Tag: Philippians 4:13

Soar As Eagles – Relieving Fear

On By KateIn Devotionals, Soar As EaglesLeave a comment

2 Corinthians 5:8  We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Philippians 1:23  For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

Does the cherished love of this earthly life and its blessings outweigh the glorious hope of eternity with the Lord? It is indeed a wonder to hear a believer in Christ speak of fearing death, when we know that dying is to be instantly and eternally present with our Lord. What treasure, relationship, or joy found here on Earth could possibly surpass the unimaginable peace and perfection that await us when we finally see Christ face to face?

But should we live to see the Rapture of the Church, we won’t experience physical death, which many consider a true blessing. What a special reward for those believers who live in the end times as we do!!! This unique event for the Church symbolizes hope and steadfast faith, reminding us of the promises bestowed upon us from God’s Word. The thought of this should excite us to the core, filling our hearts with anticipation and joy as we look forward to a glorious reunion with our Saviour and Bridegroom, as well as the loved ones who have gone before us. 💜 Each day brings us closer to that moment, and it is our Christian duty to remain vigilant, tell people about Christ’s salvation, and encourage one another in our faith.

1 Thessalonians 4:17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Does this not excite you? Does this not set your fears aside, even for a moment? To soar as eagles, we must look at the wonderful blessings of God’s Word rather than our circumstances. The Apostle Paul gave us the perfect recipe on how to develop this mindset and grasp God’s promises in our lives! God’s Word always provides solutions for His child, offering guidance, strength, and comfort during fearful times. If you are a negative thinker, this is the perfect verse to turn that around; it serves as a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our struggles. All things are possible with Christ (Philippians 4:13), who gives us strength us to rise above our fears and transform our thoughts. Grab on to this truth, and allow it to shape your thought life.

Philippians 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

This verse provides the ultimate remedy for negative thinking. If fear has become your constant companion, it reveals a lack of trust in God’s care for you—when you truly consider it, that’s the heart of the issue. Overcoming fear requires intentional practice, like strengthening a muscle through exercise. Discipline your mind to focus on the virtues listed in Philippians 4:8
and the joy of the blessed hope!

Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

With the Rapture of the Church, every earthly fear and worry will vanish. Until then, don’t miss out on the good things, remembering that Nehemiah 8:10b assures us the joy of the Lord is your strength. To consistently dwell in fear is self-destructive, like voluntarily drinking poison while expecting no negative outcome.

Soar As Eagles – Trials and Temptations

On By KateIn Devotionals, Soar As EaglesLeave a comment

1 Corinthians 10:13  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.

James 1:13-14  Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:  (14)  But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Overcoming temptation is something all believers have in common. Some are more successful at it than others, but to overcome it is always possible by submitting to the Holy Spirit in our lives. Walking in the Spirit is like exercising a muscle. You must practice it daily in order to be able to overcome the temptations of this world! Temptation is often interpreted as desiring to do something wrong or unwise. However, the Greek word for temptation in 1 Corinthians 10:13 also defines it as:

peirasmos
pi-ras-mos’
From G3985; a putting to proof (by experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication adversity: – temptation, X try.

It can be said that temptation, as in James 1:13-14, occurs when one dwells on a particular sin. At this point, a born again Christian has a choice to either say no to sin or nurture the thought to the point where he actually commits that sin. By understanding the nature of such temptations, the believer can discern their origins and the tactics that lead to these moments of weakness. The believer can make the choice to overcome that temptation. It isn’t always easy but it is always doable! With each challenge faced, there is an opportunity for spiritual growth and deeper dependence on God’s strength. As 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us, God always provides a way to escape that temptation: it could come as a Bible verse popping into your mind, a gentle reminder of His promises, or your phone rings to interrupt your thoughts, drawing you back to a more godly focus. These moments of guidance serve as a testament to God’s unwavering presence in the believer’s life, encouraging them to turn away from sin and toward a life filled with purpose and righteousness.

The Holy Spirit desires to make you more like Jesus Christ, assisting in your spiritual growth and transformation. He is there to teach us valuable lessons about love, compassion, and humility, guiding us on our journey of faith. In moments of doubt or difficulty, He provides comfort and strength, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. By developing your need for an understanding of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives, we can gain wisdom and understanding, drawing closer to the heart of God and reflecting on His character in our daily lives.

As born again Christians, we have been given the power to say no to temptation. My “go to” verse when I am being tried is Philippians 4:13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. I quote this verse over and over until the temptation passes. This helps us to understand what Paul is referring to in the following verses:

Romans 7:5-6  For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.  (6)  But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

If you are not born again, you cannot overcome sin. You need the help of the Holy Spirit. Please take a moment and read the Bible verses in this link. They will guide you to salvation if you truly desire to be saved.

A Mother’s Heart – Day 8 – Living Grief

On By KateIn A Mother's Heart, DevotionalsLeave a comment

Have you ever heard of living grief? Living grief is when a child who has broken all communication with his parents, leaving behind not just silence but an entire “gulf” of unspoken words and unresolved feelings. The parents mourn their loss deeply, continuously, knowing there is no light at the end of that tunnel. I totally get that! It is worse than grieving over someone who is dead, for with death there is a marked end, a chance for closure that living grief denies. How can I say something that appears thoughtless? You see, reader, death comes with its own finality, a period at the end of a painful sentence. One no longer wonders if the child will come home at the end of the day or if a simple phone call might bring relief to an aching and broken heart. Living grief is open ended, filled with endless questions and a haunting sense of uncertainty. There is no finality, no peace to be found, as each day can either bring hope or despair. Furthermore, if no communication goes on for years, it remains like a cloud hanging ominously overhead, blocking out the sunshine of joyful memories and future possibilities. I must say it’s oppressive, a constant reminder of what once was and what may never be again. There are times that I was in such agony, feeling as if I were carrying the weight of a thousand unasked questions, each one pressing down harder than the last, making it almost unbearable to navigate through daily life.

I don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I do see the Light of the world in my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He is the firm foundation upon which I build my life, and He provides stability in the stormy seas of my life. He is my Rock, unshakeable, unmovable, and steadfast, a source of strength when I feel weary and overwhelmed. He is my Comforter, gently embracing me in times of heartache and despair, reminding me that I am never alone. This trial has shown me how much I need Him to be my “center” in life, guiding my thoughts and actions as I meet each day’s complexities. In every moment of confusion and doubt, Christ has become my focal point in the midst of my day’s challenges, instilling hope in my heart. With His presence, I am learning to trust the process and embrace the journey, knowing that I am held in His loving arms. He has allowed me to go through this painful journey for a reason and therefore I trust Him for its outcome!

Psa 63:1  A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

Surviving each day with living grief is no easy task, and it often feels like driving through a dense fog of sorrow. My first thoughts in the morning are about my prodigal son, a reminder of the memories, now shadowed by reality. To show you how different we mothers are, I have a friend who had to remove her daughters’ pictures from her digital frame because it was too painful for her and her husband; the absence of those images became a shield against the raw ache of loss. In contrast, I have chosen to keep my son’s pictures on my digital frame not just as a way to remember him, but to help remind me to pray for him, despite the pain he has caused and the heartache I endure. I find it therapeutic—like a small ritual of remembrance, it helps me to let go of the hurt and replace it with the Kingdom of God in mind. Each image serves as a catalyst for prayer, encouraging me to envision a future filled with hope and restoration. I pray for his salvation and that the Holy Spirit would have His way with him, guiding him back to what he was taught as a child. This daily practice, though bittersweet, offers me strength and a way to keep my faith alive amid the turmoil.

Psalm 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Picture in your mind Satan standing behind you, whispering in your ear, telling you that your child had no right to do this to you. Picture him trying to make you dwell on the circumstances of your living grief so that you become embittered and discouraged, feeling as though you are trapped in an emotional maze with no escape. This is what the enemy is all about; he thrives on your pain and seeks to amplify your suffering, attempting to blind you to the love and support that still surrounds you. He wants to devour you and ruin your faith in Christ, dragging you into despair and isolation. But remember, because we are children of Almighty God, we can fight back with the following two verses! It works every time for me, providing a powerful reminder of God’s strength. Stop the enemy in his tracks and quote Scripture, allowing the truth of God’s promises to penetrate the darkness, shining on your path, helping you reclaim your joy and hope in the midst of this horrible trial.

1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

The Word of God is powerful! Jesus quoted it to Satan when He was in the wilderness, revealing the strength that comes from Scripture. His example serves to help us learn to use the Scriptures as our sword against the same enemy! (Hebrews 4:12) In times of trials, we can draw upon these divine truths to strengthen our resolve and fortify our spirit. Be encouraged, dear reader! You are not alone in your battle! There are countless sisters in Christ who are dealing with this living grief revolving around their prodigals. They are experiencing heartache and seeking solace through prayer and fellowship just as you are. Together, we can support each other, share our testimonies, and remind one another of the hope that exists in God’s promises. With faith and perseverance, we will find strength to overcome and rejoice in the victories that lie ahead, thanks to the Lord’s intervention.

If you’ve been given this link to help you with your grief but have not experienced the love of Christ in your life, please follow this link and read the Scriptures that will guide you to salvation in Jesus Christ.

Is This My Time?

On By KateIn Devotionals, Hymns for Today, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14)

This verse is powerful! Let’s take a look at the Book of Esther. You will see how God used Esther to protect His people from complete annihilation. Because of her beauty, Esther (a Jew) happened to be chosen to be Queen to King Ahasuerus, a decision that would have profound implications for the Jewish people. God’s sovereignty is seen throughout the entire book, as each event unfolds with divine purpose. Esther’s uncle Mordecai discovers a malicious plot against the Jews by the wicked Haman, a high-ranking official who harbored a deep hatred for Esther’s people. Mordecai urgently tells Esther’s chamberlains to let Esther know all about this insidious plot and advises that she courageously informs the king about this dreadful plan to annihilate the Jews. Although Esther was the queen, her position came with grave restrictions; she could not simply approach the king with her plea for her people without risking everything. This just was not done in the royal court, as the laws were strict and unforgiving. She had to wait until the king summoned her, a process fraught with uncertainty and fear. If she went to see him without his summoning her, she could be put to death. Mordecai stressed to her that even she would not escape Haman’s plot since she was Jewish, emphasizing the need for her bravery and the urgency of the situation they faced. Such a weighty responsibility rested on Esther’s shoulders, and it was through her courage and faith that she would ultimately play a mighty role in the deliverance of her people.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)

So what does Esther do? In a moment of grave urgency, she asks Hatach, her trusted chamberlain, to take a message to Uncle Mordecai. She instructs him to tell all the Jews in the kingdom to engage in a solemn fast for her, asking them to pray for her strength and guidance during this perilous time. The weight of her decision weighs on her heart, as she prepares to approach the king uninvited, a bold move filled with danger. Despite the risks involved, she resolutely declares, “If I perish, I perish,” demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her people and her willingness to sacrifice everything for their deliverance.

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16b)

We discover that because of his deep-seated hatred, Haman meticulously devises a plot to hang Mordecai, a man he cannot stand due to his refusal to bow before him. In his unrelenting pursuit of vengeance, he has the gallows constructed, tall and imposing, as a symbol of his power and intimidation, and his malevolent plan moves forward with alarming speed. Little does he know that Queen Esther has been secretly devising her own strategy; she has prepared a lavish banquet for both the king and Haman, an event designed to reveal the truth hidden in shadows. At this extravagant banquet, under the guise of celebration, Esther bravely exposes Haman’s wicked plot to King Ahasuerus. In a dramatic turn of events, Haman’s fate takes a swift and ironic twist as he is hanged on the very same gallows that he had built for Mordecai. This whole account, filled with intrigue and divine justice, is what the Jewish Feast of Purim is all about, honoring the deliverance of the Jewish people from a grave threat.

The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming. The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. (Psalm 37:12-15)

You may wonder why I give you Esther’s account; it is to point out that each of us has appointed times to be used of God. In whatever situation or trial, God can use you, often in ways you may not expect or realize until much later. I’m sure Esther was petrified to go in to see the king, feeling the weight of responsibility on her shoulders. She knew what the consequences of these actions would be, not just for herself, but for her people, the Jews, who were facing Haman’s anger. Her first thought is to pray and fast, not just for herself, but to request Mordecai and the rest of the Jews to do the same, recognizing the power of collective prayer. She understood the importance of seeking divine intervention and unity in times of crisis. Esther also knew that turning to God in the midst of her trial would bring answers and solutions, providing her with strength and courage to face the uncertain future ahead. Her faith became a beacon of hope, reminding us all that in our darkest moments, we can still find light through our commitment to prayer and trust in God’s plan.

What are you going through, Reader? Life can present us with challenges that seem insurmountable, leading us to doubt our worth and capabilities. However, God can use you in spite of your trials. Even in your darkest moments, when the weight of the world feels heavy, He can shine a light through your struggles. You may not think so, but He can turn your pain into purpose and your sorrow into strength. It’s in these moments of uncertainty that we must remember to lean on faith, trusting that there’s a greater plan in motion. Do you trust Him to do so? When we surrender our worries and open our hearts to His plan for us, we can find strength to move forward.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Php 4:13)

To the reader who does not have the peace of the Lord in his heart, this devotional may seem pointless. It may not touch your heart, but it should. If you are not born-again, you won’t understand the things of God and how they connect to your life. It’s important to settle this matter now, before you die or before the Rapture occurs, because time is short. Otherwise, you risk spending eternity in the lake of fire, apart from God’s love and grace. This is a warning and also an invitation to find true peace and joy through a relationship with Christ. Take the step to salvation and read how to be saved here, where you will find guidance that can change your life and give you hope and purpose.

Any Day Now – Day 31

On By KateIn Any Day Now, DevotionalsLeave a comment
Photography by Bob Sabo

1 Pe 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Rom 12:21  Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Don’t let your thoughts stray far from the blessed event of the Rapture. Stay diligent and aware of the signs. God gave us the tools to find Him, receive His salvation, and to get to know Him. Not only that, the Bible is His gift to mankind so that we can draw near to Him and also learn of what is to come. He does not leave us in the dark. We are children of light! So get your mind ready and let’s proceed.

Many think that the Bible is all about good but it is so much more than that. God warns us of the evil that surrounds us but He doesn’t stop there. He provides us with Scriptures that teach us how to stay away from this evil.

Here is an article about an event that happened in mid February! We are seeing more of these types of events involving Satan. It’s truly frightening but we know that the evil deeds of Satan are alive and well and they are leading the world head first into the end times. You don’t see this advertised on television or in the online news. The devil is crafty and does things in the background so that Christians won’t be up in arms! This article is about an event that the satanic temple in Scottsdale, Arizona was promoting.

The SatanCon event is open also to the public, hoping to entice inquiring minds to open up to the products and activities in the SatanCon Marketplace. Visitors can also participate in the late-night “Impurity Ball” satanic ritual. No doubt there will be many people attending for the sake of spectacle and intrigue, and who may find that their curiosity comes at a price with the demonic activity summoned at an event such as this.

HTTPS://WWW.IFAPRAY.ORG/BLOG/WORLDS-LARGEST-SATANIC-GATHERING-THIS-WEEKEND-IN-THE-U-S/

This “Impurity Ball”  featuring a raucous night of music, ritual, and debauchery mocking the gross and weird “Purity Balls” of evangelical origin in what will be a display of bodily autonomy, personal growth, and the joys of sinning with abandon.

HTTPS://WWW.FLIPCAUSE.COM/SECURE/CAUSE_PDETAILS/MTQWNTA5

Did you read anything having to do with this on social media? I had to actually do a DuckDuckGo search on topics such as these in order to find what I was looking for. This is very disturbing in light of what is going on right under our noses, Christian; in our own beloved Country!

If you are not born again, you do not have the light of Christ living within you in order to discern these types of evil. This is what this organization is hoping for! One might think that this is an isolated incident, but it is not. This satanic religion is working hard to recruit our youth and anyone else who does not have wisdom from above!

The Satanic Temple, subject of the critically-acclaimed documentary, Hail Satan?, and the academic analysis of modern Satanism, Speak of the Devil, confronts religious discrimination to secure the separation of church and state and defend the Constitutional rights of its members. In response to Oklahoma and Arkansas placing a Ten Commandments statue on Capitol grounds, TST offered its bronze Baphomet statue to stand alongside the Christian monuments. TST hosts the “After School Satan” club to counter the Evangelical “Good News Clubs” in public schools across the country to promote a plurality of religious viewpoints. The mission of The Satanic Temple is to encourage benevolence and empathy, reject tyrannical authority, advocate practical common sense, oppose injustice, and undertake noble pursuits for the individual will. 

HTTPS://WWW.PRNEWSWIRE.COM/NEWS-RELEASES/SCOTTSDALE-AZ-POISED-TO-SET-WORLD-RECORD-FOR-LARGEST-SATANIC-CONFERENCE-301473850.HTML

Jas 1:5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

We can truly see by these news articles why the devil is referred to as a roaring lion who walks around looking for someone to devour! It doesn’t say that he is simply a lion. We know that a lion is large and strong. But the three verbs in 1 Peter 5:8 show us that he roars, he walks about, and he devours. Is it any wonder that Peter is warning us to be alert and vigilant? The devil wants nothing more than to distract believers and make them scared so they produce nothing for Christ. He cannot cause us to lose our salvation because that is secure. However, he can make our lives miserable if we let him.

1 Pe 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

So in closing, remember, Christian, Phil 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Christ tarries because He wants all to be saved. His tarrying the rapture of the Church is an indication that the last soul as yet to be won. But once it is, BAM! We’re outta here!!! \o/

Friend, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It! If you have received Christ as your Saviour as a result of this blog, please reach out to me. I would love to share a discipleship study that will help you to grow in your new found faith. To God be the glory, amen?