Tag: god’s love

By Pastor Andrew Farland

You know the type.
Some people can fall asleep just about anytime, anywhere. The circumstance doesn’t matter: noises, flashing lights, people moving around them – nothing startles them or keeps these pro nappers from getting in a few Zs. They can nap at work, at the dentist’s office, or even at a rock concert!

Then there are others who wake at the slightest provocation. A lumpy mattress? That won’t do. A creak? Better check it out. Thunder and lightning? Hide under the covers ‘til it passes. Relaxing enough to fall asleep might be about the search for the elusive perfection, but more likely, being able to sleep anywhere is about trust.

When we can trust that we’re safe, we can let go of everything . . . and sleep peacefully. That doesn’t mean that our bed will never be uncomfortable, or that there won’t be something that goes bump in the night. Storms will pass through our days and our nights, but we need not worry.

Jesus was never shocked by a storm’s wind or waves. Remember? In the storm, Jesus was sleeping in the bottom of the boat . . . he was calmly resting in the first area that would have flooded with water. The storm wasn’t there to destroy Jesus. He knew He could trust God for His safety.

Are storms here to destroy us? Or teach us peace despite our circumstances?

Mark 4:38
“Soon a violent windstorm came up, and the waves were breaking over the boat so that it was being swamped. But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion.”

Be encouraged today because God is with you.

By Pastor Andrew Farland

I want you to think about something. If God lets you go through it, God will get you through it, too.
Be assured that if God is going to put you on the trial, He’s going to get you to the other side of it—upgraded. If He takes you into the suffering, he’s going to bring you out—more humble, more gifted, more compassionate, and more able to be the vehicle you want to be for God’s love.

God’s intention and purpose are right there with you in your struggles. And rest assured, He is going to get you out of it—but only when it’s time. He doesn’t let you go in and then leave you alone to fall off the cliff. He’s not going to push you overboard and sail away. He’s with you now and He will be with you forever. Know that your suffering is perfect. You’ll see how.

If you’re a believer in Christ, you can base your life on that promise.
P.S. God will answer all your questions at JUST the right time. Right now He’s developing and maturing you into the person who can receive His answers.

2 Corinthians 6:2
“For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.”

Be encouraged today because God is with you.

By Pastor Andrew Farland

We live in a busy world. It pulses around us 24/7, relentlessly chattering at us. The cacophony is like static white noise ringing in our ears. Instead of listening to that noise, we need quiet time. It’s during the silence that we rest our bodies and renew our spirits. We allow the chaos to fall away so we can focus on what’s important in our lives. We turn to God’s love.

But how do we respond to the incomprehensible love of God?
Like, really: When we are in those moments where He is SO BIG and SO GOOD, and we begin to experience and feel this bottomless capacity of His love through forgiveness undeserved kindness, and never-ending generosity,
what really is our response?
It can only be with awe and wonder, gratitude and tears. It’s surrendering our words to silence so we can just sit and be still in His presence.

Question: How much could your soul use 5 minutes in quiet; in the presence of your Creator?

Psalm 46:10
“Be still and know that I am God.”

Be encouraged today because God is with you.

By Pastor, Andrew Farland

You never know how many people are really struggling until you are struggling yourself.
In the midst of my depression two years ago, all too aware of the vast need for hope, I remember saying to myself, “If there were just ONE person filled with HOPE, they could minister to MILLIONS.”

Today I’m trying not to forget those words.
It’s easy to dust yourself off when things are going well and the fire is behind you, but it’s better to run back into the burning building and bring as many people with you as you can. It’s better to be the hope that people need.
This world is broken, Lord. Those who struggle need hope. Let me be your beacon of hope.

John 15:12-13
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Be encouraged today because God is with you.