A
Better Country
"But now they desire a better
country, that is, an heavenly; wherefore
God is not ashamed to be called their God;
for he hath prepared for them a
city."
Heb. 11: 16.
Hebrews 11 is a chapter which tells us
about the great heroes of faith.
These words written to the Hebrews also
encourage us to persevere in the faith,
even in times of persecution or pressures.
We can grow in our relationship with Jesus
by having faith in the promise of
his return and by his presence with us at
all times. We can reach out and
touch the Lord by faith as he is always
near. We do not have to wait to feel
his presence and power until we
gather together at a certain time or
place. He dwells within us through
His Holy Spirit and is always with
us. We are to walk by faith and not
by sight. As we believe we can
receive and he will help and bless us when
we call upon Him. He will also bless
and help others as we intercede for them
in prayer. He is a God who is always
the same and will never change.
All the Saints of old spoken of in Hebrews
died without receiving all that God had
promised. They never lost their hope
or vision of heaven. Many Christians
today lose hope or become frustrated and
defeated when God does not immediately
answer their prayers or meet their
demands. If our goals seem far away,
we can still take courage from these
heroes of the faith who lived and died
without seeing all the fruit of their
earthly faith. They never stopped
believing and inherited eternal life by
their continued perseverance. They
received a better Country which they had
longed for and eternal rest by believing
the promises. Because they believed,
God was not ashamed to be called their God
and prepared a heavenly city for
them. He will do the same for his
children today as he did for the Children
of Israel if we also believe.
Confidence and certainty describes our
faith. The beginning of our faith is
believing in God's character. He is
the great "I Am" and ruler of
this whole universe. The end of our
faith is continuing on and believing
firmly in God's promises. God will
give us peace, encouragement, and also
words that we might help others to
continue on as they face the daily
challenges of this life. In spite of
not seeing dreams and goals wished for
materialize immediately, hold on and
believe they will come to pass in God's
time and way. Keep trusting in Him
as this is the meaning of true
faith. He is our "faithful
God" who will hear and answer.
Blessings in Christ,
Jo Ann
J. P.'s Inspirations (c) 2002
Hold
On
The Saints of old by faith received
A heavenly home for which they believed,
They endured and remained true until the
end
These chose God's plan over a life of sin.
Hold on to Christ and receive a crown of
life
He will return soon and remove all sin and
strife,
Our Lord will reign forever throughout all
eternity.
He is coming again soon ....for you and
for me.
Jo Ann Kelly (c) 2002
J. P.'s Inspirations
Encouragement
God Says........
When you think you can't....God says- -
"you can."
When
you feel you are falling... God says- -
"you will stand."
When fear enters.....God says -
-"faith defeats fear"
When you feel like crying....God will wipe
your tears....they are a language he alone
understands.
When dismayed by doubt....God says- -
"have faith and receive."
When problems comes your way....God says-
- "I am the problem solver."
When sickness comes....God says- - "I
am your Healer."
When lonely or sad...God say- -"I am
your Comforter."
When you need someone to lean on....God
says- -"cast all your cares upon
me."
When you need a friend...God says- -
"I am a friend who is closer than a
brother."
When life seems to have no meaning....God
says- - "I am the Resurrection and
the Life, believe on me."
When others walk away..... "God says
He will always be with you."
When walking through the valley of the
shadow of death....God says- -" I Am
with you always."
Doubt sees impossibilities......Faith sees
the unseen by believing God can do the
impossible.
"All things work together for good to
those who love Him."
Believe and Receive the promises of the
Lord.
"There is peace in the midst of the
storm."
Jo Ann Kelly (c) 2002
J. P.'s Inspirations
To God Be The Glory
"God is able to do exceedingly
abundantly above all we ask or
think, according to the power that
worketh in us. Unto him be glory in
the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all
ages, world without end."
Eph. 3: 20 {KJV}
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