their sin does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Don't try to conceal your sin from God. Confess your sin, renounce your failures, humble yourself before Him. He is merciful towards you.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
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Pick up a magazine or turn on the television.Walk down an aisle of a store or notice a billboard. There’s a common theme of making our lives “better” – more enjoyable, more comfortable, and more restful. Every human being has a desire for real peace and rest. But, the answer to finding true rest for your soul isn’t in any of our modern conveniences. It’s only in Jesus Christ.
Jesus said, Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Jesus is the answer to the chaos of this world. He is the answer for the stressed heart anddiscouraged soul. Jesus offers true peace—true rest.
Share this reminder today with a tired friend. Go to someone searching for peace and tell them this Good News: that in Jesus Christ,there is true and lasting rest and peace.
Scripture Used- Matthew 11:28
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Many religions of the world share a similar theme: when people do something forbidden, there must be a sacrifice to compensate for their wrongdoing, and that will restore them to a state of purity or rightness.The ancient people of God did that as well.
Whenever someone sinned, a priest had to sacrifice an animal on their behalf to make them clean. The power of the animal sacrifice to make a person clean didn’t have a lasting effect.
But then something happened that has NOT happened in any other religion. God took human form in Jesus Christ and He made HIMSELF the sacrifice to end all sacrifices.
The Bible says in 1 Timothy 2,For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.
Will you receive His offer—the offer of life?
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Our world is currently experiencing an epidemic of loneliness.Though we feel a deep longing for connection, most of us would agree that good friends are hard to find.
If you’re feeling lonely today, I want to encourage you, my friend. There is someone for you that loves you like no one else. He knows you even better than you know yourself, and He wants to be with you—even closer than a brother or sister.
Jesus said,There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend.
He is that friend who laid down His life for you! And He calls you “friend,” and He longs to be with you. You can spend time with Him today. Come to Him with all your needs, your thoughts, your insecurities, your loneliness. He will not abandon you.
Scripture Used- John 15:13
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Have you ever known something was wrong—but you just did it anyway?We all have! Ever since the first man and woman chose to reach for power rather than accept God’s boundaries—no person on the earth has ever succeeded at living a life without sin—except one.
And that is Jesus. He lived a fully human life and yet He did not sin. Then, He gave Himself up as a sacrifice for you and for me—conquering the power of death.
In the book of Revelation, the heavenly creatures say this about Jesus: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strengthand honor and glory and praise!”
He is the only one worthy of power, glory, and praise. Will you give Him your life? Offer it to Him today.
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What do you think of when you hear the word “authority”?Maybe you think of the government, the police, or an expert on a specific subject. There are many voices in this world telling us what we should do, what we must do. And when those messages conflict, it can be very confusing.
But there is one voice we can count on above all others.
In Matthew 28, we’re told…Jesus came and told his disciples, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
The next time you feel confused about what’s right or wrong—the next time you don’t know who to listen to in the chaos of all the messaging—turn to Jesus. Look to the Word of God and pray. Ask Him—ask God to show you what to do. He is the final authority.
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This world is full of ideas and full of religions that promise to unlock meaning and life-changing truth.But most of these are just ideas that float around, and they come and they go, and they change over time. And they’re subject to the trends and whims of humans who are constantly searching for purpose.
But there is One who stands over and above all of that. It is God. God is the one who made it all. He is the true Lord of everything.
His power, and authority, and goodness make Him worthy of our love and worthy of our worship.
This is how God spoke to Job in the Bible when Job started to question God’s choices. God said…
Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?Tell me, if you know so much.
If you’ve been on a quest for meaning—you’ve found it. Give your life to Jesus Christ, and find rest in the loving, powerful hands of God, the one who made it all.
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Have you ever held a newborn baby?It’s the closest we humans come to experiencing the wonder of God’s creational power. And it’s amazing. Just like that, a new person exists with a whole life ahead of them. What a miracle life is!
Creating new life out of nothing isn’t something we have the power to do, but it’s something God does all the time. He made the whole world—everything!
The beginning verses of the Gospel of John say this about Jesus…God created everything through him,and nothing was created except through him.
This means that Jesus, who took human form and sacrificed Himself for you, was also an active participant in the creation of the whole universe. And He calls us His friends. He is the most loving AND the most powerful.
Let’s give Him all the glory today.
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What’s the most difficult struggle in your life right now?In our lifetimes, we all face trouble and tragedies that cause our hearts to ache. At times, in our discouragement, it may feel as though the enemy of our souls is the one in control of the whole world.
But I want to encourage you, my friend, today—God is the one who made the world, and He is still on the throne!
Psalm 24 says…The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.The world and all its people belong to him.
Despite the way sin and evil have deeply impacted the world, God has not abandoned us. And He will not give up on us. Don’t give up on Him.
If your heart is aching today, bring your troubles to Him. He is willing—He is longing—and He is able to help you.
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Since the very beginning, God had a mission—to be with His people, blessing them—so that they could go bless the whole earth!That was His plan in the Garden of Eden. It began there, and it still is His plan today.
Humanity has not been faithful, but mercifully, God keeps forgiving. He will not give up on His original plan—His people.
In Matthew 26, Jesus offered a cup of wine to his disciples, saying…Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.
If you have given your life to Jesus, YOU are a part of His steadfast plan to bring about blessing, flourishing, and saving faith for people everywhere.
Will you pray today and ask Him…How can I join You in Your mission?
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When was the last time you looked up at the sky?The moving clouds and daily change of colors are amazing to watch.
On the other hand, if we constantly keep our heads down, looking only at the next place our feet will step, we can easily be discouraged. Trouble comes. Bad news is abundant. And we can be tricked into thinking that the enemy of our souls—not God—is the one in charge of the world.
But the Bible clearly tells us that God is still ruling the world He lovingly created.
Psalm 135 says,The Lord does whatever pleases himthroughout all heavens and earth,and on the seas and in their depths.
Look up today, and know that if you have given your life to God, you are held securely by the One who made it all.
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Do you ever feel stuck in an internal battle between right and wrong?There is a real struggle going on in the spiritual world of your life. The enemy, the adversary of your soul wants to trap you, destroy you, and keep you from God. But God is always drawing us to Himself—toward life, truth, freedom, and flourishing.
But you may be wondering…if this is a spiritual battle, who’s going to win?
In Luke 10, Jesus told His disciples…“I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy…
The Bible tells us that our enemy, Satan, is an exiled angel. He has influence here, but he is no match for God!
We have the ultimate victory through Jesus Christ. Don’t let the adversary lie to you and convince you otherwise.
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Have you ever felt unworthy to come before the Lord in worship?No matter what is going on in your life, you will always be welcomed by God—to come before Him in worship.
The qualifications for worshiping in the presence of God used to be steep.
Psalm 24:3-4 says,Who may climb the mountain of the Lord?Who may stand in his holy place?Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,who do not worship idolsand never tell lies.
Wow, by those standards, none of us qualify to worship God. But when God sent His son, Jesus, to die on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins, we were made pure, clean, and perfect in His sight. Therefore, the moment you confess your sins, He washes you clean, and you are qualified!
Let nothing hold you back from worshiping God. He will receive your offering of worship.
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We get questions from all over the world—people wondering, How do I worship God? What should I do?God has given us so much freedom in the way we worship. He’s not concerned about whether we sit or stand, sing or pray silently, kneel or dance. The important thing about worshipping God is that we acknowledge this truth—He is God, and we are not.
Psalm 95 says,Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care.
The posture that matters to God in worship is the posture of your heart. Bring Him all your love today, and know—guess what—He loves you right back. And He loves you perfectly and completely.
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There are so many different ways to worship God.Some sing, some pray, some honor Him through generosity or service. These are all beautiful and valid ways to worship God. And you can do these by yourself…but there is something so special about worshipping God together.
Did you know that the book of Psalms in the Bible is like an ancient songbook? Historians tell us that the Psalms were sung by God’s people together—the Israelites—thousands of years ago.
Psalm 149:1 says,Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song. Sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful.
When you praise God in a gathering of believers, you experience the powerful benefit of being both connected with God spiritually and also connected with people in your shared love for God.
He wants us to connect this way with His other beloved children. Let your affection for God connect you with God’s people.
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Did you know that when you worship God, you are never worshipping by yourself?Even if you’re alone in your car, singing along to worship music on your way to work, or at home humming and praying as you get ready for the day…something powerful is happening.
There are others singing with you! It is a beautiful truth that…at any given time, somewhere in the world, other believers in the global church are unified with you in praising God.
Not only that but according to Revelation 5, there are thousands upon thousands of angels worshipping God every minute! When we sing to God, when we pray to Him and love Him, we are joining the worship that happens all the time in Heaven.
Will you bring Him your affection today? Worship Him! And know that you are not worshipping alone.
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Have you ever wondered why God wants us to worship Him?He has all the power in the universe, so why would it matter to Him whether we bring Him our love?
He wants us to worship Him because He is holy and He is worthy. He is so deserving of reverence and honor that not worshipping Him would violate creation’s very design.
God is the only one who can rightly say—worship me!...with no hint of arrogance in it—no neediness. And He knows…we are worshipping creatures.
He created us that way, and if we do not worship Him, we always end up worshipping something else. Something that is not worthy of the deepest love of our hearts.
Psalm 99:9 says,Exalt the Lord our God…for the Lord our God is holy!
It is good and right to honor God in worship and praise God today.
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If you ask a young child what job they want to have when they grow up, they usually dream big, right?They say things that may seem outlandish to us: I want to lead this country! I want to be a soccer star or a football star. I want to be a rock and roll star! Their dreams are big because they can sense that their life has a great purpose.
But as we grow up, disappointment and rejection can erode that deep, God-given belief that there’s something more for you—a deep meaning to each person’s life.
God wants to restore that truth in your heart today.
Ephesians 2:10 says this,For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
There’s a plan for your life, written long ago. Your soul will continue to search for it, but it can be found only in Jesus Christ.
Will you ask Him to show you His purpose for your life? His plans for you are good.
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Have you ever believed a lie?Maybe you were told that you’re unlovable. Maybe you felt unlovable. Maybe you’ve believed that your existence is even a mistake. Lies we are told, and lies we even tell ourselves—cause our very identity—the way we view ourselves in the world—to become distorted from reality.
The more we listen to them, the more our hearts are imprisoned by them.
But God does the opposite. He is truth. And Jesus said this…
…you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
When we let God’s light of truth shine into our hearts, we can see clearly—our own shortcomings, yes—but also our own belovedness. God’s truth and love set us free.
Will you invite God’s truth into your heart today?
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“I can do it myself!”If you’re a parent, you remember that phase—when your children were young toddlers, and they did NOT want help from Mom and Dad. Children need to test their own skills and powers to discover what they can do all by themselves. As parents, we want to let our kids try new things, but sometimes it just takes too long, or it’s too dangerous and we have to step in. Kids need parents! That’s why God set it up the way He did, right?
And the ultimate example of a perfect parent is God Himself.
Psalm 103:13 says,The Lord is like a father to his children,tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
We desperately need the care of God, our Heavenly Father. We need Him to care for us in His tenderness and in compassion. He does not punish us when we ask for help. He keeps us safe under His watchful care.
Will you let God father you today?
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Do you feel distracted today?The things of life always call out for our attention. But a life spent scrambling from one thing to the next is not what we were made for.
Sometimes we have to STOP and remind ourselves…We are made to worship God. To bring Him all our affection.
David wrote in Psalm 103:Praise the Lord, my soul;all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Did you notice how David is singing this to his very own soul? He’s reminding himself that this is what he needs the most. This is what he was made for.
Remember this today! Worship God wherever you are right now, because He is worthy, and you will feel the benefit of doing exactly what you’re made to do!
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Who is the most powerful leader you can think of?Maybe it’s the president of a country, a business owner, or a celebrity. Now, imagine that person coming to your house and washing your laundry. It would never happen!
But Jesus used His great power to become… like a servant—because He is our humble king.
In Philippians 2, the Bible says that Jesus did not cling to His divine power. He relinquished it and became like a servant when He took the form of a human being. And He humbled Himself, dying criminal’s death on the cross.
Jesus didn’t come with a power that dominates and controls, but with a powerful love—willing to give everything for me and for you. And He wants to wash you—clean you from every wrong thing you’ve ever done. He is offering you the promise of eternal life.
Will you let the humble king become the ruler of your life today?
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Jesus calls Himself The Good Shepherd in John chapter 10.Listen to what He says about Himself as a shepherd.
He calls His sheep by name. He leads them. He goes before them. They know His voice. He knows them and they know Him.
And—the ultimate act of care…
He lays down His life for His sheep.
What beautiful imagery to help us understand the way Jesus deals with us. And this is for you!
Is He calling you by name? My friend, listen to me. He has laid down His life for you. And maybe today's the day that you say, Yes, I want to be loved and cared for by the Good Shepherd.
He will never leave you. He will never hurt you. He loves you. Say, Yes, Lord. Here I am. Here is my life.
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Have you ever met a perfect person?Someone with zero flaws, who never made a mistake? There has only been one such person in all of history—and that’s Jesus.
He lived a perfect human life. But He took the punishment for the sins of the whole world and absorbed it into Himself. In His sacrifice of love, the power of death was broken.
Jesus conquered it and rose from the grave. All your sin has been paid for. Jesus’ offer for you today is freedom and eternal life.
The Book of Hebrews says…
Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone…and it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation.
We are not perfect. We cannot save ourselves, or conquer death. But Jesus has done it. He is our perfect savior because He knows what it is to suffer as a human. And He loves you.
Will you receive His offer of salvation today?
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Jesus knows me, and He knows you.Does that scare you a little? He knows every thought you have—everything you've ever done or will do. He created you.
The Bible tells us that He knit us together in our mother's womb. What a beautiful image. That just means He is a creator of all—including us.
This shouldn't scare you. This should comfort you.
He knows your battles, your struggles, your past, your future. He knows what you've done, and He knows what has been done to you. He is familiar with you, and He loves you. Do you believe this?
If you're listening to me today, and you feel uncertain that you can entrust your life to Him, I want to encourage you. He is the Father who loves you, and He's waiting for you to come home. Today is your day.
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Who is Jesus?Here’s one way to think about Him…God took all His love for us and put it into a person. That’s Jesus—God’s love in human form.
But His love is not like ours. It doesn’t change and fade. It doesn’t abandon us when things get messy. And it’s a love that’s so much bigger and stronger than ours—so big that He was willing to sacrifice Himself for us in order to give us eternal life.
1 John 4 says…
This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.
When we give our lives to Him, God enables us to give and receive love beyond our normal human capacity. Do you want the love of Jesus to flow through your heart and change your life? Open your heart. Receive Him today. Don’t wait another day.
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Do you ever find yourself looking forward to the end of your workday, or to the weekend?I bet what you’re longing for in those moments is a sense of peace and refreshing.
What if you could have life and peace throughout the week, no matter if you were working or resting?
I believe there is a deep peace and a never-ending source of life available to all of us through the Holy Spirit of God. And it doesn’t depend on our physical circumstances.
Romans 8:6 says that when we focus our minds on self-centered desires, we experience a sort of death, but when we focus our minds on the Spirit of God, letting Him rule and guide us, we experience life and peace.
Don’t you want that? Pray with me right now.
God, I want Your Holy Spirit to fill me, to rule my heart and mind, and to guide all my thoughts and actions today. I long for the life and the peace that comes only through You. Thank You. Amen.
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I have a couple favorite verses in the Bible.One of them is Hebrews 12:2, Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross.
These words give me such comfort. Our faith journeys are bumpy roads, ups and downs, round and round, each of us with our past habits, our weaknesses, our scars.
But these words remind us that our journeys are His idea, not ours. It is His beautiful plan.
He is the writer of my story, and He is the completer of my journey. And He's done all that is needed for me to be in relationship with Him.
Press on in your journey today, my friend—it is His idea. And He is writing your story.
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Do you believe in miracles?I do. And the greatest miracle of all is that God—the one who made all the stars and planets, who existed before the beginning of time—became human, and sacrificed Himself for us.
He came in the person of Jesus Christ—He was fully God and fully human. Imagine this…a human baby, helpless, being tended by His mother, and at the same time, with infinite power, sustaining the fabric of the whole universe.
John 1 says this about Jesus…
He existed in the beginning with God.God created everything through him,and nothing was created except through him.
What do you think it felt like for the Son of God—the one who created everything—to take up residence in a perishable, human body? He did it by choice because of how much He loves us. He gave everything.
Will you give your heart to Him today?
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How can we know what God is like?Do you ever wonder what God is like? In John chapter one, verse one, it says, In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.
That is Jesus. The Greek word used here for Word in these verses simply means something that is said. When Jesus came, He had a lot to say. And we have four amazing accounts of His life. All the things He said and did. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the first four books of the New Testament.
Have you read the things that Jesus said about Himself, about you, about His Father in Heaven? If you want to know God, read these books, read about Jesus—the Living Word.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
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Have you ever been in a conversation and suddenly felt the need to defend yourself?Sometimes we do it without even realizing it. Something makes us feel attacked, and before we know it, our shields go up and a friendly conversation turns sour.
Though we don’t like to admit it, underneath the need to protect ourselves is a sense of personal insecurity and the deep belief that if we don’t protect ourselves, no one will.
In Psalm 28, David sang
The Lord is my strength and shield.I trust him with all my heart.He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
What if we listened to the words of this ancient, true song more than the lies of our own insecurity?
If we trust that the Lord Himself is our strength and our shield, we will have no need to get defensive in our relationships.
Put your trust in God today, and find deep safety and security in His unfailing promise of love and care.
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Have you ever felt like there is so much suffering in the world, you might as well give up caring?True, you can’t solve the world’s problems yourself, but hardening your heart to the ache of compassion is not God’s will for you.
In Psalm 82, the psalmist calls on God this way:
Defend the weak and the fatherless;uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.Rescue the weak and the needy
He calls on God this way because he knows this is who God is. He is the one who defends and rescues the weak, and needy.
Jesus did that for you and He did it for me when He gave His life to save us. And what a beautiful thing, that His heart broke with compassion for us—so much that He was willing to die in our place.
Don’t harden your heart. Let Jesus soften your heart for the same things that break His.
Remember, there is always hope with God.
This is Andrew Palau.
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In Exodus 20, God describes Himself as jealous.He says, Don't worship other gods because I'm a jealous God.
Have we always been told that jealousy is wrong? Yes, selfish jealousy is wrong and destructive. But God's perfect jealousy comes from the most beautiful place of love.
Imagine that the God of the universe loves you so much that He feels jealousy when your affections turn elsewhere.
God doesn't tell us this because He's selfish. He's jealous because of what these things do to us—the way they destroy us.
When we love other gods before Him, we hurt ourselves and we hurt others. We lose our focus and we lose our purpose. This type of jealous love should draw us closer and closer to Him.
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Do you ever find yourself on edge to the point where all it takes is a small annoyance and you’re suddenly angry?Anger has its proper place, but left unchecked, rage, anger, and bitterness can consume our lives and they can destroy our most precious relationships. What’s really interesting is that most of the time, beneath all that anger is… hurt.
The Bible tells us that the Lord is merciful and compassionate—slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. And of course, we want to be like that, too!
But what I’ve noticed is that wanting to be merciful and compassionate doesn’t necessarily make our anger go away.
Before we can move on from anger, we need to receive mercy and compassion from the Lord in all of our hurting places.
Do you want to become slow to anger and abounding in love? Ask Him to tend to your wounds today.
This is Andrew Palau.
“The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.” Psalm 145:8
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God calls Himself compassionate.God, the most mighty, the most holy, the most righteous, the Lord, past, present, future—is also a God of compassion. Psalm 145 reminds us that the Lord has compassion on all He has made.
This is amazing because He doesn't have to be compassionate. Many of us know mighty, powerful people who have lost their compassion. Yet God isn't worn down by our failures, our rebellion, or even our weaknesses.
His compassion isn't dependent on our behavior. Compassion is His character. It's part of who He is and what you do or what I do will never change this.
No matter your circumstances today. God's posture towards you is one of compassion. Have you ever given your life to Him?
“The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.”- Psalm 145:9
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If I told you I was perfect—that there was nothing lacking and nothing broken in me—I’d be lying.I’m so far from perfect—we all are! We all fall short and wish we could change things about ourselves. Don’t you?
But God is the God of Shalom. And that means that within Himself, there is peace, completeness, wholeness, and a perfect harmony—with nothing missing and nothing broken.
Although, in ourselves, we cannot possess this kind of complete peace on this side of Heaven, when we have the Holy Spirit of God living in us, we get to taste it—as His Shalom soaks into our lives.
Troubles will not disappear overnight. Most wounds don’t instantly heal. But God’s presence changes us. And I believe He wants to give you a deep peace that no circumstance can take away. Ask God today to fill your life with Shalom.
This is Andrew Palau.
Scripture Reference: Judges 6:24
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Wouldn’t it be nice if we were born with a roadmap, spelling out everything that would happen in our lives?But we’re not. Instead, we get to navigate this beautiful and sometimes scary journey of life by… faith.
Who do you put your faith in?
The God of the Bible is sometimes called the “Alpha and Omega,” which means, “the beginning and the end.” I believe God created every person with a good plan in mind—and He is the one I trust to guide me through this whole adventure of my life.
My story isn’t over yet, and neither is yours. Neither of us can know what lies ahead, but we can put our faith in God, the one who started it all.
If you decide to put your life into His hands, He will be with you always, even to the end, He says. Will you trust Him to author your story—from start to finish?
This is Andrew Palau.
“It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life.” Revelation 21:6
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Does your life ever feel like a battle? There’s a real enemy of our souls, called Satan, the father of lies. And the Bible says his goal is to steal, kill, and to destroy. But that’s not what God wants. He wants to give us life to the full. Life feels like a battle because spiritually speaking, it is!
Maybe you’re thinking, Well…who is gonna win this battle?
One of God’s names is Yahweh Sava-ote. It means, The Lord of Heaven’s Armies. He will fight spiritual battles on your behalf. He’s doing it right now. He’s done it your whole life long—even when you could not see it.
God and Satan are not equal adversaries. God is infinitely more powerful. He created the world, He came in human form to save it, and He loves you. Call on Him today. In the middle of your battles—He will be victorious.
Scripture Reference: Zechariah 7:9
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There's a beautiful name for God used in the Old Testament—Adonai. It means Lord. The full meaning is Lord of all. It's a Hebrew word that refers to God's absolute authority. He's not just a Lord, He is the Lord.
There are people in this world who have heard about Him, and they call Him God. And there are people in this world who know Him, not just about Him, and they call Him Lord.
Is He your Adonai, not just a god, but your Lord? When you get to know Him and experience Him—when you have a relationship with Him—the only appropriate response is to call Him Lord.
Do you know Him? You can today. You can move from knowing about God, to knowing Him for yourself.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
Scripture Reference: Psalm 86:15
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Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the chaos going on in the world?So many of us—we watch the disturbing headlines scroll by and think, “When will all the discord and division end?”
I take comfort in knowing our God is Elohim. That means, “Supernatural Judge.” When the world as we know it is remade, God will rule. And under His rule, all wrong things will be put right. God’s justice and righteousness will be done in the new earth—just as it is in Heaven.
Are there areas of your life that feel chaotic? You can ask God—Elohim—to help you judge wisely and make good decisions. You can trust Him to help you bring chaos into order. And if you’ve been wronged, you can ask Him to pour out justice on your behalf.
So, do it. Give Him that opportunity. Lean on Elohim.
This is Andrew Palau.
Genesis 1:1
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When awful and unexpected things happen in our lives, it’s easy to feel like God is far away, or like He’s forgotten about you.Have you ever felt like yelling out, “God, where are you?!”
When Moses was wandering in the desert as a shepherd, I suspect he felt that nothing in his life had gone according to plan. But in that moment God spoke through a burning bush, sending him to bring freedom to his people. Moses wanted to the tell the people who had sent him. And God said, “I am who I am.” The Hebrew literally translates, “I will be who I will be,” and there’s a sense that God is the self-contained source of all life—the origin of all that exists.
If you are suffering, or feeling far from God—I can promise you He has not left you. The Holy Spirit of God is near to you and He wants to restore your life. Don’t give up. Look for Him and you will find Him.
Scripture Reference: Exodus 3:14
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In the book of Job, what's called the Book of Suffering in the Old Testament, the word El Shaddai is used 31 times—more than in any other book of the Bible.El Shaddai is the name for God that means God Almighty, not just a mighty God, but the Almighty God—stronger and more powerful than anything or anyone.
Job faced unimaginable suffering, death and loss, yet he continues to refer to God as the Almighty One. In our suffering, we wrestle with God's power and might.
If God is so powerful and mighty, how could this pain walk through my door? Are you wrestling today? Can I remind you that your suffering is no reflection on God's power?
Take Job's posture. Continue to lean into the Almighty One, El Shaddai. Even right now.
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Do you ever struggle with doubting God?I for one am so glad that the truth of who God is does not change based on the strength or weakness of my belief.
I’ve had times in my life when I doubted, and I found comfort in one of God’s names, “El Elyon,” which means “The Most High God.”
That name is used first in Genesis when Melchizedek is described as both a king and priest of the Most High God—the creator-God of the Heavens and creator of the Earth.
And this just reminds me that there is no power in the world that surpasses God. Nothing that happens in my life will overwhelm Him. None of my confusion can erase His existence.
That is a relief.
If you struggle with doubt, bring all your thoughts before The Most High God. Despite your doubt, ask Him to help you. He wants to meet you right where you are.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 14:18-19
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The very first time the word is used to describe God as provider is in a dramatic moment in the Old Testament. Abraham has been asked by God to sacrifice his precious son. In Genesis 22, as Abraham is about to take his son's life, he sees a sheep caught in the bushes, and he calls that place “The LORD Will Provide,” meaning God will see to it.
The significance of this is so beautiful—a moment in the Old Testament that points to the coming, ultimate provision, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world—Jesus.
The greatest need you and I will ever have is for a Savior—the one who will take the place for us—and that's exactly what Jesus did.
The Lord has provided, and if He can provide for your greatest need, He will provide for your every need.
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Do the daily routines of life ever wear you out and make you wonder…will this situation ever change?Is there hope for me?
In the midst of our messes, let’s remember that God has the power and desire to change our lives. In fact, He is so powerful that ancient people showed reverence by never speaking His name aloud or even writing it out.
The oldest copies of the Bible used a code Y-H-W-H, in the place of God’s name to avoid the audacity of speaking or writing it. That’s where we get the name Yahweh in our Bibles—it’s an adaptation of those four letters.
Can you imagine? God has a name, just like my name. I’m Andrew—or the name your parents gave you.
God first shared this personal name with Moses before sending him to lead God’s people out of slavery.
The same God, Yahweh, who cared enough and possessed enough power to free His people back then wants to do the same for you—to free you—today. Will you let Him?
Scripture reference: Exodus 3:15
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What do your prayers sound like during the worst seasons of your life?Do you have a harder time bringing negative emotions before God in prayer? Maybe you don’t want to seem ungrateful or don’t want God to think you’re complaining.
Honestly, God is okay with you bringing the full range of your emotions—positive and negative—before Him in prayer. We know this because…that’s what Jesus did.
When Jesus knew He was soon to be brutally crucified for the sins of the world, He prayed a desperate prayer. He asked God to remove that suffering, yet He was ultimately surrendered to God’s will.
Jesus said,
“Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet, your will to be done, not mine.”
My friend, when you are in agony of spirit, like Jesus was at that pivotal moment, bring it all to God in prayer.
He loves you. He will not be offended by your emotions. He is the one who can help.
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I'm an emotional person—passionate and full of vision one day, tired and cynical the next, irritated and frustrated the next!It's a roller coaster. But God isn't surprised by me or by you.
He made you, and you don't have to hide from God. He knows all your emotions, all that you're feeling and thinking and imagining—and He loves you. And He says, Come to me.
You know the Psalms are songs full of writers pouring out their emotions to God—every single emotion. Allow Him to center you and listen to the words of Psalm 86…
Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, for to you I lift up my soul.
Allow Him to settle you when your emotions begin to take control. Always remember there is hope with God.
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Have you ever experienced the frustration and confusion of unanswered prayers? I’ve had to walk through situations I desperately wanted God to change, and He didn’t—at least not in the way I had hoped.
If that’s happened to you, you’re not alone in wondering…Does God even care?
In Matthew 7, Jesus answers this question, saying…
You parents—if your children ask you for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? …Of course not! … how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
What a great promise! God does care and wants to give us good gifts. His plan is so much better than ours!
Jesus gives us this encouragement: Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.
God will answer your prayer in His best way and in His best timing. Take Jesus’ advice and keep on asking!
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Are you tired of asking God for the same thing over and over again? Do you wonder if He even hears you? Is your faith wavering?
Oh, my friend, He does hear you. And over and over again, He tells us to ask as a child coming to a father…a father who loves us…a father who won't abuse us or take advantage of us. He will answer.
Sometimes He says yes. Sometimes He says no. Sometimes He says not yet. And sometimes He says yes, but differently than you thought.
Come to Him. Lay out your heart before Him. Ask, seek, and knock. He hears you, and He will answer.
Always remember, there is hope with God. This is Wendy Palau.
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Have you ever tried to pray and found yourself not knowing what to say? Talking to God can feel intimidating at times. We worry about whether we’re “doing it right,” and it’s easy to feel as though…if we found the right words, maybe God would be more likely to answer our prayer.
But you know what? That’s really not how it works. We can simply talk to God the same way we would speak to a trusted companion or a kind and loving father. And—you’re not the only one praying. Did you know that Jesus is praying for you?
Romans 8:34 says...
“…Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is always interceding for us.”
Jesus is constantly bringing our needs before God the Father. He is always asking God to move for our blessing and for our benefit.
Try praying today with this new awareness—Jesus is praying for you.
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Peace is something we all long for. Some seek peace by numbing away stress with drugs and alcohol. Some look to relationships or circumstances. Others simply try to distract themselves from unpleasant emotions.
But God’s peace is much better than any of those temporary fixes.
Philippians 4 says,
Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
God wants us to do two things: 1—bring all our needs to Him, honestly and often, and 2—make a habit of gratitude. These two things help us to see the world through God’s eyes—see the beauty in all He’s given us, even when the hardship remains.
You can start this journey today. Ask God for what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.
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How do we feel God's presence, especially in dark times and difficult circumstances? There's a promise in the Bible that carries me through tough times. The words of Jesus to His best friends right before He went to the cross. He said, Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you.
He said these words right before He took the suffering and sin of the world on Himself. What a promise.
On the cross, He took my darkness, my grief, my fear, my sorrow, my sin. And then He leaves us with that promise that He will never leave and He will never forsake us.
These are the words for you. No matter what you face today, He will be with you.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
This is Wendy Palau.
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Have you ever felt so broken and low that even asking for help seemed overwhelming? Know that you can come to Jesus just as you are. You can pray one of the simplest and most powerful prayers I know, and it’s this: Jesus, here I am—help me!
God hears your cries. He knows every struggle, and He loves you completely.
Hebrews 4:15-16 says…
…we do not have a high priest (that’s Jesus) who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Jesus understands what you’re going through. He has grace, mercy, righteousness, and strength in abundance, and He wants to share them with you. Will you ask Him?
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Anxiety. It's a common word these days. Anxiety is, basically, fear. And where does unfounded and crippling fear come from? It comes from lies. And who is the father of lies? The devil—the enemy of our souls.
And, what is the opposite of fear and anxiety? Peace.
Are you listening to lies? How is this impacting you? Call the lies what they are—call them out —realize what they are.
But then call on the God of peace and ask Him to fill your mind and your heart with His peace. Jesus's first words to His disciples after the resurrection were Peace be with you.
The work Jesus did on the cross—His power over death and the grave—has brought peace to all humanity and it is available to you.
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Scripture reference- John 20:19
Are you looking for more peace in your life? Many come to Jesus seeking a peace-filled life, but it’s easy to get discouraged when we don’t quickly feel peaceful. Part of the problem is that we want God to make life easier, but we are too frightened or ashamed to bring Him the worst parts of ourselves—the deepest, darkest places of pain.
In 1 Peter 5, the Bible says,
…humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, because he cares for you.
What weighs heaviest on your heart? No matter what it is, you can bring it to Jesus. Let Him carry the weight of it. I know this isn’t easy. It takes a great deal of humility. But you can trust that God will not deal harshly with you. He loves you with all of His heart.
Will you take this step of faith today? Jesus wants to lift the weight from your shoulders.
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Have you ever struggled to believe that God really forgives you? Sometimes we feel the urge to do something special to “make it up” to God.
But truly, my friend, there is nothing more to do but to humbly apologize before God, and surrender that area of your life to His ways.
Jesus created a living picture of forgiveness when He washed His disciples’ feet. They couldn’t understand why Jesus, the Living God, would show them such humble love.
In John 13,
Peter protested, “No you will never wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.” Simon Peter exclaimed, “Lord, not my feet only, then, but my hands and head as well!” Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean.”
Receive this truth today—when you repent honestly before God, you are completely forgiven.
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Do you have children? One of the most difficult journeys I've had as a mother is realizing my limitations in my children's spiritual lives.
My husband and I can teach, and train, and guide, and direct our children. But each of them have to choose Jesus for themselves.
God has no grandchildren. He only has children.
Each of our children have to step into their own personal relationship with Him, through faith. Here is the hope that encourages me so deeply: God is always working.
He's always calling, always revealing, and drawing our children to Himself.
As a result, I've become a mother of prayer. No matter your story and your circumstances, there is one true thing—He loves your children more than you do, and He's always working.
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Do you ever worry that you might’ve sinned without knowing it? During our lifetimes, we will use unintentionally hurtful words, think cruel, unloving thoughts, and neglect kindnesses that ought to be prioritized.
We may never realize we are doing any of these things. But God does.
Thankfully, He is not a harsh God, but a God full of mercy and full of grace. We can ask Him to show us all the areas where we need to ask His forgiveness—to turn our actions and thoughts toward the ways of Jesus.
In Psalm 139, David prays,
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the paths of everlasting life.
Will you pray this bold prayer today? You can even ask God to forgive you for your accidental sins. Trust in His mercy and grace.
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Does your past haunt you at times? Do you find yourself wondering if God has really forgiven you? Or does He remember the things you've done to hurt others and yourself? You're not alone.
I'm so happy you're listening today! Because I want to convince you—I want to remind you and encourage you of what is true. When Jesus went to the cross, He did it to take care of your past.
Listen to these amazing verses and believe them for yourself.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. And Psalm 103 says, As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our sin from us.
The enemy wants you to believe that God remembers, but He promises He does not remember.
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Have you ever doubted your salvation? Maybe you decided to follow Jesus, but your old sins are still following you around.
It’s hard to believe, but sin does not destroy your salvation. If it did, we would all be doomed.
But Jesus’ rightness—given to us through His death and resurrection—is more than big enough to cover all your wrongness. Your past sins and your future sins as well.
It’s God’s love more than the threat of hell that makes us lose our taste for sin. In its place, He gives us a new longing—a longing to honor Him with every area of our lives.
In John 10, Jesus said,
I give them eternal life. They will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is greater than all.
If Jesus is the Lord of your life, your salvation is secure in Jesus Christ.
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There are situations in our lives we desperately wish we could control, but we are powerless to change. We’re not the ones with the power, but our God IS.
The apostle Paul struggled with a physical ailment that he was unable to change. But he knew that God’s power met him in that place of weakness. In 2 Corinthians 12:19, he shares what the Lord said to him about it:
Each time, he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” That’s what the Lord said. And Paul says… So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
Paul knew that the power of Christ—filling him at his weakest point—was stronger than his own power…even on his best day.
If you feel powerless, invite the Lord to move in you and in your situation. He is strong, and He will help you.
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The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint. If you're on this journey with God, this is a lifetime journey.
And we cannot rely on our feelings. We must build our spiritual lives on what is true.
Think of a runner. As you run, you go through every single emotion…energy and exhaustion, doubt, hope, frustration, and excitement. Persevere, my friend.
Don't build your journey on how you feel today. Feelings come and go. Build your spiritual life on the unchanging truths found in the Word of God. His promises, His teaching, the promise of His presence, and His help.
Listen to this: He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.
Always remember, there's hope with God.
This is Wendy Palau.
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6
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Can people really change? The answer is, yes! But, it’s not easy. Often, we aren’t motivated to change unless we have to—because personal growth means giving something up.
Those who choose to work on a struggling marriage will have to let go of unrealistic ideas of what “the perfect relationship” is. But whatever we need to surrender in order to follow God’s ways—He’s worth it.
And, more than any power in the world, God is the one who is able to transform us.
The Bible says,
the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
When we let God gradually lovingly shape our hearts and heal our deep wounds—the benefits are so much greater than the cost.
Will you invite God to meet you in the “stuck places” of your life, and begin to change you today?
Scripture reference- 2 Corinthians 3:18b
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Do you have some behaviors and habits that feel like never-ending cycles? Maybe something you do to yourself or to others that continues to discourage you, but you don't seem to be able to change?
Well, I want to encourage you. We all have them.
Even the greatest writer of the New Testament, the apostle Paul. He wrote these words in the Book of Romans—he said,
I do not understand what I do. The thing I want to do, I do not do but the thing I don't want to do. That is what I do.
Sound familiar? I want to encourage you. The worst way forward, is to pull away from God, thinking that He's disappointed with you.
Proverbs 15 tells us God loves those who pursue righteousness.
He's leaning toward you today to offer grace.
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Have you ever been in a tough season of a relationship and wondered, “How can I get this person to change?” It’s a tempting thing to think about— “If I could only fix this one thing about them…everything would work out.”
But the hard truth is—we can’t make others change. We can only choose how we want to respond, grow, and change ourselves. How do you think God would want you to behave when your relationships are struggling?
Proverbs 15:1 says…
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
Will you pray about this today? Ask God to help you see your friend or spouse through His eyes. His eyes have love, mercy, and grace. Let Him show you where you’ve been wrong and need to ask for forgiveness.
Connecting with God’s heart will help you make wise and loving decisions. He will not fail to guide you in your relationships.
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If you died today, do you think you would just cease to exist? Or do you believe there’s something more?
Some say that your fate depends on whether you were a good person in life. If that’s true, a lot of us are doomed. We’ve all done bad things. We’ve made so many mistakes. And in many cases, there’s no way to undo the damage.
But the Bible says that when Jesus died on the cross, He paid for the sins of all who would believe in and follow Him. What counts in the end? It’s not how bad we’ve been, but how good He is.
John 3:36 puts it this way—so simple. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s judgment remains on them.
No matter what your life has been like, you can choose right now to give your heart to Jesus. Follow Him then, and the promise of eternal life will be yours. Don’t wait another day!
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We're doing some work on our house right now, and the builder was at our home yesterday. And we were talking about his life and how he came to know Jesus. Then he said to me, This house…it will not last. Only one thing will last—we will live for eternity in heaven with God.
As I walked away from this conversation, I was reminded of the power of this truth.
We are eternal souls. We will live forever, and God offers us the gift of living for eternity with Him.
It's a free gift to us, but it isn't free to Him. God gave His Son, Jesus, as a sacrifice so that we can be with Him.
Jesus says in John 10, I give you eternal life. You will never die, and no one can snatch you out of my hand.
Do you have eternal life? You can know for sure that you do.
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The world in its present state cannot last forever. And people drive themselves crazy wondering when and how it’s all going to come to an end.
The Bible talks about Jesus coming back to remake the world into something new. People were wondering about it even in the time of Jesus, and they asked Him—When will it all happen?
And this is what He said:
…no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.
My dad admired the habit of an old preacher who would get up each morning and look at the sky through the window, and he’d say, “Maybe today, Lord…maybe today.” That preacher knew…no matter the timing of the Big End, our earthly lives are so short.
I don’t know about you, but I want to spend every day of my life on something that will last beyond this world. I want to spend it serving Jesus.
Christ can make an eternal difference in your life. Will you open your heart to Him today?
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Do you know that you are made to love God? I remember as a teenager I had a friend who said to me, Why does God tell us to love and worship Him? It seems selfish and proud. Is God selfish and proud?
Ah! As I've come to know Him and love Him so deeply, the truth is the opposite. God offers us a way to love Him and to know Him—to be in relationship with Him.
Not only that, He humbled Himself in the most shocking way… by dying a criminal's death on a cross. Not because He needs us to stroke his ego, but out of the deepest, most compelling, and sacrificial love.
The Bible tells us He is a father, waiting for us to come home to the place where we belong—to be the people that we're made to be.
You are made to love Him. Do you?
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Have you ever seen a picture of the Earth taken from space? In the vastness of the universe, we are so small that it’s easy to feel like our lives are insignificant. Though the small choices we make today will have ripple effects, it’s highly unlikely they will impact all 8 billion people on Earth.
That’s okay!
But today still matters, and you matter to God, the one who made it all!
In Psalm 139:16, David says this to God,
You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had come to pass.
God knows and cares. He cares about every moment of your life. Your days add up to create a life, and your life, small as it may seem, has big power and big purpose in Christ.
Will you start by giving Him today? Who knows what God will do…
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Have you ever put together a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle? No one can deny there’s satisfaction in placing the final piece of the puzzle. At last, the picture that was scrambled becomes clear. Chaos is brought into order.
I wish we could do that with life, don’t you? Somehow figure it out and miraculously fix everything? Well, we can’t.
But there’s someone who can—and it is Jesus.
Isaiah 61 is an ancient prophecy, foretelling what Jesus would do for His people. He will…
…give to all who grieve in Zion, [that’s us!] a beautiful crown instead of ashes, oil of joy instead of mourning, a garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; so they’ll be called oaks of righteousness planted by the Lord for his own glory.
Cling to this promise, my friend. Trust in the Lord. He is making something beautiful out of your life.
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Are you ruled by fear? Fear is a powerful thing, and living in fear is debilitating.
Everything feels hard. Our lives become small. We lose relationships, and we struggle to have the boldness to take risks.
The truth is that the enemy of our souls loves fear. Jesus offers us something else. By the power and presence of His Holy Spirit, He calls us and offers us an option—a beautiful option—a life of faith.
Faith is the opposite of fear. When we know and believe we are loved by Almighty God, our fear melts away.
1 John says it this way, there is no fear in love, that perfect love casts out fear.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
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What’s on your to-do list today? Maybe you’re going to the market, preparing food, and caring for your family. Maybe you’re just studying or working late into the night. I wonder if spending time with God is on your list.
With the pace of modern life, it can seem almost impossible to find time to pray. I get it. But, a small amount of time spent with God can make a huge difference to the stress level of your entire day.
Philippians 4 says,
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Take time today to settle all your anxious thoughts and set your mind on God. More than anything else, He is worth your time.
Come to God today, and find the peace your heart is longing for.
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What is anxiety? The word is used a lot these days.
I read a statistic that over 31% of American adults experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. That's a lot of people.
The word itself means distress or uneasiness of mind caused by fear or danger, or misfortune. This is a real thing. Anxiety is something that can be debilitating. But there is someone who is bigger than your anxiety.
There is one who is stronger than your fear.
1 Peter reminds us, cast your anxiety on him.
Why? Because He cares for you. He is able to take it and He is the one who cares for you.
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Doesn’t it feel like the pace of life is getting faster and faster? Does the fear of missing out drive you to pack your life so full that it’s just bursting at the seams? And on top of all that, the daily weight of challenging life circumstances and the suffering of this world can feel dizzying.
Have you ever wondered—is it a sin to feel stressed?
Mark 14 tells us that when Jesus was about to go to the cross… he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. Then He said, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death…”
Feeling stressed isn’t sinful because Jesus—the sinless one—He felt it, too. Stress is part of living in a broken and hurting world, but we don’t have to let it rule us. Come to Jesus and find relief. Ask Him to carry all your heavy burdens, all your worries, all your grief.
This is Andrew Palau.
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What does God think about dating? What popular culture deems acceptable or forbidden in terms of dating seems to change all the time.
The answers are rarely simple. But here’s what is clear—when you choose to follow God, you give Him access to guide and direct ALL of your life. That includes choices about relationships.
If you read the Bible, you’ll get a picture of how God wants us to treat one another—with love and profound respect.
Philippians 4:6 offers the best advice. It says,
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he’s done. Then you’ll experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.
God has the answers you need. Don’t be shy—bring all your relationship questions directly to Him, and trust that God knows what is best for you.
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Who loves you unconditionally? Do you have someone in your life that you believe loves you, no matter what you do?
Unconditional love is an impossible type of love.
It's hard to give, and it's sometimes hard to receive. This type of love isn't human; it is divine. And it truly is the type of love God has for you. Do you believe this?
Psalm 130 says this… Put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love.
The word "unfailing" means steadfast devotion—merciful love. This type of love goes beyond our capacity to give and even to understand, but this love is a promise for you.
God has unfailing, unconditional love for you.
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What if I never get married? Has that question ever haunted you? Marriage is a beautiful thing—a blessing from God.
But it’s not the only path to a wonderful life. We can get stuck in the quest to find our “soulmate” and be tricked into believing that having a romantic partner is what makes us complete.
But the Bible teaches that, while marriage is good, it’s not for everyone. The apostle Paul knew it was better for him to stay unmarried to focus on the work of spreading the Gospel.
And God highly values friendship—not just romantic love.
1 Samuel 18:3 shows a vow of friendship between Jonathan and David. It says…Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself.
Whether you’re married or single, put all your focus and all your hope in God and His kingdom. Let God lead the way. And find peace as you simply follow Him.
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Living in a family is hard. It's the hardest relationships we'll ever navigate in life. The people closest to us, who know us the best, can sometimes be the hardest to love, and where we can feel the most defeated.
You might be in a situation today where your family feels like it's falling apart. I want to encourage you today.
The family is God's idea and He wants to help you.
Call out to Him. Ask Him to show you where you can be a balm of healing and restoration. He is not far—He is near.
He says this to you today: Do not fear. I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
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Do you ever struggle with how to love all the people in your life? We’re hardwired for connection and community—it’s how God made us! It can be so joyful, and yet so painful.
Relationships take work, emotional investment, and the risk, always, of heartbreak. We have the power to strengthen each other, bringing encouragement in the hardest times, and because of our fallen, sinful state…we can also tear each other down.
What if you could have a friend who never let you down? Who never stopped loving you—not even a little—despite your mistakes? You can.
James 1:17 says, Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Whatever relationships come or go, God loves you completely—right now—and His love for you will never fade.
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Our lives don’t unfold in straight lines. God takes us on winding journeys that sometimes make no sense in the moment. Storms come through. They threaten to destroy us. But one thing’s for certain—God is with us through it all, and He is always faithful.
Hebrews 6:19 describes the hope we have in Christ. It says,
This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.
God does not shield us from the storms of life, but no matter what happens, when we cling to Him as our anchor, there’s a promise—that we will not be destroyed. We will not be lost at sea forever or drowned. Not that it won’t be hard—sometimes even horrible—but through it all, HE WILL BE WITH US.
He is our living hope. In Christ, there is no more need for despair.
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I worry. Do you? I worry a lot. I worry about time. I worry about my children, about money. Sometimes I feel like I worry about everything. And some worrying is normal.
I suppose there are certain things I wouldn't get done if I didn't worry. Sometimes it feels impossible not to worry. But there's only one way for me to get past this constant sense of worrying about things.
I remember, and I believe that God knows what I need.
He knows all that is happening in my life. And not only does He know, He cares. He says it this way in Matthew 6…
Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up—when the time comes.
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Have you ever had to hide the real you? Who can you trust to know your problems, your shortcomings—your most difficult emotions? Most of the time, fear of judgment, abandonment, and betrayal cause us to put on a mask.
But, you know what? There's one person we can all trust with all the deepest parts of ourselves—and that’s God.
Psalm 139 says that God saw you before you were born. Every day of your life was recorded in His book, He says—every moment was laid out before a single day had come to pass.
Amazing. God knows you—everything that has happened and will ever happen in your life. He knows, and He loves you. What a relief! With God, we can be real! Step into His grace and mercy, where there is no need to “fake it.”
Remember, there is always Hope with God.
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As humans, we're always working and striving to change our lives to become better, stronger, more efficient, more productive, and this is good. This is in us. But at times striving can be a huge burden. This constant need to change, achieve, produce.
Think of a seed planted in the ground. It needs water and air and sunlight, and with all the right things, it grows. It produces. It feels miraculous.
Well, Jesus said, we are like a seed. When we walk with Him, when we know Him, when we read His word and meet with Him, a miracle takes place in our lives, and He changes us from the inside out.
Are you striving for God? Or are you living as a seed in His garden?
Always remember, there is hope with God.
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10 tricks to achieve the body of your dreams. 5 steps to reach your potential. 3 hacks to quit wasting your life. These are just a few of the articles that popped up with a quick internet search.
The world is jam-packed full of voices offering fake shortcuts to meaning.
Have you felt pulled from one thing to the next, trying to find your purpose? Are you overwhelmed by the sea of phony answers to the one big question, which is—Why am I here?
The Bible says in 2 Timothy 1:9 that God has a plan for you. His plan for every person is to show us His grace through Christ Jesus.
Jesus isn’t a quick-fix bandaid for your problems, but He does promise to save us, to be with us, and revive our souls as nothing else can.
Won’t you come to Him? Find your purpose in the God who loves you, and your wandering can come to an end.
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What if you lost your job? What if you had to move across the country unexpectedly? We all worry about these “what ifs.” We all have our own—stressful things that we worry about, and we want to avoid.
We trick ourselves into believing that if we have enough money, nothing bad could ever happen. But you know what? It’s not true. Troubles come to us all—no exceptions.
What’s worse—becoming enslaved to money doesn’t make the fear go away anyhow.
Jesus said, "If you cling to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what good is it to gain the whole world but forfeit your very self?"
Don’t lose yourself in a vain attempt to avoid misfortune.
Give your life to Jesus. Serve the one who loves you, and you’ll gain real riches—the promise of eternal life—the presence of God Himself. He will be with you no matter what.
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People have opinions, lots of opinions, right? And unfortunately, we launch them off into the world so easily and quickly, and frequently. And we can become diverted and swayed and so impacted by what other people think.
There is only one opinion that should matter to each of us. And sometimes we just need to be quiet to hear it—the whisper of the Spirit of Truth, giving us hope, reminding us that we are loved.
Proverbs 29 reminds us that the fear of human opinion disables, but trusting in God protects us from that.
Whose opinions are you listening to? It's not easy to quiet the noise around us. But maybe today, we should each turn something off and listen to the words of a Father who loves us.
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Have you ever tried to buy happiness? The Bible tells us an amazing story about a son who asks for his inheritance early. He left his home and family and wasted all his money on wild living. It wasn’t too long before he found himself working for a pig farmer, so poor—starving—he longed to eat the slop intended for the pigs!
In desperation, he swallowed his pride and headed home to beg for his dad’s help and for his forgiveness. When his dad saw him coming, he ran to him and embraced him. And he told the servants to prepare a feast, and he said, “this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’” And the party began!
Have you messed up? Have you lived for pleasure and found yourself only half alive?
It’s not too late. Turn around and run to Jesus. He will joyfully welcome you with open arms. True joy is found only in Him.
This is Andrew Palau.
Scripture: Luke 15:11-24
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From the youngest of ages, I had a never-ending discontent. This led to a longing to figure out who I was. I ended up going to art school. I thought maybe this was the place I could immerse myself in self-expression.
So I devoted myself to figuring myself out.
But this was a dead end for me. The more I looked in, I saw darkness. Out of this place, I began to cry out to God, begging Him for help. In His kindness, He revealed Himself to me. And when I saw Him, Jesus, I realized He had everything I wanted.
Are you on a similar quest?
The Bible says there is a way that looks right to a person, but in the end, it leads to death. There is a way to find all you ever want, but it is found in Jesus.
This is Wendy Palau.
Scripture Proverbs 16:25
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The famous Bob Dylan song, “serve somebody”, reminds us of this essential truth—that no matter who you are, rich or poor, weak or powerful…“You’re gonna have to serve somebody.” Who do you serve? God? Yourself?
Who we serve has consequences. Most masters take more than they give.
There’s only One who will give back to us exponentially more than we could ask, think, or imagine. His name is Jesus.
Jesus said this about Himself in Luke 12, The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat!
Wow! God loves you so much that He’s willing to humble Himself and SERVE YOU! Whether you like it or not, you will serve somebody.
Are you ready and willing to serve Jesus—the One who longs to care for you?
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Have you ever heard the saying, “There is no change without loss”? We can’t usually move forward in life without giving up something that no longer works for us. When we think about turning our lives in a different direction, the real question we often face is, “Is it worth the cost?”
Listen to this story Jesus told about His kingdom:
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again and joyfully sold all he had and bought the field.
Being part of God’s kingdom is worth everything. Following Him is the best way to spend all our days.
And He goes on to say His Kingdom is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he found one, he sold everything he owned and bought it!
That merchant is Jesus. He thinks YOU are worth EVERYTHING. That’s why He went to the cross and died for you.
Won’t you give your life to Him today? He is worth it!
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What is the most precious thing you have? Your husband or your wife? Your parents, brother, sister? Your child, your health?
Most of us would answer one of these things. The sad thing is that every one of these things and these people can be lost.
How tragic that the most precious things we have, we can lose.
Is it possible for your most precious possession to be eternal? Something that could never be lost? Someone that could never be taken away?
Yes, it is possible. God said, whoever finds me finds life and eternal treasure. Almighty God—He offers Himself as our most precious possession.
Except, here's the thing—we don't possess him. He possesses us.
This is Wendy Palau.
"I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me. I have riches and honor, as well as enduring wealth and justice." Proverbs 8:17-18
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Thinking about the future can be terrifying.
What if we lose all we’ve worked for? What if there’s a war, a flood, an earthquake? The list goes on and on, and it’s true—our best-laid plans can fail and everything can change in the blink of an eye.
But here’s an offer you can depend on…
If you choose to give your life to Jesus, you get a room in the Father’s house. Jesus made us this promise in John 14—the Message version puts it this way…
There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m going on my way to get a room ready for you?... I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live.
No matter what happens here on earth—no matter what pain we go through—we can hold tight to the secure promise of a heavenly home. When you put your faith in Jesus, nothing can take that away from you.
Do you want the peace that comes with this promise? Receive the hope of Jesus Christ today.
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God has treasure for you—precious things that no one and no circumstance can ever take away. Did you know that diamonds originate deep inside the earth? In the base of the thickest and oldest and darkest parts of the continents? What makes a diamond? Pressure! Lots and lots of pressure!
And isn't it the same with us—with our lives?
God says to us, I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord who calls you by name.
God has beautiful treasure for you—the treasures of darkness. And they are the things that you can only learn in suffering. And it's there that you realize the beauty, the treasure of God—that He truly is who He says He is.
This is Wendy Palau.
"And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness— secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name." Isaiah 45:3
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What is your most treasured possession? A favorite piece of jewelry? A drawing by your child or a heartfelt letter from a dear friend? All that we treasure here on earth will one day turn back into dust.
There’s only one person that will not—the greatest treasure in the world—Jesus.
The same Creator God who said, “Let there be light,” chose to put His light in us—in you and in me! The Bible calls this treasure “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God displayed in the face of Jesus Christ,” and it says,
…we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
What an amazing gift. That beautiful, eternal light—faith in God—fills us here and now, in our temporary, limited human bodies.
Do you have this treasure? Believe in God. Let His light fill you today.
This is Andrew Palau.
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When you were a kid, did you ever imagine yourself as a superhero? I think we all wish for the power to do amazing things. Just imagine the security you’d feel if you knew that nothing could ever hurt you. Of course, we will never have the power to protect ourselves and our loved ones the way superheroes do.
But we can have a different kind of strength that comes from following Jesus.
Ephesians 6:10 says…be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
How does that work?
God gives us spiritual armor to protect us from the enemy of our souls. Our faith—it’s like a shield. Our salvation—it’s like a helmet. And the Word of God itself—it is a spiritual sword.
I don’t know about you, but there’s more going on in my life than I can handle in my own strength. That’s for sure.
I’m asking God to make me strong in the Lord—in His mighty power! Won’t you join me? Ask God to be your strength.
This is Andrew Palau.
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I saw a video of my husband and I when we were engaged. So many years ago, so young, just beginning our life together. We never could have imagined the things that would come our way. The heartache and the loss that we would face. The tears that we would cry together.
Everyone feels pain in life—disappointment—we cannot escape it. The truth is that we can face it with hope, or without. With hope, we get older on the outside, but stronger on the inside. Without hope, we can become cynical, hard, bitter.
The beautiful thing is that it's never too late to begin your journey of hope. Hope is a person—Jesus—and He wants to begin this journey with you.
You will face unexpected things in your life. How do you want to face them?
Always remember there is hope with God.
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When was the last time you laughed? They say that laughter is the best medicine. Laughter has been proven to have many long-term health benefits and to help reduce stress even in the hardest times of life!
The Bible says in Nehemiah 8:10 that the joy of the Lord is your strength. This was being said to a group of people who were weeping with the realization that they had not kept God’s law faithfully.
Of course, there’s a time for grieving over the wrongs that we have done. But when we’re at our weakest, God knows we need His joy to help us to get strong again. Not just any joy—but the joy of the Lord!
Will you pause today and enjoy all the good gifts God has given you? Thank Him for His kindness and for His faithfulness. Even if you’re going through a serious time, it’s okay…go ahead—let yourself laugh. Let the joy of the Lord be your strength.
This is Andrew Palau.
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Do you need change? Do you want to change?
Are there things in your life, maybe habits, attitudes, behaviors, and you know these things need to change? You know they're not good for you or the people around you. Yet change seems so fleeting, almost impossible.
I want to encourage you today; you can change, and it begins with giving your heart and your life to Jesus Christ. Begin a journey with Him. Continue your journey with Him. Listen to this promise.
The Lord is spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
When you give your life to Him, you receive His Spirit, His very presence. And what is the result? You begin to reflect His glory, and you are transformed into His likeness.
God is in the business of changing us. This is a promise for you.
This is Wendy Palau.
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Do you feel exhausted? Maybe you’re headed to work right now, having your third cup of coffee just to stay awake. Or maybe you’re in the middle of washing yet another batch of dirty dishes. The unending pressures of daily life can wear us out, but there is also an unending source of strength and new life.
The Bible says in Isaiah 40, verse 31,
…those who wait for the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.
God brings purpose, life, and light to everything we do. We are empowered to do more than just survive—we soar! And we become encouraged, energized, and refreshed by the hope of God’s promises.
God never grows weary, and He wants to pour His strength into you.
If you feel worn out right now, turn to Him. Turn to Jesus. Let His hope fill you with new strength today.
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Our relationships with family members and friends are always changing, aren’t they? Sometimes we stay close and often we grow apart. At times, friends or loved ones shut us out of their lives or abandon us, even, for reasons we can’t understand. Has that ever happened to you?
If so, you know how hard it can be to let down your guard and actually trust someone again. I want to tell you today, Jesus will never abandon you.
Once you decide to give your life to Him, He will send His Holy Spirit to live inside of you—permanently. That’s what He was talking about when He made this promise to His followers before departing from the earth—He said, I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
Will you dare to open your heart to Him? He will be closer than the closest friend, and He will not change His mind about loving you, no matter what.
This is Andrew Palau.
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One of my favorite accounts in the Bible is a story of Jesus when He walks into a town, and as He's walking in there is a woman walking out, carrying her dead son to his grave. Jesus sees her, and He is filled with compassion.
Realizing that she was in an impossible situation—a widow in ancient Israel would rely on her son—and now, the unthinkable, she had lost her son. And Jesus saw her, and He knew her suffering, and He had compassion. And He reaches out, and immediately He heals the young man. And the response of the crowd is amazing. They say, "God has come to help his people."
What Jesus did for this young man was a foreshadowing of what He would do for all of us—taking the burden of the sin of the world on Himself.
God has come to help His people.
This is Wendy Palau.
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Have you ever felt rejected? I still remember many years ago, trying out for the basketball team in middle school, and I didn’t make the team. My friends went on with basketball, and I was left out. Rejection hurts, and Jesus knows the feeling.
Jesus came into the world He created—fully God, in human form. He came to rescue His people from their self-destructive ways and restore them to friendship with God.
But…they rejected Him.
How do you think He responded to that? If He was like you and me, He might have been angry with them; fine—if that’s the way you want it, you’re on your own.
But Jesus said, “O Jerusalem…How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing!” Even toward those who had rejected His compassion—He was still compassionate.
If you have ever rejected God, this is your chance to turn to Him. He’s not mad at you. His disposition toward you is compassion.
This is Andrew Palau.
Scripture reference- Luke 13:34
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One of the most hopeful verses in the Bible for our spiritual lives is Galatians 2:20. Listen to this, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me, and gave himself for me."
I call this the great exchange. This verse is about dying to myself. This is what the cross is all about. And it's what life in Christ is all about. When I submit my life to Him—when I die to myself—His Spirit comes and lives in me. His powerful presence—His very life. And here is the exchange: when I die, the result is His life—life from death.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
This is Wendy Palau.
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If you have children, you know that when your first child is born, it turns your life upside down. Your world gets smaller for a while, and it all becomes about caring for that tiny, precious human. They need to be fed every few hours, day and night. You have to change their diapers, bathe them, and make sure they have a safe place to sleep. Caring for a newborn baby is wonderful…and it’s all-consuming!
The Bible says God loves us like a mother loves her baby—and even beyond that! It says in Isaiah 49,
“Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no compassion for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.”
Know this today: you are on God’s mind constantly! He will never forget you. His compassion extends to every area of your life. Will you let Him take care of you?
This is Andrew Palau.
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Did you ever get lost in the grocery store as a kid? Maybe you stopped to look at something and accidentally wandered away from your mother. I bet when you realized you were lost, you panicked—and so did your mom! She probably left her groceries behind and searched the store, heart pounding, until she found you again. Then, she wiped away your tears and squeezed you tight as you both breathed a sigh of relief.
Or maybe you never had a caring parent to look after you and to dry your tears.
But that’s how Jesus feels about all of us—He cares about us and He searches for us when we get lost. The Bible says He’s like a Good Shepherd who will go searching for individual sheep that wander away. And when that sheep is found, He rejoices over the found sheep even more—even more than the rest of the flock who never strayed.
God’s heart for you is a genuine concern. It’s deep care and committed compassion.
Believe it today—Jesus loves you desperately.
This is Andrew Palau.
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Did you know that the emotion most frequently attributed to Jesus in the gospels is compassion? Over and over again, we are told that Jesus saw people and He had compassion.
Compassion is a powerful emotion. We don't feel it and put it away. When we are moved with compassion, we are moved to act.
Jesus always had compassion, and then He acted to relieve the suffering of the people He came across.
How do you think He feels about you right now?
Wherever you are, whatever your circumstances might be, He has compassion towards you, and He has acted. He has done all that needs to be done to relieve your suffering.
He was so moved with compassion that Jesus died on a cross for you and for me. He took our suffering so that one day we truly will be free of all suffering.
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What’s on your to-do list today? Maybe you’re doing a little cleaning, taking care of your kids, perhaps preparing food, and making sure everyone gets to and from school on time. The moments that make up our lives may feel small and insignificant at times but guess what— every minute of your life matters to God.
The Bible tells us the amazing story of Jesus raising His friend, Lazarus, from the dead. It was all part of Jesus’ plan to reveal Himself as God—the only one who has the power to bring dead things to life. But before He resurrected Lazarus, Jesus wept with his friend’s mourners.
Why would He do that? He knew he would be alive in a few minutes! Jesus has compassion for us—for you—every moment of your day. He weeps with you and endures every hardship with you because you are precious to Him.
Will you let His compassion meet you in the difficult moments of today?
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We're told over and over again that when Jesus saw crowds of people, He had compassion on them.When He saw the crowds, He said that they were harassed and helpless, and He had compassion. And He said to His disciples, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers.
When we are suffering, especially in impossible situations, we pray. We look to God. We cry out to God. We beg Him to intervene—to do what only He can do. Is there a situation that you see, that you're observing, and it's triggering compassion in you?
Pray!
Begin by praying. Ask the King, the Lord of all, the one with perfect compassion towards all people—to intervene—to help, to rescue.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
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Is there anyone in your life that you love so much—that you would die for them?I think most of us would say: “Of course there is!” I’d sacrifice my life for my children. I’d die for my spouse—those I truly love more than life itself. But when it comes right down to it, it’s a difficult thing to promise.
The Bible says the greatest example of love is—laying down your life for a friend. Jesus did that and more—He laid down His life for us when we were not even His friends!
Because He loved us, He took the first step toward rescuing us—sacrificing Himself to die a criminal’s death on the cross—when we were enslaved by sin and did not know Him.
In Jesus’ compassion…He couldn’t bear to see us perish.He longed to repair humanity’s relationship with God.He took the punishment we all deserved.He paid the price to offer us a new and eternal life.
Will you accept His offer?
This is Andrew Palau.
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Sometimes my wife, Wendy, will call me and ask me to pick something up for her on the way home from the office, or my daughter will ask me to drive her to the mall. Of course, because I love them, I’m happy to do these things for them. I’ve found most people respond this way to the ones they love.
What if God asked you to do something for Him? Do you love Him enough to do as He asks? Actually, God doesn’t ask us for favors as the people in our lives do, but He kindly directs and commands us.
For instance, In John 15, Jesus said, “I command you to love each other in the same way I love you.”
And then, in Mark, we read that Jesus told His followers, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to everyone.”
The point is Jesus has given you specific direction in life. He is guiding, directing, and even commanding you.
He wants you to share the Good News of Jesus with the world. Will you answer His call?
This is Andrew Palau.
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Do you believe that God has good things for you—that He has a future for you?You might say to me, Wendy, it’s too late for me! I’ve made too many mistakes. I’ve hurt too many people. I’ve destroyed my life.
Listen to this promise in Jeremiah 29:11“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
God has good things for you.
The second half of the verse beautifully explains how this is possible“…then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”
Are these words for you today? Call out to Him. Pray to Him—seek Him with all your heart. He will listen to you—He will hear you. He has a future and a hope for you.
This is Wendy Palau.
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When my wife suffered multiple miscarriages, it wasn’t what we had hoped for.We still struggle with it. When my dad got lung cancer, I wasn’t planning on that either. I miss him so much.
Life often doesn’t go according to our plans. Maybe you’ve dealt with something similar. Surely you have. If you haven’t, you soon will. The pain of this world can feel overwhelming, and we might wonder—Is God even around?
Paul said, in Romans chapter 8, God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him.
Looking back, I can see how God has worked in these certain circumstances. Some things that didn’t make sense back then are clearer now. Others—the hardest moments of pain and loss—they’re still hard to understand (I’ve got to be honest). But I have learned to trust God. He is always moving for our benefit.
Will you trust Him with the hardest parts of your life?
This is Andrew Palau.
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Do you believe God can change you? Are there areas of your life that you’re frustrated with, and you want to be free?
But these patterns of living feel like a vicious cycle that continually rear their ugly heads and seem to have control over you?
I have a little plant in my bathroom, and I’ve noticed that when it needs water, its leaves curl up. And it’s a sign to me…Wendy, water your plant! When I do, the leaves open up and turn toward the light.
Our lives are like that! When we are in need of Living Water, we wither. And when we’re watered by true life, we flourish.
God is a gardener.
He is an attentive, patient, skilled gardener. Allow the gardener of your soul to care for you.
He is able, and he is capable. He says to you, I have begun a good work in you, and I will complete it.
This is Wendy Palau.
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Carla had received Jesus into her heart when she was young, but she lived many years without actually following Christ.She appeared to have a great life, but deep down she was depressed and felt like her life was going nowhere.
One weekend, Carla decided to attend church after not going for a few years. The pastor spoke on Matthew 6:33 which says, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Finally, Carla realized she had pushed God aside in her search for success.
As she began to make Jesus a true priority, Carla experienced big changes in her life. She immersed herself in God’s Word and felt peace and true joy.
Sound familiar? Is Jesus a low priority in your life? I encourage you to seek Him above all else. When you do, you will be the one who is blessed.
This is Andrew Palau.
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The Good News of Jesus Christ is not insider knowledge to be possessed as a Christian secret.It’s God’s truth—His gift of life, meant for all people! And He entrusted us with it—to share it.
When we do, we get to participate with God in pulling people back from the brink of death. What a privilege! Because of Jesus, people are saved and changed forever—just like we’ve been.
And it’s not only others who benefit when we obediently share Jesus. As we share the Gospel, we drink deeply of its power, becoming ever more satisfied in Christ.
Philemon 1:6 says, “And I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.”
God wants us to share the Gospel. We were made to share Jesus! Fulfilling that purpose is how we experience the fullness of Him.
This is Andrew Palau.
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Are you afraid to talk about Jesus?Do you feel intimidated to offer hope to people in your lives?
Suppose you were a scientist and you discovered the cure for cancer. What would you do?Would you keep it to yourself—a secret—hide your research away? Of course not! What a celebration the world would have.
There is a cancer in our souls, and every human being on this earth will die from it.
But there is a beautiful hope… Jesus. He has come. And He offers Himself for us.
How could we not share this hope, my friends? How could we be so afraid and even so selfish to not share this with others?
People need hope.
We know this! Be brave. We don’t share out of arrogance, we share out of humility.I found help, and there’s help for you.
This is Wendy Palau.
"For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile." Romans 1:16
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Have you ever felt underqualified to share your faith?I hear people say all the time, “I’m just not an evangelist,” or, “I’ll leave that to the professionals.” But, there is no resumé required for sharing the Good News. If you believe in Jesus, you are officially qualified!
No fancy words needed.
Everyone gets nervous. Even the Apostle Paul said this in his first letter to the Corinthians,
“When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling.”
All you have to know is that Christ died for our salvation. Simply share what He has done in your life. You’re qualified! So, go! Share the Gospel with someone you care about today.
Remember, there is always hope with God.
This is Andrew Palau.
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The writer Henry David Thoreau said this, “The mass of men live lives of quiet desperation.”I would put it this way, more simply. Most people live disappointed lives.
As children, we have dreams! Anything seems possible. But the reality of life—so many things get in the way of our dreams. Sometimes our dreams come true, and we discover we’re still disappointed!
Jesus said something similar to Thoreau. He saw the crowds, and He said they are harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
And that is why Jesus came. He said I’ve come that you may have life and have it to the full.
Life that is truly life!
This is why we share hope. It’s the greatest gift you could give any human being, even the most disappointed people in your life.
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Have you ever shared your faith in Jesus with a friend?I wonder what bubbles up in your mind as you consider that. Are you thinking, “I don’t want to be that annoying Christian…I don’t know what I would even say…no one wants to hear it.”
There’s a thousand excuses. But, you know what? None of them are actually real. If you try it a few times, you will see what I mean.
Do you know what IS real? People are longing for hope in a hopeless world. And we can offer them THE Hope of the world.
Romans 15:13 says…May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Sharing Jesus is really simple—it’s letting the hope of God overflow from your heart. People are longing for Jesus. I encourage you—give away the hope that He’s given you—don’t wait another day!
This is Andrew Palau.
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Have you ever heard of “The Golden Rule”?It’s actually from the Bible!
In Luke 6, Jesus instructs us on how to treat each other.
“Do to others as you would have them do to you….love your enemies, do good to them…without expecting to get anything back…and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
All of God’s commands have the ultimate purpose of helping us love God and our fellow human beings. God’s vision is bigger than our individual relationship with Him. That’s essential, but it doesn’t end there. He’s creating a new community, where people love one another sincerely, in word and in deed. Like a little glimpse of what Heaven will be like.
By obeying Him, and showing His love to others, you are joining with God to make Earth look a little more like Heaven.
This is Andrew Palau.
"Do to others as you would like them to do to you." Luke 6:31
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It’s easy for us to be confused about who God is and what He’s like.We might think of Him as a puppet master, up in heaven, controlling events. Or we might think of Him as a distant, detached, disappointed being. Both are inaccurate. The Bible tells us so many things that set these thoughts straight.
Number one, the Bible tells us that God loves us with a perfect love, not a love riddled with selfish attitudes. He doesn’t love us to be loved—He loves us because it’s His character. It’s who He is.
And number two, the Bible tells us that He allows us to choose.He has given us freedom to choose to love Him back.
He is not a puppet master and neither is He a detached bully. He is a loving father, and He calls you today.
Believe in Him, allowing Him to be the Father of your life.
This is Wendy Palau.
"So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1
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Before I experienced the deep love of God, I thought His commands would be like an imprisoning leash that would tug at me and choke at my neck and my freedom.But I’m happy to say I was wrong.
1 John 5:3 says…For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.
His commandments would be burdensome if we tried to keep them without His help. But we could never do it!
But when His love begins to work in us, His boundaries become beautiful and joyful! And we all fail at times, and He graciously will forgive us.
But when we love God, we desire to love what He loves and to love one another. Gradually, what’s important to Him becomes important to us. What breaks His heart will break ours as well.
Invite God’s love into your heart. Don’t be afraid—His boundaries are good.
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My friend always says, If there is more than one person in your family, you are a dysfunctional family.Simply because we are dysfunctional people, and we bring all our stuff into our relationships—into our homes—into our children’s lives.
Sometimes we have so much pain as a result of our family that we are deeply impacted as we walk through life. Healing can feel impossible. The hopeful truth is that Your past is not the end of your story.
God wants to adopt you into His family, and He is the perfect parent. It doesn’t mean you’ll have a perfect life, but it does mean you can walk daily with a perfect Father.
He’ll never abuse you.He will never leave you.He WILL discipline you.But it won’t be to control you. It will be because He loves you.
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How do you feel when you hear the word “sin”?It’s an unpopular subject. Sometimes, at first glance, Christianity can look like nothing but a long list of things NOT to do! But the reality is so different.
God knows us well. He has intimate knowledge of what will benefit and destroy us. Because this world contains wrong and evil, God kindly shared His wisdom and graciously gave us boundaries designed to help us to thrive.
Jesus said, in John 8:31, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Living within the good boundaries God has given us is the freest way to live! He wants us to know what’s true, and He wants us to experience genuine freedom, as we were created to experience it!
Living guided by God’s boundaries will help you to thrive!
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Forgiveness…it’s not always easy.Sometimes the people who hurt us aren’t sorry. Maybe they don’t deserve to be forgiven. Yet, resentment and hatred are poison to our souls. So, what’s the solution? Nothing I can say will make forgiving easy.
But what helps me so much is remembering Jesus’ forgiveness for me. Jesus didn’t wait for me to apologize and turn away from my selfish ways. He sought me out when I was deep in sin, and He met me with His love. That’s what led to surrendering my life to Him.
Romans 5:8 says, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Jesus loved me at my worst—even enough to die for me, for the forgiveness of my sins. Knowing that…I can choose to forgive. I can embrace the radical love of Jesus and let it flow through me.
Who should you forgive today?
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Do you believe that God can transform you?This is what God does!
In 1 Samuel 10:1, there’s a beautiful sentence about a young man named Saul, who was told that he would be king. Then we’re told that God changed Saul’s heart.
The word used for change here means, to turn about—to overturn. Saul was actually given a new heart.
Do you need a new heart?
God can do this. This happened to another man in the Bible also named Saul, a thousand years later. He hated Jesus… until he encountered Him. His name was changed to Paul and he actually became the writer of the majority of the New Testament.
God is in the business of transforming us. And He can transform you!
Ask Him, my friend, to reveal Himself to you. He is calling you, promising you…I will transform your heart.
This is Wendy Palau.
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Have you ever wanted revenge?Maybe you find yourself replaying conversations in your head, thinking about how to put someone in their place. It feels logical at the time. You hurt me, I’ll hurt you back—then we’ll be “even.”
But the Apostle, Paul, instructs us in the Bible…Do not repay anyone evil for evil… live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
Did you hear that promise? We can trust God to deal justly with all wrongdoing. Though we do not know how or when (it’s really not our business in that sense), we can let go of our desire for retribution. It’s a relief to know—God’s outrage at injustice is even greater than ours.
Only God is qualified to judge perfectly, and He is hard at work making all things right.
Trust Him to make things right for you.
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Have you heard the beautiful words of Isaiah 53?These are precious words of confidence for us.
Listen to this:
Surely He took up our pain and He carried our sorrows.
Think of all that’s wrong in the world on a massive scale. And think of all the things you’ve done, or that you have thought, that are wrong. It can be overwhelming and even depressing to think about.
But these words of hope are our rock-solid foundation:
Jesus took up our pain.
All that’s wrong with the world. On the cross, where Jesus died, the sickness of the world was put on Him.
There is hope for the world.
And it’s found in only ONE place—in Jesus, the one who carried it all.
Turn your heart to Him right now.
This is Wendy Palau.
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Have you ever thought, “How can I forgive? What happened to me was wrong!”Forgiveness can feel like giving hurtful actions a free pass—like calling things “okay” that are not okay.
But that’s not the way God forgives. The Bible says in Hebrews 9“... Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people.”
There’s a very real price to be paid for injustice. We can be forgiven because Christ absorbed the punishment for our wrongs—not because our wrongs were “okay.” This is what He offers to all who turn away from their old ways and choose to follow Him.
Jesus is just AND merciful. He does not allow wickedness to go free. You can trust that He will deal rightly with those who have wronged you.
Will you let Him carry the weight of your anger and hurt today?
Remember, there is always hope with God.
This is Andrew Palau.
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Are you suffering?Maybe you’re wondering why God has allowed trouble to touch your life. The most honest answer to that question is… we may never know this side of Heaven.
But we can trust and believe that God has a good plan. We won’t see the whole picture in this lifetime, perhaps—only little pieces of the puzzle. But God sees everything from beginning to end, and He knows what He’s doing.
The Apostle, Paul, in the Bible, was troubled by what he called a thorn in his flesh. He said…
“Three times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me… For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
No matter how weak you may feel, Christ’s power is working itself in you. Put your trust in Jesus, and believe it!
This is Andrew Palau.
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There is a great mystery we find in the Bible.There’s so many… but there’s one that I don’t think I’ll ever wrap my mind around. God became human.
Philippians 2:7 tells us that…He made Himself nothing. Took the nature of a servant. Being made in human likeness. And He humbled Himself.
How does the ultimate deity become a human? I honestly don’t know. But this tells me something very important about the character of God. The most powerful one loves humanity.
He cares about people.
And the billions of people that walked the earth before us, and will after us—He is not content to be separated from us. He became like us. He even became obedient to death.
This should amaze you, humble you, and comfort you.
This is Wendy Palau.
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Have you experienced suffering?We all will if we haven’t already. Maybe you’ve prayed, hoped, and waited for an end to the suffering, and…it just hasn’t happened. It’s easy to get frustrated with God when He doesn’t answer our prayers in the way we want Him to, when we want Him to.
But, be encouraged. In Psalm 102, the Bible says, “He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.”
Even if you’ve been praying for something for ages and you haven’t seen a change—God hears you. He sees you, and He feels every ache of your heart. He has not forgotten you.
When we don’t get the answers we’d like from God, it’s okay to feel badly about it. You can even get on your knees before God and tell Him how frustrated you are—He understands.
Know in your heart today that He loves you. Keep asking for what you need, and don’t give up. God is a Good Father. There is hope with God.
This is Andrew Palau.
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My parents live 3,000 miles away from me.And, because of this, my year is broken up into segments when I know I will l be with them, or when we’re preparing for the next time we’ll be together.
I love being with my parents. Do you have someone like this in your life?
Here is this true statement:
God loves you.He really loves you.
In an authentic, deep, raw, honest way that only the person who knows you best can love you.He knows all about you. And despite all of this, He still wants to be with you.
You might not have someone who loves you despite all your weaknesses on this earth. But you do have the God of the universe—the creator of all things—who says to you, I will not leave you as an orphan. I will come to you.** Always remember, there is hope with God.
This is Wendy Palau.
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Have you ever looked at your life and wondered, “What did I do to deserve this?”Maybe you’re remembering some of the worst decisions and thinking, “Yeah, I guess I’m getting what I deserve.” Well thankfully, Jesus gives us a much better deal than Karma.
When you bring the wrongs of your past to Jesus and ask His forgiveness, your sins are removed—washed away by the blood of Jesus—once and for all. And it says in Psalm 103, your sins are taken away… as far as the east is from the west.
Sinclair Ferguson put it this way, “It’s misleading to say that Jesus accepts us just the way we are. Rather, He accepts us despite the way we are.”
If you’ve ever felt like God hates you, no. His thoughts are love. But Jesus said this: “In this world, there will be trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Troubles come from living in this broken and hurting world, but God is not punishing you.
Don’t be afraid! Run to Him today and ask for the help you need.
This is Andrew Palau.
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First sentence of transcript goes here.Is there anyone in your life who is difficult to love? We all have people who irritate us, who hurt our feelings and won’t apologize—maybe even people who are downright cruel to us. And God asks us….to love them?!
There’s a Bible verse that helps so much, though—Romans 5:8—and it says, “...God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us even while we were still sinners.”
What a humbling thought. Jesus didn’t wait until we were good, obedient people before He sacrificed Himself to save us. He went to the cross BECAUSE He knew we needed grace.
As hard as it seems, with God’s help, you can love even the most difficult person in your life—you don’t need to wait for them to change. And God loves you no matter what’s going on in your life.
Will you receive His love today? Will you give it?
This is Andrew Palau.
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Love is probably the most overused and abused word in the English language.I say I love my dog, I love ice cream, I love my new sweater, and I love my children—all using the same word!
Do I feel the same affection toward all of these things? No! There’s a love that means I really really really like something, or a word that means I would do anything for this person…even die. When God says, “I love you,” He is free of our human frailties. Our confusing emotions. Our tainted affections. When God says, “I love you with an everlasting love,” He means..
He really, really likes you.And He would do anything for you—even die. And, He did!
Always remember, there is hope with God.
This is Wendy Palau.
"I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself." Jeremiah 31:3
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What does it look like to love and follow Jesus?With all of our unique gifts and abilities, serving God can look different to each person. But God wants to weave one common thread through the lives of all His followers—love. You can express your love for God by caring for someone else in need.
Jesus once asked His disciple, Peter, “‘...do you love me?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ Peter replied, ‘You know that I love you.’ And Jesus told him, ‘Then care for my sheep.’”
Jesus sees us as His beloved children—like a flock—and He is our Good Shepherd. He greatly desires that we would treat each other with the same love that He has shown to us. Together, we can be Jesus’ hands and feet, making His amazing love visible to all the earth!
Will you pause now? Ask God to show you—how His love can flow through your life to care for His sheep?
This is Andrew Palau.
Scripture- John 21:15-17
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Do you believe God loves you?You might say to me, Of course, Wendy—God loves the world!
But do you believe He loves you?
Many of us can believe that a powerful God sees and loves the world, yet we struggle to believe that He sees us, our intimate thoughts, our sins, and our struggles, and He still loves us.
Dane Ortlund says, "Many of us tend to believe that if He does love us,... it's a love infected with disappointment. We see Him looking down on us with paternal affection but slightly raised eyebrows ..."
We do think this, but that is not Biblical.God is love. And His love toward us is not dependent on us, but on Him.
And this is really good news!
Listen to this, my friend:GOD LOVES YOU!
This is Wendy Palau.
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
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What do you think of when you hear the word “love”?Many of us think of hearts, romance, and Valentine’s Day. But you may be surprised to hear that love means something a bit different to God.
The Bible says in Galatians 5 that all God’s commands can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”
This means that the very best way to show our love for God is to learn to care about each other as much as we care about ourselves.
Who is your neighbor? It’s everybody besides yourself! God’s definition of love calls us to reach out beyond the comfortable walls of our own homes and truly care for each other.
Love is a big deal to God, and loving others—it can be hard! But we can learn to love our neighbors when we learn how greatly God loves us—and all those other people!
What can you do to reach out and show love to your neighbor today?
This is Andrew Palau.
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When I was young, I thought that if I ever really gave my life to following Jesus, I would miss out on all the fun.I was so focused on all the things I would miss out on that I never really gave that much thought to what I would actually gain!
Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Jesus doesn’t take the fun out of life. He’s not out to control us! His ways are the most peaceful, fulfilling, and joyful ways to live.
When I finally chose to follow Jesus and gave up all of that stuff in my life, I realized it’s just, like…garbage—I didn’t want it anymore!
And once I realized how much God loved me, even in my worst moments, I gave up all those vices willingly. In their place was indescribable peace, joy, wholeness, and a sense of purpose that has never left me.
This is the abundant life, and Jesus is offering it to you. Will you receive it?
This is Andrew Palau.
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One of my favorite promises in the Bible is found in Revelation 21—a promise of what is to come.At the end of the age, when we see Jesus face to face—imagine—when we’re with Him forever!
Here’s the promise: He will wipe every tear from our eyes.
How many tears have you cried? Tears of frustration, or grief, loneliness, anger, disappointment, neglect? Even tears of yearning?
In some miraculous way, God Himself will wipe away these tears. I treasure this thought…all of my broken places fully healed. We are promised there will be no more crying, or pain or death, or mourning.
And this is a promise for you today! Receive this hope—this hope of great compassion.
This is Wendy Palau.
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We’ve all heard about the fountain of youth.What an intriguing legend! It tells about the adventurers that would seek these magic waters. It would restore youth indefinitely. Wow. But it’s just a story. Jesus offers something even better.
Jesus said, “... the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” You may be thinking, How is that possible? Thirst always comes back.
But Jesus was talking about the thirst of the soul.
Every attempt we make to satisfy the longings of the soul—only works temporarily—except when we fill our souls with Jesus Christ. Jesus can quench your thirst and fill your soul completely.
Receive Him! Forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life can be yours! There’s no greater adventure. Come follow Him today. Will you do it?
This is Andrew Palau.
"But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life." John 4:14
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Jesus said so many amazing things before He went to the cross.Jesus said so many amazing things before He went to the cross. One of the most impactful is a promise of peace.
He said, “My peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives…” That’s in John 14.
Think about that phrase: I do not give to you as the world gives.Our striving for peace can be one of the most frustrating parts of our human existence. And we’re told by beautiful, powerful voices about fulfillment that never comes.
But His promises are sure. He is able to fulfill His promises. He doesn’t give us peace the way the world gives.
He offers Himself! He, Himself, is our peace. Get to know Jesus. Begin a relationship with Him today. This gift of peace is for you.
This is Wendy Palau.
Scripture: John 14:27
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Have you ever had the thought God would never accept someone like me—I’ve gone too far?I want to let you know Jesus reached out to people of all kinds. Sick people, adulterers, thieves, rulers, peasants—He loved them all!
He said_, “I am the light of the world. Come follow me. I will give you the light of life, so you will never have to walk in darkness again.”_
If your life feels dark and hopeless right now—it means you’re ready to meet God! Ready to meet the light of the world, so that you’ll never have to walk in such darkness again. Ready to start a new life.
Jesus loves you so much, and His arms are wide open to you right now. Do you feel Him calling to your heart—do you hear Him?
Come and follow Him today. Don’t wait another minute!
This is Andrew Palau.
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Can you remember a major turning point in your life?One of those moments that divides your life into clear segments of before and after?
The event of Christ’s death and resurrection marked the dividing line in history. He made a way for humanity to have a deep, intimate relationship with God.
In Romans 5:18, the Apostle Paul says this: “...Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.”
Jesus made a way for us when there was no way—to be forgiven of our wrongs—free from the shame and the guilt of our sin and the condemnation of all that. Not because we are perfect but because His perfection and His sacrifice—are enough to cover us with grace. What an amazing opportunity we’ve been given.
Friendship with the living God and a new life—that’s Jesus’ offer for you right now. Receive it! Will you receive it?
This is Andrew Palau.
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The significance of Jesus's death on the cross changes everything.You might look at a cross on a church and wonder,Why is the cross such a big deal? Well, the cross changes everything for us.
We will all die.
100% of human beings will die, and death is our enemy. It is the universal silencer. But there is one—only one—who is stronger than death—the One True God, the Creator of life, and this God sent His Son, Jesus. And, the Bible says, He was sent as a sacrifice for us, and He died on that cross. But He's stronger than death, and He rose again. It was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him.
He is alive!
And because of the cross, you and I can have life.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
This is Wendy Palau.
"But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip." Acts 2:24
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Have you ever heard someone say, “God is with you all the time”?What does that really mean?
We can say that God is always with us because, when we decide to follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit takes up residence inside of us!
The Bible even says, the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you. That’s amazing, right?
But it wasn’t always this way. This indwelling of the Spirit is a result of Jesus’ death and resurrection. It’s Jesus’ way of being with us always.
When Jesus foretold His death, His disciples didn’t want Him to go. But Jesus said to them: “…it’s to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.”
That’s the Holy Spirit. God is so good!
Always remember, there is hope with God.
This is Andrew Palau.
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The very first words Jesus says to His disciples after the resurrection are, “Peace be with you.”The very first words Jesus says to His disciples after the resurrection are, “Peace be with you.”
Peace—the one thing every human needs.
We sing about it, we talk about it, we protest for it… we even fight for it. We need peace in the world, and we need peace in our homes. We need peace in our very own minds and souls. The world is desperate for peace.
And, thousands of years ago, Jesus of Nazareth said these words, “Peace be with you.” The word used here means, wholeness…to join or tie together—our greatest need met.
Because of what Jesus had done on that cross, the hostility between God and all people—dealt with!
And He says to you today, “Peace be with you.” Will you take this gift?
Always remember, there's hope with God.
This is Wendy Palau.
Luke 24:36
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As Jesus hung on the cross with his last breath, “...he said, “It is finished!”What did He mean? What was finished that day was more than just the execution of an innocent man. It was the end of the separation between God and humanity. It was the victory of the power of God over the power of death.
And it was the gift of Jesus Himself—His grace offered—His forgiveness made available for all of mankind. He had accomplished His purpose, and He declared it—It is finished!
You can declare it, too! When words of accusation fill your head, telling you you’re unlovable, or when temptation comes nagging at the edges of your mind…remember the freedom that Christ purchased for you.
And claim what Jesus said when He died on the cross for you—it is finished!
This is Andrew Palau.
John 19:30
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What would you do if you had all the power in the universe?We could all come up with some wild answers to that question, but I bet none of us would say, I would choose to give up my power and die.
But you know what? That's exactly what Jesus chose to do. Philippians 2 says, "He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross."
Jesus didn't use His almighty power to get what He wanted or control people into obedience. Instead, He became human so that He could experience the world just like we have experienced it.
And He died to give us a beautiful invitation to know Him as a friend—to be filled with His Spirit and to be free from the sin, and the death, and the shame—so that we can live with Him now and forever. Forever in Heaven.
That's His offer today. Will you accept it?
Put your trust in Jesus, the Humble King.
This is Andrew Palau.
“Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.” Philippians 2:6-7
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Some of Jesus's most comforting words to His best friends before He went to the cross, are in John 14.He says this, “I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you.”
Jesus could have used many words here. But He chose this very powerful word, “orphan.” It means—fatherless, motherless, desolate, bereaved. And it's only used in the gospels once—and it's right here. Jesus knew that His friends would miss Him—that they would be confused.
He knew that being alone in the world is the most helpless feeling.
But Jesus promised something so significant in this verse—He’s promised we will never be alone. Maybe you've many people around you, but you feel abandoned.
Will you allow the One who made this promise—will you let Him offer this gift to you…to be your Father forever?
This is Wendy Palau.
John 14:18
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How could God the Father send His Son, Jesus, to be crucified?Maybe you've wondered why a loving God would do something that seems so cruel.
The reason Easter is a time of celebration, and not grieving, is that Jesus knew He would rise again, and He wasn't forced to go to the cross; the Bible says Jesus went willingly.
He knew that His suffering and death was the only way to bring a broken humanity back into relationship with God.
Jesus foretold His own death, saying, "... unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone, but its death will produce many new seeds, a plentiful harvest of new lives."
We are that harvest, my friend. Jesus died to give new life to you, and to me, and to everyone who would receive Him.
There are so many who don't know about His offer of new life. Won't you share Jesus's beautiful offer with someone today?
This is Andrew Palau.
"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives." John 12:24
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Listen to these words of Jesus right before He went to the cross.He said, “I have come into the world as a light so that no one who believes in me should stay in the darkness.”
The light of the world came, and He promised light for anyone who believed in Him. But then something tragic happened.
He died—a gruesome death on a cross. And it seemed as if the light had been snuffed out—totally gone out. How confusing for His friends and His followers.
But the story wasn’t over.
Jesus, on that cross, took the darkness of the world. He took the sin and the suffering—the grief of this world—on Himself. He absorbed it, but He was more powerful than it.
Because of His death and resurrection…We can have light.We can know Him.We can walk in the light.
And we have the promise of eternity with Him, where there will be no more darkness.
This is Wendy Palau.
Do you have peace in your life?Maybe you've searched far and wide but never have felt it. We all definitely desire it. And Jesus wants to give you it—true, lasting, unending peace.
In fact, He paid the ultimate price to give it to you. On the week leading up to His death, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. And the people cheered and they shouted “Hosanna! Hosanna.”
But Jesus didn't join in that celebration.
Instead, you know what he did? He wept, saying, “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace.”
Only His blood could bring forgiveness, friendship with God, and eternal life in Heaven. We can't earn peace or fight for it in the way we think of that. REAL peace—it's a gift of Jesus, and He's offering it to you today.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
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Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered for his stand against racial inequality.In a sermon, King once said, “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.”
So true! Love does change people. And who is the greatest source of love? Jesus, of course! He loved us before we even knew Him. As the Apostle John wrote: “We love Him because He first loved us.”
As followers of Jesus, we are to show that kind of love to people around us. We must practice love. Love people by telling them the good news that Jesus loves them and died to save them. Love people by never giving up on them. God never gave up on you!
In Romans 5, we read, “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
As we show lovingkindness to others, we can share with them the truth about God’s great love for them.
This is Andrew Palau.
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Have you ever seen the image of Jesus carrying a sheep on His shoulders?It is an artist's depiction of the parable of the lost sheep. This is a story Jesus told to a group of religious leaders who were muttering against Him because he was a friend to so-called sinners.
In the story, the shepherd loses one sheep out of 99. But he leaves the 99 to go after the 1. When he finds the one he calls his friends and neighbors to celebrate with him.
This story is brilliant; Jesus reveals the truth of their situation to the leaders. We are all ones. We all need to repent.
We all need to see ourselves for who we really are, lost ones who Jesus is searching for. He won't give up, no matter how far we wander.
Always remember there is hope with God.
This is Wendy Palau.
“In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!” Luke 15:7
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I saw a quote that said: The first to apologize is the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest. And the first to forget is the happiest.”Forgiving others can be hard to do, especially if they have wronged you on a deep level. But if you want your life to radiate God’s love, then forgiveness must be offered.
“We love because He first loved us,” we read in First John chapter 4. God’s love for us is so great that He made a way for us to be forgiven completely for every wrong thing we have done.
Jesus died on the cross to pay the price we owed for our sins. So as we live out God’s love, it must include forgiveness of others.
Has someone wronged you? Hurt you in some way? Take that first leap and forgive them, even if they have not apologized. You will be freed from resentment and bitterness and will have a chance to talk to them about Jesus and His forgiveness.
This is Andrew Palau.
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What are your troubles today?As you hear my voice, are you driving along in your car, burdened, overwhelmed? Maybe just irritated?
Listen to these words from Psalm 55 from The Message"Pile your troubles on God's shoulders - He'll carry your load, He'll help you out."
Do you believe this? Instead of letting your worries rattle around in your mind. Instead of trying to solve an unsolvable problem right now. Instead of allowing fear to creep in and anxiety to take hold.
Pile your troubles on His shoulders.He is big enough to carry your load.He is able to help you and calm your fear.
Just turn your heart to him right now, your thoughts.Maybe even pray out loud… where ever you are."God… I give ___ to you."
Always remember there is hope with God.
This is Wendy Palau.
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Just driving into the office these days can be a frightening experience.Doesn't it seem to you that drivers are even more impatient than ever?
Many of them are racing to make it through the intersection as the light turns red or zipping from lane to lane in an effort to get ahead. And they get angry if they think you are getting in their way.[ Maybe they never heard the fable of the tortoise and the hare when they were kids.]
In reading First Corinthians chapter 13 in the Bible, I notice that patience is the first quality in the list describing what love is. That must mean it is important.
"Love is patient," it says. God loves us, and He is certainly patient with us. I want my life to reflect the love of God, which means I need to be patient also, no matter how someone frustrates me.
As a parent, it's a good thing to remember. I should treat my children as God treats me – with love and patience.
This is Andrew Palau.
"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud." 1 Corinthians 13:4
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In recent years many CEOs have been adopting the strategy of servant leadership.It turns out that companies where bosses lead by serving show higher job satisfaction, less employee turnover, and better productivity.
It's a good business practice, and who demonstrated this better than anyone else? Jesus Christ. Of course.
Jesus told his disciples in Mark 10, "Whoever wishes to be first among you must be the servant of all, For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but rather to serve and even more to give his life as a ransom for many."
Jesus still invites us to follow him on the path of service. He is the perfect example of a servant leader. He is God, far above any position we could ever aspire to. And yet he humbly took on a servant's role here in our world and even gave his life for you and for me.
To learn more, go to hope with god.com
This is Andrew Palau.
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Do you want to be clean on the inside?Your thoughts, your conscience, your memories. Maybe you've done things that rattle around inside your mind and you're wondering how to deal with them.
This is guilt, and it's real.
We all have things we've done - things we've said, things that may have been done to us that make us feel dirty. You can be clean.
Listen to this prayer in Psalm 51. "Cleanse me and I will be clean. Wash me and I will be whiter than snow." It's a cry to God for cleansing, and He is the only one who can do it.
Because of the price Jesus paid on the cross you can be clean. Not just on a surface level but whiter than snow. Ask Him today. May this be your prayer today. Cleanse me, Lord, and I will be clean; wash me, and I'll be whiter than snow.
Always remember there's hope with God.
This is Wendy Palau.
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It might not surprise you to know that about 1/3 of all charitable donations are made in the month of December.Some people give to celebrate the birth of Jesus, God's greatest gift to us. Others get year-end bonuses, and they can share out of that. But whatever the reason, charitable giving does go up at the end of the year.
It seems harder for people to give when it's not part of the holiday season. If we put love in the picture, though, we're motivated to give all year around.
In First Corinthians chapter 13, the Bible says, If I gave everything I have to the poor, I could boast about it. But if I didn't love others, I would have gained nothing.
We have an idiom to describe that. It says this, cold as charity. Giving without love is like a chore while giving with love is a privilege and a joy.
Do you have money, time, talents, or wisdom? Lovingly share what God has given you.
This is Andrew Palau.
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One of my favorite stories in the Bible is about a son, one of two brothers, who asks his wealthy father for his inheritance.He leaves home for a distant land.
But when he has wasted all he has on wild living, he ends up being so hungry that he's feeding pigs and eating what they are eating.
Then these words – "When he came to his senses."
He remembers his home, his father and his life, and he returns. When he is still a long way away, his father sees him coming and runs to meet him to welcome him home.
Are you on the run? Have you run from your heavenly Father, gone to a distant land? Come to your senses, my friend. Your Father is waiting for you. He's watching on the horizon. He's waiting to run to you to welcome you home and celebrate your return.
Always remember, there is hope with God.This is Wendy Palau.
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When you go to a symphony performance, you will often hear the sound of cymbals ringing out at a climax in the music.Or perhaps a loud ringing sound of a gong will be heard.
These are the instruments that can be heard over all the others in the orchestra. Imagine if you were standing right next to the percussionist right at that moment; it would be deafening.
This is why first Corinthians chapter 13 starts with this analogy. If I could speak all the languages of Earth or the languages of angels, but I didn't love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
If we don't demonstrate love in our actions, all anyone can hear is a loud crashing every time we open our mouths. Our actions speak louder than our words.
Show gentleness and love in your dealings with others, and they will be much more likely to be able to listen to you and to hear what you say when you talk about your faith and when you talk about Jesus.
This is Andrew Palau
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My friend Richard is an amazingly successful man in many areas of his life.Anyone looking at him will think this guy's got it all together. But not long ago, he admitted to me that he has this terrible problem. He doesn't sleep.
He's awake much of the night stressing out about his business ventures. Richard feels that everything is dependent upon him.
Are you an insomniac because of anxiety and worry? The Bible says in Psalm four, "I will lie down and sleep peacefully for you, Lord, make me safe and secure."
That's the secret. Trust God. The Bible describes God as someone who never slumbers, never sleeps.
God created you, and He has your best interests at heart. Instead of trying to handle all of life's pressures on your own, rest in God.
Jesus, Himself said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."
This is Andrew Palau.
Scripture- Psalm 4:8, Matthew 11:20
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I love the story in Luke 15 about a woman who has 10 coins, but she loses one.She lights a lamp, sweeps her floor, and searches carefully. When she finds it, she calls her friends to come and celebrate with her.
This is such a beautiful story. She has nine other coins but is not content to lose one, each coin so precious. There's an urgency for her to find the lost coin. It's obviously evening, but she lights the lamp to search. She will not wait until morning. And what joy when it is found.
Do you feel lost? Have you walked away from the one who loves you? Jesus?
He is not content. He will not wait. He is looking for you lighting lanterns and sweeping floors. Come to him today. Return. Ask Him to forgive you. He will.
Always remember there is hope with God.
This is Wendy Palau.
“There is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.” Luke 15:10
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Where I live in Portland, Oregon, we don't get a lot of severe weather.But one winter, we had a terrible snowstorm. Traffic came to a standstill, all the schools and stores were closed, and the ice and the snow made it so treacherous you couldn't go out.
But inside my home, I felt safe, and it was restful to sit by the fire and look at the beautiful snowy scene outside. I loved it.
Our lives can be like that. Tough situations come up. Bad things happen to us. We feel as though we just had a bunch of snow dumped on us, burying us.
That's when we need shelter, a refuge. When life gets crazy, God is our calm in the storm. In Him, we are safe.
The Bible talks about God as a sanctuary. In Psalm 119, we read, "You are my refuge and my shield. I have put my hope in your word."
When we retreat to God, we can look out into the storm of our lives with clarity, wisdom, and peace.
This is Andrew Palau.
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How long will you suffer?How long will you cry? How long will this ache fill your soul?
I don't know. But I do know it won't be forever. One day you will have joy. God promises it.
Listen to these words from Psalm 30. "Weeping will remain for a night. But joy comes in the morning."
These are hopeful, comforting words. No night lasts forever. The sun will rise, and we need to look for it. Expect it and take comfort in this unchanging truth.
Your joy will be restored, my friend. Turn your heart to hope today. Turn your heart to the one who brings the dawn, who is the Light of the world, Jesus. And that Light is stronger than the darkness.
This is Wendy Palau.
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One of the most amazing things about God is that He has no boundaries.He is infinite.
We're so used to things in our lives having beginnings and endings. Everything changes over time for us but not for God.
God is always the same. He has always loved you, and he always will love you. He is always with you. And He promised never to leave you but to walk with you through everything you face in life.
I find it difficult to wrap my brain around what we know of the nature of God, but I've experienced His compassion, forgiveness, and unbounded love in my own life. These are attributes I want you to know and experience too.
God is not a fad. He is not a trend or a season that will one day end, and He invites you to get to know Him. You can start that relationship today by reading the Gospel of John in the Bible. It will tell you all about it.
This is Andrew Palau.
"So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son." John 1:14
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I have a friend who is an amazing athlete.He played multiple sports when we were growing up, and he seemed to be headed for stardom, and he was. He was drafted into the National Football League right out of college.
But a few years into his career, he was injured in the game and eventually cut from the team. Suddenly, all of his dreams were out the window.
As a Christian, he trusted God, even though his life wasn't turning out the way he had hoped.
Over time, he developed a different career, then broadcasting and in sports business, and he spent a lot of time pouring into the lives of children and their families, children who loved sports, and he had a huge impact on many of these families.
When I look at this man, I see someone's life who didn't turn out the way he wanted. But he trusted in God, his Heavenly Father, and God had a plan that was even bigger and better.
Have you met with disappointment in your life? Trust God, submit your life to Him. He will make something beautiful of it.
This is Andrew Palau.
“The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’” Psalm 32:8
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We all need help at times.Maybe you're a self-sufficient person and you're disciplined. You've got your life under control. For today, you don't feel like you need help.
But that's today. What about tomorrow? You might not need any help today, but one day you will. We all will.
I want you to remember these words. There is a place to go for help. The creator of the universe wants to help you. Ask Him, and He will. He will do it His way. And He is creative. He is powerful. God takes His time. He is the giver of help.
Psalm 30 says, "Oh Lord, my God, I call to you for help. And you healed me."
No matter your circumstances today, my friend, always remember there is hope with God.
This is Wendy Palau.
radio.hopewithgod.com
I have plenty of good friends that I love.It's fun to celebrate birthdays and holidays with them or just hang out and watch sports. They love and care about me, and it's easy for me to love them back.
The difficulty comes when someone treats us badly and hurts us in different ways, then anger and resentment begin to rise up inside.
We know that God wants us to not only forgive our enemies but to love them too. And that's hard. We have to rely on God to give us the ability to do that.
In First John, chapter four, we read, we love each other because God loved us first. God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for us so that we can be made right in His eyes and our relationship with Him.
If you've received Jesus as your savior, you've been forgiven. You can also forgive someone else, can't you? Yes, you can.
This is Andrew Palau.
Scripture-1 John 4:19
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Trouble comes to each of us that walks this earth.I wish it was different. But this is a fact.
Some people walk through life marked by suffering. Sometimes the suffering is so bitter that their world is forever changed. Comfort and wholeness feel distant.
Listen to the words in Psalm 71. “Who can compare with you, oh, God? You have allowed me to suffer so much hardship but you will restore my life again, and lift me up from the depths of the earth. You will restore me to even greater honor and comfort me once again.”
Whatever you're going through right now, this is not the end of your story. God will lift you up. Ask Him. He is the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our troubles. Trouble will come, but He will never leave you.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
This is Wendy Palau.
Psalm 71:19b-21
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Your days are probably pretty busy, just like mine are.But if you're constantly working, talking to people, making plans, texting, and checking social media, you get the picture; you might not be doing some other things that really matter. Things like connecting with God.
I believe it's vital to carve out time first thing in the morning really is the best, to pray to read the Word of God, meditate on what you read, and then listen to what God is putting on your heart.
Don't get so wrapped up in your daily activities and what's going on in the world all around you that you miss out on that precious time alone with God. Give Him the time to work in your heart and life.
In Romans 12, We read, "Don't copy the behavior and the customs of this world. But let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you. His good, pleasing and perfect will."
This is Andrew Palau.
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After a busy day of meetings, phone conversations, recording sessions, and travel preparations, I'm ready for a little downtime.These kinds of hobbies are a great way to unwind and relax. But I need to be careful that they don't become all-consuming. I don't want anything to hinder my relationship with God.
I knew a man named Josh who was into weightlifting, and it had kind of taken over his whole life. And he began to miss church and skipped out on his time with the Lord, all in order to get another workout in.
Thankfully, Josh eventually realized that he was neglecting the things that truly matter. And he turned things around in his life. He didn't give up his workouts completely, but he became much more balanced.
The Bible tells us in First Corinthians chapter 10, "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." When considering how to spend your time, look through that lens.
This is Andrew Palau.
Scripture- 1 Corinthians 10:31
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What does a person of hope look like?Listen to this prayer in Psalm 71. “As for me, I will have hope. I will praise you Lord more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure.”
A person of hope is number one, dedicated to putting their hope in God. The psalmist says, “As for me,” this is a personal thing.
Number two, a person of hope lives a life of increased praise and worship. The psalmist says, “I will praise Him more and more.”
Number three, a person of hope uses their mouth to tell of God’s goodness.
Number four, a person of hope lives in expectation. “We know not its measure.”
Are you a person of hope? You can be. Turn to Jesus today.
Always remember, there is hope with God.This is Wendy Palau.
“But I will keep on hoping for your help; I will praise you more and more. I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words.” Psalm 71:14-15
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At memorial services, there are often candles among the flowers and the photos.And in a place where tragedy has struck, sometimes a candlelight vigil will be held with mourners standing together in the darkness holding lights.
We light candles at such times because in the midst of darkness, even though small, flames can give hope, warmth and comfort. They give us the assurance that we're not alone. Others are standing with us even in the darkness. They can also light the way showing us how to move forward.
When Jesus was born, He fulfilled a prophecy in Isaiah that said, "The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine."
Jesus brought light to this dark world, and He has told us as His followers, we are also to be the light of the world. In a dark place, we can bring hope and comfort with the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This is Andrew Palau.
"No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." Matthew 5:15-16
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Where do you find refuge?The word means to run to a place for protection.
In ancient days a refuge would have been a mountain or a fort, something big and safe. But in our 21st-century culture, a refuge could take many forms. Very often, the danger lurking may be our very own selves - bad habits and behaviors or bad relationships.
Where do you go for protection? Psalm 71 says, “In you, Lord, I have taken refuge. Let me never be put to shame. Rescue me, deliver me.”
What a beautiful cry. Only God is big enough to save us from ourselves. He is the only one powerful enough.
When anxiety hits, run to Him. When fear creeps in or when isolation wants to take hold of your life, turn to Him for refuge.
This is Wendy Palau.
“O Lord, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be disgraced. Save me and rescue me, for you do what is right. Turn your ear to listen to me,and set me free.” Psalm 71:1-2
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When we were kids, we feared such things as thunderstorms and darkness, and we would run to our parents for comfort and reassurance.Now that we're older, our fears are fed by disease, hurricanes, terrorists, and inflation.
We have a wonderful Heavenly Father who loves us and invites us in those moments of fear to run to Him for comfort. The Bible tells us that the eternal God is our refuge, and underneath us are the everlasting arms.
Once, Jesus was out on a stormy sea in a boat with His disciples. The men were terrified because of the howling winds and the huge waves that were breaking over the boat.
Jesus was asleep, but the men went and woke him up, saying, "We're going to drown." He calmed the storm, but He also pointed out to the disciples that they should have trusted Him.
When you're deathly afraid, turn to Jesus. He will either calm the storm or He will ride it out with you, but His presence will hold you up.
This is Andrew Palau.
“The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you. He drives out the enemy before you; he cries out, ‘Destroy them!” Deuteronomy 33:27
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If you read the gospels, you will notice that nearly every time Jesus talked with someone, he used a new approach.Every conversation was different from the others. Why is that?
It must be because every individual comes from a different place with different beliefs, misconceptions, hang ups and sins, different needs. Jesus, of course, understood everything about a person before he even met them.
But we don't. We need to listen sympathetically to their story before we can have a conversation with them about spiritual things.
Jesus can be our example. He tailored his conversation specifically to the needs of the individual. The life changing message of the good news gospel of Jesus Christ never changes, but each person needs to hear it in a way that is understandable and relatable.
Let's share that wonderful message with the people we meet today.
This is Andrew Palau.
“Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him.” Mark 10:21a
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One of the things I remember from childhood ballet lessons is that when you're spinning, you have to fix your eyes in one direction, or else you will lose your balance.In our spiritual lives, we must keep our hearts fixed on eternity, to keep our balance in this world.
During a time in my life when I felt overwhelmed by grief, I remember reading this verse in Second Corinthians: "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
I realized that my grief was overtaking me because I was fixing my eyes on my loss instead of on the eternal truths and promises of God.
What are you looking at? God's eternal promises are for you today. Fix your eyes on Him.
Always remember there is hope with God. This is Wendy Palau.
Scripture: Hebrews 12:2, 2 Corinthians 4:18
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Hope is powerful.When life is dark, hope is the light that lifts you from despair.
If you're a Jesus follower, you have an endless supply of hope because true hope is found in Him.
The Bible says in 1 Peter 1:3, "In God's great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."
Jesus died, but death could not hold Him. He rose from the dead proving his power over it. And now not only can we have life in Jesus, but we have hope for all eternity. And this is not just some kind of wishy-washy positive thinking, but a confident expectation.
I urge you not to live in despair. Don't let the circumstances of your life keep you in darkness. Look to Jesus and live in his hope.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
This is Andrew Palau.
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation.” 1 Peter 1:3
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I was reading the book of Ephesians in the Bible.And in chapter three, the apostle Paul wrote these words: "I pray that God may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that you may have power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is this love of Christ."
And I'm thinking, why does Paul say we need power to understand God's love? I suppose it's because when we face hard realities in our lives, such as a broken marriage, or a health crisis, we may doubt the love and faithfulness of God.
That is when we need power from God's Spirit to hold on to the truth of the deep love of Christ.
My friends, don't be afraid to lean into Him; He will strengthen you with His love.
This is Wendy Palau.
"No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:39
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My father died of cancer not long ago.Even in his final days, he was at peace because he knew with certainty that his future was with Jesus in heaven.
In spite of being very weak, Dad shared the good news of Jesus Christ with all the staff who took care of him in the hospital. Word spread on the floor where he was, and people would come by to talk to him. Dad would pray for them and encourage them to seek God.
What a wonderful example Dad was for me and for all of those who knew him. He was a reminder that what happens to you is not as important as how you respond to it. We will all experience difficulties, and we have a choice in how we respond.
Second Corinthians 12:9 says: "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness."
Respond from a position of confidence and trust in God, and He will give you His peace and strength.
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You may have heard a preacher urging the congregation to keep an eternal perspective.Well, life is not a sprint, it's a marathon.
Sprinters run fast and burn out quickly. A marathon runner focuses on keeping a steady pace for a long period of time.
You may have important things to work toward in this moment, in the short term, but God says that what really matters in the long run is your relationship with Him. If you start with that, the rest of your life will fall into place.
As you develop that relationship with your Lord and Savior, your actions will come into line with his will for you. You will also experience His power in your life and you will have the endurance needed for the marathon.
Hang in there for the long run. With God's help, you will keep that eternal perspective and your life will be a blessing to those around you.
This is Andrew Palau.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." Hebrews 12:1
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There's a story of Jesus passing through a village in Samaria when he meets a woman getting water at a well.Jesus asked her for a drink. She was taken aback that he would even speak to her.
She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan. Why are you asking me for a drink?” Jesus responded to her. “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you were speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”
Jesus treated this woman with dignity and friendship when the religious people of his time did not and she received his gift.
You know, my friend Jesus offers you living water today. No matter who you are, he says to you, I will give you water that will become a spring welling up to eternal life.
This is Wendy Palau.
John 4:14
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One of my favorite Bible characters is Moses.As a baby in Egypt, Moses was adopted by the Pharaoh's daughter.
He grew up in luxury while his real family and his people served as slaves. He could have ignored them and lived in comfort. But Moses made a life-altering choice.
In Hebrews 11, we read, "Moses, when he grew up refused to be called the son of the Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God's people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin."
We have a similar choice to make. Are we going to try to fit in and be part of the worldly culture? Are we going to be consumed by winning the approval of others? Is our drive going to come from a desire for wealth? Or are we going to devote our lives to following and serving God?
We do have a choice. God loves us and invites us into a fulfilling life with Him, but He never forces us.
This is Andrew Palau.
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2
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Do you ever read the news and feel overwhelmed or discouraged?Instead of getting better, things seem to be getting worse in the world.
Despite the trouble in the world, we don't need to be despondent people. We can be people of hope.
Maybe the state of the world feels overwhelming to you. But maybe the trouble has entered your very own life. The trouble is not just a news story. Maybe trouble is your story. My friend, there is hope for you.
In Jesus, you can have an authentic relationship with the God of the universe. And this results in joy, possibility, and hope. Jesus said, "In this world, you will have trouble but be encouraged. I have overcome the world."
This is our hope. He is bigger than our trouble.
This is Wendy Palau.
"Do you ever read the news and feel overwhelmed or discouraged? Instead of getting better, things seem to be getting worse in the world." John 16:33
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In the Bible in the book of Romans chapter 12, there is a verse which encourages us to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.When we can't be joyful about our circumstances, we can still rejoice in the anticipation of what God is going to do with them, in them, and because of them. We have hope because we have a father in heaven who loves and cares for us.
When things in life are tough, we can fast-track to joy regardless of our circumstances by committing ourselves to prayer.
God can use your trials and turn them into triumphs. Be joyful in hope. Be patient during difficulties. Pray, and you know what? God will be right by your side, giving you the strength and comfort you need to get through the hard times.
The psalmist David wrote, "Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning."
This is Andrew Palau.
Scriptures: Romans 12:12, Psalm 30:5
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We're experiencing an increase in severe weather events which bring natural disasters.People in many areas have been jolted out of comfort and security. Some have feared for their lives, some have lost their lives.
If you've ever been in a natural disaster like these or if you've experienced personal trauma, you can understand how many of these victims felt, abandoned and alone.
But I've heard that many survivors looking back can pinpoint moments when they knew God had protected and provided for them. They see now that they were never really alone.
You are not alone either, no matter what you're facing. Psalm 46:1 says, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble."
In whatever you're facing, God is right there. All you need to do is pray to Him. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Trust Him.
This is Andrew Palau.
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There's a story in the book of John about a man who came to Jesus begging him to come and heal his son because he was dying.Jesus said to him, you may go, your son will live.
This story tells us that the man took Jesus at his word and departed. And while he was still on his way home, his servant came and met him with the news that his son was living.
This story is so beautiful to me because this man was desperate. But Jesus made him a promise. And this man took Jesus at his word.
Do you take Jesus at his word? He said to you, I will never leave you or forsake you. He said, Do not be afraid I will help you. He said, Don't let your heart be troubled. I go to prepare a place for you so that you will be with me forever. Take him at his word today. Believe him today.
This is Wendy Palau.
"God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind.Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?" Numbers 23:19
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When my family and I start out on a road trip I set our navigation system with the correct destination.If we're going to an unfamiliar place, the chances of getting lost are pretty high without some sort of guide.
Unfortunately, I see many people these days traveling through life without a map, no moral standards or boundaries. It's no wonder then that so many find themselves lost, confused, depressed or dependent on things that are harmful. They have no guidance, no assurance that they are on the right track.
God has given us His Word, the Bible as a roadmap. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
I encourage you to spend time reading and meditating on God's word. Then, if you see someone whose life is going in the wrong direction, you can share with them the way, the truth and the life.
This is Andrew Palau.
Psalm 119:105
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I have so many favorite verses in the Bible, and some of them are found in Psalm 147.Listen to these words, "The Lord's delight is in those who fear Him, in those who put their hope in his unfailing love."
What an encouragement. I don't have to impress or to delight God. He's not looking down to see how strong I am or how good I am, or how obedient I am.
His delight is in those who fear him. And that just means those who see Him for who He is. That He is God, He is king; He is Creator, He is ruler. And He delights in those who put their hope in His love.
Do you feel weak today? Do you feel incapable? Believe He is who He says He is, and put your hope in His love.
This is Wendy Palau
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The word refreshment can bring to mind a cold lemonade after a strenuous bike ride or sweet tea on a breezy porch.It could be a mug of hot chocolate in a mountain lodge after a day of skiing or snowboarding. Refreshments can restore your energy, your joy and your spirit.
Wait, can a glass of lemonade really do all that?
The Bible mentions springs of water where travelers can be refreshed. In Psalm 23 we read about God leading us by quiet waters. The next phrase says He refreshes my soul. God provides us with water but He Himself is the true refreshment.
You can be refreshed daily by reading God's word, drinking deep of His truth and by talking to Him in prayer.
As you are spiritually renewed yourself, you can share God's refreshment with others around you who are thirsty for truth.
This is Andrew Palau.
“He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength.He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.” Psalm 23:2-3
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When a vase or China cup gets broken in our house, it usually ends up in the trash bin.It's worthless, or is it?
The Japanese have an art called Kintsugi, broken pottery is repaired using lacquer dusted with powdered gold. This enhances the cracks, brings a new kind of beauty to the artwork.
Are you feeling broken today? Has life dealt you some pretty hard blows?
Jesus can make you whole again.
You won't be exactly as you were before - you will be better. God's work in you will give you new life - flaws, cracks and all.
In the book of Isaiah, we read that God promised his people that he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.
Ask God to mend you and make you a new creation of His. You can be a beautiful example of His handiwork.
This is Andrew Palau.Isaiah 61:3
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There's an amazing statement in the Bible in Psalm 25.Verse 14 says, "The Lord confides in those who fear Him. He makes His covenant known to them."
He confides in us. Imagine.
Amos chapter four talks about the one who forms the mountains, who creates the wind and who reveals his thoughts to mankind. Why would God bother to reveal His thoughts to us? We're so insignificant, and He is everything. But that is the kind of God we serve.
John 16 tells us that the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth. You don't need to go on a worldwide search for truth and wisdom.
It's right at your fingertips. In your Bible, open the Word of God, read it. His truth is right there. Let it penetrate your heart.
This is Wendy Palau.
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A woman named Sue admitted she had a lot of anxiety about the future.She said, “Honestly, the world seems to have gone mad. How can I not be filled with fear and worry?”
But there’s something very wrong with that point of view. Sue’s focus was on the wrong place; she missed the most important thing, Jesus. If you look only at the conditions of the deeply flawed world around you, you will lose hope.
But remember that Jesus can bring peace and hope even into the most difficult situations. He has overcome the world.
Jesus said that himself. In John 16, we read that He told His disciples, “I have told you all this, so that you may have peace in me. Here on the earth you will have many trials and sorrows, but take heart because I have overcome the world.”
That is where our hope lies, in Jesus.
Remember, there is always hope with God.
This is Andrew Palau.John 16:33
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Do you see God as your provider?The very first time that name for God is used is in Genesis 22 when God provided miraculously for His friend Abraham.
In that moment, Abraham named the place YAHWEH- Jireh, the Lord will provide.
All through the Bible, there are stories of God seeing the needs of His people and providing. Whether with manna in the desert or a child for a barren, broken woman. Providing is in God's character. It's who He is!
Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6 to trust God's promise to provide, "Don't worry saying, 'What should we eat, what should we drink, what should we wear?' Your heavenly Father knows that you need them. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
This is Wendy Palau.
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One of the best-known stories in the Bible is that of David and Goliath.David was the youngest of eight sons and had been sent by their father to deliver supplies to his brothers who were fighting in a battle. Goliath was the champion of the Philistine army.
Eventually, David found himself having to fight the giant to protect the Israelites. David was at a distinct disadvantage being smaller and physically less powerful than Goliath, the seven foot tall bully.
But despite all that, David took down Goliath. He put his trust in God and stood strong on his faith, and God gave him the victory.
Maybe there’s a Goliath in your life. Will you commit the situation to God and trust Him to see you through it? Or will you run away in fear?
God is more powerful and more capable than even the strongest enemy, so stand firm and fight!
This is Andrew Palau
“But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
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God told Noah to build a huge boat.You know the story. But can you imagine the ridicule he received as he was building it? His neighbors laughed when he told them a flood was coming. I’m sure they thought Noah had completely lost it.
Noah had bold faith. Even in the face of skepticism and derision, he still did what God asked him to do. Noah saved his family and humanity by doing so.
St. Paul wrote, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
When you follow God, you will undoubtedly come up against critics and scoffers. But God will show you His will and let you know what is right. Don’t copy the ways of the world. Follow God’s wonderful plan for your life.
This is Andrew Palau.
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Listen to this amazing story.Jesus was invited to dinner by a leader, a powerful man. But it says that a woman “who had lived a sinful life” in that town learned that Jesus was eating there and she stood behind Him weeping. She wet His feet with her tears and wiped His feet with her hair.
What an intimate, personal thing to do! And how brave of her! But the people who had invited Jesus were not happy. They were offended.The beautiful thing that I love about this story is Jesus’s response.
- He honors her. He didn’t ridicule or abuse her.
- He forgives her. He takes her sin, her pain, her regret.
- He offers her peace. The word “peace” here means wholeness.
My friend, this is Jesus’s posture towards you.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
This is Wendy Palau.
"And Jesus said to the woman, 'Your faith has saved you; go in peace.' " Luke 7:50
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As my kids have graduated from various stages of their education, I have always wished them success.That may not sound like a very spiritual aspiration. But think about it. There are really only three choices: success, mediocrity, or failure. If I have to pick from those three, I’ll take success every time. But God’s version, not society’s.
In our culture, success is usually equated with achievement and accomplishment. But true success has to do with pleasing God and being a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:10 teaches us: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
If we seek God’s will, we will find success and true fulfillment in accomplishing what God wants. The glory will be His, not ours.
This is Andrew Palau.
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Here are some things I want to remind you of today – things that God says about you.Psalm 139 says He created your inmost being. He knit you together in your mother’s womb. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Your frame was not hidden from Him when it was made in the secret place when you were woven together in the depths of the earth. God’s eyes saw your unformed body. All the days ordained for you were written in His book before one of them came to be.
God created you. He knows every intricate thing about you and He loves you. This gives your life great value.
So often we lose a sense of our own value. But God created you. He knows the beautiful person that is you.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
This is Wendy Palau.
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Outstanding achievement can certainly get a person noticed.But that kind of fame and popularity can also quickly disappear.
Respect, on the other hand, is earned through experience and relationship and can last a lifetime. I met a humble gentleman in Pakistan whose name will never be widely known, but I admire and respect him. He is a quiet leader among Christians in that country, serving others with grace and kindness.
As I travel to various countries around the world I meet others like him, and they earn my complete respect through their humble service to God and to His Church.
There is a verse in the Bible, in First Samuel 18, which says, “In everything he did he had great success, because the Lord was with him.”
That’s the secret isn’t it? Let’s not try to make a name for ourselves, but rather serve God, in His power.
This is Andrew Palau.
1 Samuel 18:14
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In New Testament times, people wore sandals and walked on dusty roads.Their feet quickly became dirty. So, when someone invited guests over for dinner, they provided a servant to wash the feet of the guests.
That sounds like a disagreeable job to me! But it was an important sign of hospitality and kindness.
This is the context for the account in the book of John of Jesus and His disciples preparing to have their final Passover meal together.
It seems that Jesus was the only one who had thought to provide the necessary foot-washing service. He was the Creator of heaven and earth, yet He knelt and washed the dirty, smelly feet of His disciples. He did it because He loved them, but also to make a point. He told them: ” I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.”
Our attitude as followers of Jesus should be one of humble service to others.
This is Andrew Palau.
“And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet.” John 13:14
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This world is a harsh place.Life is harsh. At times it feels like we are in a constant battle, and it can all result in a level of harshness in the way we walk through the world.
The word “harsh” is the same word used for “an earthen vessel.” In ancient days, an earthen vessel was something of no value, able to be discarded. When we treat someone harshly, we are treating them as if they have no value.
The Bible says that “a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
We have only been treated gently by the King of Kings. Jesus says He is gentle and humble. Do you want to be less harsh? Know Him. Walk with Him. He is gentle and will help you be gentle with others.
This is Wendy Palau.Proverbs 15:1
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Not long ago, a church in a small town in Oregon sponsored a refugee family.The family – two parents and four children – came from a hot, dry part of the world so rainy, cool Oregon was a huge change for them.
The town they came to was small but with a big heart. The people there welcomed this family with open arms, providing for all their immediate needs.
They thought they were blessing this family – and they were – but they were also being blessed themselves. They learned the joy of giving, and loving others who were different. They learned about a new culture, a different religion, an unfamiliar geographical region.
They also learned that we are all human, created in the image and likeness of God. And we are all in need of a Savior.
These Oregonians were able to humbly share not only their worldly goods with the refugees, but also the love of Jesus.
This is Andrew Palau.
"Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow." Matthew 5:42
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How does Jesus view our suffering and our grief?There is an amazing story in Luke 7. Jesus passed by a dead boy being carried out of the town – the only son of a widow. When He saw her, His heart went out to her and He said to her, “Don’t cry.” Then He goes up and says to the young man, “I say to you, get up!” And the boy is healed. The people were filled with awe.
Here’s what I love about this story. Jesus voluntarily chooses to be a part of this situation.
- He didn’t have to stop, but He did.
- He didn’t have to care, but He did.
- He didn’t have to talk to her, but He did. He said, “Don’t cry.”
- He didn’t have to heal, but He did.
He doesn’t have to help us, but He does. God has come to help His people. Always remember, there is hope with God.
This is Wendy Palau.
"When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” he said." Luke 7:13
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Kids and dogs can tell if you care about them.Have you noticed? They will keep their distance if they sense that you don’t like them. But if you feel genuine affection for them, they are all over you.
Jesus loves everyone, which is a big reason why so many people wanted to be near Him. Crowds followed Him from place to place and jostled with one another for His attention.
Once, Jesus told three stories which illustrate how God loves people. He loves like a shepherd who lost a sheep, like a woman who lost a coin, and like a father who lost a son. There is longing and urgency in His love. But when all the lost are restored, there is a celebration. The joy can’t be contained.
Do you care for people who don’t share your faith? Remember that God loves them deeply. Ask Him to help you love them too. Ask Him to give you a concern for them that would reflect His heart.
This is Andrew Palau.
"See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him." 1 John 3:1
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It’s common for us humans to get so caught up in the details of something that we miss the big picture.It also can be a common issue in the church. We might be so involved in choosing new drapes for the sanctuary, or planning the next potluck meal that we don’t notice the passerby who stopped in.
We can get so caught up in the small things that we miss the opportunity to share the only thing that really matters: Jesus loves us! He came to earth to give His life for us. He died on the cross so we could have forgiveness for all our wrongdoing.
The Bible says in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Keep your eyes open to see the big picture. God loves everyone. And Jesus would love to meet your friends. Will you introduce them to Him?
This is Andrew Palau.
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The greatest lie the enemy of our souls will tell us is that God is not good.But the questions come. Is God really who He says He is? We need Holy Spirit power to come against those lies that batter us day and night.
Listen to this beautiful prayer in the book of Ephesians: “I pray that you may have power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” How do we grasp this love? How do we come against the lies?
One powerful way is to be in the Word. Every day, reading in the Bible; when we are in the Word and God speaks to us, the lies fade and the truth shines like a burning flame. Let God’s truth penetrate your life.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
This is Wendy Palau.
Ephesians 3:18radio.hopewithgod.com
Experts say that the best way to make a child feel secure and loved is for the parents to love each other.I’d like to add that one of the best ways to raise a child who loves God is to love Him wholeheartedly yourself.
If your kids see you praying, reading your Bible, worshiping at church, and making Jesus the center point of your life, they will be inclined to do those same things. On the other hand, if you don’t model those things, your kids won’t be able to soak that in.
If you make your faith a priority in your daily life, others will notice. Whether you have young, impressionable children or are simply going about in the corporate world, others are watching you. They want to know what difference your faith makes in your life.
Let God’s love shine through you to your children and others around you. You can be the light of Christ to people who need to know Him.
This is Andrew Palau."In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." Matthew 5:16
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Do you know God?I remember a season in my life when we were in crisis, and that night I picked up my Bible and looked up every verse that had the word “faithful” in it.
And there are a lot! I found this beautiful verse in Revelation 19, at the end of all time, when the victory is won, and the victor – Jesus – comes forward. It says: “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True.”
I realized that God’s faithfulness is who He is. His faithfulness doesn’t change according to anything going on in my life or your life. Are you needing to know this about God? He is faithful and He will never change.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
This is Wendy Palau."For I am always aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth." Psalm 26:3
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If you were in a burning building and a firefighter appeared and called, “Follow me! I’ll show you the way out,” would you doubt him?Of course not! Would you be offended that he said he knew the only way to safety? No way! [You’d be right on his heels.]
If you are a Christian you know that Jesus Christ truly is the only way to eternal life. But sometimes we are afraid to say that, because we fear offending people, or being called “closed-minded.”
The truth is, there is only one way to peace. One way to eternal salvation. One way out. And it is through Jesus.
He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” If you truly believe that Jesus is the only way, make it a priority to share His Good News today. Jude verse 23 says, “Snatch others from the fire and save them.”
This is Andrew Palau.
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Has God ever called you into a situation that was uncomfortable, or even dangerous?I often pray for missionaries I know who are serving in countries where their very lives are at risk because they are boldly sharing the Gospel message. They demonstrate courage and a firm trust in their God.
At some point or other, we will all need to choose between courage and fear. In those moments, we have two options: press onward, or retreat to our comfort zones.
1 Corinthians 15:58 in the Bible reminds us of the importance of pressing onward and choosing courage. It says, “Stand firm! Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
Let’s be bold and press on as we serve in God’s Kingdom. We know He will always be with us.
This is Andrew Palau.radio.hopewithgod.com
If you are one of those people who welcomes change in your life, then you probably look forward eagerly to what this new year will bring.The thing is, we usually welcome change only when it is change we want. If change comes in the form of something unexpected such as being laid off, or being diagnosed with a serious disease, we might panic, or retreat into depression.
Change is inevitable. But one thing we know for certain is that regardless of the changes we experience, God is with us.
You can face whatever this year brings, whether planned or unexpected, because Jesus is with you. He will be your strength.
Deuteronomy 31:6 tells us not to fear, “for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.” Jesus repeated this promise in the New Testament. You can count on it.
This is Andrew Palau.
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There’s an amazing story in the book of John about Jesus’s interaction with a woman who’s caught in adultery.She’s brought to Jesus by a group of leaders, and they say to Jesus, “What do you say to this woman?”
He says, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the one to throw the first stone at her.” They all go away one by one. And Jesus says to her, “I don’t condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”
What a contrast between the way the leaders treated this woman, and the way Jesus treated her!
- They wanted to humiliate her. He cared for her.
- They wanted to kill her. He protected her.
- They wanted to point out her sin. He pointed a way to peace.
Do you feel condemned? Judged? Accused? Jesus offers you forgiveness and peace.
Always remember, there is hope with God.This is Wendy Palau.John 8:11
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Happy New Year!This is a time when it is usual to reflect on life. Many people make new year’s resolutions in hopes of accomplishing something they didn’t achieve the previous year.
In the Bible we read a lot about newness as well. For one thing, when we receive Jesus into our heart, He makes us new. And as we continue to walk with Him, He works new things in our lives.
Where are you in your faith journey? Are you following Jesus and allowing Him to transform you? Have you been walking with Him but feel tired and need renewal?
Wherever you are, He is the One you need. Rest in Him! Let Jesus refresh and renew you for the year ahead.
The Bible says, “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” He is everything you need for this new year.
This is Andrew Palau.Philippians 4:13
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Martin Luther King Jr. famously said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”The words “light” and “love” seem to mean different things to different people these days. But in the Bible Jesus is defined as light and love.
When we know Him as our Lord and Savior, we find that we are equipped to combat the darkness and hatred in this world. The divine resources of Jesus Christ Himself are available to us.
The Bible tells us that “the weapons we fight with are not the weapons of this world.” We need spiritual resources. We aren’t capable of mounting an offensive in our own strength. We need to rely on God’s power in us.
If you are a follower of Jesus, you do have that divine power, so don’t be afraid to share His light and love with everyone you meet.
This is Andrew Palau.
"We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments." 2 Corinthians 10:4
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The very first words attributed to God in Genesis 1 are, “Let there be light.”It says that God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness.
Here is the beginning of the separation between light and darkness. God is not content for darkness to hover over the earth. Or over us! The light is good!
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; if you follow me, you will never walk in darkness.”
Are you drawn to the darkness? Or maybe today you feel overwhelmed by darkness. Follow Jesus.
How? Say to Him right now, wherever you are, “Jesus, I want to follow you. Separate me from the darkness. Give me the light of life.”
Always remember, there is hope with God.This is Wendy Palau.
“I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12
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There is a pretty common misconception that following Jesus means giving up the “fun stuff” of life and embracing a bunch of rules.But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Believe me, I know! I used to have a lifestyle full of parties, alcohol, and fleeting relationships. It wasn’t until I surrendered my life to Jesus that I began to truly live.
God has told us that we will experience love, joy, peace, and many other blessings if we follow Him. And it does not feel like following a bunch of “rules” either. Rather, it feels like walking beside someone who loves you more than anyone and wants you to enjoy life to the full.
The Bible tells us: “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun.” If you want that new life, find out more at hopewithgod.comThis is Andrew Palau.2 Corinthians 5:17
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Do you know that there is an enemy of your soul?Maybe that thought makes you feel unsettled, almost scared.
Well, you shouldn’t be. Yes, there is an enemy of your soul. He is called the devil and he wants to destroy your life. The Bible calls him a liar, also the accuser.
But that is not the end of the story – of your story. Jesus says, “The thief (that’s the devil) comes to steal, kill, and destroy,” and he will destroy you if you let him. But Jesus says, “I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full.”
Do you have this life? Life to the full? You can! Respond to Jesus today. Just say to Him, wherever you are, “Jesus, I want life to the full.”
Always remember, there is hope with God.
This is Wendy Palau.John 10:10
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An older man I know recently retired.He went from working daily, to being unsure of how to fill his time. As many people do, he faced a bit of a crisis. He realized that much of his identity had resulted from his career.
Do you have a tendency to get your self-worth from something other than God? Maybe it’s your job, or your education, or your spouse.
We think that those things will bring us security and meaning, but eventually we discover that only God can truly bring us the peace, fulfillment, and significance we crave.
Jesus tells us to “seek the kingdom of God above all else.” If we put other things first in our lives, it’s inevitable that we will face struggles and identity crises because that isn’t how God intended us to live.
Follow Him closely and let your identity be found in the fact that you are His beloved child.This is Andrew Palau.
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Mathew 6:33
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On the night of Jesus’ birth, the descendants of King David packed the rooms of Bethlehem’s inns.Yet it was not to any of these VIPs that God sent His angel to announce the birth of the Savior.
Instead, God revealed the news in spectacular fashion to a group of humble shepherds. The shepherds were urged to go and see the Messiah so many had been waiting for.
They immediately ran to Bethlehem to find Him. After they had met Joseph and Mary, and worshiped the new baby in the manger, they headed back to their sheep on the hillside. As they went, they told everyone they met the miraculous news of the Messiah’s birth.
Those earthy, lowly shepherds knew that God’s Good News is worth telling. That’s still true today.
You and I have the privilege of sharing it with people we meet. And Christmas is an excellent time to do just that.This is Andrew Palau.
"After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child." Luke 2:17
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God created rest.Did you know that? God Himself rested. Genesis 2 doesn’t say that God needed rest, just that He did rest. He created the world and then He stopped.
Sometimes we rest. We stop working but our souls are not at rest. Sometimes we work so hard, but our souls and hearts are at rest.
True rest comes when we give all of ourselves to Jesus. Not striving to make Him happy but resting in His unconditional love for us.
During the Christmas season we can be overwhelmed with striving. But Jesus came as an infant; He grew to be a man. He died and He gave His life on a cross, and then He rose again so that you can have rest. More than just a nap, my friend. Rest for your soul.
This is Wendy Palau."On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work." Genesis 2:2“Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29
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I love receiving Christmas cards that have a picture of a cozy house nestled in banks of pristine snow.It looks so inviting and welcoming, with every window glowing. Christmas is so much about hospitality – inviting other people into our home. Maybe it’s partly because we remember that Mary and Joseph welcomed the visiting shepherds even though they were in a stranger’s barn themselves.
Is your house full of light and warmth? Do people feel welcome there; not just because you have Christmas cookies and hot chocolate, but because they can sense that Jesus is there? Wherever Jesus is, there is hope, and joy, and warmth. And because of Jesus, we are all welcome in God’s family.
This Christmas season, let the light of Jesus shine from your windows, sending out an invitation. You don’t know who around you needs to come in out of the cold and into God’s loving family.
This is Andrew Palau.
“Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!” Hebrews 13:2
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Over and over again in the Bible Jesus tells people who He has healed or helped to return home and tell how much God has done.Here is the question: Has God helped you? Can you think of a prayer He’s answered recently? Has He comforted you in some way? Forgiven you? Has He whispered truth to you that comforts you in your darkest night? Tell someone!
The greatest lie the enemy whispers to us all is that God isn’t good. But when we – followers of Jesus – proclaim His goodness, share our stories, testify about His faithfulness, those lies are silenced and hope springs up.
This Christmas season is a perfect time of year to share God’s goodness with someone in your life. Tell someone how much God has done for you.
This is Wendy Palau.
“But Jesus said, ‘No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.’” Mark 5:19
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The story of Christ’s birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love.So what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a Savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists.
Is this what we really want out of Christmas? What if Christmas became the world-changing event again that it was meant to be?
Do you think the lives of the shepherds of Bethlehem were ever the same again after their experience the night Jesus was born?
I doubt it! They went all through the town telling everyone they could about what had happened. The Bible says they glorified and praised God for what they had seen and heard. That’s the least we can do also.
There are so many ways to share the Good News of Jesus Christ at this time of year. Let’s take advantage of that. Joyfully proclaim, “Jesus is Lord!”
This is Andrew Palau.
“The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.”Luke 2:20
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Life, as we experience it, is full of broken promises and unfulfilled expectations.Products that are advertised as life-changing turn out to be nothing of the sort. People make promises to us which they don’t keep. We feel let down by someone we trusted.
You might even think that God has let you down. Do you believe He is not interested in you and what is happening in your life? Nothing could be further from the truth!
God is the one person we can put all of our trust in. He is the constant One who promises to never forsake us.
Psalm 57 says, “Great is your love, reaching to the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.”
God loves you and is true to His word. He never lies and never fails to keep a promise.
So put all your trust in God – He won’t let you down.
Remember, there is always hope with God.This is Andrew Palau
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Have you ever said to God, “Where are You? If You had been here this would not have happened?” I have.And there are two sisters in the Bible who asked Jesus this same question. Their brother had died. When Jesus got to them both sisters said to Him, “Lord, if you had been here, this would not have happened.”
Jesus’s response is astounding to me. Instead of giving an explanation, He tells them who He is. He says, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live even though he dies.” Then He ends His statement with, “Do you believe this?”
Jesus very seldom gives an explanation for our grief but He does tell us who He is. He tells us that through Him there is life even in death. Eternal life through Him. Do you believe this?
Always remember, there is hope with God.This is Wendy Palau.
Scripture: John 11:25
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I know people who are angry with God because they prayed for something and didn’t receive it.But we have to remember that God is not a magic genie. He is a loving Father.
Just as loving parents often have to say no to their children, so God sometimes says no to us. Children don’t yet have the wisdom to always make good choices. And we don’t always know what is best for our lives either. But God does.
St. Paul had a struggle in his life. We don’t know for sure what it was, but apparently it was a chronic, physical problem. He asked God to take it away, but God did not. However, Paul trusted God to do what was right with this hard thing in his life.
Do you have that kind of trust in your loving, heavenly Father? Can you fully trust Him even when He says no to you? That kind of faith is a powerful witness to everyone around you.
This is Andrew Palau.
"Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
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Listen to these words of Jesus in Luke 6: “Give away your life; you’ll find life given back with bonus and blessing.Giving, not getting, is the way.” This is called “God’s economy.” The beautiful paradox that’s the kingdom of God.
The very thing we want, we must give away - submitting our lives to the lordship and the authority of Jesus. As we walk with God through Jesus, we receive all we have ever longed for.
C.S. Lewis said it like this: “Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay. But look for Christ and you will find Him, and with Him, everything else thrown in.”
Give away your life and you will find life given back.This is Wendy Palau.
Luke 6:38radio.hopewithgod.com
In the interest of always being prepared for any contingency, I sometimes think about what I should try to save if ever our house catches on fire.What is most valuable? What matters the most to us?
Analyzing my life in the same way is a good spiritual exercise. What is most important to me? Surely, Jesus should be at the top of that list.
The Apostle Paul said, “To me, to live is Christ…” If we are living for Him, we must consider whether our actions line up with our values. Most important, are we living in a way that is pleasing to God?
The exciting thing is that when we get our priorities right, life makes much more sense. We can follow the principles God has laid out for us in His Word, the Bible. And we can lean on the wonderful promises we find there.
What matters most to you? Consider that today.
This is Andrew Palau."For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better." Philippians 1:21
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Sometimes I think Christians forget how urgent the Gospel message really is.We think, “Once I’m comfortable with this person, then I’ll share the Good News.” Or, “I’ll talk about Jesus only if they mention Him first.”
I think many people have this idea that we’ll always have more time to share about Jesus. But let me tell you, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
The Gospel message is an urgent one. Life is fragile, and in the blink of an eye we could be gone. Whether people have or haven’t received Jesus will affect them for all eternity. Let’s give them the opportunity to do so now.
The Bible says in Proverbs 24, “Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling towards slaughter.”
So let’s share the Good News – the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ – boldly, honestly, and clearly today.This is Andrew Palau.Proverbs 24:11
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Do you think of God as an angry God?Maybe you feel as if He is constantly standing above you looking down with a sense of disapproval.
Yes, God hates sin. Sin destroys us from the inside out and because of how much He loves us, He hates when something hurts us.
Listen to these words in the Old Testament book of Micah: “Who is God like you who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.”
God’s mercy is so great that He sent a payment for our sin: His very own Son – Jesus. And He longs to show you compassion. He delights to show you mercy.
This is Wendy Palau."Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love." Micah 7:18
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I heard about a Christian man who went into a coffee shop.He sat down at a table and put out a sign that said, “Free coffee if you listen to my story.” No one came up to listen to his tale.
The next day, he sat down at the same table and again put out a sign. This time it said, “Free coffee if you tell me your story.” Before he knew it, people were lining up to tell him their stories. Some even brought him coffee!
The lesson is clear. There are people who are desperate to have someone, anyone, listen to their story. Allowing them to share their concerns, and listening without criticism can make all the difference in their lives.
The Bible says we should be “quick to hear, and slow to speak.” We know that Jesus is the answer to whatever problems a person has, but we need to understand the questions first. Begin by being a good listener.
This is Andrew Palau.
"Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." James 1:19
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I’m born in Kingston, Jamaica and we love mango season.So every once in a while we’ll have a guest that comes to Jamaica and we’ll offer them a mango. Invariably someone will say, “Oh, I don’t like mangos,” and we’ll say, “What? You don’t like mangos?”
Conversation will stop. Obviously, you’ve never had a real mango. We’ll get a really beautifully ripe Bombay mango and put it before them and say: “Here! This is a real mango. The mango you’ve had was ripened falsely, shipped a thousand miles. That’s not a real mango. This is a real mango.”
You know, people will say to us, “I don’t like God. He’s not for me.” Do they know the real Jesus? I pray today that you will share the real, sweet Jesus with the people in your life.
This is Wendy Palau.
"Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other.But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit." Titus 3:3-5
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One of the most effective missionaries of the twentieth century was Gladys Aylward.Born in London in 1902, she did poorly in school and took a job as a maid when she was 14. But in her twenties, Gladys received Jesus as her Savior, and everything changed.
Convinced that God was calling her to serve Him in China, she overcame huge obstacles to make her way overland to that distant country.
After learning the difficult Chinese language, Gladys shared the Good News of Jesus with thousands of people. She became an honored citizen of China. Books were written about her. A movie was made.
The life of Gladys Aylward was extraordinary because she listened to God’s call and obeyed, and with His power, succeeded against all odds.
If we go forward in obedience to God’s call on our heart, we will see Him do amazing things in us and through us.This is Andrew Palau.“Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” Mark 16:15
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I’ve been told the secret to effective communication is repetition and review.Tell people what you are going to say, then say it. Then tell them what you said.
The writer of Psalm 136 was obviously following that principle. Four times he exhorts us to “give thanks.” And 26 times he reminds us that God’s “faithful love endures forever.”
If circumstances in your life are difficult right now, it can be hard to find reasons to give thanks.
Read Psalm 136 for yourself, then try this exercise. Write a list of things you know to be true about God. Then write down details of times when God answered your prayers and met your needs. Read through both lists, and at the end of each item add the words, “His faithful love endures forever.”
I’m sure you’ll find that will encourage you and bring warmth and light into your heart.This is Andrew Palau.
"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever." Psalm 136:1
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If you know Jesus Christ, you have a relationship with the One who is more powerful and more loving than anyone else. Aren’t you glad He’s your friend?
Maybe you’re thinking that if that is so, your life should be easier – more blessed. Well, Jesus knows how to bless us better than we do.
In His wisdom, He gives us challenges and limits that help us learn and grow safely. He knows that if we had access to everything we desired, we would destroy ourselves.
Is there a challenge, a difficulty in your life you wish God would remove? Talk to Him about it. He loves to bless His children! But if this problem doesn’t go away, consider asking God how He wants to use it to refine your faith, to strengthen you.
In Romans 8 we read, “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God.” He wants to protect you and bless you! This is Andrew Palau. radio.hopewithgod.com
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn…” Why would He say such a thing?
Mourning is that deep, dark place of anguish. So why would Jesus say, “Blessed are those who mourn”? The word blessed means happy and fortunate. Mourning is a place where we desperately need God.
The rest of the verse says, “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” By Him! And there is the blessing: Him. Jesus. His powerful, kind, miraculous presence. There is the greatest blessing we could ever receive: Him.
Are you mourning today? Turn to Jesus. Ask Him for comfort. He is the God of the valley, even the valley of the shadow of death.
Always remember, there is hope with God. This is Wendy Palau.
“God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
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Those of us who know Jesus and follow Him closely, have experienced His blessing. I’d like to remind you today of a huge reason to feel blessed.
When Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection He told them, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)
That is directly speaking about you and me today. You have not physically seen Jesus, but do you believe in Him? Have you put your trust in Him? Then you are blessed!
We can thank God daily for His sovereignty, His provision, His love, and all the good things He showers on us.
In James 1:17 we read, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
What God gives us, the blessing He pours out on us, is always perfect. Let’s give Him our love, our gratitude, and our obedience every day. This is Andrew Palau. radio.hopewithgod.com
When times are uncertain, many of us turn to trusted friends. But the ultimate friend – the One who can never let us down – and the One who is always dependable is Jesus Himself.
The Bible says we were created to be in relationship with Him! And Jesus sees us as a friend, too. The Bible says in John 15:15, “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends…”
Just like the friends we can see and talk to here on Earth, Jesus wants to be in communication with us. This happens through prayer – speaking to Him - and reading His Word – hearing from Him. It happens by remembering that He is with you always, in all circumstances.
He is there. He is with you now, your ultimate Friend and Savior, Jesus.
This is Andrew Palau. radio.hopewithgod.com
There is one thing we know about heaven that makes me excited. Every longing we’ve ever had will be met. As a girl I remember my parents playing a song about a man who goes to heaven and sees Jesus. He describes it like this: “Being with Him was to have everything I ever wanted, be everything I ever imagined, and arrive at everywhere I’d only dreamed of going.”
These words resonated so deeply with me. I was always a girl of longing – a romantic, emotional and passionate. This beautiful description of Jesus moved me then and it moves me now. Every longing met; every loss, every tear, every disappointment met and filled when I see Jesus face to face.
Does this fill you with hope as it does me? This is Wendy Palau.
"Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is." 1 John 3:2
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Have you ever experienced a difficult time in life that causes you to question your faith? Something bad happens, followed by something else. And wham! We find ourselves in despair and doubt. This can be brought on by a terminal illness, the loss of a loved one, or some other tragedy.
The author of the book of James, in the Bible, knew a lot about trials. In the Bible, He says, “Consider it a great joy…whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may become mature and complete, lacking nothing.” Indeed, trials will happen.
It’s inevitable that we’ll all experience hard times. But God is with us in these trials, and difficult seasons are an opportunity to remain strong in our faith.
Our trust in God during the hard times will be a testimony of His power to people around us.
This is Andrew Palau. Scripture: James 1:2-3
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Listen to this beautiful verse of hope. “As for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”
The interesting thing about this verse written by Micah in chapter 7 – it was written in a time of great destruction and suffering for the people of Israel. Micah describes it as a time of confusion.
Isn’t that exactly how we feel when trouble enters our life, when suffering walks through the door? We are swept away in confusion. But we don’t have to stay there.
We can be people of hope. Because we believe in a God who hears us. He is compassionate. We also believe in a God who saves us – a rescuer and a deliverer.
Oh, my friends! Watch in hope.
This is Wendy Palau radio.hopewithgod.com
Feeling discouraged is a common struggle. Life brings us many challenges for which we feel inadequate.
Whether you’re in school, raising children at home, or running a business, this pressure to “have it all together” can be overwhelming.
Thankfully, we have a God who tells us that we can trust Him to lead us and to give us the strength we need.
Here’s a promise I love: “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” You can read it for yourself in Deuteronomy 31, verse 8.
If you are in need of encouragement today, pick up your Bible, talk to God, and seek out support through your church. God does not intend for you to face life’s struggles alone. So be encouraged! God is with you.
Always remember, there is hope with God. This is Andrew Palau.
"Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you." Deuteronomy 31:8
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These days, I find that a lot of people feel as though they don’t need God. Especially in affluent countries, many feel they lack nothing. Even Christians sometimes go about their day giving little thought to spiritual things. They forget that Jesus said, “Without Me you can do nothing.”
I have friends who have expressed to me that they find it difficult, in the busyness of their lives, to find a quiet moment to just sit and listen for God’s voice and direction. But this should be of first importance in our day.
In the book of John in the Bible we read, “Whoever is of God hears the words of God.”
There is real peace and security in learning what God wants of us, and then doing it. I have found that it does my soul a lot of good to unplug from my phone, the television, social media…and just focus on what God has to say to me. Are you listening to God? Do you hear what He is saying to you?
This is Andrew Palau. John 8:47 radio.hopewithgod.com
God is an intimate God. He is personal and relational. In Revelation, as He’s encouraging the churches to overcome, He says: “I will give them a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.”
What is this white stone? A white stone was given as a sign of an alliance, a testimony of a friendship.
There is beautiful imagery like this scattered throughout the Bible that reminds us that God is intimate and personal. He wants to be your friend. He knows your name.
Are you a friend of God? You can be. No matter what you’ve done or what’s been done to you, you are deeply loved. Submit your life to Him today.
This is Wendy Palau. Revelation 2:17
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There’s a reason we often describe beginning a relationship with Jesus Christ as getting ‘saved.’ He rescues us from our sin and grants us eternal life. But, friends, He also has the power to save us in this life.
Before I came to know Him, I was stuck in a haze of recklessness, looking for satisfaction in destructive places and habits. I was on a road that led to death. When I opened my heart to Him, the Lord showed me exactly what was keeping me from His unending grace. He also showed me a way out.
Our God is not stand-offish. Let the Lord help you in whatever you’re struggling with today. Turn to the Bible – our help manual – and ask Him to show you the way out.
God wants you to live a victorious life. This is why He calls us into a relationship with Him. Share this amazing truth with someone who needs to hear it today. Remember, there is always hope with God.
This is Andrew Palau.
“Unless the LORD had helped me, I would soon have settled in the silence of the grave.” Psalm 94:17
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My father-in-law, Luis Palau, used to say that we each have a “moment of decision that leads to a lifetime of adjustments.” What is that moment of decision? It’s a time when you decided in your mind, your heart, your soul, to follow Jesus. The Bible calls it being born again. That is a moment of decision.
But then comes life. Day to day life. Mornings of frustration or regret; days of hard work and challenges; evenings of stress or even boredom. Here come the adjustments, and how do we make them?
We get to know God. We invite Him into our mornings, welcome Him into our hardest days, and lean into Him each evening. It’s a lifetime journey.
Don’t be discouraged – it’s so worth it. Persevere in your life with Jesus. This is Wendy Palau.
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I returned to a place I haven’t visited for a few years, and I noticed a lot of changes. I even got lost because things are so different from my memory of them. We are used to this, and actually expect it.
But there is one thing at least which never changes, and that is the message of the Gospel. Sure, the ways we share the Good News have evolved some – like the music has got louder, and the church buildings might look different, with trendy names.
But the message of the Gospel has and always will remain the same. It is complete and perfect. The words of John 3:16 are as relevant today as they were when Jesus spoke them.
Each of us knows people who need to hear this life-giving message. Here it is in a nutshell: “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Share it today! This is Andrew Palau. radio.hopewithgod.com
Matt was popular. But he used various substances and people for his own pleasure. Eventually he realized his ways were selfish and leading down a destructive path. So he tried to pull himself up and clean up his act.
Matt did everything he could, but nothing produced lasting change. He would always end up right back where he started with the same old bad habits.
Finally, Matt turned to God and was radically transformed. Jesus gave him a new heart, and a brand-new life. He experienced what we read about in 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “…anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
If you know someone who has tried everything to make themselves better, tell them how Jesus can truly change them. He alone can make a person new. This is Andrew Palau.
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In ancient days, names meant so much more than they do now. I’ve always disliked my name.
My name is Wendy. It means “wanderer,” and for many years I was a wanderer – discontented where I was, always wanting to be somewhere else. My sister’s name means “worthy to be loved” and I wanted that name instead.
Do you feel defined? Maybe not by your name, as I did, but maybe by your circumstances or your past pain, or parts of your personality that frustrate you.
The Creator of the universe made you and He wastes nothing. He wants to make beautiful and meaningful things out of your life, but He can only do it if your life belongs to Him. Give Him your life today, my friend.
Always remember, there is hope with God. This is Wendy Palau.
“To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.” Isaiah 61:3
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I’m impressed by some of the young men who pastor churches in our area. They live godly lives and have a passion to see people come to know Jesus. They inspire me!
And then there are the older men and women in my church, many of whom I have known for years. Even in old age they continue mentoring, discipling, encouraging young believers.
In between is my generation, some of whom are teachers or successful business owners. They give generously, teach Sunday School, lead mission groups on overseas trips, and gladly share their knowledge and experience with all of us in the church.
No matter where you fall on the age spectrum you can actively serve God. I encourage you to share His love with others. Find out what opportunities there are, and consider where you could best fit in. Just make yourself available and I know for sure that God will use you in some exciting way.
This is Andrew Palau.
"Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." Ephesians 6:7
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Listen to this verse in James 4: “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” How discouraging!
But as I was thinking about this verse I started to think about mist. Mist is temporary but mist is beautiful. Have you ever seen the mist settled in a valley? It’s so beautiful! Mist is found in lush, green places – not desolate deserts.
This encourages me because, yes, our lives are like mist, but God loves you. You are His creation, and He is always working out beautiful things in your life.
Yes, our lives are here today and gone tomorrow, but our lives matter. Your life matters to Him.
This is Wendy Palau. Scripture: James 4:14 radio.hopewithgod.com
Have you discovered the meaning of life? In all of the confusion and uncertainty about life, where can we turn for wisdom and direction?
I have found that the Bible, God’s Word, has what I need.
There are plenty of references to life as a “shadow,” a “vapor” – something temporary and insubstantial. But check out what Jesus said in John 10:10 –
He told his listeners, “…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” And 2 Corinthians 9:8 tells us, “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Isn’t that the kind of full, satisfying life we all want? And we can have it as we obey God, serve other people, and share with them the Good News that Jesus Christ came to rescue them and give them abundant life.
There is always hope with God. This is Andrew Palau.
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Did you know the deepest part of the ocean is nearly seven miles deep? It’s in the western Pacific Ocean and it’s filled with weird creatures that are adapted to the extreme environment down there. They look like something made up for a science fiction movie.
Learning about the deepest oceans helps me understand the verse in the Bible in which Paul talks about the “breadth and length and height and depth” of God’s love. He also says that the love of Christ is too great to understand.
I’ve got to say, those deep-sea creatures are beyond my understanding. But if God created them and gave them what they need to survive, how much more does He love us, His children – made in His own image?
Our world needs this kind of love, and we can share it. If we can love our neighbors a fraction of how much God loves us, we can move them towards our Lord Jesus Christ.
This is Andrew Palau.
“May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” Ephesians 3:19
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God doesn’t need us. He is complete in Himself. Yet what is so stunning about God is that He has chosen, mysteriously, to love and care about us intimately. Not from a distance but with compassion, personally.
He voluntarily attaches Himself to us. He sees our situation, He knows our trouble, our need, and is moved. But not only is He moved with emotion, He is moved to act.
I pray that no matter what your circumstances are today you’ll know God voluntarily is attached to you. He knows your life. He knows what’s happening today – your joy and your need – and His posture towards you is compassion.
Always remember, there is hope with God. This is Wendy Palau.
"He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young." Isaiah 40:11
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I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “Don’t put God into a box.” What it means is this: don’t put limitations on God. Instead, let God be God, and don’t try to quantify or limit His capabilities.
In my own life, I get caught up in planning. And if anything other than my initial preferences occurs, I get frustrated.
What I have to remember – and what we all have to remember – is that God is all about bringing glory to Himself and to the Kingdom. And often, that means His mighty plan is going to be bigger than I can ever comprehend.
God is not limited to my likes and dislikes, my timeframe, or my personal goals. God does not fit into my box.
Remember that God loves you—but sometimes His plan may look different than yours.
The Bible says in Proverbs 3:5 to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” – so do it! Trust God.
This is Andrew Palau. radio.hopewithgod.com
There is a beautiful picture in the Bible of the relationship we have with God. He is our heavenly Father because He has adopted us into His family.
Ephesians 1:5 says, “God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.” Wow!
When a child is adopted into a family they don’t just live in the house. They become a member of the family, having the same name. They are loved. When the parents die, the inheritance is shared among all the children – even the adopted ones. This is a very moving picture of what God does for us.
He provides for us. He loves us. This is Wendy Palau.
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In Psalm 145 David calls us to take the time to look back on our lives and reflect on the goodness of our God. In the words of an old hymn, we are urged to, “Count your blessings, name them one by one.”
When I take time to do this – stop and really dwell on all the amazing things I have to be grateful for, I’m overwhelmed! I’m sure you would be too.
Of course, it’s possible that you don’t feel like praising God. Perhaps life came at you in ways you never anticipated.
In spite of everything that happens in our lives, God never leaves us. Most important, he gave us the greatest gift imaginable, the gift of his only Son, the Lord Jesus.
That is the key. As Paul states in Romans 8:32, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” This is Andrew Palau.
"Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness." Psalm 145:3
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We humans seek significance but often settle for busyness. We tell ourselves that if we are always busy, it must mean we are in demand and we count for something. We settle for productivity while inwardly we crave a sense of purpose and destiny.
There’s nothing wrong with having a full schedule of activities that serve a worthwhile purpose. But just because we are busy doesn’t always mean we’re doing what God has called us to do. He wants us to reach out to people around us with His love and His offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.
He specifically told us to love our neighbors and to proclaim the Gospel to everyone. That includes your own family. That should be our purpose. That is what gives us a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
Remember that when Jesus commanded us to proclaim the Gospel, He also promised that He would always be with us.
This is Andrew Palau. “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
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Jesus saw two brothers fishing and walked up to them and said, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” And He didn’t tell them where He was going.
Do you sense God calling you? Jesus saying to you, “Follow Me”? But it’s difficult because you want to ask Him, “Jesus, if I follow you, where will we go?”
I encourage you. When Jesus says, “Follow Me,” He won’t tell you where He’s going, but He will call you to a life that matters. To a life that cares about other people because that’s what Jesus cares about.
How did those brothers respond? At once they left their nets and followed Him. Maybe today is your “at once.” Say yes! Follow Him.
This is Wendy Palau. Scripture: Matthew 4:19
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When I return home after a trip, I’m so excited to pull into the driveway, see the lights glowing from the windows, and feel the welcome of my family. But there are many people in the world who don’t have anyone to welcome them home. They feel lost and alone.
Jesus calls us to welcome those people into our lives, just like He did. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law used to grumble, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” Eating with someone was an honor, and Jesus gave that honor even to people who were outcasts from polite society.
Jesus is our example of hospitality. We can invite others to a meal and welcome them to a community that is warm and accepting. They can feel the love of Jesus and the care of a Christ-centered family. First Peter 4:9 says, “Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.”
This is Andrew Palau. radio.hopewithgod.com
In Matthew 5 Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” What does that mean - to be poor in spirit? And why would Jesus say that this is a blessed place to be?
Being poor in spirit means being at the end of yourself; void of spiritual strength.
Have you ever felt this way spiritually? I know I have. Why would Jesus say that we are blessed in that posture?
Those who are poor in spirit see themselves for who they really are: empty and destitute without Him. In that place of realizing our poverty, we turn to Him, and we can receive Him. His presence.
When we see ourselves for who we are, and we see Him for who He is, His kingdom invades our lives.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Always remember there is hope with God. This is Wendy Palau. radio.hopewithgod.com
It is a scientific truth that light always goes into darkness, not the other way around. Darkness cannot overcome a candle, it must wait for the flame to flicker out. But light takes effect instantaneously, as soon as a match is struck, or a switch flipped on.
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
There is a lot of darkness in the world around us, and it can be intimidating. But that’s where Jesus wants us to be, to shine the light of His love and truth into the dark places. Let’s be willing to go beyond our comfort zone.
Find out where your neighbors and coworkers hang out and join them there. That’s where you can shine the brightest. And that’s where you will find opportunities to share the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ.
This is Andrew Palau. Scripture- Matthew 5:14,16
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In the face of unspeakable pain and suffering, why would anyone still believe in God? Or take the matter of unexpected crises. Of course, one hopes that life’s crises will be few and far between. Then one day, you get news that you have cancer. Believe me, everybody has a story.
Even in the worst of circumstances, God never abandons us. He is still there, urging us to not lose hope that we will experience His comfort, solace, encouragement, strength, joy and peace.
A woman named Lisa said it best: “I discovered there’s always hope.”
What’s your story? Can you see God at work in your life? Whatever your story, I pray that “the God of all comfort” will be your comfort, strength, and peace now and in the days ahead.
Remember, there is always hope with God.
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
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John Paul Sartre said that if God exists, humans are not free, and that if humans are free, God does not exist. For us in the 21st century this is a terrible thought – that we truly aren’t free.
But the ancient psalmist, David, said the same thing. In Psalm 139 he said, “Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.”
If God is God, then we are His creation, and He is supreme. But the beautiful, comforting truth that we can rest in is that this mighty God is good. He is so good that He gave everything in His Son, Jesus.
There is no refuge from Him. There is only refuge in Him.
This is Wendy Palau.
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Imagine for a moment you’re camping in the Umpqua National Forest in Oregon. As you snuggle into your sleeping bag, suddenly a huge shadow falls across the walls of your tent.
At such a moment, positive thinking can do a lot to relieve your fear. You might remind yourself that bears generally steer clear of humans. On the other hand, maybe you’re thinking you are the bear’s ideal late-night snack. In which case, you don’t need positive thinking; you need courage.
Hope builds courage, not by denying reality, but through banking on absolute certainty.
If you are facing a big challenge right now, place your hope in the trustworthy promises of God, such as, “I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
When you are faced with fearful situations, have courage. Stand firm on God’s promises.
This is Andrew Palau.
Deuteronomy 31:6, Isaiah 41:10
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Have you had one of those nights when your soul feels tormented? Something you did or said that you’re agonizing about? Possibly a situation that has caused deep grief?
You’re not alone, my friend. Listen to the ancient words of a person who had a night like yours, in Psalm 77: “When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted.”
The beauty of this psalm is in the heart posture of the writer. The agony is there but he’s crying out to God for help. The psalm ends with words of deep hope: “You are the God who performs miracles.”
You will have dark nights, but where is your hope? Put your hope in the ONE who is worthy of your trust. He alone is the ONE who can perform miracles on your behalf.
This is Wendy Palau. Psalm 77:1,14 radio.hopewithgod.com
The author Norman Cousins said that human beings can live for a few weeks without food, a few days without water, a few minutes without air, but not one second without hope. All of us instinctively know this, but sometimes we settle for something less. In a desire to feel good about where we’re headed we mistake positive thinking for genuine hope.
While positive thinking can put us in the right frame of mind to tackle our problems, it can’t ultimately do much about the problems themselves. For that we need a solid, biblical, divinely revealed hope. Hope in a loving, strong God.
Having hope means we can endure through our struggles. Hope in God means we will reach a solution and find peace.
Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.”
Remember, there is always hope with God. This is Andrew Palau.
Scripture: John 14:1
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Living in a large city, I often hear sirens and I think of those first responders who are hurrying to help people in distress. I’m thankful for these individuals who daily risk themselves to save others.
As Christians, we are first responders for souls. Jude 1:23 puts it this way: “Save others by snatching them out of the fire; show mercy to those facing fear.”
As we come across those who are lost, grieving, lonely, or hurt it is our responsibility to share with them the good news of Jesus. What a privilege it is to do that!
This is a serious business we’re in as Christians. Jesus gave us a great commission when He told us to proclaim His Gospel. How you model your faith and what you say today could affect somebody else’s life for eternity.
Be encouraged. God is with you every step of the way. This is Andrew Palau.
Scripture: Jude 1:23
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When Mary, Jesus’s mother, became pregnant with Him by the Holy Spirit, she was told by the angel to name Him Jesus, which means “the Lord saves.” He’s also called Immanuel, which means “God with us.” The implications of this are so beautiful to me. His name is Jesus – the Lord saves. And He is called Immanuel – God with us.
He has done all the work on the cross. The absolute completion of all that is needed. And He is also with us. His presence is our comfort, our help, our hope.
How beautiful is this Jesus! The One who is named Savior, and the One who is called God with us. I pray this stuns and moves you as it does me. This is Wendy Palau.
Scripture: Matthew 1:21, 23
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The wounded man lay dying by the side of the road. He had been brutally attacked and robbed by bandits.
Now, when hope of help was almost gone, he dimly heard hoof beats which stopped beside him. Someone gave him a cool drink of water, then carefully cleaned and dressed his wounds.
The kind stranger helped the injured man climb onto his donkey. Then he took him to an inn, tended him through the night, and even paid for his continuing care.
What a selfless, generous act! The surprising thing about this story is that the two men were from different people groups which hated each other.
Jesus said we should love our neighbor, and this is the story he told to illustrate how to do that. We show generosity to the one in need. Mercy to the one who is neglected by others. Kindness to the different and unlovely one. They are our neighbors.
This is Andrew Palau.
“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” Luke 10:36-37
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Paul says in Philippians 3:10, “I want to know Christ…” Do you want to know Jesus?
We’re all drawn and pulled by so many things and find ourselves spending time knowing absolutely useless things. Or we spend time consuming dark and discouraging content that takes us to depressing places in our minds.
God knows our hearts. What about honestly asking Him to help you? How about this prayer: “Lord, I want to want to know You.”
My sister always says, “God isn’t boring!” Getting to know God will be the greatest adventure of your life.
Pray with me. Lord, I want to know You more. I want to want to know You more. I give You my life. Amen. This is Wendy Palau. “I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death.” Philippians 3:10
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We’re used to seeing advertising that assures us we deserve the best. And some psychologists encourage you to love yourself first.
But in God’s kingdom, different standards are upheld. When a religious leader of Jesus’s day asked Him which is the most important commandment He replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
That view of life is certainly different from our culture’s opinion. Instead of loving ourselves above all, God says we should love Him first, and we should care for others as much as we care for ourselves.
Will you join me in working towards fully obeying those two commandments? As we get to know God better we will love Him more. And as we find ways to help and care for people we know, we will grow in that obedience. This is Andrew Palau. Scripture-Matthew 22:37-39
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A few years ago, I wrote a book called “The Secret Life of a Fool.” In the book, I talk about my life before receiving Jesus into my heart and entering into that relationship with Him.
I share about how God met all of my shame and shortcomings with abundant love and grace. My life has completely changed as I’ve shifted from living by my own rules to following God.
Wherever you are in your life right now, I promise you that He can change your life too. Jesus can meet your shame with abundant grace. He can offer you a new life. A peace beyond anything you can comprehend.
The Bible says all we must do is respond - believe and receive Him into our hearts to experience new life with Him. Romans 10:9 says, “…that if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
This is Andrew Palau.
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Do you think God keeps a list of all your bad deeds and your good? Maybe He’s just looking down waiting, watching, with slight disappointment?
My friend, we continue to place our attitudes on God. If we are disappointed in ourselves, we think He is also disappointed. But the best news ever is that He is NOT like us at all. His ways are not our ways.
Listen to the words of Psalm 130: “If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness…”
We all do wrong. We all sin, but God has made a way for us to be in relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus. And He keeps no record of our sin. Instead, He offers forgiveness.
This is Wendy Palau.
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One early morning Jesus was teaching in the Temple. Suddenly, a few of the religious leaders thrust their way through the crowd, dragging a woman with them.
They made her stand in front of the crowd, then turned to Jesus and said, “This woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” Jesus calmly told them, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone.”
Of course, none of them could claim perfection, so they had to quietly slink away, leaving the woman standing before Jesus. Finally, He looked at her and asked, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”
Is there something you have done which seems unforgivable? It’s not! Jesus loves you and will forgive you if you repent and come to Him.
This is Andrew Palau.
“Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins.” Acts 13:38
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There is a beautiful interaction between Jesus and a man with leprosy in the book of Matthew, chapter 8. Leprosy is a terrible skin disease, contagious, and in ancient days with limited sanitation a person with leprosy was a complete outcast, considered unclean. Untouchable!
But this man with leprosy comes up to Jesus, kneels before Him and says, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reaches out His hand and touches the man and says, “I am willing. Be clean!” And the man was healed.
Jesus, the perfect One, reaching out to touch the unclean. Do you feel unclean? Maybe there’s something in your life that you’ve done. Possibly something that has been done to you. And you can’t imagine that the perfect God would want to have anything to do with you.
I want you to believe in the core of your soul – He wants to have everything to do with you. Reach out to Him today. This is Wendy Palau. Matthew 8:3
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Sometimes it seems as though there is very little good left in the world. Humans seem like terrible creatures who don’t deserve saving. But when God looks at the world, He sees things differently. He sees His beloved creation, His sons and daughters. He sees His image-bearers.
Despite all the wrongness that has always infected humanity, God still looked at the world and loved us- loved us enough to send His own Son as our Savior. He desires to bring us all into His family.
So instead of being discouraged about the behavior of the human race, we should ask God to help us to see people as He sees them. Beyond all the layers of sinfulness, darkness, and confusion. As His beloved creation, made in His image. He loves the work of His hands – us!
Remember, there is always hope with God.
This is Andrew Palau.
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They say a person’s true nature shines through during times of trial. When we’re faced with scary or unpredictable situations, we have two options: panic, or live in Jesus’ peace.
The Bible says that Jesus will bring us peace. Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This means that regardless of what we face, we can rest, knowing that God is in control.
Maybe you are going through trials in your life. Perhaps you are walking that line between peace and anxiety. If so, can I just encourage you to turn to Christ? Choose His peace. Read His Word, pray often, and trust that He has a unique plan for you.
Remember, there’s always hope with God. This is Andrew Palau.
“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
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The American Constitution famously defines basic human rights as “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” But what is happiness? And how do you pursue it?
The writer, George Orwell, once said, “Men can only be happy when they do not assume that the object of life is happiness.”
It seems to me that happiness kind of sneaks up on you unexpectedly. It’s a result of loving others, being loved in return, and doing what is good and right. And those are things God wants us to do, right?
Happiness comes when we do what God has given us to do, and see it through in His strength.
The first statement in the Westminster Confession is, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Happiness should not be our main goal in life, but knowing and serving our wonderful God is, and the result – the great result – is true happiness. This is Andrew Palau. “Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.” Psalm 119:35
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Have you ever heard someone say, God has a plan? And you’re thinking to yourself, “I wish He’d tell me His plan because I’m so confused.”
There are many mysteries to God and there are things He does, things He allows or doesn’t allow, that can have us looking up to heaven and crying out, “Why Lord; what could you be doing in my life?”
I don’t have the answers to all of your whys, but there is one plan of God that we can be certain of, and I’ll tell you what it is. God wants to bless YOU. This is part of the unchanging nature of His purpose, and God does not lie.
How does He bless you? By a reconciliation of your relationship with Him. This is true blessing – His presence through His Son, Jesus Christ. This is His plan for you. Turn your heart to Him today.
This is Wendy Palau.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
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Have you ever wondered what you are doing with your life? I mean, what’s the purpose behind getting up and going to work every day?
I had these thoughts when I was in my early twenties. By worldly standards, I was doing well. I had a good job, I had lots of friends, and I was always working hard to make sure I got invited to all the right parties each weekend.
But I had walked away from God years earlier, and I felt a growing sense of emptiness that could not be filled – no matter how busy I made myself.
I spent years spinning my wheels – discontent, but too prideful to turn back to face Jesus.
What I came to realize was that nothing would ever satisfy my soul in the way God could. Only Jesus will bring you true peace, significance, value, and purpose.
Maybe you’re stuck like I once was. If so, trust me when I say that all you need to do is turn and call out to Jesus.
This is Andrew Palau.
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 radio.hopewithgod.com
Jesus was the single most important person to ever walk the planet. Both secular scholars and Christian historians agree that Jesus lived.
But even today, many people disagree about who Jesus was. But the truth is, Jesus was God in person: fully human and fully divine.
Before Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection, people operated inside a sacrificial system, making offerings for the forgiveness of their sins.
Obviously, everyone falls short when held up against strict religious codes. So God sent Jesus. He died on the cross and in doing so, opened the door to salvation and forgiveness of sins.
The Bible says in John 3:17, “God did not send him into the world to condemn the world but to save the world through him.” Jesus changes everything.
This is Andrew Palau. radio.hopewithgod.com
Sometimes I think Christian leaders refrain from talking about evil because, well, it makes everyone uncomfortable. But if we don’t acknowledge it, then it may be able to penetrate our lives without us even realizing it!
Spiritual warfare is real, and to be victorious we must stay vigilant and rooted in the Word of God and in Jesus Christ.
The Bible says in 1 John 5:19 that “We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one”.
In other words, as followers of Jesus, we can be sure that Jesus is our foundation – but the rest of the world is where the enemy lives until Jesus’ return.
I urge you to get connected with a church if you aren’t already. Spend time in God’s word personally. Remain vigilant and rooted in the Bible and in Jesus. This is Andrew Palau.
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What’s entangling you today? Maybe a situation, maybe it’s a habit, or even an addiction.
There’s a verse in the book of Hebrews that says: “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
Sin entangles. And that word means “a serious hindrance that hampers someone who desperately needs to advance.”
The first step forward is to realize that you’ve become entangled. You are not running as freely as you should be or could be. Ask God to forgive you. He will. The second step is to decide to throw it off once and for all.
Nothing compares to running your race freely, without a constant sense of guilt or shame. Ask Him to help you become disentangled.
This is Wendy Palau. Hebrews 12:1
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There was a time, long, long ago, when the earth was free from disease, grief, shame, and even death. But then, in the Garden of Eden, God’s first humans – Adam and Eve - disobeyed Him. God had given them one command — which was not to eat from a certain fruit tree. When that command was broken, sin entered into the world. And ever since, humans have been flawed.
But thankfully, God sent His one and only Son, to fix our situation. When Jesus came and died on the cross, He did so, so that we could be forgiven and live in a relationship with God once again.
If you have yet to begin a relationship with Jesus by receiving Him into your heart, I urge you to do so today.
The Bible says in Acts 16:31, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved…”
This is Andrew Palau.
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The concept of “pay it forward” has become pretty familiar within the last couple of decades. A common, simple way this plays out is often seen in stores or restaurants. I have been in a checkout line when someone paid for the coffee and doughnut of the person behind them.
It certainly makes a bright moment in someone’s day, and may be just the boost that person needed. But it is a small thing that does not really have any long-term impact on someone’s life.
What if – instead of just a random act of kindness – we take an opportunity each day to share Jesus Christ in some way? I know of one man who is generous in giving to the homeless in his town. He makes sure they know he gives out of a grateful heart for what Jesus has done for him.
We can be kind and generous, certainly – and we should be - but let’s not stop there. Take it that one step further and share the Good News of Jesus Christ with people you come across in your world. This is Andrew Palau.
“You will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere.” Acts 1:8
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One of the things I like about watching HGTV is to see how they repurpose and reuse previously discarded materials. I love how they find new uses for discarded items or give new life to things that are worn out and thought of as worthless. The creativity shown is inspiring.
When I watch that, I can’t help but think, “That’s what God does with us!” He takes our lives that are broken, used up, and seemingly useless, and repurposes us. He gives us new life and makes us more beautiful than before.
When everyone else sees someone worth discarding, God sees potential. This gives me so much hope. There is always hope with God.
God will not toss you out with yesterday’s garbage; He values you highly. God can use you because of all your baggage and brokenness, not despite it.
He intends to use you and your unique story in marvelous ways.
This is Andrew Palau.
“I have called you back from the ends of the earth, saying, ‘You are my servant.’ For I have chosen you and will not throw you away.” Isaiah 41:9
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Are you a mother? I am. And honestly, there is no love that I’ve experienced stronger than the love I felt when I first saw each of my three children. Overwhelming, determined, protective, selfless love.
God compares His love to us with that motherly love. He says in Isaiah 49, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!”
It feels impossible that a mother could give birth to a child and not have compassion. And even if that were to happen in this broken and fallen world, God will never forget us. He’ll never forget you.
And we know this is true because He died on a cross for you and for me.
Do you believe this? He will never forget you. Your name is engraved on the palms of His hands.
This is Wendy Palau. Scripture: Isaiah 49:15-16
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It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that the world is broken. People self-medicate, constantly seek methods of self-help, and are just plain selfish, self-centered when it comes down to it. But our focus on self hasn’t fixed any of our problems.
The truth is, only the power of Jesus can transform our broken lives into the lives God intended.
That is why we share the Good News. Because we know from experience the power of the Gospel to change lives.
God wants to see the world healed and restored. What He did in my heart, what He’s done for you, that’s what he desires for everyone else on earth.
We’re the ones to share that. Consider who in your life needs to hear the Gospel. Who is broken and needs healing? Everyone! God wants to use you to reach your world to heal and restore.
This is Andrew Palau. "O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you restored my health." Psalm 30:2
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Recently, I met a man who appeared to have a wonderful life. He was clean cut, had a lovely wife, and had two young children. But after I talked with him a while, I learned his story—and it wasn’t what I had expected.
This man had dealt with a serious drug problem for a number of years. After many failed rehab attempts, he finally found Jesus, and something inside of him changed. Over time, Jesus changed him and today – he has been sober for over two decades!
Maybe you’re somebody who is struggling right now. Perhaps you’ve turned your back on Christ. Whatever your situation is, I promise you, nothing you have done is too much for God’s forgiveness.
2 Corinthians 5:17 In the Bible says that if “anyone is in Christ, He is a new creation.” So go forward with confidence and believe it!
If you have accepted Jesus into your heart, He lives within You. And He has the power to change your life! This is Andrew Palau.
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Rules don’t fix things, do they? They just let us know when we go wrong.
Even God’s rules – we call them the Ten Commandments – couldn’t take away our wrongdoing.
And we human beings found it impossible to perfectly obey every one of them. It is so easy for us to sin! Oh, maybe nothing monstrous, but even a little slip-up is a breach of the rules.
So how on earth can we make things right? Do we have to live with guilt all our lives? No! Jesus made a plan to pay for all the sins of all people once and for all. He died on the cross, taking the punishment we deserve.
Jesus made that sacrifice for you. Have you received what Jesus has done on your behalf? Will you ask Him to come into your heart as your Savior and Friend today?
Always remember, there is hope with God. This is Andrew Palau
"For the law never made anything perfect. But now we have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw near to God." Hebrews 7:19
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Jesus. That name. Whether you are a believer or an atheist or somewhere in between, the name “Jesus” probably affects you in some way.
For me, it is a name I love because He is my Savior and my Lord. The Bible tells us that it is a name that is above every other name. Jesus stands alone in glory and power.
There is a worship song – “Beautiful Name” – which says: "Yours is the kingdom Yours is the glory Yours is the name above all names. What a powerful name it is The name of Jesus Christ my king." The amazing thing is that this mighty Lord loves you. He gave His life, dying on a cross, to make a way for you to be reconciled to God. Won’t you receive His gift of salvation today?
This is Andrew Palau.
"Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth." Philippians 2:9-10
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I have met so many people who are trying in so many ways to obtain eternal life. Some folks get panicky as they grow older, wanting to know for sure that they will go to heaven.
But actually, eternal life is not only heaven. You can have eternal life right now, here on earth.
There is a verse in John chapter 17 which kind of jumped out at me the other day. This is what Jesus said about eternal life: “This is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.”
A little earlier, in John chapter 14, Jesus had said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. [No one comes to the Father except through me.]”
Read the book of John in the Bible. Get to know Jesus. Put your faith in Him and receive Him as your Savior. Then you will have eternal life.
This is Andrew Palau. radio.hopewithgod.com
Recently, my heart has been heavy because of everything I hear on the news. Like you, I’ve watched stories about innocent people whose lives have been taken. Hatred seems to be everywhere.
As followers of Christ, we are called to model Jesus. And what that means is we must fight hatred with love. We must fight injustice with forgiveness, show compassion for all people – even the ones who do not like us. Jesus loves unconditionally. He even loves the people who do not love Him. And we ought to try to do the same thing.
The Bible says in Luke 6:27, “Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you.”
So, when you hear news stories about ongoing violence or tragedy, consider responding with love instead of hatred, with compassion instead of apathy, and with grace instead of condemnation.
And remember, even on the earth’s darkest days, Jesus is the conquering King who will return again for His people.
This is Andrew Palau. radio.hopewithgod.com
Have you tasted grief? Maybe you are in a season of grief right now. Something has happened and grief has walked through your door.
In grief I have found myself crying out almost like a wounded animal. Psalm 73 says, “When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was a brute beast before you.” What an image! We are almost animalistic in our grief.
But we are not left there. The psalmist goes on to say: “Yet I am always with you. You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel and afterward you will take me to glory.”
Do you feel like a wounded animal right now? God will help you. He is with you, my friend. Turn your heart to Him – even now.
This is Wendy Palau. radio.hopewithgod.com
You may have heard of the term P-O-W, which means “Prisoner of War,"but have you heard of the term P-O-F? POF stands for Prisoner of Fear.
I knew someone who was a POF before he met Christ. His name was Billy, and he was absolutely riddled with fear and anxiety. His bondage to fear was beginning to rule his life.
Then, one day, Billy came to know Jesus in a personal way. He read Psalm 23:4 in the Bible, which says, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” And he clung to that promise.
Slowly, but surely, Billy’s bondage to fear was broken. He was no longer a prisoner.
Do you know someone who is a POF? Reach out to them today with the great news of God’s comfort. There is hope and freedom from fear in Jesus Christ. This is Andrew Palau.
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I heard the heart-wrenching story of a young man who spent several years travelling the world... meeting with gurus, shamans, and the like, in a search for spiritual enlightenment. He disappeared in a remote valley of the Himalayas.*
I call it a heart-wrenching story because I find it tragic that someone with such a desperate desire to find the truth, as far as I know, never heard the Good News about Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life and people need to know that. We are to tell everyone the Gospel.
I love to proclaim the Good News to crowds – the more people there are, the better I like it.
Others are more like my father-in-law who introduces pretty much everyone he meets to Jesus in face-to-face conversations.
Whatever opportunities we have to let others know about Jesus, let’s make the most of them. God will do the rest – bringing people into His family.
This is Andrew Palau. Scripture: John 14:6 *“Lost in the Valley of Death” by Harley Rustad radio.hopewithgod.com
Is your heart divided? A tension? A wrestling between what you want to do and what you actually do? Maybe thoughts that pull you this way or that? Maybe your loves?
You love what is good, but you also lean toward loving things that are destructive and damaging to yourself and the people you love. This tension can at times be so overwhelming and very discouraging.
In Psalm 86 the writer asks God for an undivided heart. Have you ever asked Him for an undivided heart?
The more accurate translation is: give me undividedness. May I be united with you, Lord, in my thoughts, in the leanings of my desires, in my loves! You can ask Him, “Lord, give me an undivided heart.”
This is Wendy Palau.
"Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you." Psalm 86:11
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In the springtime I love to see the tiny lambs in the fields. They look so cute with their knobby little legs and big ears. We think of lambs as being gentle and sweet.
At the other extreme are lions. Their massive paws and strong teeth are frightening.
The odd thing is that Jesus is referred to in the Bible as both a lion and a lamb. He is tender and strong at the same time.
There is a song we sing at church that brings out this contrast. Part of it says: "Our God is the lion, the lion of Judah; He's roaring with power and fighting our battles, And every knee will bow before Him. Our God is the lamb, the lamb that was slain For the sins of the world, His blood breaks the chains…"
Yes, Jesus is strong enough to protect us, yet compassionate and tender with us. What a perfect Savior!
This is Andrew Palau.
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’ ” John 1:29
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I remember as a young mother looking at my babies and thinking... ”Who thought it would be a good idea to give us these two tiny people and expect us to guide, protect, provide for them? To build a home for them?” It felt like an overwhelming task.
Being a parent and building a home has been the most joyful, heartbreaking, difficult, happy, painful, interesting, exhilarating journey.
There isn’t a parenting manual in the Bible, but there is a verse that has carried me, Proverbs 24:3. “By wisdom a house is built and through understanding it is established.”
How do I build a home? By wisdom found only in knowing God. By knowledge, found only in His truth. By understanding, found only in walking daily with Him
I’m still on the journey of knowing Him. Are you? Let’s journey together. This is Wendy Palau.
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Jesus had superpowers, but He didn’t use them to dominate others. The Jews of His day were waiting for a Messiah to come who would rule as an earthly king.
But Jesus came with a different kind of power. A greater power – the power of selfless love.
Though He could have ruled the world, instead He did something that seemed weak. He let Himself be crucified. Jesus refused to use His power for selfish means. He poured Himself out for us.
Each of us has an area of life where we have been blessed – where we have a measure of power.
So what power do you have? Do you have more than you need? Share it with those who don’t have enough. Do you have a special skill? Use it to bless someone. Do you have time to spare? Share it with a friend who needs encouraging. Do you have the light of Christ? Share it with someone who’s walking in darkness.
You can follow Christ’s example of selfless love! This is Andrew Palau.
“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.” Philippians 2:5-7
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If you are a follower of Jesus, I’m sure you’ve had people ask you, “Why is there so much suffering in the world if God is so loving and kind? Why doesn’t He do something about it?”
Well, that’s a question we don’t have a full answer for, but we do know that with God the righting of wrongs is a continual process.
You can be assured that God cares deeply about human suffering, about injustice, and every wrong thing that happens to us.
He grieves with those who grieve, and He loved us enough to send His only Son to die for us. He has been destroying tools of oppression on behalf of His people since ancient times.
Now, He invites us to participate in defending the weak, spreading His love and mercy in the world. We get to be a part of God’s plan to make all things right.
Do you know someone who is being oppressed? Who is suffering? Show them Christ’s love by helping them.
This is Andrew Palau.
"For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor’s rod, just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian." Isaiah 9:4
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How are you today? Burdened? Maybe full of anxiety? Possibly just bored with life.
But when we walk with God our lives are about so much more than making ourselves happy through each day. When we know God, the Bible says we’re running a race – a spiritual race. And we know there’s a finish line. One day we’ll be with Him. We know this world is not our home.
Until then, how do we walk through each day? Hebrews 12 reminds us to fix our eyes on Jesus. That phrase simply means to look away from all else.
So, are your eyes fixed on Jesus? He is the One who loves you even more than you love yourself. He is the One who will give you the perseverance you need to run your race.
Always remember, there’s hope with God. This is Wendy Palau.
"Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith." Hebrews 12:1b-2a radio.hopewithgod.com
Did you know that Jesus offers to help you carry life’s burdens? He says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you… For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Jesus is saying that we can have peace when we trust Him to help us with the hard parts of life. Our all-powerful God will help us through every challenge we face.
I love the picture Jesus gives us of a team of oxen plowing a field. When we pull by ourselves, life is heavy and hard, but when we share the load with Him, He will take most of the weight, leaving us with a light load.
The more we pull in the same direction as Jesus, following His example and asking for His help, the easier life will be. Let’s choose to trust Him with the heavy parts of life today.
This is Andrew Palau.
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
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Do you feel weak? I have a recommendation for you. Read some of the Old Testament stories about Moses, Joseph, David, Gideon; amazing women like Ruth and Esther and Deborah.
These were people just like us. Each struggled in many, many different ways. Yet each had one thing in common: they believed God.
They believed that God would forgive them, because He said He would. That He would empower them to do what He had asked them to do. They believed that He would provide for them and strengthen them because He said He would. And Hebrews 11 says that their “weakness was turned to strength.”
Do you feel weak? Believe Him. Read the accounts of these lives. God was faithful to them. He will be faithful to you.
This is Wendy Palau.
"How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets.By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight." Hebrews 11:32-34
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I am always awed to watch the weightlifters in the Olympics raising barbells weighing 300 pounds and more over their heads. They strain mightily to hold that pose, their muscles trembling from the tremendous effort.
It looks like such an impossible feat to me, but I’m only your ordinary guy who lifts just a suitcase or a bag of groceries.
There are times in my life when I feel like such a weakling. Not physically, but spiritually. I often ask God for strength to face what is ahead of me, and He comes alongside and holds me up. I’m so glad I can turn to Him for that kind of support.
Jesus demonstrated yet another kind of strength when He was here on earth. Instead of amazing everyone with a mind-blowing display of power, He served people with love and humility.
The Bible calls it meekness. That’s the kind of strength I would like to show to those around me – wouldn’t you?
This is Andrew Palau.
"God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth." Matthew 5:5 radio.hopewithgod.com
Do you feel trapped? Maybe you’re trapped in a dead-end job, a joyless relationship, an addiction, or stressful living situation. Maybe the trap is one of anxiety or fear.
God wants to set you free. He is the chain-breaker. Remember how God sent His angel to break the chains that were holding Peter prisoner in Herod’s dungeon? He has the power to free you from whatever has you trapped and chained.
When Jesus died for us on the cross, He defeated Satan and death. He made a way for us to have true freedom. He does not want you to be wrongly trapped.
Ask God for His help. He is the healer, the provider, the good Father, and He will help you get free from whatever is binding you. Ask Him to break the chains that are holding you. Put your trust in Him and step into His freedom.
Always remember, there is hope with God. This is Andrew Palau.
“He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” Ephesians 1:7
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God is rich in mercy. Nowhere else in the Bible is God called rich in anything. The only thing He is called rich in is mercy. It’s who He is, it is not just something He has.
Do you struggle to believe this about God? That God is defined by favor toward you? That He is leaning toward you instead of away from you? That His way is unchanging and unimpacted by your behavior?
Your affection towards Him does not impact His affection towards you. I’m going to say that again. YOUR AFFECTION TOWARD HIM DOES NOT IMPACT HIS AFFECTION TOWARD YOU.
Believe this today. Ask Him to reveal His mercy to you and accept His offer of life. This is Wendy Palau.
“But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)” Ephesians 2:4-5
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During Jesus’ time, to be crucified not only meant an agonizing death, but utter humiliation as well. The Old Testament of the Bible tells us: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”
When Jesus was crucified, He was cursed to the worst kind of death, but because He was perfectly innocent, something happened that no one expected – the curse was broken.
Jesus had no sin in Him, but He took the punishment for sin, so the power of death was broken. Jesus was raised to life after three days, and He made a way for us also to enter into eternal life with Him.
Galatians 3:13 says, “Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing.”
Through His loving sacrifice, Jesus conquered death and hell for us.
This is Andrew Palau.
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Listen to this verse in the book of Hebrews. The Message version says: “We have run for our very lives to God.”
Some of us have stories of living very far from God. Living a life of self-destruction. But we had a moment, a season, where we ran for our very lives to God because we knew our future was tragically dark.
Maybe you have never run to Him. Maybe you continue to keep yourself at arm’s length out of doubt, or fear, out of past hurts that cause you to be uncertain, even about His goodness.
Can I encourage you today? Run to Him. Take hold of all that He has to offer you. He offers you hope because His love is big and powerful, and His love is able to save you.
This is Wendy Palau.
"So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us." Hebrews 6:18
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We daily see ads and hear reports about cures for all our problems. There are medications and treatments for pretty much everything.
These can help, but they’re expensive and not guaranteed to work. In contrast, Jesus offers us deep peace and healing, and it's all been paid for already.
The sin and suffering in our own lives and others around us wear us down. Jesus doesn’t offer us an easy life. But He does help with the deep pain and strife we experience.
Because He paid the price for sin with His own body on the cross, we can experience freedom from the effects of sin.
When we lay hold of the freedom Jesus has purchased for us – at great cost – we can experience joy and contentment even when things aren’t easy.
Come to Jesus in prayer and ask Him to help you walk in the freedom for which He paid the ultimate price.
This is Andrew Palau.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1
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We expect a king to live in a palace, drive around in a Rolls Royce, and be treated with deference and respect. However, when Jesus, who is the King of kings, came into our world, He did not demand any special treatment. He was born into humble circumstances and lived simply all His life.
Jesus Himself said that He came to serve, not to be served. In the end, He gave His life for us all. If the Lord of all served rather than demanding service from others, we certainly cannot consider ourselves too important to serve those around us.
We are not more glorious than God. In fact, it should be our goal to bring glory to God through our humble service in His name.
Ask God to give you opportunities to be of help to your neighbors, coworkers, friends, family members. Then watch as He opens doors for you to demonstrate His love to others. This is Andrew Palau.
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28
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Have you ever used an anchor? Have you been out on a boat and thrown an anchor overboard to hold the boat steady, to prevent you from drifting or protect you in a storm?
The Bible says that the hope God offers us through Jesus is an anchor for our soul. And this hope is firm and secure.
Why do we need an anchor for our souls? You probably know the answer to that question. It’s obvious. When the troubles of life come – the storms, the heartaches – and they will come, what will hold our souls from being overcome with hopelessness? With anxiety, or discouragement, fear?
We need a hope that goes beyond what we see and experience at the time. A hope that is steady. A hope that goes beyond the winds of change. This is the hope God offers through His Son, Jesus, and this hope is a secure anchor. This is Wendy Palau.
"This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary." Hebrews 6:19
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Human babies are utterly helpless as newborns. Humans depend on their parents for years.
This is the way God created us, and it’s the situation that He entered into Himself. Jesus, the eternal Word, the Son of God, became a human baby, vulnerable and mortal.
As a child, Jesus relied on His earthly mother and father to feed, clothe, and shelter Him. All the while, He was the same God who was upholding the universe He created.
He could have avoided hunger and pain but instead, He experienced everything we feel, all our struggles, sorrows, and temptations.
Yet, through it all, He never sinned in any way. When He gave Himself up to be crucified, He became the perfect sacrifice for our sins.
What an amazing, loving Savior we have! I urge you to accept His gift of salvation today. This is Andrew Palau.
"So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son." -John 1:14
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Have you ever heard that Jesus offers us living water? What is He talking about?
He’s comparing our need for water with our need for Him.
Thankfully, most of us have never truly suffered from dehydration – a lack of water that has us craving, yearning for water as the only thing we can think about. We can live for maybe two months without food, but we can live only three days without water.
Jesus says you need water to live physically but you need Me to survive spiritually. And the amazing thing about His living water is that it’s free. He’s offering it to you. It’s for everyone. And it’s a spring – it will never dry up.
Do you have this living water? You can!
Always remember, there is hope with God. This is Wendy Palau
Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. 14 But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” John 4:13-14
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Have you ever drawn a picture of yourself? Imagine what it would be like if you suddenly became the drawing of yourself rather than the flesh and blood version of yourself.
That’s a strange thought, but that might help you consider how it felt for Jesus to experience the world as a human being. He Himself was formed in a womb. The creator became one of the created.
In John chapter 1 we read this about Jesus: “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory…”
This is such a mystery! Jesus participated in the formation of the world, bringing light and life to everything. And just as He brought light way back at the beginning of the world, He brings light still. It is a light that can never be dimmed by the darkness around us. Jesus is the light of the world.
This is Andrew Palau.
“I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12
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Do you have peace? Or do you feel like every stress and every bit of bad news throws you into a dark spiral of anxiety? If so, I long for you to know the peace that Jesus offers.
His peace does not depend on circumstances. It cannot be taken away by bad news, poor health, or financial instability.
Before Jesus was taken away to be crucified, he tells his friends in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.”
The peace of Jesus is a no-matter-what kind of peace. Not like the peace of the world that’s here today and gone tomorrow.
When you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you receive peace that cannot be taken away. It is the peace of knowing that you are loved, and you have an eternal home in heaven with Jesus.
This is Andrew Palau.
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Do you see God as a provider? All through the Bible are stories of God’s miraculous provision for people: food and water in a desert, cherished children for barren women, husbands for widows, wisdom for kings, healing for many.
The very first time the name Provider was used to describe God is in a difficult story where God sent Abraham to a mountain to sacrifice his precious son.
Just as Abraham was about to take his son’s life, he saw a ram caught in the bushes. A provision of God.
You see, our deepest need is a sacrifice for our sins, and He has provided that.
If He has provided for our greatest need, then He will continue to provide all that is needed. Come to Him today with your needs.
This is Wendy Palau.
"And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
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Do you ever think that you only go to church out of habit? Or maybe, a sense of duty? What has happened to that great desire you once had to grow closer to Jesus?
Jesus doesn’t want you to do things for Him as an employee would do for their boss. He wants the real and honest love and faithfulness of your heart.
In the Old Testament of the Bible, the Israelites would offer sacrifices of animals and foods to God to express their devotion. But more than once God told them, “I delight in faithfulness, not simply in sacrifices.”
Our wholehearted devotion is what God wants, but how do we increase our honest love and affection?
We actually need God’s help in this. Ask Him to give you a new, fresh vision for how you can love and serve Him. I believe this is a prayer He will be delighted to answer!
Always remember, there is hope with God. This is Andrew Palau
"I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings." Hosea 6:6 radio.hopewithgod.com
God is in the business of making all things new. Do you need newness in your life? Something different in your life? Do you feel tired, worn down, worn out?
Ask God to bring HIS ‘newness’ to your life. Even as your body wears down, ask Him to renew you from the inside by His presence and His grace. His love and His forgiveness.
Ask Him to bring life where there is none, wholeness where there are broken fragments, healing where there is suffering, light where there is darkness.
The Bible says that even though we are outwardly wasting away, inwardly we can be renewed day by day. You can be made new.
Ask Jesus to come into your life and renew you. This is Wendy Palau.
“That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16
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The wisest person who ever lived was Solomon, back in Bible times. Some of his wisdom has been distilled in the book of Proverbs, which contains a lot of sage advice.
Solomon himself said, “Wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.”
Many of the Proverbs we could also call common sense. For example – “Lazy hands make a man poor but diligent hands bring wealth.”
In the New Testament of the Bible there is another kind of wisdom mentioned – wisdom that allows us to understand more about God. The Apostle Paul wrote this to the Ephesians: “I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you spiritual wisdom and revelation in your growing knowledge of him…”
Knowing God is an endless process because He Himself is infinite and we can never discover everything there is to know about Him. But we can pray, as Paul did, for spiritual wisdom. This is Andrew Palau.
Scripture: Ephesians 1:17, Proverbs 8:11, Proverbs 10:4 radio.hopewithgod.com
I was meeting with a large group of church leaders in Buenos Aires last year. At the end of the session, one pastor came up to me, along with his wife, and told me about the heartbreak he was experiencing because of his son.
This young man was far from God, struggling with addictions. The father feared for the boy’s life and health, but mostly for his eternal salvation. He asked if I would pray with him. We did pray – fervently, passionately, expectantly.
As the pastor left, I asked him to let me know if his son came back to the Lord. Well, a few months later, I received the news that the young man had been radically saved. His father was thrilled, and deeply thankful.
I share this story to encourage you to never give up. Keep praying for your children even if they seem so very far away from God. He loves them even more than you do, and wants them to come home to Him.
Always remember, there is hope with God. This is Andrew Palau.
"I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth." 1 Timothy 2:1-4
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What does God do in heaven? That’s a silly question, isn’t it? Because God isn’t like us at all and doesn’t do things the way we do.
But I read this the other day: “A defender of widows and a father to the fatherless is God in His holy dwelling.” There is so much mystery in these verses, but what does it reveal? What can we know?
In His perfect place, God is a father and defender to those who need it most. His posture toward the world, to humanity, is this – absolute care for people.
I pray this moves you as much as it does me. You might have an earthly father, but you feel like an orphan. You might have a husband who is alive, but you still feel like a widow. God in His dwelling is for you.
Always remember, there is hope with God. This is Wendy Palau.
Scripture: Psalm 68:5 radio.hopewithgod.com
If the Palau Association came to your town to hold a festival, we would encourage you to write a prayer list. On the list are the names of five people you would love to bring to the festival in hopes that they would meet the Savior.
Well, we might not be in your area in the near future, but I want to suggest that you write a prayer list anyway. There are friends, relatives, coworkers around you who do not yet know Jesus. Make a list of their names – usually four or five is a good number. Put the list somewhere you will see it regularly [– on your phone or on a slip of paper in your Bible.]
Then pray that God will give you opportunities to discuss matters of faith with them. And He will! Pray that they will receive Jesus as their Savior.
Remember that the Bible says that God wants all people to be saved. He loves to make use of us in that process.
This is Andrew Palau.
“This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:3-4
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There’s so much pain in the world and we can’t escape it. I wish we could. We are hurt and we hurt others. Sickness comes to us and to people we love, and even death. And the sadness causes us great grief.
God is called the Father of all compassion, who comforts us in our troubles. Have you known this about God?
The word “comfort” means: a call, urging, done by someone close beside. This image is astounding to me. That the God of this world would come close beside me with an urging of encouragement.
When you know God, one of the most beautiful aspects of who He is, is that He is a God of comfort. Have you tasted this? I can testify that His comfort is real. It is present. It is mysterious and absolutely beautiful and life changing.
This is Wendy Palau.
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.” 2 Corinthians 1:3 radio.hopewithgod.com
My dad, Luis Palau, was an evangelist. He spent his whole adult life preaching the Gospel, introducing people to Jesus, traveling the world to reach everyone he could.
He was never more thrilled than the occasion when he preached to hundreds of thousands in Buenos Aires, the capital city of his native Argentina. It was such a joy for him to see many responding to God’s invitation that day.
Then when I married Wendy, I acquired another evangelist as a father-in-law. Robert Levy is a man who talks to absolutely everybody about the Good News of Jesus.
I’ve been with him in restaurants, hotels, businesses, parties, and he will find someone who needs God’s love and salvation. Then Robert lovingly shares the Gospel with them and invites them to receive Jesus as their Savior. And many do!
These two men were quite different, but God has used them both. Whatever your style, whatever your calling, be willing to grab any opportunity God gives you to share His love with someone.
This is Andrew Palau.
“Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News!” 1 Corinthians 9:16
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Sometimes when I walk into a place where I am not known personally, I feel I am immediately sized up and judged. It often feels as though I am misjudged. You know, the holier than thou preacher guy.
When you don’t know someone you may place them into a category in your mind, based on what your eyes can see. God doesn’t see people the way the world might, elevating the more beautiful, powerful, rich, young, or capable over the poor, rejected, broken, needy, sick, or old.
He sees into the very heart of people – right down to what really matters. Although we don’t have the ability to do that, we can ask Him to help us not to judge others but to see them through the lens of God’s merciful love.
Remember what we read in James 2: “How can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?”
This is Andrew Palau.
“The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
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What do we do when we feel guilty? What do you do? We all do things wrong, things that hurt ourselves and hurt the people we love the most. Things that make us wonder why. Why did I do that? Why did I say that? Why did I think that?
There is a tension in each of us. We want to do what is right, but we are inclined toward doing what is wrong.
The beautiful thing is, God doesn’t sit up in heaven watching and waiting for us to make a mistake. He doesn’t have a measuring stick, wondering if we do wrong, hoping that we do something right to even out the scale.
The Bible tells us that we ALL have sinned. We’ve all done wrong. But that’s not the end of our story. Through Jesus we can have restoration. We can be forgiven. The burden of our sin lifted.
What do you do with your wrongs? With your sin? Ask Jesus to forgive you. This is Wendy Palau.
“If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” 1 john 1:9
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“Forgiven” is one of the most heartwarming words in the English language. If we ask someone’s pardon for an offense we committed and they grant it, we are exhilarated.
But sometimes when the shoe is on the other foot, we have difficulty in forgiving. Some people don’t seem to deserve forgiveness. But here’s the thing – Jesus forgave us when we didn’t deserve it, and He asks us to do the same.
Once, the Apostle Peter asked Jesus, “‘How many times should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?’ ‘No, not seven times,’ Jesus replied, ‘but seventy times seven!’”
Is Jesus saying we should just allow people to keep wronging us? No, He’s not. But He wants us to forgive so that we will not be poisoned by hatred. [It may seem impossible to forgive that difficult person in your life.]
God wants you to be free from that burden. Ask Him to help you forgive today.
This is Andrew Palau.
"Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." Colossians 3:13 radio.hopewithgod.com
The word “Gospel” simply means good news. It’s full of joy. We celebrate good news, and the Gospel of Jesus is the best news ever. And what is this news?
First Peter 3:18 says it perfectly. “Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God.”
That’s it! Jesus did everything that was needed to bring us to God. In John chapter one we read: “To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.”
God loves you and wants you to be in His family. By dying on the cross to pay for your sins, He made a way for that to be possible. All you need to do is accept His offer. To learn more go to hopewithgod.com
This is Wendy Palau. radio.hopewithgod.com
When I’m at the gym I notice that when it comes to conversation there are two kinds of people. Some seem to be compulsive talkers who will start a conversation with anybody willing to listen. Then there are the quiet people who just keep to themselves after a quick “Good morning.”
It got me thinking about our use of words and conversations. Knowing that the book of Proverbs in the Bible mentions our speech, I went there to see what Solomon had to say on the subject.
It turns out it was plenty. One proverb says: “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Another one says: “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
The clincher is this: “The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint.”
What I take from this is that I need to speak thoughtfully, not as a know-it-all or a gossip, but demonstrating God’s lovingkindness.
This is Andrew Palau.
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C.T. Studd was a famous evangelist and missionary over a hundred years ago. One statement he made that I kind of grabbed hold of is this: “The light that shines furthest shines brightest at home.”
C.T. had a wife and six children, and preached on four continents, so he must certainly have tested that truth.
When Wendy and I stand in front of church groups and encourage them to be bold in sharing the Gospel, and irreproachable in their behavior, well – we had better be doing just that in our own backyard and with our own family.
Otherwise we could not preach the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ with honesty and authority.
Telling people about Jesus is exciting whether one on one or in a crowd. As His followers, we should be ready at any time to share His message with those around us who don’t yet know Him. But let’s make sure our actions and our reputation back up our words. This is Andrew Palau.
“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:16
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Throughout the Bible God is called the King of kings. In the book of Revelation God is referred to as the Lord God Almighty - worthy to receive all glory and honor and power and praise.
He created all things. By His will they were created and have their being. He is the One who holds all things together
The beautiful thing about the King of kings is that He is different to earthly Kings.
He is perfectly good and perfectly holy. He’s faithful, merciful, compassionate, and kind. And He welcomes us freely into His presence through His Son Jesus Christ. He is King, but He is not a dictator. He allows us to choose to follow Him.
Is He your King? Do you know Him? You can!
This is Wendy Palau.
“On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.” Revelation 19:16 radio.hopewithgod.com
I’m an evangelist. I love to tell people about God’s love for them and the salvation He offers. But all Christians are called to be witnesses and ambassadors for Christ.
The first step is to obey that command which came directly from Jesus. He said, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel.”
The first step in evangelism is obedience. We must take that command from Jesus seriously and find out what part He has for us to play in it.
I must confess that when God impressed on my heart that I should become a preaching evangelist, I was very reluctant.
Over the years, though, I have learned the truth of that old saying: God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called. If you make yourself available to God…if you obey His call even though you feel inadequate…He will use you in His Kingdom.
Jesus said that wherever you go to tell people about Him, He will be with you. What a promise! You have the God of the universe by your side.
This is Andrew Palau. Scripture: Mark 16:15 radio.hopewithgod.com
I love to tell people what God has done for me! Do You? Maybe you have someone in your life who is like me, always telling you about God’s goodness. And maybe it’s annoying to you.
Well, my friend, God has been good to me, and I love to tell people.
The words of Psalm 66 resonate with my heart. The writer says: “Come and listen, all you who fear God. Let me tell you what He has done for me. I cried out to Him with my mouth… and He helped me. He forgave my sin and gave me life. He hasn’t rejected my prayer or withheld His love from me.”
That person in your life – will you listen to them today? Let them tell you how good God has been. But possibly you need to tell someone how good He has been to you. Has He helped you? Tell someone today.
This is Wendy Palau.
Scripture: Psalm 66:16 radio.hopewithgod.com
Why do we share the Gospel? To make that more personal – why have I spent the last twenty years or so as an evangelist? What motivation do we have to be ambassadors for Christ?
In my own case, I was greatly motivated by the gratitude I felt when God saved me and forgave all my sins.
I was 27 years old at that time and had been living very far from God. But God brought me into His family, and my first impulse was to tell everyone what an amazing thing He had done.
So I think thankfulness is one great motivator. We want others to know what we have experienced by receiving Jesus Christ as our Savior. The rich, full life we now have, the joy and peace knowing our sins are forgiven.
We can’t keep all that to ourselves. We want to share it. People need to hear. They want to hear it. So, tell them!
This is Andrew Palau.
"So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, 'Come back to God!' " 2 Corinthians 5:20
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You may be at a difficult place in your life right now when you are struggling. I want to encourage you today with some quotes from the Bible which tell us about the help and strength available to us in God.
Psalm 54:4 tells us: “God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.”
Are you burned out from the stresses of life? In Matthew 11:28 we read the words of Jesus: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
What about physical and financial needs? Jesus said, “Don’t worry about these things, …your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
These tremendous promises give me encouragement when I feel the pressures of this world. I hope you turn to God and His Word today for the strength you need.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
This is Andrew Palau.
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What do you do with your stress, the burdens you carry? Some of us eat. Some of us sleep. Some of us ignore our troubles or we exercise. Many of us lean toward vices that are very destructive.
But there are some burdens that are so heavy they meet us each morning and lie beside us in the bed at night.
Listen to these words: “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.”
He doesn’t pat us on the head and say, “There, there. Everything will be okay.” This verse says He bears our burdens. That means He will carry them; and not just once. Every day.
What is weighing you down? Give it to Him. Maybe you gave Him your burdens yesterday, but you’ve taken them up again today.
Lay your burdens at His feet. He cares for you. He is big enough and strong enough to carry your burdens. This is Wendy Palau "Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms." Psalm 68:19
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What image comes to your mind when you hear the word “fight”? A fistfight? An argument? Those are the fights we are most familiar with.
Well, the Bible talks about a different kind of fighting. It’s a fight within ourselves – a fight to hold onto our faith.
Sometimes this can be a conflict between your own desires and what you know God wants you to do. Or it could mean humbly holding onto your beliefs with a spirit of gentleness when you are attacked for your faith.
When Jesus was falsely accused before Pilate, a Roman official, and was directly asked if He was King of the Jews, He simply said, “You say so.”
Jesus’ response, though meek, showed great strength. He showed grace and faithfulness to His heavenly Father without engaging in unnecessary argument. He did not save His own life by denying that He was God.
Look to Jesus’ example of fighting the good fight when faced with battles in your own life.
This is Andrew Palau.
"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." 1 Timothy 6:12
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One of the first things we ask when trouble comes is, “Where is God?” God – powerful, strong, able – why hasn’t He protected me from this trouble?
Sometimes the trouble is a devastating tragedy that floors us, shocks us, and we wonder – how can this be my story? Trouble has walked through my door, taken a seat at the table and doesn’t seem to want to leave.
Where is God? He says these words to us: “I will be with you in trouble.” That means beside, among, together, within.
Where is God? He says, “I’m knocking at your door. Open the door and I will come in and eat with you.” God says, “I am stronger than your trouble, bigger than your trouble, and my presence will carry you.”
Always remember, there is hope with God This is Wendy Palau.
"Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me." Psalm 138:7
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Do you have what you need to be victorious? In Ephesians chapter 6, Paul urges us to put on spiritual armor in order to protect ourselves from the enemy.
He writes, "Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes…”
There's no demilitarized zone in this war. Either we're standing in the strength of God's power or we’re knocked down in defeat. We can’t walk a line somewhere between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light.
How is your personal war against the devil going? Can you say, "Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumph"? Or are you experiencing failure and defeat?
Perfection is impossible until we get to heaven, but you can experience ongoing victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil. Just make good use of the armor God gives you.
This is Andrew Palau.
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As we follow God and serve Him, we have opportunities to channel His grace to others. There are many people in the world without hope because they are without God. It’s our privilege to introduce them to the Savior, Jesus Christ, and invite them into the abundant life He offers.
There is a verse in the Bible, in Daniel chapter 12, that I don’t really understand in full, but I love it. It says, “Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.”
I want that, even though I don’t know how my life and activities on earth can cause me to shine like the stars forever. It’s poetic language and it certainly draws a beautiful picture.
That Bible verse gives a sense of how highly God values our participation in His work in people’s hearts and lives.
Let’s be there for those who have no hope. Remember that God is already at work in them. We just need to join Him.
This is Andrew Palau.
Scripture: Daniel 12:3
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I use the word ‘fear’ often. It rolls off my tongue easily, and in certain seasons of life, it has been a constant companion.
Researching the word fear… one of the meanings is ‘cowardice.’ I don’t like that word. It feels shameful to be a coward. It feels like an identity.
But cowards don’t have to be cowards forever. In fact, God has something different for me.
He promised that I don’t need to be a person of fear. But I can have a spirit of power, love, and self-control. His power, filled with His love. And self-control that is from Him when the fear creeps in.
Pray with me: Lord take my fear. Steady me, even right now. Take my quivering frame. Amen.
This is Wendy Palau.
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7 radio.hopewithgod.com
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There’s an intriguing verse in the Bible, in the tiny book of Philemon. It’s Philemon 1:6 and it says, “I pray that you will be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of all the good things that you have in Christ Jesus.”
You would think God would have said, “I pray you’ll be active in sharing your faith because I need your help so much.” Right? But He says, share your faith so you will understand all the riches you have in Christ.
It’s amazing! The God who needs no one has chosen to work through and in His children. We can bless others by sharing with them the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ, and in turn we are blessed as our understanding grows. As we watch people’s lives being transformed by God, we can more fully grasp what He has done in our own lives. [It’s a win/win situation!]
Let’s joyfully share our faith, knowing that God will bless us as well as those we are talking with.
This is Andrew Palau. Scripture: Philemon 1:6
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Have you ever watched the sun rise? Sitting in darkness watching, waiting. Then a bit of pink or purple and getting brighter. Everything around beginning to take shape. It’s so beautiful and we often miss it. It’s silent.
We can’t control the dawn, just as I can’t control the ways of the King of kings. He is always moving, always bringing light where it’s needed.
Listen to this encouragement from Hosea: “Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn…”
Are you looking for a glimmer of light today? For beauty in the darkness? Press on to know Him! He will respond. He is faithful. Don’t miss Him. He is as true as the dawn.
This is Wendy Palau. Scripture: Hosea 6:3 (NLT)
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Sometimes we find ourselves in a dark place. We all go through struggles with sin, the old darkness that tries to creep back into our new lives.
In those times we need God to come with His wonderful light and keep us from giving in to temptation and despair. We need Him to forgive and restore us, and fill us with His love. We need Him to shine His light into the dark corners of our souls and illuminate every shadow.
Remember what Jesus said – we read it in John chapter 8 – “I am the light of the world. The one who follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
When you struggle with the old darkness, remember that you have a Father in heaven who loves you. Call out for help from the One whose light drives out the darkness. Lay claim to the forgiveness which was purchased for you on the cross by the powerful blood of Jesus.
This is Andrew Palau.
"But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin." 1 John 1:7
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Is there someone in your life who is stubbornly resistant to God and His offer of salvation? Let me tell you about the strategy that finally broke down the barriers in my heart and brought me to the point of receiving Jesus as my Savior.
After high school I left home, went to college, then took a job on the east coast, as far away as possible from my family in Oregon. I was also trying to distance myself from God. Foolish idea, right?
My parents continued to pray for me, they spoke to me about my need for the Lord, they lived holy lives – not perfect, but a great example to me.
When I reached the lowest point of my life, my parents were still there – praying for me, living life, sharing the Good News with me. I was 27 years old when I finally surrendered my life to Christ.
I tell you this as an encouragement to continue being an example, telling the good news of salvation, and praying. God will answer.
This is Andrew Palau.
"Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart." Colossians 4:2
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The Bible promises that we can actually take hold of “life that is truly life…” Fullness of life! Physical, spiritual, eternal life.
Jesus says that “The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I have come that you may have life… and have it to the full.” In abundance. What a promise! What a way to live!
Do you have life that is truly life? Today, you might feel disillusioned with your life, wondering what it’s all about. You know in your heart that you’re not living the life that is truly life - the life that you’re created for.
Turn your heart to Jesus right now. Ask Him to take your broken, stolen and dysfunctional life and to give you His life.
Life that is truly life.
This is Wendy Palau.
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The side of the bus had a huge sign which read “Freestyle Love Supreme.” I had never heard of that so I checked it out and discovered that it is a theater production which is playing in town. Okay, that’s interesting. But what I actually thought of on reading that title was the love of God.
The word “supreme” means “superior to all others.” So when I see the words “love supreme” I think of God and His unparalleled love for us – for you.
Are you feeling lonely and unloved today? I want to encourage you with the truth that God loves you deeply. He loves you more than anyone else ever could. His love is supreme.
The Apostle John wrote: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”
God made you, loves you dearly, and wants you to be His child. Won’t you receive Him today? To find out how to do that, go to hopewithgod.com This is Andrew Palau.
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There are so many people in this world! 7.7 billion people! Each one unique, beautifully created. Each with hopes and dreams. Each precious to God.
Jesus said the famous words of John 3:16 – listen to this. “This is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son So that ANYONE who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”
He loves the world! Somehow in His vast, majestic, supernatural ability He loves each ONE. And He’s made a way for us to be with Him for eternity, through Jesus.
The enemy of our souls will tell us God condemns us. But the kindness of the Spirit whispers the truth that we are loved. Do you believe this?
This is Wendy Palau.
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One of my favorite Bible verses is John 10:10. Jesus says, “I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full.”
He continues with this amazing statement: “I am the good shepherd…and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
Jesus was using the analogy of a shepherd who loves and cares for his sheep to describe His relationship with us. He is God, but He came to this world because He loves humankind to the extent that He was willing to die for us.
Later in John chapter 10 Jesus alluded to His death on the cross by saying that “No one takes {my life}from me, I lay it down of my own accord.”
Never think of yourself as being of little worth. Just remember the Good Shepherd who died to save you. And not only to save you but to give you life to the full. I hope you will open your heart to Him today.
To learn more, go to hopewithgod.com
This is Andrew Palau.
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The Bible records more than 160 of God’s miracles. By miracles I mean supernatural events that occurred only because the one true God made them happen.
One of my favorite miracles took place during the early days of the Christian Church. The king had arrested the apostle Peter and had placed him behind bars, under heavy armed guard. On the night before his trial, Peter was fast asleep between two guards, with chains on his wrists.
Suddenly a bright light shone in the prison cell. An angel struck off Peter’s chains and told him, “Get dressed and follow me.” Peter stumbled out of the prison, thinking, “This whole thing must be a dream.” They passed two sets of guards and came to an iron gate, which swung open for them. Jedi mind tricks have nothing on what the angel of the Lord can do. Right?
In that time of persecution, the young Church was strengthened and empowered by seeing this amazing miracle of God. I’m sure it gave them great courage. This is Andrew Palau.
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Did you know that the word ‘Gospel’ simply means good news? What is the good news that I’m talking about?
I think it’s said best in 1 Peter: “Christ (that’s Jesus) suffered for our sins once and for all time. He never sinned, but He died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death but was raised to life in the Spirit."
That’s it. And it’s good news! We all need to come home to God. It’s everything that is needed for us to have a relationship with our creator.
And how do we respond? Listen to this: "To all who believed him (Jesus) and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God."
This is good news! Do you believe it?
This is Wendy Palau.
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My wife recently compiled a book of stories written by women whom God rescued from difficult and tragic circumstances. It’s called Stories of Hope. What struck me in reading those accounts was the many, varied ways God reached out to each one of those women.
One young woman, in desperation, began to talk to the ceiling as she lay in bed, not knowing if there was any deity who would hear her. Months passed and she realized that her prayers were being answered. One night she gathered the courage to ask the ceiling, “Do you have a name?” And she heard the answer: “Jesus.”
Each story tells of God reaching out in a surprising way to draw someone to Himself. He doesn’t use only missionaries and evangelists to save a lost soul. He might even use you! Be watchful for opportunities to share God’s love with someone who needs to hear the Good News.
This is Andrew Palau. "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
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My father-in-law used to say: “God isn’t disillusioned with you, because He never had any illusions to begin with.” The psalmist says it this way in psalm 103: “He knows how weak we are; He remembers we are only dust.”
Is He disillusioned with you? No! Does he know how weak you are? Yes! There’s freedom in this truth. Freedom from fear of disappointing God. Freedom from the burden of performance. Freedom from our weakness and freedom from pride. There’s no room for pride. Anything good in my life is Him, and only Him.
Get to know God - the One who knows you and comes alongside you as a father with a child. And He says: “I will forgive your sin, heal you, redeem you, fill your life with good things.”
This is Wendy Palau.
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When someone upsets you, do you find yourself quickly becoming angry? There is a time and place for anger – even Jesus got angry so we know that in itself, anger is not a sin. It can lead to sin, though.
You can ask God to make you more like Him – to give you patience in place of a quick temper. Patience is not easy, but it’s a skill you can develop with practice, and with God’s help.
It’s easier to be patient with others when you pause and remember how patient God has been with you. Think about all the times God has forgiven you, helped you, guided you. He hasn’t forced you to live up to His expectations all at once. He leads you along step by step.
Next time you find yourself getting angry, pause and ask God to give you patience and His heart of compassion for the person with whom you’re angry.
This is Andrew Palau.
"Return to the LORD your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish." Joel 2:13
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I have met people who know that God has saved them but they are still trying to figure out the rest of life on their own. But our salvation is so much more than just the promise of heaven.
God helps us, grows us, transforms us into His image more and more every day. He saves us from our own destructive ways, from false ideas, from the attacks of our Enemy.
We cannot save ourselves from hell, and we cannot save ourselves from the daily struggle of life. Jesus, our Redeemer, is for us always, interceding on our behalf with the Father.
He is with us as the Holy Spirit, guiding us and teaching us. He is the One who saved us from death, and He is the one who will sustain us until the glorious day we meet Him face to face.
Are you experiencing struggles and battles today? Call on Jesus. The Bible tells us that “Salvation is found in no one else.”
Always remember, there is hope with God
This is Andrew Palau.
"There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12
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In my darkest moments, when the night feels heavy on me and fear seems to take hold, I find comfort in one simple truth - that I am loved. The most beautiful truth is that God doesn’t love the way we do with strings, behavior dependent, with a rod of correction over us. His love is beyond human.
I wish I understood the fullness of His love. but I’ve tasted enough of it that moves me. A love that is unchanging. A love that is humble and kind and strong. And a love that became obedient to death on a cross thousands of years ago. And it ministers hope to me here today.
When I remember this love it steadies me, comforts me like nothing else can. This love is for you too. You can receive comfort from His love.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
This is Wendy Palau.
"We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them." 1 John 4:16
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Do you need help today? Our God is a friend to the weak and a refuge for those in need. If you know God, you are in good hands.
He has compassion toward those who call out to Him for help. He is the God who is with us – who is willing and able to help.
In Psalm 54 we read: “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.” That is a truth I have known for years and have experienced very vividly on several occasions.
There was the plane crash I and my family were in. The plane broke into three parts, but not a single person died. And there have been times of grief, most recently when my father died last year. There have been misunderstandings in close relationships, hurt feelings, parenting pressures.
In all the struggles and choices and pain, I know that God is my help. He will sustain me. I invite you to get to know this wonderful God today. Check out our website: hopewithgod.com
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Because God holds your future you can breathe; you can rest today. Don’t carve out your future. Don’t heal or fix or orchestrate. And if you don’t rest, all you’ll do is worry.
So today, rest. Place it at God’s feet - every possible creeping fear. Every possible outcome, put at Jesus’ feet today and thank Him. Not because everything is okay.
Maybe most things in your life are not okay. But Jesus has promised rest because He said, “Learn from me for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
He promises rest. You can know deep down that the One who holds the stars in place is sovereign and above all. And He cares for you. So rest.
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There is a house under construction in my neighborhood. The builders started by pouring a solid, level foundation. They then add the sturdy bones of the house. Without that solid foundation and the beams and joists, the whole thing would collapse.
The Bible describes Jesus in a similar role. Jesus became the basis of our salvation, the foundation of our faith. He sacrificed Himself, making a way for us to be right with God, and bringing us into relationship with Him.
Because of this, Jesus has become the cornerstone of the house He is building, and the Bible tells us we are living stones in that structure.
You are joined in Christ to a huge structure of believers all over the world. This is His Church. What an honor to be a stone in that building!
“I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” 1 Peter 2:6
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Some psychiatrists say that one of the biggest barriers to emotional wellbeing that they see in their patients is unresolved guilt. In our permissive culture there is little shame and blame. However, many people still feel a load of guilt as a result of their behavior.
God has a cure for guilt. He can resolve it. His method is called repentance. Repentance means to turn around and go in the opposite direction.
God says that when you choose to turn away from sin and turn back to Him, He will forgive you. Your soul will lose its load of guilt and you will be free.
The reason God can offer you forgiveness is because Jesus died on the cross as a perfect sacrifice. He took the guilt and the punishment of your sin on Himself.
Put your faith and trust in who Jesus is and what He has done for you. Accept His gift of love, life, and forgiveness.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
"Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away." Acts 3:19
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Listen to this amazing verse in Romans 10. “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” I love this verse!
Because of Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead, He has the capacity to take the sin and the shame of the world on Himself – your sin, my sin, my shame.
The word “save” in the Greek is “sózó” and it means to heal, to preserve, to deliver out of danger and into safety. This is why Jesus came.
Have you confessed with your mouth that He is Lord? Do you believe that God has raised Jesus from the dead? I encourage you today, my friend, take that step to say, “Yes, you are Lord of my life.”
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Recently, the Palau Association printed up some shirts with the message “Hope has a name” across the chest. It’s an invitation for someone to ask – “How can I find hope? What is its name?” What a privilege to be able to tell them that His name is Jesus!
There is a singular lack of hope in the world these days. We see uncontained disease, hostility, war, disaffection. But in the midst of it all we can hold onto the hope that is found only in Jesus.
He offers us new life - life to the full. We can have this life because of His death. He died on a cross to become the Savior of the world. He was perfectly innocent of any sin, but He sacrificed Himself, taking on the punishment that we deserve.
Put your faith in Jesus. Receive Him into your life. He will fill you with new life and hope.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead." 1 Peter 1:3
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The word “Christian” is often used as an adjective to describe a social group, a church, an organization – many things. But a real Christian is someone whose whole life has been transformed by God.
The implications of becoming a Christian are enormous. It’s not like joining a club or choosing a university. Becoming a Christian means becoming a new person.
The Bible says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.” When we give our lives to Christ, He gives us true life in exchange.
Because Jesus conquered death by rising from the dead, the life He gives us is eternal. Christians can be assured that they will live forever in Heaven with God.
If you would like to become a real Christian, go to the Hope with God website to find help in taking that step. You can experience the new life Jesus Christ offers. radio.hopewithgod.com
Have you ever wondered if God really wants to be with you? Doesn’t He have more important people to be with, or more urgent things to attend to?
No – God doesn’t work that way, but it is sometimes hard to believe that the God of the universe cares about us and wants to be close to us. The truth is, He wants it so badly that He gave His Son over to death on a cross.
In Second Corinthians 5 we read: “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”
Jesus took our sin punishment so that we could become clean. The sin that was keeping us separated from God could be removed and we could be close to Him.
This reality can be yours. Receive God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ and you too can be with Him, under His care, freed from sin, and thriving in His love.
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Happiness can be a fleeting thing. It’s hard to grab hold of and is not something you can depend on for long.
I really need something in my life that is more solid. Something that isn’t based on how I am feeling in the moment.
God, our heavenly Father offers us stability and security – the very thing we crave. The Bible says that every good and perfect gift is from our Father above, and He does not change like shifting shadows.
Is your happiness like a shadow moving according to where the light may be? Turn to God today. He will give you blessings and gifts that will never change.
We may have times when we are unhappy, but God offers us things that are stable and solid as a rock. You can have that today – in Him. Always remember, there is hope with God.
"Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow." James 1:17
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Change is hard! Perhaps you are going through a big change in your life, and it all feels like an unstable mess.
It may feel as though chaos is taking over, and your life is completely out of control. The good news is that God never changes. Even when everything else is shifting, He stays the same.
God will give you a firm place to stand – in Jesus Christ. Put your faith in Jesus. He promises that He will be with us through the hard times of life.
When we put our trust in Him and look to Him as the source of our stability, He will not let us be swept away by the changing tides of life.
Jesus is an anchor for your soul.
He is your safe harbor.
He is the solid rock.
You can stand firm in Him.
"He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along." Psalm 40:2
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We each have a lot of knowledge stuffed into our heads. Much of it is trivial. I know all the words to the songs I listened to when I was in high school. Why is that still in my brain? I don’t know. It certainly isn’t very useful!
Charles Spurgeon, the great preacher, once said, “The mightiest philosophy which can ever engage the attention of a child of God is the name, the nature, the person, the work, the doings, and the existence of the great God, who he calls Father.” I just love that!
Some of our knowledge may be a little more valuable than those old songs rattling around in my brain, but absolutely nothing can come close to being more precious than knowing God Himself. Spend time getting to know almighty God. He loves you. Read His Word, the Bible.
"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better." Ephesians 1:17
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Do you feel as though you are stumbling around in the darkness, [unable to see the path ahead?] Do you run into painful obstacles and live in dread of what might be lurking around the next corner?
The good news is that you don’t have to live this way. Jesus loves you and longs to shine His light into your life. He will drive away the darkness and be the clarity and safety you need.
The path Jesus sets before us is the way out of darkness and doom – a road toward ever-increasing life. Even though we may still have moments when shadows pass over us, we don’t have to fear them because the light of the world Himself – Jesus - stays with us every step of the way. He drives out the darkness.
If you are ready to leave darkness behind, and step into the light and life Jesus is offering you, call out to Him. Ask Him to bring you into His wonderful light.
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
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From the moment we are born, we are always changing. We grow, mature, learn, make mistakes, change our mind, age. This process is all part of the human experience.
Can you imagine someone who is perfect, who never changes, who has no off days, and has no dark side waiting to come out if He’s pushed too far? It's hard to imagine the absence of failure and deception. But God is just that perfect!
The amazing thing is that He loves us, His creations. And His love is not a result of our actions. Earthly relationships can change and shift with the seasons of life, and the way we behave, but this love God has for us is a forever love.
Because He never changes, you can always count on His love and care. If you’ve been doubting that God really loves you, put those fears to rest today.
"See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him." 1 John 3:1
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How do you think God feels about you? Would He only begin loving and caring about you if you chose to follow Him?
No! Not at all. God has always loved you. He loves you even if you don’t believe in Him, even when you might feel disillusioned with Him.
If you are rebelling against Him, God still loves you. A friend of mine likes to tell people, “Even on your worst day, God is crazy about you.”
Jesus came to the world to show us what God is like. He is love. Complete, sacrificial love. And He wants you to know Him.
Sometimes the love we experience in our relationships lets us down. The love God has for us is steadfast and true. He will never fail us. Open your heart and accept His love today. To learn more, go to hopewithgod.com
"This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins." 1 John 4:10
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God’s promises to us are like gems we find all throughout the Bible. They are reminders, not only about what He does and will do, but about who He is. They are about the deep goodness of His character and faithfulness.
When we have an international evangelistic festival in some distant country, it can be exhausting. I sometimes feel weary and weak, and inadequate to share a strong Gospel message in multiple events. But there are promises of God I can turn to which encourage me. In Isaiah 40 we read: “(God) gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” A couple of verses later it goes on to say, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”
What power there is in those words! They remind me to trust God to provide everything I need in the moment. You can trust Him too, with all that you are facing today.
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God has made so many wonderful promises in the Bible. But there are some promises God has not made.
He never promised us we’d have an easy life, or great kids, or constant prosperity. He never promised that we would never have sickness or pain. In fact, He promises the opposite. He says in this world we WILL have trouble.
It’s so easy to become offended at God when we face trouble, when pain walks through our door and when darkness descends. We can get offended and wonder why this is happening. Why is God allowing this?
I want to encourage you today. God did promise us that we would have trouble, but that’s not the fullness of His promise. He says, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.”
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The words, “I don’t love you anymore,” can cause a deep wound with lasting scars. It is so painful to hear that from a partner or spouse. Those are words you will never hear from God. He never takes His love away from you.
His love for you is strong and will never be broken. In Romans 8 we read, “nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Isn’t it wonderful to know there’s nothing you could possibly do to make God stop loving you? Isn’t it comforting to know that no matter how human love falls short and fails, God’s love never will? It’s like the world’s strongest rope, tying you to Him forever!
Whenever you feel ashamed, or regret a bad choice you’ve made, whenever someone in your life lets you down – you can rejoice in God’s unchanging, unbreakable love for you.
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So many people around us are still suffering in spiritual darkness. They are searching for hope. You and I have the answer. It’s Jesus Christ. He transformed our lives. He has given us hope, purpose, a future, as well as eternity with Him in Heaven. He also left us with a call to go into the world and make disciples.
When Jesus asks us what we did with the opportunities and resources He entrusted to us, let’s be confident that we can say, “Lord, we’ve been faithful to use them well in your service.” Maybe even more important than our faithfulness is that “He who calls you is faithful.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
There is no greater purpose, and no greater joy, than to obey the call of God with the gifts He has given to each of us, to share Jesus’ message with a world in need, and to see Him change lives.
Remember, there is always hope with God.
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“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, rich in love.” The word “compassionate” means having a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.
The Hebrew word used for compassion in the Old Testament actually comes from the word used for “womb” – as a mother would feel in the depths of her being about her unborn child.
The innate kindness and tenderness that God has for us is represented in this image. This moves me.
The world is not a compassionate place, but there is hope because the God who made us is compassionate toward us. He has a strong desire to alleviate our suffering. So much so that He sent His Son, Jesus, taking the sin and suffering of the world on Himself. He loves you!
"But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness." Psalm 86:15
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I’m an evangelist. I don’t work alone. With me is a wonderful team, each one of whom is fervently committed to carrying out Jesus’ Great Commission.
Jesus Himself had a team – His disciples. And what a team it must have been! Different backgrounds. Different perspectives. They didn’t always agree. They often argued. Yet they loved the Lord and they persevered. God used them to change the world.
We have that same directive from Jesus today: go into all the world and preach the Gospel. And He promised to be with us always if we obey His command.
God has placed you and me in this specific time and place for a reason. He wants to use us to bring glory to His name and hope to a lost world. If you can, become part of a team of Jesus followers who proclaim Him boldly.
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The mind is a complicated thing, isn’t it? We are created to receive information and process it. That’s what our intellect is all about.
Think of it this way: if I fill a sponge with sweet orange juice, when I squeeze the sponge orange juice will come out. If I fill that same sponge with dirty water, guess what comes out when I squeeze it?
I think our minds are very similar. Our complex, intricate brains are sponges for information and when we are squeezed – when the pressure’s on – what comes out?
Listen to these words in Colossians 3: “Set your minds on things above not on earthly things.” Are you struggling with your thoughts? Maybe even having dark, depressing thoughts? Take a moment to think about what you are putting in your mind. Turn your thoughts to the God who loves you.
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A recent Instagram post from Living Christian gives six very practical guidelines for life. I thought they were excellent, and I’d like to share them with you.
- When you are alone, mind your thoughts.
- When you are with friends, mind your tongue.
- When you are angry, mind your temper.
- When you are with a group, mind your behavior.
- When you are in trouble, mind your emotions.
- When God starts blessing you, mind your ego.
There are Scripture verses which say pretty much the same things, so we know these are wise things to do. There’s one particular reference that also reminds us about the character of God.
In Psalm 26 we read, “Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.”
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I feel blessed! Do you? If you know and love Jesus, you definitely are blessed. You can also share a blessing with others – your family members and close friends.
There is one found in the Bible, in Numbers chapter 6, verses 24 to 26. It says: “May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” Isn’t that beautiful?
Each sentence offers the Lord’s blessing, smile, and favor. The second half of the sentence offers the Lord’s great protection, gracious provision, and perfect peace. What more could we desire, or need?
Is your spouse going away to care for a dying parent? Is your daughter getting married? Do you have a sibling who is struggling to find work? A friend who is caring for a disabled child?
This wonderful blessing will remind them of the love and care they receive from their heavenly Father. Pray it often!
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I have been reading something remarkable in the Bible, in Isaiah chapter 53. It says, “(Jesus) was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.”
I hope that moves you as much as it does me. Jesus died to give us forgiveness of sin, freedom, life. What a precious, amazing, wonderful gift! What will you do with it? Will you accept it, and enjoy it? Or will you reject it?
I pray you see it as personally as I do. That God knows you need Him. He sees the enormous distance between you and Him. And He was willing to make this sacrifice for you.
I pray you will receive this gift for yourself today. Invite Him into your life.
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When Jesus was living here on earth, He traveled from place to place teaching. He soon gained a reputation as a miracle worker, and crowds flocked to Him.
Once, a distraught man brought his son to Jesus to be healed. The boy had been ill for a number of years, and no one had been able to help him. However, the father asked Jesus to have mercy on him and heal the boy if he could.
“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” Jesus, in His mercy and love, healed the boy.
Do you sometimes feel like that father? Wanting to believe, truly believing, but knowing that deep down there is a seed of doubt? Cry out to God and ask Him to help you overcome that doubt. He will do it!
Always remember, there is hope with God. radio.hopewithgod.com
I live in a cold, northern climate. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, winter is not my favorite time of year. It’s cold and dark.
But something happens around this time of year. It is still dark and gray, but I see the signs that one day spring will come and nothing will prevent it from coming. No pandemic, no war, no injustice, no economic chaos.
Imagine if you had only known winter and never spring. Imagine if all you knew was gray skies and leafless trees.
Spring reminds us that there is more to come; the hope that this is not the end. Beauty and life and eternity with the living God is coming.
Listen to this promise: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.”
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What does generosity look like to you? It can mean sharing gifts and resources. It can mean taking time to comfort and encourage someone.
Sometimes we may feel like we don’t have much to give, but by God’s grace, we do have something wonderful we can share.
When we receive Jesus Christ into our life, He fills us generously with His own love. Then He urges us to love others as He has loved us.
God teaches us what true love is. We learn to become slower to get angry and more willing to care for others. We get to shower others with God’s amazing love. What a wonderful gift it is to experience this kind of transformation!
These words from first Timothy chapter 1 express what I am feeling. “Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.”
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Those of us who know Jesus and follow Him closely, have experienced His blessing. I’d like to remind you today of a huge reason to feel blessed.
When Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection He told them, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)
That is directly speaking about you and me today. You have not physically seen Jesus, but do you believe in Him? Have you put your trust in Him? Then you are blessed! We can thank God daily for His sovereignty, His provision, His love, and all the good things He showers on us.
In James 1:17 we read, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
What God gives us, the blessing He pours out on us, is always perfect. Let’s give Him our love, our gratitude, and our obedience every day.
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My husband and I often walk around our neighborhood, and we know from our own lives that sometimes what we see on the outside doesn’t reflect what’s happening on the inside. There might be a home in our neighborhood that is beautiful on the outside, but we discover there’s trouble inside those walls, as we have had in our own lives: sadness, loneliness, conflict, grief.
Perhaps your life is like that house. On the outside you look as if you have everything together, but inside there is chaos. Jesus says that when we invite Him into our lives, He will help us in our chaos, in our conflict, in our sadness – comforting and speaking words of hope to us.
He doesn’t promise a life free of trouble, but He promises He’ll never leave. He’ll never walk out your front door.
"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you." Deuteronomy 31:6
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I think every human being who has ever lived has at some point wondered about what comes after death. We wonder if there is such a thing as eternal life. If there is, how can we make sure we have it? In the Bible, in John 6:47, we read that Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.”
We don’t earn the right to heaven and eternal life by our actions, but rather by our faith in Jesus. Do you believe He is who He said? Do you believe that He is the Son of God who came to the world to die on a cross, offering up His life to give us forgiveness of sins? On the third day He came back to life, proving that He is the One who has power over death.
Jesus is the life, and the truth, and the way. Put your faith in Him today, and He will give you eternal life. You have His promise.
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When I was in college I spent years trying to know myself, looking inward. But what I found inside was just darkness, selfishness, and brokenness. Those were the unhappiest times of my life.
My life didn’t change until my eyes turned outward. Out of desperation I turned to God – to Jesus - wanting to know Him. When I looked inward I saw darkness; when I looked out I saw the light of life.
The truth is that knowing God helps us to truly find ourselves. Because He created us He knows us - all our insecurities, the way our brains are wired. I want to know the One who knows me best because I am not able to know myself.
Are you searching for your identity? Get to know the kind, loving, gracious God of the universe. Find out who you are as you get to know the One who knows you.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
"O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me." Psalm 139:1 radio.hopewithgod.com
Do you ever find yourself thinking, “If only I had this one more thing, then I’d be happy,” or, “As soon as my finances stabilize, I’ll have peace”? If so, you will never be completely satisfied. There will always be something more you desire. Peace and joy don’t come from what we have here on earth.
Let’s look at this from another angle. God has already given us everything we need for life. The Bible tells us, in second Peter chapter 1, “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself...”
That’s right! What you need is not a better-paying job, or a spouse, or a bigger house. What you need is Jesus. It’s in Him that our deepest needs for are all met. When Jesus gave us Himself, He gave us everything!
"By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence." 2 Peter 1:3
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I have never actually been on trial in a court of law, but I’ve seen plenty of movies. The defendant is charged with some heinous crime, and the defense attorney battles to keep his client from going to prison. Sometimes they fail.
Well, I may not have ever been on trial, but I am guilty of plenty of stuff in God’s eyes. The Bible tells us that we have all sinned, and I know that is true.
However, you and I can avoid the punishment we deserve by putting our faith in Jesus, our Advocate. Jesus has already suffered and died on the cross to pay the debt for all the sins we have committed, be they big or small.
If you receive Him as your Savior, putting your faith in Him, He will stand before God on your behalf and plead your cause. Because the debt has already been paid by Him, you will be free to enjoy eternal life.
Put your trust in your perfect Advocate today.
"For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard." Romans 3:23
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It’s amazing that something like a phone can be so simple for the user yet we know the technology is so complicated. It kind of reminds me of God. He’s not anything like an iPhone, but our God is so majestic, so beautiful, so complex, and mysterious.
Sometimes He’s hard to understand. But then He comes to us and He tells us, “You can know Me.” The glorious, mighty, mysterious God allows us to know Him.
He’s made a way for relationship through His Son, Jesus. It’s the difference between looking at our iPhone on the table or picking it up and engaging with it. Reach out to Jesus today. Step into the vast, beautiful, majestic world and life of knowing God.
Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. James 4:8
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I spend a lot of my time talking about Jesus, telling people about what He has done for them. And I love to do that! Why? Because of who Jesus is. There has never been anyone else like Him.
For one thing, Jesus is God. He is infinite and eternal. He is the Christ – the One who fulfills all the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.
The Bible says Jesus is the Savior, the Deliverer, the Redeemer. He died on a Roman cross as a sacrifice for us, to give us forgiveness and salvation. He truly is, as John 4:42 says, “the Savior of the world.”
God’s Word says that Jesus is the Victor, Overcomer, and Conqueror. He physically rose from the grave, having defeated sin and death.
Jesus is worthy of all our worship, and our trust. That’s why I want to spend my life telling others about Him and the beautiful life He offers.
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I want to tell you about my father, Robert Levy. Growing up in Kingston, Jamaica he was always getting into trouble. He never finished high school because he had dyslexia.
His mother became a Christian at a Billy Graham crusade in Jamaica and as a result my father gave his life to the Lord. The first book he ever read cover to cover was the Bible. This made a massive difference in his life. He changed from a high school dropout into a leader in the nation, a master of business, and a man who loves sharing Jesus with others.
His secret is that each day he studies the Bible and talks to God in prayer. This has changed his entire life!
What is your story? Do you make it a priority to know God? He loves you and is waiting to meet with you. He will change your life!
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27
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Do you feel that if you try hard enough to earn God’s approval, He will eventually be pleased with you? I have good news for you! God’s love for you is not based on the things you do to serve Him, and it’s not based on your avoidance of sinful things. God loves you totally and without cause. Nothing you do can change His love for you.
When you give your life to Jesus, [His righteousness covers you.] God sees you as righteous through Jesus, and He accepts you into His family as a favored son or daughter. We can do nothing to ever earn or deserve such closeness.
No, we can’t earn God’s love or approval, but He does require something of us. We read in Micah 6:8, “ …the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
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Life can seem so uncertain, and the pressure to obtain physical and financial security can be overwhelming. The truth is, no amount of stress and worrying can add a single moment to our lives. But we can rest in the good hands of a loving and powerful God, who is actively working “all things together for the good of those who love God.” (Romans 8:28)
Listen carefully to what Jesus said in Matthew 6. “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers…he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”
Always remember, there is hope with God. radio.hopewithgod.com
Do you have endurance…and patience? These are qualities in life that can be very elusive at times. We find it so difficult to be patient. Endurance can be something we want to avoid simply because hard things are hard.
The word endurance means to remain under. It’s the image of carrying a heavy load that takes great strength to bear. Endurance can be so difficult.
One of the beautiful promises in the Bible is that when we know God, and when we grow in the knowledge of Him, He will strengthen us with power so that we will have endurance and patience.
Do you know Him? Instead of being weighed down by your trouble, turn your heart, your mind, your thoughts to the living God.
"And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But the one who endures to the end will be saved." Mark 13:13
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Have you felt isolated lately? As the world has changed over the past couple of years, more people than ever are feeling lonely, craving connection with others and with God.
You can find reassurance in the truth that, if you have received Jesus into your life, He is always with you.
King David wrote songs expressing to the Lord his loneliness. In Psalm 25 he says, “Turn to me and have mercy, for I am alone and in deep distress.”
But David also knew the truth of God’s faithful presence. He wrote, “I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.” (Psalm 16:8-9)
You can be encouraged by this truth. And share it with others also.
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There are a couple of stories in the Bible that reveal Jesus’ kindness and tenderness. One of them is found in John 20. Jesus has been crucified, laid in a tomb, and on the third day Mary comes to the grave, but Jesus isn’t there. She stands by the tomb crying.
You see, Mary was so confused and full of grief. Jesus who had healed her and cared for her was dead. And now she comes and can’t even find His body.
Jesus’ kindness to her is so beautiful! He says, “Why are you crying? Who are you looking for? I am here. Are you a crying, confused woman today? Jesus says to you, “I am here. I am here.”
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Most of us, I’m sure, feel stressed out watching the news reports. There are so many problems in the world, but for the most part, they are not our burdens to carry. Besides, we have a refuge, a sanctuary from the stress and strife of the world.
Psalm 91 in the Bible says, “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.”
That is ultimate security! Put your trust in God. Without Him there is no shelter from the division and anxiety of the world, but in Him we can find peace.
There are times to take part and do what we can in God’s mission of justice. But there are also times we simply need to rest, knowing He has it handled.
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“Home” is a powerful word. It can stir up strong emotions.
God created us to long for home, for belonging, for Himself. He is our good Father. Our home on earth is temporary; someday it will be a ruin. God gives us a permanent home: His love. The strongest storm cannot break it. It will never fail. God’s love is forever.
You have a Father in heaven who made you, He loves you, and He has made a way for you to come home to Him forever. He sent Jesus to earth to show us the way to God, and He even died to pay the penalty for everything wrong we have ever done.
Do you want to make your home in God? You can ask His forgiveness for your sins and commit to following Jesus for the rest of your life.
"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1 radio.hopewithgod.com
There's a religious word that you might have heard and just let it pass you by. A word maybe a pastor or a priest would use. The word “redeemed.” The word actually means to buy up, to rescue from loss.
Before I walked with God and gave my life to Him, I was lost. There were dreams I had that got lost through the years. I had a constant sense of disappointment. But when I received God's grace through repentance redemption began to play a beautiful, creative role in my life. Jesus rescued me from loss.
Do you feel overwhelmed by a sense of loss? Jesus gave His life to redeem us, you included. He died on a cross, became a curse for us, so that we could be redeemed.
Ask Him to redeem your loss today. Always remember there is hope with God.
"He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins." Ephesians 1:7
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What are you hungry for? The city where I live – Portland, Oregon – is a foodie kind of place. There are creative chefs, decadent food options, and discerning diners. Most of us have favorite foods that we crave. We know the satisfaction we get from them and so we hunger for them again and again.
Do you know that you can also hunger for God? You can be so filled and satisfied in His presence that You crave time with Him. When I was younger I had an appetite for sins and bad habits. When I began walking with Jesus I discovered that He filled me up and satisfied all my cravings. My appetite changed.
In the Message Bible in Matthew 5:6 Jesus says: “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He is food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.” Let’s get hungry for God!
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Listen to these words of wisdom from the book of Proverbs: “Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he defies all sound judgement.” These words were written thousands of years ago but the principle is still the same for us today. People are the same! Think about how easily we want to isolate these days. It makes us selfish people who make bad decisions. We put ourselves in situations where we care only about ourselves.
Are you isolating? Do you find yourself as a result making bad decisions? We don't have to live this way. We were not meant to live in isolation. We are created to be in community. And when you walk with Jesus there is a global family to love and to love you right back. Turn your heart to Jesus today. Come out of isolation, my friend.
Always remember, there is hope with God.
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Let’s talk about the Church. The Church is how we connect with other members of God’s family. It’s not a building or a denomination.
It is you and me – people who follow Jesus. It is God’s design for us to come together to worship Him, to make Him known, to serve and love each other as He loves us. It also gives us the opportunity to practice forgiving one another as He has forgiven us.
When you attend a church, you will find a lot of heartache and people who are broken. Together, you get to journey toward God. As we work out what God requires of us, we get to express grace to one another.
The Bible says in Hebrews 10:25, “Let us not neglect our meeting together as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Be committed to your local church and you will bless others. And you’ll be blessed yourself.
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Not long ago, my wife Wendy and I were in Malawi, East Africa, for an evangelistic festival. It was a wonderful time of ministering to people, sharing the Gospel, and seeing thousands respond in faith. Many churches came together to work with us and to disciple the new believers. Perhaps you too, are a new believer. If so, I’d like to remind you of just what that means.
First, you are forgiven through the cross of Jesus. Also, you are God’s child, adopted into His family. You have a life worth living, as well as the promise of Heaven.
Another great blessing is that you are not alone. God will never leave you. His Spirit lives in you and will help you to move forward.
Receiving Jesus into your heart does not mean that your life is perfect and free of struggles. But read God’s word, the Bible, and let Him teach you and lead you along.
"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" 2 Corinthians 5:17
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The word “but” is a conjunction in the English language. It connects two phrases or clauses. I like it because it often means there is something else to be known. In the book of Ephesians, chapter 2, the writer uses the word so beautifully. He's reminding the Church of who they are in Jesus.
He says, “You were separate from Christ, excluded, foreigners to the promises of God without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who were once far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:12-13)
Is there a “but” in your life, or has your story not changed? Are you still separate from God? Today can be your “but.” Today you can say, “Yes Lord!” You know, He loves you. Will you make today the day your story changes? Always remember, there is hope with God
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Right after I first began to follow Jesus, there were some radical changes in my life. I told my friends I was a Christian, that I wanted to follow God and go to church. But then I failed miserably. I went to a party with my old friends and I drank too much. I was so ashamed afterward.
At that point I could have just given up and let shame keep me in darkness, but a Christian friend told me this wonderful truth. Through the ongoing work of the cross of Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven. I understood then that I was a baby Christian, and like a baby I might soil myself and need cleaning up.
I asked God to forgive me and cleanse me afresh. He did, and set me back on the path, following Him.
Don’t despair if you feel you have messed up. Confess it to God and ask His forgiveness. Always remember, there is hope with God.
"But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness." 1 John 1:9
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Do you ever wonder what the cross is really all about? Christians talk about the cross. We see it on churches, jewelry, even tattoos. Is the cross just an ancient religious symbol? No! Without the cross we are people running around trying to please God. The cross is where God did everything that was needed to deal with sin in the world. Sin - the thing that separates us from a holy God. God's Son, Jesus, took the sin of the world on Himself when He died on that cross thousands of years ago, and through His death He offered us a way to know Him. What a transaction! What a mystery! And He is so willing. He loves you. Do you know that He loves you, my friend? Find yourself at the foot of the cross. Always remember, there is hope with God. radio.hopewithgod.com
Before Jesus was crucified, He was sent to a Roman leader named Pilate. People who wanted Jesus killed were complaining that Jesus claimed to be a king. That would have been an unacceptable threat to the Roman empire. So Pilate was trying to figure out if Jesus truly had claimed to be a king.
Jesus said to him, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18:37) Jesus was born, was crucified, and rose again to serve as evidence of the truth that God loves us and wants to save us.
I encourage you to pull out your Bible today and read from the Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. The words and life of Jesus will be life to your soul. Let His truth fill you today.
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In John chapter 9, in the Bible, we read that Jesus met a man who had been born blind. Jesus’ disciples were keen to discover whose sin had caused the blindness – the parents’ or the blind man’s. Jesus assured them it was no one’s fault, rather this man was here in this condition so that the works of God could be displayed in his life. Then he made a bit of mud, put it over the man’s eyes, and sent him to a pool to wash it off. When he did that, his eyes were healed and he could see.
Some religious leaders, [who were worried about the influence Jesus was having in the region,] interrogated the man. He could tell them little about the One who healed him but said, “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”
You can share your faith in the same way. Just tell what Jesus has done for you. It’s irrefutable.
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God is teaching me so much about generosity. There are many things that we hold precious: money, resources, reputation. For me, it is often time. Yet, the more I have laid my precious resource of time at Jesus’ feet – allowing Him to guide me, send me, use me, direct me – the more I have been blown away by His glorious grace and abundance. Listen to this beautiful promise: “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.” Is He calling you to be generous in some area of your life right now? There is grace abounding for us as we generously serve Him. Be encouraged in this journey of generosity that He calls us to. We can never out-give God. NEVER! Always remember, there is hope with God.
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Shortly after I committed my life to Jesus, some friends invited me on a trip to the mountains to study the Bible and pray. Near the end of this time together, after I had been deeply changed by God, I whispered to Him, “God, I will tell everyone what You have done.” I felt Him reply immediately, and He said, “Yes, you will.”
I was changed by God and my natural response was this pure desire to tell others about the good thing God had done in me. The more I read the Bible I realized I was not the only one who had this impulse.
One was the Samaritan woman who met Jesus at a well in her town. He offered her the living water of salvation. She immediately went and told all her neighbors, “Come and see.”
That’s all you need to do to share your faith. Tell what God has done in your life.
"For you are to be his witness, telling everyone what you have seen and heard." Acts 22:15
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God has been teaching me about the importance of having a generous heart. The Apostle Paul talks a lot about generosity in the New Testament. You’ve probably heard his famous words in 2 Corinthians (9) – “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
Why would anyone sow sparingly? The only reason is if there is a sense that there is not enough. Not enough time or resources. Not enough energy. Yet that is not the case when we trust in Jesus Christ. He is enough. He is the God of abundance. Abundant joy, peace, forgiveness, and freedom.
I’m longing for you to know of His generosity and kindness. He is waiting for you to call out to Him so He can pour into you all the love and grace that you need, so that you can be a generous person. Always remember, there is hope with God.
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In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus warned us about three things we sometimes do for the wrong reason. In Matthew 6:2 Jesus said, “When you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets.” So, number one – do not give to be honored by others.
In Matthew 6:6, Jesus said, “When you pray, go into your room and close the door.” So the second warning is: Do not pray to be seen by others.
Then in Matthew 6:16, Jesus said, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do.” Warning number three is: Do not fast to impress others.
All three of these things – giving, praying, fasting – are meant to give God glory, not bring us glory. There is much greater reward in bringing God glory than ourselves. The praises of men are temporary, but God’s rewards are everlasting.
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Are you tired today? Are you saying… I am tired of my own sin and failure. I am tired of this heavy guilt. I am tired of hiding my pain in the dark.
Friend, you do not have to carry these burdens on your own. Jesus says, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” That’s a promise! You do not have to do it all. It is impossible for us to be good and holy without Him—so let’s ask for His help today. Let’s pray: God, I am so tired. It hurts just to make it through the day. I feel alone and afraid, but You promised You would give me rest. I want to trust Your strength and not my own. Thank you for refreshing me. Amen. Let Him give you rest today! Always remember, there is hope with God.
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There are thousands of promises in the Bible - precious promises which have been such an encouragement to me along my life’s journey. I have known what it means to have joy and peace, even when life is painfully hard. I wanted to share a couple of my favorite promises.
I am forgiven through the cross of Jesus. My life is worth living, and I have the promise of heaven.
I am not alone. God promises never to leave me alone.
Receiving Jesus does not mean that your life is perfect and free of struggles, but God has promised beautiful hope for us who walk with Him. And the greatest promise? Heaven! One day we will see Him face to face. These promises are for you today. Will you receive the beautiful promises of Jesus? Remember, there is always hope with God.
"For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory." 2 Corinthians 1:20
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The Bible is a wonderful book. It is of great importance to me because, when I read it, God speaks to me. I get to know Him through reading His Word. If you are not familiar with the Bible, start reading it today. In it you will find wonderful promises from God that will encourage your heart. You will read verses that will give you the truths that will shape your life. I would suggest that you start reading in the book of John. It has 21 chapters. If you read just one per day, in three weeks you’ll have a clear picture of Jesus. You will see who He really is, and why He came to live on Earth as a man. You will learn of the salvation and eternal life that He offers you right now. This one book of the Bible – the Gospel of John – is a treasure house of wisdom and truth. I encourage you to get into it today. And always remember, there is hope with God.
"This disciple is the one who testifies to these events and has recorded them here. And we know that his account of these things is accurate." John 21:24
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When we pray, we talk to God. But it is more than that. It is a beautiful exchange. We come to Him with our burdens, our requests. We come with our fear or anxiety or worry or challenge. We give it over to Him and He exchanges it for His peace and hope.
In Philippians 4, the Bible gives us a great promise about this exchange. It says: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.”
I pray because I love to connect with God and experience that divine exchange. No fancy language or formulas are needed. Just open your heart to Him. radio.hopewithgod.com
Have you ever wondered: Does God hear my prayers? And if He does, can He actually respond? Will He answer? Maybe you’ve been asking God for something for years and nothing has changed. You feel tired and confused. Or maybe you are afraid to share your needs with Him – you worry that He doesn’t care.
Not only does He hear you, but He cares about you as a Father cares for His own children. In Matthew 7, Jesus was encouraging His disciples to pray and to ask their Heavenly Father for what they need. He said, “Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you.”
So don’t lose heart. Keep praying. Pray with confidence. And as you pray, don’t just tell God what YOU want, but also ask Him what HE wants. Ask Him to transform your heart. He will do it! radio.hopewithgod.com
The current population of the United States recently passed the 333 million mark. The number of people in the entire world is more than 7.9 billion. Considering those figures, I feel pretty insignificant.
There are so many of us in this world! We may have a little influence in a particular academic field or a geographic area, or perhaps just in our extended family or church. But still, we can perhaps feel unnecessary in the big scheme of things.
That’s not how God sees us. Amazingly, He loves each one of us and cares deeply about us – about you.
In Luke 12 we read: “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God… Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
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Most people avoid the subject of death. We don’t want to talk about it until we have to. I want you to know that in that moment, there is no need to be afraid. The Bible promises that we can be with God in heaven the very second that we take our final breath.
A few months ago my father-in-law, Luis Palau, died. As his body was failing I asked him, “Papa, are you afraid to die?” And he said, “No, Wendy, I feel like I’m going on a great adventure.” How beautiful!
You too can face death with that confidence if you know Jesus as your Savior and walk through life with Him. Jesus Himself said that He was going to prepare a place in Heaven for those who trust Him, and that we will be together forever. I want to see you there, my friend. One day we will all die and I want to see you there.
Always remember, there is hope with God. radio.hopewithgod.com
Sometimes when I tell someone the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ, they tell me they don’t think God could ever forgive them for the things they have done. But God is able to forgive, and He is willing to forgive. He doesn’t just accept your apology, He actually clears your record of sin.
Imagine yourself in a court of law – there’s a long list of charges against you. You are guilty of every one. But then Jesus steps in and gives His life in your place, taking the punishment for everything you’ve ever done wrong. All you need to do is accept His offer.
The Bible says in Romans 4, “Oh, what joy for those whose… record the Lord has cleared of sin!”
That’s you! If you have accepted His forgiveness, your record is clear and you can be joyful because of that. radio.hopewithgod.com
Do you ever wonder where God is in our grief? When we suffer, we often think God has abandoned us; left us alone. Doubt, blame, fear and anger creep in. Lie builds upon lie. That the God you believed in is either not real, doesn’t exist, or He isn’t good. It’s a frightening place to be, but not uncommon.
Today is the time to speak out against those lies. God DOES exist, and He IS good. And where is He in your pain? He’s right there with you – offering His presence, His comfort, His hope.
God never promised us a life without suffering and pain. Not once. But He DID promise over and over again to never leave us, to never forsake us, to help comfort and strengthen us. Where is He in your pain? As He was with Martha and Mary in John chapter 11 – He is weeping with you. Always remember, there is hope with God. radio.hopewithgod.com
Did you know that God loved you even before you believed in Him? He loved you even when you were in the middle of your darkest sin.
In Matthew chapter 9, the Bible tells us: “As Jesus was having a meal in Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Jesus and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ When Jesus heard this he said, “Those who are healthy don’t need a physician, but those who are sick do.” (Matthew 9:10-12
Who are the people in your life who most need to experience the love of God? They might not be the healthiest and holiest of your family and friends. [Can we follow Christ’s example of reaching out in love?] Jesus goes to those whose hearts need healing. Is there a small way you can do the same today?
Always remember, there is hope with God. radio.hopewithgod.com
During the pandemic we have all become used to wearing actual masks, but I think some are still wearing metaphorical masks. During the pandemic we have all become used to wearing actual masks, but I think some are still wearing metaphorical masks.
When I was younger I used to be a mask-wearer. I had a gnawing feeling that I didn’t matter so I tried hard to look on the outside as though I had it all together. I hid behind a mask.
Some people were fooled, but I couldn’t fool God. God sees right through our masks, right into our hearts and minds. It may sound scary to be this seen, this known, but there’s good news.
The Bible says, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
God sees through your mask and loves you anyway – so much that He died in your place. You can come to Him today with your mask off and tell Him what is really on your heart.
Jesus came to heal. All through the Gospels we read story after story of His powerful physical healing. How amazing and beautiful!
But there is another kind of sickness that He also came to heal - the illness of the broken heart. It’s an illness that might not be evident to people around us but a condition that leaves us crushed, hurt, injured, in pieces, smashed.
But Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds. He longs to heal your broken heart. He is waiting for you to ask Him.
Will you ask Him today? Just speak to Him and say something Like this: Jesus, I believe you are able to heal me. I am broken and the pain is crushing me. I believe you are who you say you are. Please come into my life today. My life is yours. Amen.
Remember, there is always hope with God.
Many of us enjoy the freedom to write letters to the editor, worship as we please, and protest injustice. These are civil freedoms. But we may still be in bondage in the most crucial aspect of life: spiritual freedom.
Jesus once amazed His listeners when He told them, “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” Then He gave the Good News – “If the Son (that’s Jesus Himself) sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:34, 36)
Jesus wasn’t talking to drunks, prostitutes, and thieves when He said this. He was speaking to educated, moral, and religious people. They were shocked to hear themselves referred to as slaves to sin. But that’s what we are until we receive the forgiveness that Jesus offers us. Only then can we attain true freedom.
Do you feel forgotten? Maybe you were isolated and cut off from friends and family during the pandemic. Perhaps you were not included in a social event when things finally opened up. Maybe it just feels as though everyone is too busy to spend time with you.
If you are feeling forgotten today, I want to remind you that God will never forget you. I hope that these Bible verses will bring you comfort and help you to know that you are not forgotten.
In Genesis 16:13, in the midst of a terrible situation, Hagar says, “You are the God who sees me.” And Psalm 139:1 says, “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.”
No, you are not forgotten by God. He is your heavenly Father who knows all about you, and loves you. Draw near to Him. Let yourself be seen and known by Him.
When you visit a hospital, you see people with various diseases or injuries confining them to bed. They need medicine and special care before they are free to go out and live a normal life.
Just as an illness can bind our bodies, sin is a chain around our souls. Jesus Christ is the only one who can free us from this chain and give us new life. “Salvation is found in no one else,” the Bible says in Acts 4:12.
Would you like to live free in Jesus Christ? Make the decision today to receive Him into your life. He brings healing. I know because I have experienced it myself. At the age of 27 I asked Jesus to free me from the sins that had a hold on me and I gave my life over to Him. He has brought me joy and blessings. I pray that you too will receive Him today.
No one on this earth has a life that is clear sailing, free from heartaches and struggles. The storms will come, but will you stand firm?
The Bible says that everyone who hears the words of Jesus and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the solid rock. In contrast, those who hear what Jesus has to say but do not take them to heart is like a person who builds a house on shifting sand. Firsthand reports of the words of Jesus are recorded in the Bible, in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Jesus is the only trustworthy foundation on which we can build our lives. Other foundations shift and crumble. If you recognize that your life is not built on the solid rock, then come to Jesus right now and discover the strength and security that will never fail you.
The word “comfort” is used in the New Testament 29 times! It’s used to mean encouragement, exhortation, consolation. All are the same word.
The word means an urging done by someone close behind; a personal exhortation that delivers the evidence that stands in God’s court. It’s actually a legal word and helps us see God’s presence as what we need when lies abound.
Lies such as: I am not loved. My life is hopeless. I’ve failed too many times. God isn’t good. These lies bring fear and hopelessness. In the New Testament we are told that God is the God of ALL comfort and the father of compassion. That is the truth He offers us, and the truth is the comfort we need.
Will you turn your heart to the God of all comfort today? Give Him your life, fully and completely, and ask Him to comfort you with His truth.