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  • Healing, Help And Hope

    Healing, Help And Hope

    And you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).

    When I read these words, “You are complete in Him,” I am greatly encouraged. If we are complete in Him, we are whole. Our past, present and future are taken care of by our Lord.

    There is healing for our past. As believers, we can think of things we wish we had never done or said. We can think of events in our lives that should have never happened. We can get so caught up in the darkness, hurt and regret of the past that we feel down all the time. Yes, we dwelled in darkness at one time, but He has changed that if we have truly surrendered our lives to Him. Matthew 4:16 says, “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” God delivers us from darkness. According to Psalm 147:3, He also heals our broken hearts: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

    There is help in our present. No one is exempted from troublesome times. The following Scriptures show us that He is here to help us during those times:

    The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble (Psalm 9:9).

    For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock (Psalm 27:5).

    The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles (Psalm 34:17).

    There is hope for our future. Believers have an unfathomable eternity awaiting them. I Corinthians 15:19-22 reminds us that Jesus is the reason for our hope: “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” Hebrews 6:19 says, “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast…”

    Why are we complete in Him? In Him we have healing of our past, help in our present and hope for our future. He truly has us covered.

    Dave Snyder is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God – Cleveland, Tennessee. Before entering the ministry on a full-time basis, he was a school teacher. He also coached middle school basketball for eight years.

    Dave and his wife, Sara, have two children  — Craig and Karen. They also have one ten year old granddaughter  — Breanna. 

    Dave and Sara pastored in West Virginia for thirty-six years. Sara is now retired from the banking industry, and Dave is retired from pastoring. However, Dave currently serves as prison Chaplain for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 

    Writing essays, articles, and devotionals is a real passion for Dave. He also enjoys playing musical instruments and singing.

  • Strength

    Strength

    I had been praying about what to write for my May Blog… and recently I was in a discussion with several ladies, and we began talking about having the strength to be enough. Are we enough, are we strong enough? See where I’m going?? We don’t always have the “STRENGTH” to do what we need to do.

    I was reading some articles and I came across this one about strength. So, I am going to share this as my blog this month. It comes from Unveiled Ladies Ministries.

    The Lord is my strength

    I am a woman of strength

    I am a woman on a mission.

    I’ve been through some seasons that

    bruised my dreams,

    and that broke me up inside.

    I’ve tasted the bitter winds of

    betrayal and disappointment.

    I’ve been through the fire and I’ve

    been through the storm.

    I haven’t always understood the

    ways of God, but yet I will continue

    to trust Him.

    I have felt the sting of hot tears rush

    down my face.

    Anxiety entered my personal space

    and then that thing called

    Depression tried to take over my life.

    I tried desperately to fix things that

    were outside of my control, but I

    finally had to let go and give it to God.

    What I have learned……is that

    through each season (good and

    bad) that prayer has become my

    lifeline. I cannot do life without it, for

    in prayer is where I have found my

    voice, and my strength.

    God is within me, and even when I

    fall and skin my knees, He will not let

    me fail. I will continue to get back

    up, and I will keep fighting the good

    fight of faith.

    1 Chronicles 16:11 “Look to the

    Lord, and His strength; seek His face

    always.

    Proverbs 31:25:

    ‘Strength and dignity are her

    clothing and her position is strong

    and secure;

    And she smiles at the future

    [knowing that she and her family are prepared]

    Timothy 4:17: “But the Lord stood

    At my side and gave me strength, so

    That through me the message may

    Be fully proclaimed and all the

    Gentiles might hear it. And I was

    Delivered from the lion’s mouth.”

    The Lord will give us the strength we need to get through what is trying to interrupt our lives. The devil doesn’t have a chair at our table… and we need to tell him that every day.

    I hope this will encourage someone today, I am always here to pray for you.

    And as I always say… NEVER let your cup go empty. ☕️☕️

    Be blessed.

    Lou Ann Virden is the author of the blog Farmhouse, Coffee and Jesus. She is very active in her church. She volunteers in the food pantry, usher/greeter team, and cleaning crew. She is on the prayer team, is over the sound room team, and she writes the newsletter for her church. Lou Ann and her husband Donnie will be relaunching The Refuge 180 Evangelism Ministry. They have been married for over 40 years. They live on her husband’s family farm with their dog Hunter. In the summer they are busy canning what they harvest from their garden. Her hobbies include going to the beach, reading, camping, and serving however she can. She hopes that her blogs inspires someone that might be dealing with a similar situation.

  • The “Why” Will Work Out

    The “Why” Will Work Out

    And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

    This week I experienced a reminder of the saying “bad things happen to good people.” My sister and her husband lost their home and all their belongings in a terrible fire. It is very easy during times like this to ask, “Why?”

    During my many years of pastoring I had many congregants ask me, “Pastor, why did this happen to me?” It is difficult to answer a “why” question when you do not know the answer. I do know this- good and bad things happen to all people. No one is exempt. This is very obvious in the following verse:

    That you may be the sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust (Matthew 5:45).

    Wouldn’t you agree- the sun can be pleasantly warm or oppressively hot? The rain can be a gentle rain that brings growth to crops or it can be heavy and flood-producing. It is for sure- the sun and the rain affects everyone. The tests and trials of life do likewise.

    Perhaps we can draw rather simple conclusions from all of this. On this side of Heaven, we will never have all the answers. On the other hand, when we get to Heaven, the answers will not matter. Then we will truly know- all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.

    Dave Snyder is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God – Cleveland, Tennessee. Before entering the ministry on a full-time basis, he was a school teacher. He also coached middle school basketball for eight years.

    Dave and his wife, Sara, have two children  — Craig and Karen. They also have one ten year old granddaughter  — Breanna. 

    Dave and Sara pastored in West Virginia for thirty-six years. Sara is now retired from the banking industry, and Dave is retired from pastoring. However, Dave currently serves as prison Chaplain for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 

    Writing essays, articles, and devotionals is a real passion for Dave. He also enjoys playing musical instruments and singing.

  • Come Up Higher

    Come Up Higher

    Psalm 24:

    1The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it.

    The world and all its people belong to him.

    2For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas

    and built it on the ocean depths.

    3Who may climb the mountain of the LORD?

    Who may stand in his holy place?

    4Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,

    who do not worship idols

    and never tell lies.

    5They will receive the LORD’s blessing

    and have a right relationship with God their savior.

    6Such people may seek you

    and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob.a

    Interlude

    7Open up, ancient gates!

    Open up, ancient doors,

    and let the King of glory enter.

    8Who is the King of glory?

    The LORD, strong and mighty;

    the LORD, invincible in battle.

    9Open up, ancient gates!

    Open up, ancient doors,

    and let the King of glory enter.

    10Who is the King of glory?

    The LORD of Heaven’s Armies—

    he is the King of glory.

    Most of the church has done a really poor job at representing Christ. We say we offer salvation and teaching on the Lord, but really we limit God to the boxes we have created for Him. We stick to our regularly scheduled programs, while telling ourselves we allow the Lord to have full freedom in our gatherings. We have quenched the Spirit and grieved the Lord for far too long. We have left people wondering why in the world they would want to serve a God who doesn’t offer the freedom and longing their souls are searching for.

    The world doesn’t want a man-made Jesus any longer. We meet weekly and yet our services are void of power, miracles, signs, wonders, and true life change. We are ate up with pride and tell the Lord we will only allow Him at the level we have decided He can come in and “change” us. We cry out for the Lord to move but when He tries to, we quench Him and move on to the next item on our checklist. We praise Him with our lips, but our hearts are far from Him and His desires. The Father’s heart is deeply grieved at the state of His so-called servants. Lord, forgive your church and set us truly free, purify and cleanse us the way You desire.

    Christ is infinite. We cannot understand the fullness of His ways or His extravagant offer of freedom and restoration that happened at the cross and remains available today. Whether it’s our own ignorance and fear, religion, or our wounds, we have misrepresented Him for far too long. He is raising up a generation that will set this world ablaze for the Kingdom and no gate in hell will prevail against it. He is truly raising up the wild ones, the ones who will look like, walk, and breathe the early church model of relationship- the fullness of Christ and nothing less.

    Romans 11: 33-36:

    Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It’s way over our heads. We’ll never figure it out.

    Is there anyone around who can explain God?

    Anyone smart enough to tell him what to do?

    Anyone who has done him such a huge favor

    that God has to ask his advice?

    Everything comes from him;

    Everything happens through him;

    Everything ends up in him.

    Always glory! Always praise!

    Yes. Yes. Yes.

    So if you’re one of the ones who is seeing churches and Christians misrepresenting Christ so greatly, take heart. Know that you’re hearing the heart of the Father and He is bringing a cleansing, purifying change to His Body. No longer will we quench His Spirit. No longer will He allow man to falsely represent Him and only offer a little bit here and there of the freedom that Jesus died for.

    Search the Lord out for yourself. Pray, fast, seek, knock so you can find. Read your bible and tell the Lord to break down all walls and barriers you have built up. There is fullness of freedom and joy in the Lord. It’s the greatest adventure you’ll ever be on. It isn’t miserable, boring or lame to follow Christ. Just as the above verses show us, God is so much higher than we are. There are many mysteries and adventures the Lord wants to reveal and take you on. There is more freedom available than we could ever imagine.

    Don’t let religion cause you to run from your Savior. Seek Him out for yourself, come up higher and know His ways and heart. Trust Him with all you’ve got and watch what He will do in your life- I can promise you it will be greater than you could have ever imagined. Now is the time to seek Him like never before and radically obey Him at all costs, even if those still bound don’t understand and call you crazy. Wild ones, it’s time to rise up from the ashes and burn for Him. Get ready for the greatest adventure you’ve ever had and buckle up for the ride. The offer is available to all. Just say yes!

    Hannah Smith, author of the Moving Mountains blog, is a woman who feels she has experienced a lot of life in her 33 years. 

    At 19 years old, Hannah joined the Army. After moving around the country, getting a divorce and losing what seemed like everything, she landed back where God wanted her in Ohio, even though she fought the whole way. She is now a devoted follower of Christ and seeks the Lord with all she’s got.

    Hannah is married and a RN, but works as a stay-at-home mom to her 3 children per instruction from the Lord.

    She loves to hike, travel, drink coffee, and talk about Jesus. Hannah also has a heart to create a home and life in which she can be a safe place for the hurting and the broken. Her biggest piece of advice would be to never tell the Lord you will never do something- because He will most likely then ask you to do that very thing, LOL!

    To her readers, Hannah says, “I believe that God set every single one of you reading this apart, for such a time as this. It is my hope and prayer that God would use the words I say to change your life in a way you and I never thought possible!”

  • Speak From The Heart

    Speak From The Heart

    O Israel, return to the Lord your God. For you have stumbled because of your iniquity; Take words with you, And return to the Lord. Say to Him, Take away all iniquity; Receive us graciously, For we will offer the sacrifices of our lips (Hosea 14:1-2).

    Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things (Matthew 12:34-35).

    Death and life are in the power of the tongue. And those who love it will eat its fruit (Proverbs 18:21).

    Words mean something. They mean something to people. They mean something to God. Words of repentance, words of concern and words of praise are very important to our Heavenly Father. However, they must come from our hearts- not just our lips.

    The posture of our hearts is so important to God. Hebrews 10:22 says, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” He wants us to have pure hearts so that we do not approach Him with any kind of pretense.

    Obviously, words of repentance are where we must start. As seen in the following Scriptures repentance is necessary to receive forgiveness and brings mercy into our lives:

    If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9).

    He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy (Proverbs 28:13).

    All of us have concerns. It is good to know that God cares about us- therefore what concerns us concerns Him. In His Word we find the invitation to share these concerns with Him:

    Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with Thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6).

    Casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you. (I Peter 5:7).

    Then there are words of praise. We praise God because He alone is worthy to be praised. Our praise is to be freely given and continually speaks of His righteousness:

    I will freely sacrifice to You; I will praise Your name, O Lord, for it is good (Psalm 54:6).

    And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness And of Your praise all the day long (Psalm 35:28).

    In summary, we are welcome to go to God for anything. When we have sinned, we can repent. When we have concerns, we can give them to Him. When we just want to praise Him, we can do just that. Yes, we can go to God- and take heartfelt words with us.

    Dave Snyder is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God – Cleveland, Tennessee. Before entering the ministry on a full-time basis, he was a school teacher. He also coached middle school basketball for eight years.

    Dave and his wife, Sara, have two children  — Craig and Karen. They also have one ten year old granddaughter  — Breanna. 

    Dave and Sara pastored in West Virginia for thirty-six years. Sara is now retired from the banking industry, and Dave is retired from pastoring. However, Dave currently serves as prison Chaplain for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 

    Writing essays, articles, and devotionals is a real passion for Dave. He also enjoys playing musical instruments and singing.

  • Matthew 7:13 (Devotional)

    Matthew 7:13 (Devotional)

    Scripture: Matthew 7:13 (NIV) “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.”

    Reflection: In the following passage from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses a powerful metaphor to illustrate two contrasting options: a spacious entrance leading to a wide path, and a narrow entrance that leads to a restricted path. The broad entrance is attractive; it offers convenience, luxury, and a multitude of friends. However, Jesus cautions that following this path will ultimately result in ruin. On the other hand, the narrow gate, which is less attractive and significantly more difficult, leads to life.

    The Choice of Paths: Daily, we are confronted with decisions that either conform us to the Kingdom of God or divert us from it. The wide gate frequently symbolizes the prevailing society standards and commonly held beliefs that may not necessarily conform to heavenly truths. It is the more convenient choice, necessitating less effort and providing instant satisfaction. Jesus encourages us to contemplate the small entrance, which requires self-control, dedication, and frequently, a solitary walk.

    The Call to Discipleship:

    Opting for the narrow gate is the same as accepting the call of Jesus to become a disciple. This path is not solely focused on refraining from wrongdoing, but rather actively pursuing a more profound connection with God. It entails making decisions that align with our religious beliefs, even when they are not well-liked or challenging. The narrowness of this gate does not stem from exclusivity, but rather from the necessity to relinquish the superfluous burdens of our past lives—selfish cravings, financial fixations, and ethical concessions.

    Living the Narrow Path:

    This way of life changes things. It shapes who we are, makes our wants clearer, and makes our lives more in line with God’s will. Even though the road is hard, it is also filled with deep peace and joy that come from getting closer to God. The narrow road is not lonely; it is walked by people who want to be real in their faith, making a community of believers who help and support each other.

    Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to discern the gates and paths before us. Give us the strength to choose the narrow gate, even when it is hard, even when it means walking against the crowd. Let your Spirit guide us, comfort us, and strengthen us in our journey. Teach us to embrace the disciplines of our faith with joy, knowing that through them, we are drawn closer to You. Amen.

    Today, let’s examine the choices we face and consciously decide to follow the path that leads to life. Let this choice be evident in our actions, our words, and our thoughts. May our daily decisions reflect our journey through the narrow gate, as we rely on God’s grace and wisdom to sustain us.

    Jason Fay is a devoted Christian writer, musician, and blogger residing in the Scenic state of West Virginia alongside his cherished wife and three beautiful daughters. With a heart ablaze for the Gospel and a passion for inspiring others in their journey of faith, Jason pours his creativity and conviction into crafting impactful devotionals, insightful blog posts, and soul-stirring Christian music.

    Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Jason brings a unique blend of business acumen and spiritual insight to his work, striving to bridge the gap between everyday life and eternal truths. His writings reflect a deep commitment to sharing the transformative power of God’s love and grace, offering encouragement, guidance, and hope to all who seek to deepen their relationship with Christ.

    In addition to his writing and music endeavors, Jason is an active member of Arise Ministries, where he finds community, support, and opportunities to serve alongside fellow believers. Through his involvement with Arise Ministries, Jason continues to grow in his faith and extend the love of Christ to those in need. Whether through the gentle melodies of his music, the thought-provoking words of his blog, or the profound reflections found in his devotionals, Jason Fay endeavors to uplift and edify individuals on their spiritual journey, pointing them towards the boundless joy and fulfillment found in a life surrendered to Jesus Christ. Join him on this journey of faith as together, we grow in grace and embrace the abundant life that God has promised.

  • Aligning Our Values With The Kingdom Of God

    Aligning Our Values With The Kingdom Of God

    Aligning our values with the Kingdom of God is a highly developing effort that we can begin on our path of faith. This alignment not only guides our paths in more purposeful ways but also enhances our connection with God and others. The Kingdom of God is not merely a remote or forthcoming pledge; rather, it is a current actuality that we are summoned to embody in the immediate and mundane aspects of our existence.

    Understanding Kingdom Values

    The Kingdom of God is distinguished by principles that often oppose those advocated by the world. The values included are love, justice, mercy, humility, and peace. Jesus expresses these concepts in the Sermon on the Mount, urging us to demonstrate love towards our adversaries, offer prayers for those who oppress us, and prioritize the pursuit of righteousness above all other matters. However, what does it signify to genuinely synchronize our individual principles with these principles of the Kingdom?

    Reflecting on Personal Values

    The initial stage involves reflection. It is important that we assess our existing values and their impact on our choices and behaviors. Do personal gain, societal status, or financial success primarily shape our decisions? Alternatively, should we give precedence to acts of generosity, selflessness, and empathy towards those who are marginalized and oppressed? This introspection necessitates candor and frequently, a readiness to acknowledge and confront discomforting realities about our own self.

    The Challenge of Transformation

    After pinpointing the specific locations where our values require adjustment, the actual work starts. Transformation is a challenging and continuous process. It includes making everyday decisions that prioritize Kingdom standards over worldly ones. For instance, opting to pardon someone who has harmed us exemplifies the Kingdom principle of mercy instead of the worldly tendency for retaliation.

    Practical Steps for Alignment

    1. Prayer and Meditation: Regular prayer and meditation on the Scriptures can transform our minds and hearts, aligning them more closely with God’s will.
    2. Community Involvement: Engaging with a community of faith can provide the support and encouragement needed to cultivate Kingdom values. Fellowship with like-minded believers can inspire us to live out these values more fully.
    3. Service and Generosity: Actively seeking opportunities to serve others and to give of our resources can help embed the values of service and generosity in our daily lives.
    4. Ongoing Education: Learning more about the teachings of Jesus and the context of those teachings helps us to understand and implement Kingdom values more effectively.

    The Impact of Aligned Values

    Living with Kingdom-aligned values has a profound impact on our lives and on those around us. It builds a life of integrity and authenticity, deepens our relationships, and creates a positive ripple effect in our communities. As we practice forgiveness, show unconditional love, and stand for justice, we not only draw nearer to God but also participate in His work of transforming the world.

    Conclusion

    The process of aligning our values with the Kingdom of God is continuously evolving and ongoing. This drives us to consistently evaluate our hearts and behaviors, while also providing tremendous opportunities for personal development and satisfaction. By embracing these ideals, we become shining examples of hope and inspiration in a world that is in dire need of the life-changing influence of the Gospel.
    With bravery and belief, let us go on this journey of harmonization, placing our trust in the divine to lead and support us during each stage of the process.

    Jason Fay is a devoted Christian writer, musician, and blogger residing in the Scenic state of West Virginia alongside his cherished wife and three beautiful daughters. With a heart ablaze for the Gospel and a passion for inspiring others in their journey of faith, Jason pours his creativity and conviction into crafting impactful devotionals, insightful blog posts, and soul-stirring Christian music.

    Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Jason brings a unique blend of business acumen and spiritual insight to his work, striving to bridge the gap between everyday life and eternal truths. His writings reflect a deep commitment to sharing the transformative power of God’s love and grace, offering encouragement, guidance, and hope to all who seek to deepen their relationship with Christ.

    In addition to his writing and music endeavors, Jason is an active member of Arise Ministries, where he finds community, support, and opportunities to serve alongside fellow believers. Through his involvement with Arise Ministries, Jason continues to grow in his faith and extend the love of Christ to those in need. Whether through the gentle melodies of his music, the thought-provoking words of his blog, or the profound reflections found in his devotionals, Jason Fay endeavors to uplift and edify individuals on their spiritual journey, pointing them towards the boundless joy and fulfillment found in a life surrendered to Jesus Christ. Join him on this journey of faith as together, we grow in grace and embrace the abundant life that God has promised.

  • Restoration Is the Lord’s Heart

    Restoration Is the Lord’s Heart

    Restoration is who God is. Even from the very beginning, He knew we would fall and yet He chose to go through with creating us with His redemptive plan in place. Jesus was there at the foundation of the world and was always meant to be our perfect sacrifice to restore all.

    This is why your past actions don’t matter much to God. He longs to save, heal and deliver that which is most broken and bruised. He loves you with an everlasting love and redemption is always on His heart. He longs that none should perish. He is always providing a way home to Him. He offers a safety net, a redemptive story.

    I have done some things I’m not proud of and even then, I can look back and see the Lord’s hand in my life. I can see how He loved me and how He was offering me a rescue plan. Even in my darkest days when I felt I would never recover, Father was calling out, “Hannah come home, I’m here to restore and love on you.” It wasn’t until I got healing of my inner wounds that I could truly see restoration was always His heart.

    Don’t let the enemy make you think you are too far gone, or that somebody else is too far gone. Ask the Lord to give you His heart and His perspective. Ask the Lord to give you compassion and true love for others. Ask Him to remind you that restoration is our portion. As you can see from the Word, the Lord gives chance after chance for us to surrender back. God is patient, kind and long-suffering. He longs to have full restoration with His family.

    So in all you do, remember restoration is our goal. Whether it be giving words, praying for others, picking yourself back up after you messed up again, or loving others, remember that the Father loves restoration. Do our actions have consequences? Of course, but redemption is always available. Just come home, our Father is waiting.

    You can never be good enough in your own works to be restored to Him, but you also can’t do anything that would make Jesus’ sacrifice any less perfect. Jesus had to be the sacrifice because He was the only one worthy enough to satisfy the holiness of God. So you can’t add to or take away from the redemption available to you. It’s a gift and it’s the longing of our Savior. Receive it for yourself and others- remember the grace and mercy that was poured out on you is the same for others you encounter. Let the Father have His way in your life, it’s the greatest gift you’ll ever receive.

    Hannah Smith, author of the Moving Mountains blog, is a woman who feels she has experienced a lot of life in her 33 years. 

    At 19 years old, Hannah joined the Army. After moving around the country, getting a divorce and losing what seemed like everything, she landed back where God wanted her in Ohio, even though she fought the whole way. She is now a devoted follower of Christ and seeks the Lord with all she’s got.

    Hannah is married and a RN, but works as a stay-at-home mom to her 3 children per instruction from the Lord.

    She loves to hike, travel, drink coffee, and talk about Jesus. Hannah also has a heart to create a home and life in which she can be a safe place for the hurting and the broken. Her biggest piece of advice would be to never tell the Lord you will never do something- because He will most likely then ask you to do that very thing, LOL!

    To her readers, Hannah says, “I believe that God set every single one of you reading this apart, for such a time as this. It is my hope and prayer that God would use the words I say to change your life in a way you and I never thought possible!”

  • Faithfulness Is The Lord

    Faithfulness Is The Lord

    This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:21-23).

    Faithfulness is one of the great attributes of our Heavenly Father. He is faithful to forgive us when we confess our sins. He is faithful to always be with us- even to the very end. Due to His faithfulness we have hope.

    God’s faithfulness is shown in that His goodness and mercy are continually with us. Notice these verses from the Book of Psalms:

    Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:6).

    Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The goodness of God endures continually (Psalm 52:1).

    As we all know, life is not a bed of roses. Difficult times are simply a part of living. God is faithful to be with us during these difficult times. Again, Scripture supports this truth:

    But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you: I have called you by name: You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you (Isaiah 43:1-2).

    God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1)

    God is faithful to us. If we truly desire to live for the Lord, we must be faithful also. As His people, we are stewards of His work on this earth. God is not unreasonable, but He does require faithfulness. Note the following verses regarding our faithfulness toward Him:

    Let a man so consider us as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful (I Corinthians 4:1-2)

    As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God (I Peter 4:10).

    He has shown you, O man, what is good: And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)

    Our faithfulness will make us stable in our Christian walk- clear to the end. Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” We hold to His promises and stay faithful as He is faithful. There will come a day when our faithfulness will reap great benefits:

    After a long time the Lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, “Lord, you delivered to me five talents, look, I have gained five more talents besides them.” His lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” He also who had received two talents came and said, “Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.” His lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” (Luke 25:19-23)

    No matter God’s purpose for our lives, we need to be faithful in doing our best to fulfill that purpose. God is the perfect model of faithfulness. Will we follow His example and be faithful also?

    Dave Snyder is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God – Cleveland, Tennessee. Before entering the ministry on a full-time basis, he was a school teacher. He also coached middle school basketball for eight years.

    Dave and his wife, Sara, have two children  — Craig and Karen. They also have one ten year old granddaughter  — Breanna. 

    Dave and Sara pastored in West Virginia for thirty-six years. Sara is now retired from the banking industry, and Dave is retired from pastoring. However, Dave currently serves as prison Chaplain for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 

    Writing essays, articles, and devotionals is a real passion for Dave. He also enjoys playing musical instruments and singing.

  • I Don’t Feel Good Enough (Devotional)

    I Don’t Feel Good Enough (Devotional)

    We all experience times in our lives when we don’t feel good enough or deserving. I can say that I have spent a lot of time fighting these emotions. These emotions can be burdensome, allowing discouragement and doubt to seep into our souls. However, we are called as Christ’s disciples to discover our identity and value in Him alone. Let’s pause for a moment to consider God’s Word and find solace in His truth.

    Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

    Pause to reflect on this verse’s tremendous reality. You are not an oversight or a last-minute decision. You are the beautiful work of art that God’s tender hands have created. He purposefully and intentionally created you, giving you special abilities and gifts to carry out His good deeds. You should be aware that the One who created you genuinely loves and values you, regardless of any uncertainties or fears you may have.

    Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

    “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

    Find comfort in God’s unwavering love. His love never wavers or falters, no matter what difficulties or obstacles you encounter. Nothing in this world, not even a flaw or failing, can keep you from the love of Christ. Allow this fact to firmly ground you and eliminate any uncertainty about your deservingness.

    2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV)

    “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

    Accept your shortcomings because they are a chance for God’s might to be shown in your life. Rely on God’s grace during times of inadequacy, understanding that His strength is made perfect in your weakness. Put your faith in His adequacy and permit His strength to operate through you, converting your inadequacies into assets.

    Prayer:

    Lord,

    We are grateful that You have reminded us of our identity and value in Christ. Please help us to hold on to Your truth through times of uncertainty and fear. Give us Your strength and love so that we can confidently pursue the goals You set for us. May You be the one source of our assurance and faith. On behalf of Jesus, Amen.

    Conclusion:

    I pray that you leave today, my friend, understanding how much your Heavenly Father values and respects you. Accept your value as God’s cherished child, and may His grace keep you afloat during each stage of life. 

    Jason Fay is a devoted Christian writer, musician, and blogger residing in the Scenic state of West Virginia alongside his cherished wife and three beautiful daughters. With a heart ablaze for the Gospel and a passion for inspiring others in their journey of faith, Jason pours his creativity and conviction into crafting impactful devotionals, insightful blog posts, and soul-stirring Christian music.

    Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Jason brings a unique blend of business acumen and spiritual insight to his work, striving to bridge the gap between everyday life and eternal truths. His writings reflect a deep commitment to sharing the transformative power of God’s love and grace, offering encouragement, guidance, and hope to all who seek to deepen their relationship with Christ.

    In addition to his writing and music endeavors, Jason is an active member of Arise Ministries, where he finds community, support, and opportunities to serve alongside fellow believers. Through his involvement with Arise Ministries, Jason continues to grow in his faith and extend the love of Christ to those in need. Whether through the gentle melodies of his music, the thought-provoking words of his blog, or the profound reflections found in his devotionals, Jason Fay endeavors to uplift and edify individuals on their spiritual journey, pointing them towards the boundless joy and fulfillment found in a life surrendered to Jesus Christ. Join him on this journey of faith as together, we grow in grace and embrace the abundant life that God has promised.