Protection from Danger with scripture.

Here is a poem asking for God's protection, woven with the promises of scripture.

A Shield Against the Night

When shadows lengthen and fears take flight, When day recedes and deepens the night, I call upon Your holy name, A shelter from the storm and flame. "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble."(Psalm 32:7)

Let angels guard my path, my bed, By heavenly hosts be I am led. No unseen snare shall make me fall, You hear my voice,You hear my call. "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."(Psalm 91:11)

Though danger lurks on roads unknown, I do not walk this path alone. Your rod and staff,they comfort me, A constant truth I feel and see. "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me."(Psalm 23:4)

You are my fortress, strong and high, Beneath Your wings I safely lie. No plague,no terror, no despair, Can reach me in Your faithful care. "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge."(Psalm 91:4)

So anchor me in peace, I pray, Through all the struggles of the day. My trust is in Your sovereign hand, Upon the rock,I firmly stand. "The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one."(2 Thessalonians 3:3)

Amen.

Build treasure in Heaven.

The command to "build treasure in heaven" is a central teaching of Jesus, directly challenging our natural inclination to seek security and significance in earthly things. It is an invitation to invest in what is eternal and truly valuable.

This command comes from the Sermon on the Mount:

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” - Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)

What Does It Mean to Build Treasure in Heaven?

Building treasure in heaven means using your time, energy, resources, and gifts for purposes that have eternal significance and align with God's kingdom. It is investing in people and God's work, knowing that the returns are not temporary but last forever.

How Do We Build This Treasure? (Biblical Examples)

1. Generous Giving to Those in Need:

   "Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys." - Luke 12:33 (ESV)

   · Action: Giving to the poor, the hungry, the marginalized, and supporting ministry is like making a direct deposit into your heavenly account.

2. Faithful Service and Obedience to God:

   "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master." - Matthew 25:21 (ESV)

   · Action: Faithfully doing the work God has given you—whether large or small, public or private—is storing up reward.

3. Sharing the Gospel and Making Disciples:

   "For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy." - 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 (ESV)

   · Action: Investing in people's spiritual lives and leading them to Christ creates eternal treasure. People are the only "things" we can take to heaven with us.

4. Loving and Praying for Enemies:

   "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High." - Luke 6:35 (ESV)

   · Action: Showing radical, Christ-like love in difficult situations has great eternal reward.

5. Praying, Fasting, and Serving in Secret:

   "But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." - Matthew 6:6 (ESV)

   · Action: Doing spiritual disciplines not for human praise but for God's eyes alone accumulates heavenly reward.

A Poem: "Building Treasure in Heaven"

"Building Treasure in Heaven"

The coin that shines, the land we hold, The story of success we've told, The house so large,the car so new, The accolades we pursue.

The moth will feast, the rust consume, The thief will break into the room, And all we've built will fade away, With yesterday's news,and yesterday's day.

But there's a wealth that does not fade, A sure return on investments made. A different currency,a different kind, The economy of the heavenly mind.

It is the dollar given in Jesus' name, To ease the hurting one's deep shame. It is the hour upon your knees in prayer, The burden for a soul you bear.

It is the meal you make, the clothes you give, The grace you show so one may live. It is the word of truth you speak in love, Pointing another to the King above.

It is the secret act of kindness done, Praising the Father,not the sun. It is the cup of water,cold, you bring, It is the song of joy you sing.

These are the bricks of solid gold, A story in the heavens told. Deposits in a bank divine, That lasts through endless space and time.

So build your treasure there, above, Secured in God's great heart of love. For where you put your gold and art, Is surely where you'll place your heart.

Invest today in the never-ending, In the love of God,forever sending. Build your treasure in the sky, Where your true heart will ever lie.

---

A Prayer for Heavenly Focus

Heavenly Father,

My heart is so easily drawn to earthly treasures—to security, comfort, and recognition. Forgive me. Give me spiritual eyes to see the incredible value of eternal investments.

Help me to be generous, knowing that every gift to the needy is a treasure stored with You. Make me faithful in small things, joyful in service, and bold in sharing the gospel. Let my life be spent on what truly matters, so that one day I may hear those words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

I ask this in the name of Jesus, who gave up every heavenly treasure to make me rich in You.

Amen.

Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.

That phrase is a powerful and often misunderstood conclusion from Jesus's teaching on worry in the Sermon on the Mount. It serves as a practical and profound rule for Christian living.

The full verse is:

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” - Matthew 6:34 (ESV)

Other translations say, "Each day has enough trouble of its own" (NIV) or "Today’s trouble is enough for today" (NLT).

What Does It Mean?

This statement is not cynical or pessimistic. It is profoundly realistic and freeing. Jesus is not saying life is nothing but trouble; He is giving us a key to managing our anxiety by focusing on the right timeframe.

1. It is an Anti-Anxiety Command: Jesus has just spent the previous verses(Matthew 6:25-33) commanding us not to worry about our life, food, drink, or clothing. He points to God's care for the birds and the flowers as evidence of our immense value to Him. This verse is the conclusion: Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow.

2. It is a Call to Present-Moment Living: Jesus is teaching us to break life down into manageable pieces.We can become overwhelmed when we try to face all of tomorrow's potential problems today. God gives us the grace to handle what is in front of us today. He does not typically give us the grace for hypothetical problems of tomorrow until they become the realities of today.

3. It Acknowledges Reality without Being Overcome by It: Jesus is a realist.He doesn't say, "Have faith and every day will be easy." He says, in effect, "Life in a broken world has real challenges. Each day will bring its own set of difficulties. Don't borrow trouble from tomorrow and add it to today's load. Trust that I will give you the strength you need for today's challenges when they arrive."

How to Apply This Truth

· Focus on Today's Grace: Ask, "What has God given me to do today? What resources has He provided for this day?" His mercies are "new every morning" (Lamentations 3:22-23).

· Plan, But Don't Worry: It is wise to plan for tomorrow (Proverbs 6:6-8), but it is a sin to worry about it. We make plans while holding them with an open hand, trusting a sovereign God.

· Bring Today's Burdens to God: When trouble comes today, take it to God immediately in prayer. "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). Handle today's problems with today's grace.

· Remember God's Faithfulness: Look back and see how God provided for you yesterday and the day before. This builds faith that He will provide for you again today and tomorrow.

A Poem: "Sufficient for the Day"

Here is a poem that reflects on this command to live in the present grace of God.

"Sufficient for the Day"

Why do you borrow from tomorrow's sorrow? A weight you were never meant to bear? Why do you let the shadow fall, Before the dusk is even there?

The God who paints the lily's face, And guides the sparrow through its race, He knows the path you cannot see, And He has promised you shall be.

He does not give a weekly dose, Of grace and strength to bear the load. He gives it as the manna fell, Enough today,His mercies swell.

So do not add tomorrow's fear, To the trouble that is here. Just for this day,His will you seek, His strength is found when you are weak.

The evil here, the trouble now, To which you make your faithful vow, Is all He asks you to address, In His own power and righteousness.

So let tomorrow worry for itself, Lay down that weight upon the shelf. And for today,just simply live, And take the grace He has to give.

For sufficient for the day is the evil thereof, Enough the struggle,enough the love. Enough the grace to see it through, Because His promise is ever true.

---

A Prayer for Daily Trust

Heavenly Father,

My mind so often races ahead, anxious about problems that may never even happen. Forgive me for doubting Your provision and care. Your Word says that today has enough trouble of its own. Help me to focus on what You have set before me right now.

I trust that You will give me the grace, strength, and wisdom I need for today's challenges. I refuse to borrow worry from tomorrow. Thank you that Your mercies are new every morning and that Your faithfulness is great.

I cast all my anxiety on You now, because I know You care for me.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Kairos moment of God.

The concept of a "Kairos Moment of God" is a profound and powerful theme throughout the Bible. It moves beyond simple chronology to describe a divine appointment, a crucial window of opportunity orchestrated by God for His purpose.

Understanding "Kairos" vs. "Chronos"

· Chronos (χρόνος): This is linear, quantitative time. It's clock time, calendar time, the sequential passing of seconds, minutes, and hours. It's where we get the word "chronology."

· Kairos (καιρός): This is qualitative, opportune time. It signifies the right or opportune moment, a decisive turning point, a season or a defining moment when God acts or invites us to act. It's a moment pregnant with eternal significance.

A Kairos Moment of God is when the eternal breaks into the temporal. It is a moment of divine opportunity, crisis, decision, and judgment.

Biblical Examples of God's Kairos Moments

1. The Flood (Genesis 6-9):

   "Then the LORD said, 'My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be a hundred and twenty years.'" (Genesis 6:3)

   · This was a kairos moment of judgment and salvation—a decisive end to one era and the beginning of another.

2. The Exodus (Exodus 3-14):

   "So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land... And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt." (Exodus 3:8, 10)

   · This was a kairos moment of deliverance, where God's promise to Abraham was activated at the appointed time.

3. The Incarnation (Galatians 4:4-5):

   "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship."

   · This is the ultimate kairos moment. God, in His sovereignty, orchestrated all of history—the Pax Romana, Greek language, Jewish diaspora—to prepare the world for the arrival of the Messiah.

4. Jesus's Ministry Opening (Mark 1:15):

   "'The time has come,' Jesus said. 'The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!'"

   · Jesus Himself announced a kairos moment. The waiting was over; the time for decision had arrived.

5. Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4):

   "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place..."

   · This was the kairos moment for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.

A Poem: "The Kairos Moment"

Here is a poem reflecting on these divine appointments.

"The Kairos Moment"

There is a time for every thing, The song the seasons sing. A time to plant,a time to sow, A time to reap,a time to grow.

But deeper still, a time is spun, Beneath the moon and sky and sun. A moment woven by God’s own hand, A destined hour,a command.

It is not just a point in line, A tick and tock of the divine. It is a ripening,a fullness, a peak, When God Himself begins to speak.

It is the flood, the ark’s sealed door, The promise made to Abraham’s core. It is the cry in Egypt’s night, The parted sea,the burst of light.

It is the silence, four hundred years, Then suddenly,a voice appears. “Repent!Make straight the way!” he cries, As ancient prophecy applies.

It is the “fullness of the time,” The ringing of the heavenly chime. When God stepped down in flesh and bone, To make our sorrows His own.

It is the cross, the darkest hour, When hell unleashed its greatest power. Yet in that moment,sin was slain, And eternal victory was won to reign.

It is the Spirit’s rushing wind, New life for souls once lost in sin. A moment to repent,believe, God’s saving grace to now receive.

And still He comes, in kairos ways, In unexpected times and days. A prompting that you can’t ignore, An open,unexpected door.

A call to speak, a call to go, A chance His love and light to show. This is your kairos, don’t let it pass, A moment set in eternal glass. Seize it,for it is your time, To step into God’s purpose divine.

---

How to Recognize and Respond to a Kairos Moment

1. Be Spiritually Alert: Kairos moments often come disguised as ordinary events. Pray for discernment (1 Chronicles 12:32).

2. Know God's Word: God's kairos moments often align with His prophetic word and promises.

3. Obey Promptly: These moments are often fleeting. When God speaks or opens a door, immediate obedience is crucial (Hebrews 3:15).

4. Pray for Kairos: Pray as the early church did for God to move in power and grant boldness to speak His word (Acts 4:29-31).

Your life is filled with chronos—the daily grind. But ask God to reveal the kairos moments within it—the divine appointments, the opportunities to serve, the chance to speak a word of hope, the time to make a decision for Christ. This could be your kairos moment.

Sermon of the Plain.

The Sermon on the Plain is a significant teaching of Jesus found in the Gospel of Luke, parallel in many ways to the more famous Sermon on the Mount in Matthew, but with its own distinct setting, audience, and emphasis.

You can find it in Luke 6:17-49.

Here is a breakdown of its key features, content, and meaning.

Key Differences from the Sermon on the Mount

Feature Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:17-49)

Setting A mountainside (Matt. 5:1) A level place, a "plain" (Luke 6:17)

Audience Primarily His disciples (Matt. 5:1-2) A great crowd of disciples and a large multitude of people from all over, including those who came to be healed (Luke 6:17-19)

Beatitudes 9 blessings (Matt. 5:3-12) 4 blessings paired with 4 corresponding woes (Luke 6:20-26)

Scope Longer, more comprehensive (3 chapters) Shorter, more concise (1 chapter)

Lord's Prayer Included (Matt. 6:9-13) Not included

Emphasis The righteousness of the Kingdom (internal & external) Social and economic justice, practical ethics, and the reversal of worldly values

---

The Structure and Content of the Sermon on the Plain

1. The Setting: A Place of Healing and Teaching (Luke 6:17-19) Jesus stands on a level place,accessible to everyone—the sick, the troubled, the Twelve, and the curious crowds. He heals them all, setting the stage for a message of grace and power available to all.

2. The Four Blessings and Four Woes (Luke 6:20-26) This is the most distinct feature.Jesus proclaims blessings on those the world considers unfortunate and pronounces woes (a declaration of sorrow and judgment) on those the world typically envies. This is a radical reversal of values.

· Blessing: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God." (v.20) Woe: "But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation." (v.24)

· Blessing: "Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied." (v.21a) Woe: "Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry." (v.25a)

· Blessing: "Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh." (v.21b) Woe: "Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep." (v.25b)

· Blessing: "Blessed are you when people hate you... on account of the Son of Man!" (v.22) Woe: "Woe to you, when all people speak well of you..." (v.26)

3. The Core Ethic: Radical Love (Luke 6:27-36) This is the centerpiece of the sermon.Jesus commands a love that transcends natural human response.

· Love your enemies. (v.27)

· Do good to those who hate you. (v.27)

· Bless those who curse you. (v.28)

· Pray for those who abuse you. (v.28)

· Turn the other cheek. (v.29)

· Give to everyone who begs. (v.30)

· Do to others as you would have them do to you. (The Golden Rule, v.31)

The rationale for this impossible command? "Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful." (v.36). Our behavior is to be a reflection of God's character.

4. The Call to sincere righteousness, not judgment (Luke 6:37-42)

· Do not judge and you will not be judged.

· Forgive and you will be forgiven.

· A disciple is not above his teacher; we must first remove the "log" from our own eye before addressing the "speck" in our brother's.

5. The Conclusion: The Two Foundations (Luke 6:43-49) Identical to the end of the Sermon on the Mount,Jesus concludes with a call to authentic discipleship.

· A tree is known by its fruit. True transformation in the heart will produce good actions.

· The wise and foolish builders. Those who hear Jesus' words and obey them build a life that can withstand any crisis. Those who hear but do not obey are building on a foundation of sand.

---

A Poem on the Sermon on the Plain

"On Level Ground"

He came down from the mount of prayer, To meet the people waiting there. Upon a plain,a level place, He offered them His truth and grace.

The sick, the pained, the desperate throng, He healed them all,made weak ones strong. Then to them all,He turned His face, And spoke of Kingdom love and grace.

“You poor, you hungry, filled with woes, You are the one My kingdom knows. But woe to you who’re full of pride, Who in your wealth and laugh,confide.”

Then spoke the hardest word of all, To break the hate,the vengeful wall: “You must now love your enemy’s name, And bless the one who speaks your shame. For if you love the ones who love, What credit is there from above?”

“The standard is the Holy One, The mercy of the Father’s Son. So be you merciful and true, As your Father is to you.”

“Don’t judge, don’t hold the fault and score, Forgive,and Heaven will restore. For with the measure you assign, It will be measured back in kind.”

He spoke of trees and fruit they make, Of foundations that will shake. “The one who comes and hears My call, And on these words will build their all— Though winds may blow and floods may rise, Their house will stand before My eyes.”

So on this plain, we all stand level, Before the King,to break our devil. The poor,the rich, the sick, the well, To hear His words our heaven or hell. Will we just hear and walk away? Or build upon what He did say?

Sermon of the Mount

The Sermon on the Mount (found in Matthew chapters 5-7) is one of the most profound and foundational teachings of Jesus Christ. It is not merely a set of rules, but a radical description of the character, values, and lifestyle of a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven.

It begins with Jesus seeing the crowds, going up on a mountainside, and His disciples coming to Him. He then begins to teach them.

Here is a breakdown of its key sections and their meaning.

The Structure and Meaning of the Sermon

1. The Beatitudes (The "Blessed Ares" - Matthew 5:3-12) Jesus begins by describing the character of His followers.He turns the world's values upside down, showing that true happiness and blessing (makarios - a deep, spiritual joy and fulfillment) are found in things the world sees as weak.

· The Poor in Spirit: Those who recognize their spiritual bankruptcy.

· Those Who Mourn: Those who grieve over their own sin and the brokenness of the world.

· The Meek: Not weakness, but strength under control; trusting God's justice rather than asserting one's own.

· Those Who Hunger for Righteousness: Who desperately desire to see God's will done on earth.

· The Merciful, The Pure in Heart, The Peacemakers: Those who reflect the character of God Himself.

· The Persecuted: Those who are insulted for their allegiance to Christ.

2. The Identity of Believers: Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16) Having described their character,Jesus declares our purpose: to preserve goodness in the world (salt) and to reveal the truth of God to the world (light). This is done through good deeds that point people to God.

3. The Fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17-20) Jesus makes it clear He did not come to abolish the Old Testament law but tofulfill it. He will show that the law's requirements go far beyond external actions to the internal attitudes of the heart.

4. The Six Contrasts: "You have heard... but I say..." (Matthew 5:21-48) Jesus takes six key areas of the law and radicalizes them,showing that God's standard is perfect inward righteousness.

· Murder → Anger & Reconciliation (v. 21-26)

· Adultery → Lust & Purity (v. 27-30)

· Divorce → Fidelity (v. 31-32)

· Oaths → Simple Honesty (v. 33-37)

· Retaliation → Radical Grace (v. 38-42)

· Loving Neighbor → Loving Enemies (v. 43-48) The climax is the command to"be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

5. The Practice of True Righteousness (Matthew 6:1-18) Jesus warns against performing religious acts for public praise.He instructs on doing them "in secret" for God's eyes only.

· Giving (v. 2-4)

· Prayer (including The Lord's Prayer) (v. 5-15)

· Fasting (v. 16-18)

6. Eternal Priorities (Matthew 6:19-34) Jesus calls for a shift in focus from earthly treasures to heavenly treasures,warning that "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This leads to the famous command to "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness" and to not worry about tomorrow, trusting in our Heavenly Father's provision.

7. Warnings and Conclusion (Matthew 7)

· Do not judge hypocritically (v. 1-6).

· The simplicity of asking, seeking, and knocking from a good Father (v. 7-11).

· The Golden Rule: "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you" (v. 12).

· The Narrow and Wide Gates: Warning that the easy path leads to destruction, but the hard path leads to life (v. 13-14).

· Warning about False Prophets: They are known by their fruit (v. 15-23).

· The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders: The sermon concludes with a powerful call to not just hear these words, but to put them into practice. Obedience is the only foundation that can withstand the storms of life.

A Summary Poem of the Sermon

"The Kingdom Manifesto"

He climbed the hill, His disciples near, To speak the words we’d need to hear. He spoke of blessings,strange and deep, For those who mourn and gently weep.

“You are the salt, you are the light, To make the wrong and darkness right. Your life must be a brighter flame, That glorifies your Father’s name.”

He took the Law and made it full, Exposing every heart’s dark pull. “Not just the act of murderous hands, But angry words your God demands. Not just the act of faithless lust, But every glance that breaks your trust.”

“So do your deeds for God alone, Let His approval be your throne. When you give,fast, and when you pray, Seek not the praise that comes man’s way.”

“Lay up your treasure in the air, And live a life from worldly care. Just see the birds,the flowers dressed, By God they’re fed and fully blessed. So seek ye first the Kingdom’s way, And trust your Father for your day.”

“The gate is narrow, the road is hard, But walk with Me,be on your guard. For trees are known by fruit they make, And hollow words for heaven’s sake, Will not withstand the judgment’s wake.”

“So hear these words of Mine,” He said, And build your life on what you’ve read. The rain will fall,the winds will blow, The only house that stands below, Is one on practiced truth,you know.”

The storms will come to every soul, But Christ the Rock will make you whole. So do not merely hear and nod, But build your life upon our God.

The Sermon on the Mount is not a list of rules to earn salvation, but a description of the transformed life that results from receiving salvation by grace through faith. It shows us our inability to meet God's standard in our own strength and points us to our desperate need for a Savior—which is exactly who Jesus is.

Bless those who have not seen and believe.

This is a beautiful and profound blessing, directly echoing the words of Jesus to Thomas. It celebrates the special grace given to all believers who follow without the evidence of physical sight.

Here is a poem and a blessing for those who believe without seeing.

---

A Blessing for the Believing Heart

You have not seen the nail-scarred hands, Nor touched the wound-filled side. You did not watch the stone roll back, Where the crucified had died.

You did not walk the Emmaus road, With the Stranger breaking bread. You did not see the empty cloths, Upon the burial bed.

Yet, in the absence of your sight, A greater faith takes hold. A trust that speaks to spirit-deep, A story centuries-old.

“Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”(John 20:29)

This blessing, spoken by the Lord, Is whispered now for you. A sacred trust,a holy faith, So certain,strong, and true.

Blessed are you, who takes the Word, And makes it your foundation. Who trusts the witness of the ones Who saw the resurrection.

Blessed are you, who feels the peace, That the world cannot explain. Who knows the Comforter within, Through joy,and through the pain.

Blessed are you, who walks by faith, And not by sight alone. Who follows just a voice you love, A King upon a throne.

Your faith is not a second kind, It is a chosen treasure. To trust the unseen,holy God, Is a beyond-all-measure pleasure.

So be at peace, believing heart, Your faith is known and prized. By the One who spoke the blessing, The One who was baptized—

In death for us, and raised again, Unseen by our own eyes, But witnessed by our spirit’s cry, Which every doubt denies.

Blessed are you. You are seen. You are known. You are believed in. And your faith is a crown of glory in the heavens.

Repentance and Forgiveness of Sin be preach in the name of Jesus.

This is the absolute core of the Christian gospel—the non-negotiable, life-changing message that must be proclaimed to all.

Here is a poem and reflection on this foundational command.

---

The Commission to Preach

It is not a suggestion, but a command, For every woman,child, and man. It is the mission of the Church, To leave no soul within the lurch.

“Repentance and forgiveness of sins…” This is where new life begins. It is the message,strong and true, For me,for her, for you.

This is not our own idea, No philosophy from afar. It was the Savior’s final charge, Before He rose to heaven,large: “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations…”(Luke 24:46-47)

The Twofold Message

First, Repentance: The turning‘round, the change of mind, Leaving the old life behind. A sorrow not for getting caught, But for the holy life we’ve fought. It is a U-turn on the road, Laying down sin’s heavy load. “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation…”(2 Corinthians 7:10)

Then, Forgiveness: The glorious news,the declaration, Of full and free justification! The debt is canceled,wiped away, Because of what Christ did that day. The sin that stood between us,God, Is buried‘neath the righteous sod. “Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”(Acts 10:43)

The Authority: In His Name

We do not preach a vague, good mood, Or simply say,“Try to be good.” We preach a Person,and His claim: The powerfulname of Jesus. For there’s no other name we need, No other power,no other creed. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”(Acts 4:12)

In His name, the chains are broke. In His name,the word is spoke. In His name,the dead are raised. In His name,God’s name is praised.

The Poem: Proclaim It

Go tell the world the joyful sound, On every corner,fertile ground. Proclaim it to the proud and weak, To all the humble,all the meek.

Preach it not with prideful voice, But as a herald who rejoices! The King has paid the prisoner’s fee, The guilty soul can now go free!

Preach it to the one who’s shamed, Who thinks they cannot be reclaimed. Preach it to the one who’s“good,” Who’s misunderstood their need for blood.

“Repent!” we cry, “Turn from your sin! Let the new life now begin! Believe!”we shout, “And be forgiven! Receive the hope of heaven!”

This is the message, clear and plain, That washes clean the guilty stain. So let the Church her voice now raise, To preach Repentance,and to speak His Praise.

Counting on God's blessings daily.

Counting God's blessings daily is a transformative spiritual discipline that shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundant goodness that surrounds us. It is an act of worship and a fulfillment of Scripture.

Here is a poem and a guide to help you count your blessings daily.

Count Them One By One

The day is new, the light has broke, And with it,as a gentle cloak, A thousand blessings,faint and clear, Are offered from the Father here. So let us now,with purpose, start To number them within our heart.

Count the gift of breath itself, This simple,momentary wealth. A lungful of the morning air, A sign of Your committed care. “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”(Psalm 150:6)

Count the roof, the walls, the bed, The shelter for your sleeping head. The warmth,the comfort, and the peace, That make the world’s loud clamor cease. “God… supplies… all our needs.”(Philippians 4:19)

Count the food upon the plate, This simple fare You designate As provision,kind and good, A taste of Your fatherhood. “He provides food for those who fear him.”(Psalm 111:5)

Count the faces that you love, A gift from Your great heart above. The family,friend, the kindly soul, Who help to make your spirit whole. “Every good and perfect gift is from above.”(James 1:17)

Count the work that you may do, The strength to see the task right through. The purpose found in using hands To follow His divine commands. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”(Colossians 3:23)

Count the beauty You have made, The sunlight and the cooling shade. The bird that sings outside your door, A glimpse of love forevermore. “The heavens declare the glory of God.”(Psalm 19:1)

Count the challenges you face, And in them,find a hidden grace. For in our weakness,we are taught To lean on Him,whom we have sought. “Count it all joy… when you meet trials…”(James 1:2)

Count the peace that calms the fear, The sense that You are always near. The quiet voice within the storm, That tells your heart,“Be warm, be warm.” “The peace of God… will guard your hearts…”(Philippians 4:7)

Count the cross, the greatest gift, The loving,mighty, gracious lift That saved a soul from sin and shame, And calls you by your rightful name. “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”(2 Corinthians 9:15)

And when the evening settles deep, Before you drift,before you sleep, Recall the blessings,one by one, Until your heart is overrun With gratitude for all You’ve done.

A Simple Practice for Your Day:

1. Morning Intention: As you wake, whisper a prayer: "Lord, open the eyes of my heart to see Your blessings today."

2. Daily Noticing: Keep a small journal or note on your phone. Throughout the day, actively look for gifts—big and small—and jot them down.

3. Evening Reflection: Before bed, review your list. Thank God for each item specifically. Read one of the scriptures above.

4. The Hard Thanks: Try to thank God even for the difficult things, trusting that He can use them for good (Romans 8:28). This is faith in action.

The more you count, the more you will find. His blessings are new every single morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Your Grace is Greater than my sin.

 Yes. A thousand times, yes. This is the very heart of the gospel—the beautiful, liberating, and awe-inspiring truth that God's grace doesn't just match our sin; it overwhelms it, cancels its debt, and rewrites its story.

Here is a poem on that glorious, unshakeable reality.

The Greater Grace

My sin, a mountain, towering high, A stain against the azure sky. It casts a shadow,dark and deep, Where promises are hard to keep. I trace the scars,I know the cost, How deep the failure,what was lost.

But from that summit, I can see A vast,unending, rolling sea. A ocean of redeeming grace That covers every single place. "Where sin increased, grace increased all the more,"* A greater force,a grander shore.

My darkest deed, my deepest shame, Cannot eclipse Your holy name. For where the crime was fully known, Your mercy’s seeds were also sown. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."(Isaiah 1:18)

The ledger tallies what I owe, A debt I have no means to know. But grace steps in,with nail-scarred hand, And fulfills justice's demand. "He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities."(Psalm 103:10)

So let the Accuser bring his charge, His evidence may seem both true and large. But I will point him to the cross, To where You counted all as loss. For there the final word was spoken, The power of my sin is broken.

Your grace is greater than my sin. This is the hope I rest within. Not my own strength,or tears, or plea, But Christ's great work,for me, on that tree. A flood of grace,a righteous tide, In which my darkest failings hide.

So I am free. Not to transgress, But to confess,and find You bless. To stand forgiven,clean, and new, Held and sustained and loved by You. Your grace is greater—this my song, My hope,my truth, my whole life long.

---

*Scripture References:

· Romans 5:20: "The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more..."

· Isaiah 1:18

· Psalm 103:10-12: "...For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."

· John 1:16-17: "Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."

You love me while I am still sinner.

That is one of the most beautiful and profound truths of the Christian faith. Here is a poem reflecting on that incredible promise.

While I Was Still

I did not come to You cleaned up and whole, I did not offer You a pristine soul. I came in rags,with shame upon my face, A tangled mess of failure and disgrace.

Yet, in that state, You did not turn away, You did not wait for a more righteous day. “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”*(Romans 5:8)

You saw the depth of my profound need, And planted a gospel,a mustard seed. Not for the good You hoped I might become, But for my heart,already overcome.

You loved me not because I’d earned Your grace, But simply because that is Your way. “This is love: not that we loved God,”the ancient text confides, “But that he loved us first,”and in that love abides.** (1 John 4:10)

The cross was not a reward for the good, It stood before I’d done the things I should. It was a rescue,launched in history’s hour, A demonstration of relentless power.

The power of love that chooses to embrace The one who turned from,not who sought, Your face. You loved me then.You love me still the same, And call me now by my beloved name.

So let this truth sink deep into my bone: I am both fully known,and fully owned. Not by my merit,but by mercy’s claim, By the great power of Your holy name.

You loved me while I was still a sinner. You are the righteous,the divine, the Winner. And now,because You loved me first and best, My soul,once anxious, finally finds its rest.

He who believes and is baptise will be saved.

 Amen. You are quoting a pivotal verse from the Gospel of Mark that contains both a profound promise and a sobering warning. It is the culmination of Jesus's Great Commission to His disciples.

The full verse is:

"He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." - Mark 16:16 (NKJV)

This statement from Jesus Himself lays out the essential components of salvation. Let's explore what this means.

Understanding the Verse

1. The Primacy of Belief (Faith): The central,non-negotiable requirement for salvation is belief or faith. This is not merely intellectual agreement but a whole-hearted trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

· The verse makes it clear that the one who "does not believe will be condemned." The absence of baptism does not condemn; the absence of faith does.

· This aligns perfectly with the core message of the entire New Testament:

  "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) > "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." - Romans 10:9 (NKJV)

2. The Significance of Baptism: Baptism is not a magical ritual that saves.Instead, it is the God-ordained outward sign of an inward reality. It is the public declaration and identification with the faith that already exists in the heart.

· It symbolizes death and resurrection: Baptism by immersion pictures the believer's death to their old life, burial, and resurrection to new life in Christ (Romans 6:3-4).

· It is an act of obedience: Jesus commanded it (Matthew 28:19). Therefore, a believer who willingly refuses baptism is disobeying a clear command of Christ, which calls their professed faith into question.

· It is a public testimony: It is the believer's "pledge of a good conscience toward God" (1 Peter 3:21).

In summary: Belief saves. Baptism symbolizes and testifies to that salvation. They are two sides of the same coin—the internal faith and the external confession. A genuine believer will want to be baptized as their first act of obedience.

A Poem: "Believe and Be Baptized"

Here is a poem that reflects on the journey from belief to the waters of baptism.

"Believe and Be Baptized"

The call goes out to every soul, To be made broken,to be made whole. “Repent!”the holy voices cry, “And on the Lord,your God, rely.”

For it is not the work we do, That sees the old life made anew. It is not rites,nor words we say, That wash our guilty stains away.

It is the faith that takes a stand, And trusts the nail-pierced hand. It is the heart that says,“I believe,” And on His grace,will fully cleave.

“He who believes!” the Savior said, By His own body,blood, and head. This is the anchor,firm and sure, The only,perfect, sinless cure.

And then He calls us to the water, His own adopted son and daughter. To publicly our faith proclaim, To honor His most holy name.

“And is baptized!” the world will see, A portrait of what’s meant to be. Buried with Christ,the old self dies, Then from the water we will rise—

To walk now in the newness He, Through His Spirit,gives so free. It is the sign,the sacred plea, Of a soul that’s been set free.

So let the two be not divided, The faith within,the sign provided. Believe and be baptized,trust and obey, He’ll walk with you all the way.

---

A Prayer of Response:

Lord Jesus,

I believe that You are the Son of God. I believe You died for my sins and rose again to give me life. I place my trust entirely in You for my salvation. Thank you for the grace that saves me.

Now, lead me in obedience. Give me the courage to publicly confess my faith in You through baptism. Help me to take this step of identification with Your death, burial, and resurrection. I want to follow You completely.

In Your mighty name, Amen.

If you have believed, the next step of obedience is clear. If you have not yet been baptized as a believer, I encourage you to speak with a pastor or spiritual leader about taking this joyful step.

The Great I AM

 Amen. That is one of the most powerful and profound names of God, revealed to Moses at the burning bush. To say "You are the great I AM" is to acknowledge God's self-existent, eternal, and unchanging nature. He is the source of all being, the foundation of all reality, and the constant, faithful presence in our lives.

The Scriptural Foundation

This majestic name comes from Exodus:

And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” - Exodus 3:14 (NKJV)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus applied this sacred name to Himself, revealing His divinity:

“Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” - John 8:58 (NKJV)

This was not a grammatical error; it was a direct claim to be Yahweh, the God of the Old Testament. The Jewish leaders understood this perfectly, which is why they picked up stones to kill Him for what they considered blasphemy.

What Does "I AM" Mean?

· He is Self-Existent: God depends on nothing and no one for His existence. He simply is. All creation draws its being from Him.

· He is Eternal: He has no beginning and no end. He exists outside of and beyond time.

· He is Unchanging: His character, His promises, and His love are constant. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

· He is the Ultimate Reality: Everything else is contingent and fleeting. He is the fundamental, absolute truth and existence.

· He is Present: The name "I AM" is in the eternal present tense. He is not the "I WAS" or the "I WILL BE" in the sense of being absent. He is always the "I AM"—present right now.

A Poem: "The Great I AM"

Here is a poem of worship to the eternal, self-existent God.

"The Great I AM"

Before the star’s first light was lit, Before the frame of earth was knit, You were. In silence and in glory,deep, A truth no created mind can keep— You are.

You spoke no word to bring to be Your own sublime reality. No cause produced You,no design, In timeless,holy light divine. I AM.

You are the ground of all that is, The source of meaning,purpose, bliss. From You the galaxies take flight, And find their order in Your sight. I AM.

When Moses stood on holy ground, And answers from the bush he found, You did not say from whence You came, You simply declared Your holy name: I AM.

And when the Christ, God’s only Son, Said,“Before Abraham, I was one,” He claimed the name,the power, the throne, Making His divine nature known. I AM.

You fill our deepest, aching need, You are the living water,seed, The bread of life,the door, the way, The truth,the life, the light of day. I AM.

So when my future is unknown, When I feel broken and alone, I speak the name that stills all fear, The truth that tells me You are here. You ARE.

You are my strength, my constant friend, My beginning and my end. The anchor for my wandering soul, The One who makes the broken whole. You ARE.

The Great I AM. My I AM. Now. And forever. Amen.

A Prayer:

Great I AM,

We come before You in awe. You are the one constant in a changing world. You are the source of our life and our breath. We confess that we cannot fully understand Your eternal nature, but we worship You for it. Thank you for revealing Yourself to us. Thank you for being present with us right now. Anchor our souls in the truth of who You are.

In the name of Jesus, who is the I AM, Amen.

Trinity: Triune God

 The doctrine of the Trinity or the Triune God is a central mystery of the Christian faith. It reveals one God in three distinct, co-equal, co-eternal Persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit.

While the word "Trinity" is not found in the Bible, the truth of it is woven throughout Scripture. Here is an explanation supported by key verses.

Key Scriptural Foundations

The Bible establishes this truth in several ways:

1. The Oneness of God: There is only one true God.

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!" - Deuteronomy 6:4 (NKJV)

2. The Three Persons Are Distinct: All three Persons are present and active at the same time,demonstrating their distinct personhood.

· At Jesus’s Baptism:

  "When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water... and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'" - Matthew 3:16-17 (NKJV)

  · The Father speaks from heaven.

  · The Son is being baptized.

  · The Spirit descends like a dove.

· The Great Commission:

  "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." - Matthew 28:19 (NKJV)

  · Note it says "name" (singular), not "names." One essence, three Persons.

3. The Deity of Each Person:

· The Father is God: This is clear throughout Scripture (e.g., 1 Corinthians 8:6).

· The Son (Jesus) is God:

  "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." - John 1:1, 14 (NKJV) > "Thomas answered and said to Him, 'My Lord and my God!'" - John 20:28 (NKJV)

· The Holy Spirit is God: The Spirit possesses the attributes of God, such as omniscience and eternity.

  "But Peter said, 'Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit... You have not lied to men but to God.'" - Acts 5:3-4 (NKJV)

An Analogy (with a caveat)

All human analogies for the Trinity fall short, but they can be helpful. Consider:

· Water: It can exist in three distinct forms—solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (steam)—yet all are H₂O.

· The Sun: The sun itself (Father), the light that shines from it (Son), and the heat that comes with the light (Spirit). All are one, yet distinct.

The Caveat: These are imperfect. God is not one Person who changes forms (that is Modalism, a heresy). He is one Being in three Persons who eternally exist and relate to one another in love.

A Poem: "The Triune God"

Here is a poem attempting to capture the wonder of our Three-in-One God.

"The Triune God"

Before the dawn of time and space, Before the human race, There was not loneliness,but Love, In glorious light above.

A perfect, holy community, A divine,eternal unity. The Father’s heart,the Spirit’s flow, The Word who is God,we’ve come to know.

The Father spoke the world to be, He set the stars and filled the sea. He planned redemption’s costly price, A perfect,holy sacrifice.

The Son obeyed, “Behold, I come!” He left His throne,He was undone. He took on flesh,He lived, He died, The Father’s wrath was satisfied.

The Spirit brooded at the start, He breathes new life within the heart. He comforts,guides, and makes us new, And seals God’s promise,firm and true.

One God in Three, and Three in One, A mystery‘neath the sun. Not three in number,one in name, But one in essence,forever the same.

The Father’s will, the Son’s embrace, The Spirit’s power,amazing grace. We worship You—the One,the Three, For all eternity.

---

A Simple Prayer to the Triune God:

Heavenly Father, We praise you as the Creator and Author of all life.Your love devised the plan of salvation.

Lord Jesus Christ, We thank you as the Redeemer.You humbled yourself, became man, and died for our sins, revealing the Father’s heart to us.

Holy Spirit, We welcome you as our Comforter and Sanctifier.You apply the work of Christ to our lives, convict us of sin, and empower us to live for God.

One God, Holy Trinity, we adore you. Help us to know you more deeply and to live in the truth of your gracious nature.

Amen.

Jesus: King of King and Lord of Lord

 Amen. "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" is one of the most majestic and powerful titles given to our Savior, Jesus Christ. It declares His ultimate authority, sovereignty, and victory over all creation.

This title is a profound declaration of His divine nature and eternal reign.

Scripture Foundations

This title is explicitly used in Scripture to proclaim Jesus's supreme authority:

1. Revelation 19:16 (NKJV)

   "And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."

   · Context: This is the triumphant vision of Jesus returning to earth in glory and judgment. The title is emblazoned on Him, declaring to all the universe that there is no higher authority.

2. 1 Timothy 6:15 (NKJV)

   "which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords."

   · Context: The Apostle Paul describes God the Father as the ultimate sovereign, a title that is equally applied to Jesus, affirming His divinity.

3. Revelation 17:14 (NKJV)

   "These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful."

   · Context: Even when the forces of evil gather against Him, His victory is certain because of who He is.

A Poem of Praise: "King of Kings and Lord of Lords"

Here is a poem celebrating this magnificent truth.

"King of Kings and Lord of Lords"

Before the world began to be, Through endless ages,eternally, You reigned upon the heavenly throne, The great I AM,and You alone.

No power raised You to this place, No election,no vote, no race. Your right to rule is by Your worth, The Author of the heavens and earth.

The prophets spoke of One to come, To break the curse,to overcome. They dreamed of David’s greater Son, The Holy,Anointed One.

And then You came, in humble birth, The King of Heaven,come to earth. You wore our flesh,You felt our pain, The Lord of Lords,by sinners slain.

But death itself could not contain, The One through whom all life remains. You rose in everlasting power, At this great truth,the angels cower.

And now You sit, exalted high, Your name’s the shout before we die. Your word can calm the raging sea, And set the sin-bound captive free.

And on that day, the trumpet sound Will through the universe resound. You’ll split the sky,on white horse ride, With glory,justice, at Your side.

And every knee will finally bow, Every tongue confessing now, That You are Christ,the Great I AM, The spotless,sacrificial Lamb.

King of Kings! Your name we praise! Lord of Lords!Through endless days! No rival throne,no equal power, You are our strength,our strong high tower. Amen.

What This Title Means for Us:

· Ultimate Authority: There is no problem, ruler, government, or spiritual power that is outside of His control. He is above all.

· Our Loyalty: He is the only one worthy of our complete allegiance, worship, and obedience.

· Our Confidence: We can trust Him completely with our lives, our futures, and our struggles because He is the victorious, reigning King.

· Our Hope: His title assures us that the story of the world is moving toward His final victory, and we are on the winning side.

Bless you as you worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. May this truth fill you with awe, peace, and unwavering confidence.

Ask in the name of Jesus and it shall be Given.

The statement "Ask, and it shall be given you" is one of the most powerful and direct promises Jesus gave to His followers. It is an open invitation to a life of prayerful dependence on a generous Father.

This command is found in the Gospel of Matthew, within the famous Sermon on the Mount:

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened." - Matthew 7:7-8 (ESV)

Jesus reinforces this by comparing God's goodness to that of an earthly father:

"Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" - Matthew 7:9-11 (ESV)

Understanding This Promise

This is not a blank check for anything we might selfishly desire. The context of the entire Bible shows that prayer is about relationship and alignment. We ask with:

1. Faith and Trust: We believe that God is both willing and able to give what is best (James 1:5-8).

2. Right Motives: We check our hearts, ensuring we are asking for God's glory and not just our own pleasure (James 4:3).

3. According to His Will: We submit our desires to His perfect wisdom and plan (1 John 5:14). The "good things" He gives are ultimately what we need for our spiritual growth and His kingdom purposes—which may include peace, wisdom, patience, or provision, rather than mere material things.

4. Persistence: The verbs "ask," "seek," and "knock" are in a continuous tense in Greek. It implies a lifestyle of persistent, trusting prayer, not a one-time demand.

A Poem: "The Asking"

Here is a poem that explores the depth and wonder of this incredible invitation.

"The Asking"

The King of Heaven, on the mount, Spoke words that break the doubt's dark count: "A simple word,a child's plea— Just ask,and it shall be.

"Not from a throne of distant stone, But from a heart that is your own. I am your Father,good and true, I long to give good gifts to you.

"So ask Me for your daily bread, For wisdom's light to be ahead. Ask for the peace that stills the storm, A heart and spirit transformed.

"Ask for the healing of the land, The strength to follow My command. Ask for the prodigal to see, Ask that My Spirit sets them free.

"And if you ask and do not see, Then seek with holy urgency. And if the path is still not clear, Then knock,and know that I am near.

"For what good father gives a stone To still the hunger of his own? If you,who are imperfect, care, How much more will I hear your prayer?

"So bring your need, your hope, your fear, Your whispered wish,your crystal tear. The door is real,the promise true— My child, all I require is you. Just ask."

A Simple Prayer to Respond:

Heavenly Father,

Your invitation is breathtaking. You tell me to ask, and so I come. I ask for what I need today—not just for things, but for You. I ask for Your presence, Your wisdom, and Your peace. I ask for a heart that trusts You so completely that my desires align with Yours. Thank you that You are not a reluctant giver but a generous Father. I lay my requests before You, trusting in Your perfect will and timing.

In the name of Jesus, my greatest gift, Amen.

My Lord, My Lord, Please do not forget nor forsake me.

Those words, "Do not forget nor forsake me," echo a deep and ancient cry of the human heart—one that God hears and answers with unwavering promises.

This is a prayer He will never ignore.

The Promise from God's Word

The Bible is filled with God's direct response to this exact fear. Here are just a few of His assurances:

· Deuteronomy 31:6 (NKJV):

  "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you."

· Isaiah 49:15-16 (NKJV):

  "Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me."

· Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV):

  Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

· Psalm 27:10 (NKJV):

  "When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the LORD will take care of me."

God is not a man that He should lie. His character is faithfulness. When He says "never," He means it.

A Poem: "You Have Not Forgotten Me"

Here is a poem born from that cry and His faithful response.

"You Have Not Forgotten Me"

My soul cries out in barren places, "Father,turn not away Your faces. Am I a whisper lost in time? A forgotten,fading, broken rhyme?"

The world is loud, and I am small, I fear the coming night will fall. "Remember me!"my spirit pleads, Amid the thorns and withered weeds.

But then a Word, a truth so deep, A promise You are sworn to keep: "You are engraved upon My hands, Before My sight your likeness stands.

"The mountains may depart the earth, And hills wear out with age and dearth, But My own love will never leave, For this My covenant blood did weave.

"I did not spare My only Son, The victory is fully won. How could I then,who gave the Best, Abandon you to endless quest?

"So when you feel most left behind, When shadows fill your anxious mind, Recall the cross,the empty grave— My power is present now to save.

I have not forgotten you. I will not forsake you. You are Mine."

---

A Simple Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

I come to You feeling small and afraid. My heart whispers, "Do not forget me. Do not forsake me." I choose to hold onto Your promises instead of my fears. Your Word says You will never leave me. I believe You. Help my unbelief.

Thank you that I am engraved on Your hands, always in Your sight. Thank you that Your love for me is as sure as the victory of Jesus Christ. Quiet my heart with the truth of Your presence today.

In the faithful name of Jesus, Amen.

Be at peace, dear friend. You are held, you are seen, and you are deeply remembered by the God who calls you His own.

If you ask the Father in the name of Jesus it will be given.

That is a powerful and comforting promise straight from the heart of Jesus. It speaks to the incredible access and authority believers have through Him.

The statement you've made is a summary of a key promise Jesus gave to His disciples, most clearly found in the Gospel of John:

"And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." - John 16:23-24 (NKJV)

This is part of Jesus's farewell discourse, where He was preparing His disciples for His departure and explaining how their relationship with God would change.

What Does It Mean to Ask "In Jesus' Name"?

Asking in Jesus' name is much more than just saying "in Jesus' name, Amen" at the end of a prayer. It is a profound spiritual principle. It means:

1. Coming with His Authority: It's like using a power of attorney. You are asking on the basis of Jesus's merit, His sacrifice, and His relationship with the Father—not your own. You are approaching God because of what Jesus has done for you.

2. Ashing in Alignment with His Will and Character: To ask in His name means to ask for things that He Himself would ask for. It is praying for things that honor God, advance His kingdom, and reflect the character and purposes of Jesus Christ. It is not a blank check for personal, selfish desires.

   "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." - 1 John 5:14 (NKJV)

3. For the Purpose of Glorifying God: The ultimate goal of a prayer prayed in Jesus' name is that God would be glorified through the answer.

   "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." - John 14:13 (NKJV)

A Poem on Asking in His Name

Here is a poem that reflects on this beautiful promise:

The Name Above All Names

I come not with my righteousness, A tattered cloth,a fading dress. I come because the Spotless Lamb Has bore my sin,the great I AM.

I approach the throne, not on my plea, But on the blood that flowed for me. The name of Jesus is my key, That unlocks heaven's grace for me.

To ask in His name is to align My will and wants with His design. To seek His face,His glory's shine, And make His purpose wholly mine.

It is to ask for daily bread, For broken hearts to be comforted. For chains of sin to loose their tread, And by His Spirit to be led.

So Father, hear my humble prayer, I ask in Jesus'name and care. Your will be done,my burden bear, And keep me ever in Your care.

Amen.

Key Takeaways:

· The Promise is Real: God invites us to ask Him for our needs and desires boldly.

· The Condition is Key: We ask "in Jesus' name," which means asking according to His will, for His purposes, and based on His authority.

· The Relationship is Central: This promise is for those who have a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. It is the privilege of being a child of God.

· The Goal is God's Glory: The purpose of answered prayer is to bring joy to us and glory to God.

May you have great confidence as you bring your requests before our loving Father, trusting in the powerful and precious name of Jesus.

God bless us with the First and Last rain.

Here is a beautiful poem that celebrates God's gift of the first and last rain, woven with Scripture references that highlight His faithfulness, provision, and spiritual significance. This poem draws inspiration from biblical themes of rain as a symbol of God's blessings, renewal, and the promise of His presence.

---

"The First and Last Rain"

A Poem of Praise to God

1. The Promise of the First Rain

You visit the earth with gentle grace,

Softening hardened hearts and space .

The first rain falls in faithful season,

A testament to Your reason .

"He has given you the former rain faithfully" ,

To wake the seeds and set them free.

"You water its ridges abundantly, You settle its furrows" ,

Your blessings flow in endless showers.

2. The Hope of the Latter Rain

Then comes the latter, springtime pour,

To crown the year with plenty stored .

"He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains" ,

A harvest rich, Your love retains.

"Be glad, O children of Zion, rejoice!" ,

For He has restored His people’s voice.

"He will give the rain for your land in its season" ,

That you may gather grain and wine without reason .

3. The Spiritual Rain: His Spirit Poured

Yet beyond the fields, a greater sign:

Your Spirit comes like rain divine .

"I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh" ,

Your power revives, our souls refresh.

The early rain at Pentecost fell,

The latter rain will break the spell .

"As the rain and snow come down from heaven" ,

So Your Word fulfills, Your promise given.

4. His Faithfulness Through Every Season

You are the First and Last, the same,

Unchanged, undefeated, Your holy name .

"He causes His sun to rise on evil and good" ,

And sends rain on all, as You should.

"Let us fear the Lord who gives rain" ,

Both former and latter, again and again.

"Your compassions are new every morning" ,

Great is Your faithfulness, never scorning.

5. A Prayer for the Rain

So we ask, Lord, for the rain ,

In springtime, and in pain .

"Ask the Lord for rain in the time of the latter rain" ,

That Your righteousness may fall like grain .

Drench our souls, O holy rain ,

Wash our sins, make us sane.

"Come like the spring rains that water the earth" ,

And bring us to rebirth.

---

Key Scripture References in the Poem:

1. Joel 2:23 – God gives the former and latter rain as a sign of His faithfulness .

2. Deuteronomy 11:14 – God promises rain in season to bless the harvest .

3. James 5:7 – Believers are called to patience, waiting for the early and latter rain like a farmer .

4. Psalm 65:9-10 – God waters the earth and enriches it abundantly .

5. Joel 2:28-32 – The promise of the Holy Spirit being poured out like rain .

6. Lamentations 3:22-23 – God’s mercies are new every morning .

7. Isaiah 55:10 – God’s Word is like rain that waters the earth and fulfills His purpose .

---

Explanation:

· First Rain (Former Rain): In Scripture, this refers to the autumn rains that soften the ground for planting. It symbolizes God’s initial blessings, preparation, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost .

· Last Rain (Latter Rain): This is the spring rain that ripens the harvest before gathering. It points to God’s final blessings, the end-time revival, and the second coming of Christ .

· Spiritual Significance: Rain often represents God’s teachings, righteousness, and Spirit (e.g., Isaiah 55:10, Joel 2:23). The poem ties this to God’s character as the "First and Last" (Revelation 22:13), emphasizing His eternal faithfulness .

May this poem remind you of God’s unwavering provision in every season of life. If you'd like to delve deeper, the referenced Scriptures offer rich insights into how rain illustrates God’s relationship with His creation.

Resist the devil and he will flee.

This is a powerful and active command, a promise of victory for every believer engaged in the spiritual battle. It is not a passive hope, but a confident stance in the authority of Christ.

Here is a poem on resisting the devil.

---

The Ground of Flight

The whisper comes, a subtle lie, To make me doubt,to make me sigh. The accusation,sharp and cold, A story that has grown so old.

But I am not a helpless slave, For You have come,and You have saved. You gave me armor,strong and true, And taught me what I now must do.

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

Resist. It is a stand,a firm command, A refusal on this holy land. The land You purchased with Your blood, The ground on which I now must stood.

I resist with truth, when he tells me I'm shame, I resist with righteousness,in Jesus' name. I resist with faith,a shield and a wall, I resist with Your Word—to which he must fall.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. (Ephesians 6:11)

I do not argue, I do not debate, I simply stand on my legal estate. I declare the victory already won, By the sacrifice of Your Holy Son.

And he will flee. He is a bully,a coward, a foe, Whose power is a deceptive show. He cannot stand before Your name, Before the blood that washes clean.

He must retreat, he must turn tail, His every wicked scheme will fail. For he knows his fate,his final end, By the King he cannot comprehend.

So I will stand, and I will fight, Not in my fear,but in Your might. I speak Your name,I claim Your blood, I rise above the fear and mud.

I am a child of the King Most High, And in that truth,I will rely. I will resist.I will not bend. This battle belongs to the Lord. Amen.