Article: Victorious christian life

Victory comes by Faith

The "victory" that this couple possessed, despite the tragic loss of their daughter, referred to the state of their inward attitude, the disposition of their heart. Victory is that inner peace of God which surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:7). It's the joy of the Lord which is our strength (Neh. 8:10). It is the that inner confidence that overcomes discouragement, doubt and unbelief. It is the assurance that God is in control, and as we love the Lord and live a life wholly consecrated to Him, we know all things and circumstances are somehow working together for our good. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

God wants all his children to live a victorious life. However, this is only possible through the walk of faith. "...this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith" (1 John 5:4). Faith is that which makes us overcomers against all the trials and circumstances of his world (1 John 5:4). A victorious life of faith no longer lives by feelings, emotions or circumstances. It is no longer manipulated by the emotions of discouragement or depression. As believers, we live and abide according to what the Word of God says, not by what the circumstances say. "We walk by faith and not by sight" (2 Cor. 5:7). This walk of faith is what brings victory.

Faith enables us to Endure

The scriptures teach that every Christian will face many trials and disappointments in this life and He promises to deliver us from them all. "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all" (Psalms 34:19). However, we must understand, our deliverance and victory may not always mean the immediate alteration of our circumstances. God may not always choose, or be at liberty, to change some external circumstances immediately. Instead, He will change YOU internally so that you can "endure" the circumstances. This is what Paul meant when he said he could be "content" regardless of what state he found himself (Phil. 4:11). Despite our circumstances, we can have victory and peace in our heart, with the patience to endure until He alters our situation.

One Christian wife cried continually to the Lord about her alcoholic husband. She could not bear the continual heartache, the strife and embarrassment. She urgently prayed that God would transform the man and heal her marriage. God also wanted to change that man, but He will not force anyone to serve him. So since the wife had no biblical grounds for divorce, she had to learn to endure and be patient for God to deal with the husband's heart. In this situation, her deliverance came internally as the Lord relieved her burden. He protected her from physical abuse and gave her peace and joy in her heart. Today her husband has still not turned to the Lord, but her peace and joy is no longer postponed to a future time when he might change. She lives each day in victory -- with God's peace and joy rooted firmly in her heart.

God provides Refuge, A way of Escape

God does not bring evil upon us (James 1:17), but sometimes, for His specific purposes, He has placed persons in challenging situations for the cause of Christ. And in other situations, it may be just a matter of time for the Lord to change our circumstances. But in the meantime, you can find peace and refuge in His presence. "The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble" (Psalms 9:9).

God promised to make a way of "escape" in the midst of distress, enabling us to "bear" certain temptations or trials. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (1 Corinthians 10:13). That way of "escape" is the presence and peace of God which abides in us to give us victory in the midst of the conflict - peace in the middle of turmoil. The presence of God in our life enables us to "bear" certain hardships and difficulties. And notice that it says He will not allow you endure an ordeal beyond your ability. That's something to always remember.

Paul -- A man of Faith, Victory, and Trials

Perhaps there is no one who knew how to live the victorious life better than the Apostle Paul. He was a man of great faith and strength with God, but he endured circumstances that were almost unbelievable. He wrote of his ordeals in the ministry: "...In labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches" (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).

Despite his tribulations, Paul didn't lose sight of his victory. He wrote, "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). Paul's life and ministry were filled with tremendous hardship, but his attitude remained confident and resisted defeat. "...Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57).

You can live in Victory, Not in Defeat!

If you are facing trying situations, don't allow them to rob you of your victory! The Bible tells us that "God is your refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalms 46:1). You are not alone. Jesus has promised to never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 12:13). Turn your attention to Him and His Word. Wait upon Him and He will strengthen you with His peace. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee" (Isaiah 26:3).

By faith, release your cares, your concerns and worries to Him. Trust Him to work out the end result. He will either change your circumstance or will change you to deal with them! Take His rest and peace upon you, believing that He has taken the burden from you. "Cast all your cares upon him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).

Key messages (book): Running with the giants: John Maxwell (iii)

The third person we can learn from the Old Testament: Abraham

Abram was born in Ur of the Chaldees, located in the Tigris-Euphrates Valley region. From Ur, Abram and his family moved to Haran (today’s Iraq), about 600 miles (975 kilometers) to the northwest. There, at the age of 75, he received his calling from God.

Genesis 12: 2-3

² “I will make you into a great nation,
   and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
   and you will be a blessing.^[a]
3 I will bless those who bless you,
   and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
   will be blessed through you.”

Abram settled in Canaan, where God made a covenant (special agreement) with him. The covenant promised that Abram would have many descendants and Canaan would be their "everlasting possession" if they remained faithful to God (Genesis 17:4-8). As a symbol of His pledge, God changed Abram's name to Abraham, which means father of many nations.

God promised Abraham a son at his very old age. However, at some point in his son, Isaac's youth, Abraham was commanded by God to offer his son up as a sacrifice in the land of Moriah.

Just as Abraham was about to sacrifice his son, he was prevented by an angel, and given on that spot a ram which he sacrificed in place of his son. As a reward for his obedience to God he received another promise of numerous descendants and abundant prosperity.

¹⁷ I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, ¹⁸ and through your offspring^[b] all nations on earth will be blessed,^[c] because you have obeyed me.” (Genesis 22: 17-18).

He passed away at the age of 180. He is a role model as a leader who fears God and trusts God, he is the friend of God.

In conclusion, he is the man who leaves everything in answer to God’s call. He is a person with vision-a vision that his life will be of significant, that he will play a part in God’s great purpose.

He is an encouragement to us because he is with his weaknesses and strengths.

Topics of contemplation:

God is always right though sometimes it takes a long time for his promises to be accomplished

God is always right though some of his word seem to be unbelievable to others

God is always right though sometimes we have doubts about his decisions

God is always right though sometimes we might not understand Him

God is always right though sometimes it takes a long time for his promises to be accomplished

If God tells us to wait for a long time before his promises come to pass, we often behave like little kids who just can’t wait to open our Christmas gifts. Therefore when Abram went to the land of Canaan, he gradually lost his patience, cause none of God’s promises had accomplished for the first 10 years. In these 10 years:

-He had left his country and father’s household

-God promises to bless him and his descendents

-He encountered severe famine

-He tell lies to Pharaoh in Egypt

-He had to be separate with his nephew Lot

-He still did not have a son

After 10 years, Abraham wanted to know whether God promises were still at work.

⁵ He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring^[d] be.” (Genesis 15: 5-6)

Although Abraham gained affirmation from God again, he still couldn’t understand God’s plan. God’s ways and His perception of timing are different from ours, perhaps there is a long period to go through. No matter how, God will fulfill His promises.

God is always right though some of his word seem to be unbelievable to others.

“I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.”

   Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. ¹¹ Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. ¹² So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?”

 ¹³ Then the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ ¹⁴ Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”  (Genesis 18: 10b-14)

When Sarah heard God told her about this, she was at the age of 89. Why God wanted them to wait for so long? Because God wanted Abraham to completely put his faith in Him. Very soon, God fulfilled his promises. The next year, Sarah gave birth to Isaac, this was impossible in people’s eyes. It is difficult to predict our mighty God. God said to Abraham:

¹⁴ Is anything too hard for the LORD? (Genesis 18:14)

God is always right though sometimes we have doubts about His decisions.

In Genesis 18 Abraham also argued with God and begged God to show mercy to the inhabitants of Sodom. Here, God said that for their wickedness, God would destroy Sodom. Abraham implored God to spare the city if God could find 50 righteous men. God submitted, and Abraham counteroffered with 45 righteous men. Abraham eventually whittled God down to 10 righteous men. Therefore God remained those who were righteous and then destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.

²⁴ Then the LORD rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. ²⁵ Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land. (Genesis 19: 24-25)

God is merciful and righteous, he respected the request of Abraham, so he remained those who were righteous in Gomorrah. Therefore he will see us as these righteous people from Gomorrah.

God is always right though sometimes we might not understand Him

In Genesis 22:2, God told Abraham to take his son to the region of Moriah, sacrifice him as a burnt offering. God’s command was totally contrast with his promises to Abraham. This time Abraham did not have any doubt with God’s instruction. In the past he had questioned God, negotiated with God or being disobedient to God. However, after all these years of walk with God, Abraham had learned to obey God, the secret to walk with God was to trust and obey God, because all promises of God were truthful and would come to pass.

Other lessons we can learn:

-our perfection is not the pre-condition for God to do all his wonderful works in our lives. We are imperfect but this doesn’t matter, so long as God is with us, we will gradually be more like Him. Abraham had made lots of mistakes even after he obeyed God and moved to the land of Canaan but God transformed and changed him through out his walk with God.

.-All blessings that Abraham received were from God. Similarly, all good things we receive are from God, though we are not worthy of His calling and His blessings. Hence we have to contemplate this with gratitude, forever we will follow Him and trust Him.

Key Messages (book): "Running with the Giants: John Maxwell (ii)

Second person we can learn from the Old Testament: Joseph

Topics of contemplation

Don’t give up your dream/vision/calling from God even when you didn’t start well

Don’t give up your dream/vision/calling from God even when your family members do not support you

Don’t give up your dream/vision/calling from God even when you face lots of challenges and obstacles

Don’t give up your dream/vision/calling from God even when success seem to be far away

This is Jacob’s family line. He had 12 sons and he loved the youngest son, Joseph most, hence his brothers hated him. He told his family about what God revealed to him through 2 dreams, his father rebuked him and his brothers hated him all the most. At the age of 17, his brothers sold him to be a slave in Egypt. (Genesis 37)

Joseph’s master was Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s official.

 ² The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. ³ When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, ⁴ Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. ⁵ From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. ⁶ So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care. (Genesis 39: 2-6a)

Potiphar’s wife tempted Joseph to bed with her, but he rejected her many times. She was upset and made a false accusation on Joseph for trying to tempt her. Joseph’s master was very angry and put Joseph in prison.

But while Joseph was there in the prison, ²¹ the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. (Genesis 39: 20b-21)

Few years later, Joseph managed to interpret Pharaoh’s dream, and he was appointed as the governor in Egypt.

³³ “And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. (Genesis 41: 33)

³⁹ Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. ⁴⁰ You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.” (Genesis 41: 39)

Many years later, he managed to rescue his father and brothers. Though he went through all these  tremendous ups and downs in life, he always hold on to God with faith and awe, finally he became a giant who changed the history.

Don’t give up, even when you didn’t start well

People give up their dreams easily even at the initial state, few are like Joseph who is persevere with his dream.

Don’t give up, even when your family members do not support you.

Joseph hold on to the dream that God revealed to him, even though his family members do not believe in him.

Don’t give up, even when you face lots of challenges and obstacles

Every time when Joseph is facing trials and difficulties, God is with him, God comforts him and strengthen him. Even some daily little things that seem to be unimportant to Joseph, it’s important in the eyes of God.

Don’t give up, even when success seem to be far away

Since the age of 17, Joseph waited for 23 years for his dream to come true. Finally, he became the leader in Egypt, he rescued his family and his people. We do not know when is God’s perfect timing but we will not easily give up.

Key Messages (book): "Running with the Giants: John Maxwell

Key Messages from “Running with the giants” by John Maxwell

The first person we can learn from the Old Testament is: Noah

Topics of contemplation:

-you can make a difference to your family

-you can make a difference to the whole environment

-you can make a difference to the future generation

-you can make a difference according to God’s plan

-you can make a difference at any age

Genesis 6: 5-8

⁵ The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. ⁶ The LORD regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. ⁷ So the LORD said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” ⁸ But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.

You can make a difference to your family

Those who live a righteous life and obey God can bring positive impacts to people, though they themselves might not  aware of it.

God selects Noah because of his righteousness, therefore the obedience of Noah has benefitted himself and has rescued his whole family.

¹ The LORD then said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation. (Genesis 7: 1)

You can make a difference to the environment

No one can play the role of Noah again, however, you don’t have to be another Noah to change the world, each and every one of us can make our workplace/home a better place to stay.

Noah has the courage to trust God and obey God, though at that time there is still no sign of flood and it might look foolish in the eyes of others. Noah just obey God’s instruction to build an ark, though this kind of work has not be done by anyone before.

You can make a difference to the future generation

Your act of kindness can benefit the future generation. Due to God’s covenant with Noah, we are free from any flood that may destroy the earth. All creatures are benefitted by one man’s righteousness. Similarly, you can make a difference to the future generation through your ministry or bring positive impacts to them.

 ⁸ Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him: ⁹ “I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you ¹⁰ and with every living creature that was with you—the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you—every living creature on earth. ¹¹ I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.”(Genesis 9: 8-11)

This covenant will remain until the earth has passed away.

You can make a difference according to God’s plan

We always try to ignore our importance to God.

⁹ For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. (2 Chronicles 16: 9)

Noah is a role model for us, God regretted that he had made human and other creatures, however, Noah found favor in the eyes of God. Therefore the wonderful relationship between God and Noah has changed the entire history.

You can make a difference at any age

God can transform anyone regardless of his/her age and qualifications. When Jesus performs the miracle to feed the 5000 people by using 5 loafs of bread and 2 fishes, the person who gives Jesus these 5 loafs of bread and 2 fishes is just a little boy.

When the Lord tells Noah to go into the ark, Noah is already 600 year-old. Therefore age is never an issue for God.

sermon: Dr John Maxwell

part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5ucYl0sirI&feature=relmfu
part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=36FQEDeOopM&NR=1
part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PfqYHuA2P4&feature=relmfu
part 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AorJSjSE1nk&feature=relmfu
part 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E07NTS8DfU&feature=relmfu
part 6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOI0evDbsUY&feature=relmfu

Bible prayer reading: John 17: 20-26 (example 8)

John 17: 20-26

Jesus Prays for All Believers

    ²⁰ “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, ²¹ that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ²² I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— ²³ I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
   ²⁴ “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
   ²⁵ “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. ²⁶ I have made you^[e] known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”


Bible prayer reading: example 8

Lord Jesus, I want to give thanks and glory to you. I want to sing for joy to the Lord, I want to come before you with thanksgiving. I want to proclaim that you are the King of kings, Lord of lords, the sea is yours and your hands formed the dry land. I want to bow down in worship.

Let the sea resound, let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy, let them sing before the Lord.

Thank you Lord, for letting me know that you also pray for me in heaven.  Thank you for your care and love for me. You are indeed my rock, my deliverer, my refuge, my shield and my stronghold.

Lord Jesus, just as you and Abba Father are as one, please let me have unity with you so that that I am more like you, so that i can share my testimony and give glory to you and more will come to know that you are the Messiah, the savior of the world. Hallelujah!!!

Lord Jesus, let me be with you, where ever I go, let me and those around me see your glory by all the wonderful works you have done, in my life and the lives of others. Lord Jesus, let me encounter you in a wonderful way, everyday, and let me experience your love again and again so that I am capable to love others, cause you first love us.

Lord, let me have your divine wisdom to face all challenges that I encounter, though I need to face all these trials but I am not afraid cause you are with me. Teach me Lord, so that I learn to overcome all these trials and growth from these experiences. Like the case of Joseph, he was sold to Egypt by his brothers, but your beautiful plan was good, where Joseph was eventually raised up to be the ruler in Egypt. You have sent Joseph ahead of his brothers to save their lives by a great deliverance (Genesis 45).

Lord Jesus, though the schemes of the enemies are evil, you will turn things around for your good purposes and your plans. Lord, teach me Lord and I will obey your law, so that I can overcome all these challenges, I can experience a great deliverance from all these wicked schemes and I sing victory and give glory to you. I want to proclaim that becuase my hope is in the Lord, my strength will be renew; i will soar on wings like eagles, i will run and not grow weary; i wll walk and not be faint. In Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen! Amen! Amen!

note: now you may pray for your church/nation/leaders/ministry/etc

Bible verses: about benevolence

2 Corinthians 9: 8,  God gives you all you need to do good
⁸ And 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.


Hebrew 6: 10,  God will not forget your good work
¹⁰ God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.


Matthew 6: 3-4,  Give secretly, and God will reward you
 ³ But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.


Matthew 25: 40,  Doing good to others is doing good to Christ
 ⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’


Psalm 41: 1-2,  God blesses those who help the weak
¹ Blessed are those who have regard for the weak;
   the LORD delivers them in times of trouble.
² The LORD protects and preserves them—
   they are counted among the blessed in the land—
   he does not give them over to the desire of their foes.

Bible prayer reading: example 7: resurrection

Bible prayer reading: example 7

Topic of contemplation: Resurrection

John 11: 25-27

²⁵ Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; ²⁶ and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
 ²⁷ “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

1 Peter 1: 3-4

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you

2 Corinthians 5: 1

 ¹ For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me this day and I can seek your face early in the morning. Thank you for the cross and thank you for your amazing grace to bear my sins and shame, because of you my life is renewed. Thank you Lord, because of you I am a new creation and the old has gone. Thank you for your resurrection that I hope for the future.

Lord Jesus, you are the resurrection and the life, and those who live in you will never die.

Yes Lord, because of your resurrection power that gain victory over death is with me, I can overcome challenges and difficulties, I can gain victory over dark forces. Abba father, you have rescued me from the dominion of darkness and brought me into the kingdom of the Son he loves. Through Lord Jesus I have redemption and forgiveness. Thank you Lord for all the wonderful works you have done in my life, I want to give praise to you, not only for what you have done but for who you are. Hosanna, the Lord most high!

Thank you Lord I am now been justified by your blood. You redeemed us not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. You are the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for our sins but also for the sins of the whole world. How deep and how wide, indeed, is your love for us.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your promises that not only I have the living hope but I have entered into your kingdom and into an inheritance that can never perish, which is kept in heaven. You reminded us that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Then we will be with you forever and ever. Thank you Lord for such a wonderful plan you have for us.

Therefore while I am still live with this earthly tent (body), please mold me, transform me so that I am more like you and give glory to you. Lord, let me encounter you every day, and be refreshed by you, please lead me in my walk with you, everyday, until you call me to the heavenly home. Let nothing separtes me from you love, from now on and foerver. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray. Amen! Amen! Amen!

Bible verses: in times of troubles

Philippians 4: 4-7 
⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 55: 22
²² Cast your cares on the LORD
   and he will sustain you;

Psalm 50: 15
¹⁵ and call on me in the day of trouble;
   I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”

Isaiah 40: 31
³¹ but those who hope in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint.

Matthew 28: 20
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Psalm 37: 28
²⁸ For the LORD loves the just
   and will not forsake his faithful ones.

Psalm 94: 14
¹⁴ For the LORD will not reject his people;
   he will never forsake his inheritance.

Bible verses: God's love

Romans 5:8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Ephesians 2:4-5 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, evenwhen we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved—

1 John 4:9-11 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

God Loves and Cares For Us

Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

1 John 4:7-8  Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.  Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 Peter 5:6-7  Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,  casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Job 34:19 who shows no partiality to princes, nor regards the rich more than the poor,  for they are all the work of his hands?

Psalm 86:15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.

1 John 3:1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

 

What God Says About Love

Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,

Proverbs 8:17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

John 13:34-35  A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

 

Respond To God’s Love Through Thankfulness

Psalm 136:26 Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.

Romans 5:2-5 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Colossians 2:6-7  Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.

Hebrews 12:28-29 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.