For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith; and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
God’s character is gracious, compassionate, giving, and loving. Salvation is a gracious gift from God, born out of His great and eternal love for us. It cannot be bought, earned, or achieved through our own efforts or abilities. It is the free, undeserved favor of God, a gift that can only be received by faith. Through God’s plan and His grace, Jesus paid for this gift when He died on the cross for our sins. As believers, everything we have, everything we are, and everything we do is because of God’s saving, forgiving, and redeeming grace that blesses us all.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
I have witnessed first hand how God’s power transforms lives through the gift of the Holy Spirit. I once was lost but now I’m found, I was blind but now I see. I am no longer the same person I used to be. Now, I am a witness to Christ’s message of love, forgiveness, and salvation. God has granted me power, through the Holy Spirit, to resist the enemy as I stand in His truth. God has been with me through hardships and has given me the strength to persevere. You too are a witness to God’s goodness and can tell others about the wonders the Lord has done in your life.
The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.
Life can be hard, and at times it may even seem unfair. You might face moments that test your strength and resolve, but don’t give up hope. Remember, the Lord has carried you through tough times before, and He will do so again. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, keep your mind on the things above. Focus on God, and He will guide you through the troubles that come your way. In due time, you will be delivered from them all. If not in this present life, then surely in the hereafter, where there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain, but only eternal happiness. Keep praying, cry out to God, and find comfort in knowing that He hears you. Remind yourself of the calm after a storm and the peace that follows a heartfelt prayer. Trust that the Lord’s grace will sustain you, now and always.
Behold, God is my helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul.
Throughout the Bible, there are stories of people who faced difficult situations but overcame them by trusting in the Lord. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He helps those who put their faith, hope, and trust in Him. If we are for Him, He is for us, and if He is for us, we have nothing to fear. Confidently and expectantly, look to God for help in all circumstances. His help is always on time and exactly what we need.
15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.
The widow of Zarephath is a woman from the Bible, specifically mentioned in the Book of 1 Kings. During a time of famine, God told the prophet Elijah to visit Zarephath of Sidon where he encountered the widow. She was preparing what she believed would be her last meal for herself and her son, as they were running out of food and would die soon. Elijah asked her for water and bread, and despite her limited resources, she obeyed. In return for her act of faith and kindness, Elijah promised that her jar of flour and jug of oil would not run out until the Lord sent rain on the land and the famine was over. This miracle occurred as promised, and she, her son, and Elijah were sustained throughout the drought. Later, her son became ill and died, but Elijah prayed to God, and the boy was miraculously brought back to life. This story is often cited as an example of faith and the miraculous provision of God during times of hardship. It also highlights the theme of God’s care for the widows and the poor, and the power of hospitality and generosity.
The Lesson: The widow of Zarephath’s story teaches us the power of faith and generosity in times of need. Even when she had very little, she trusted a stranger’s promise from God and shared her last meal. This act of kindness and trust led to a miracle that kept her and her son fed during a famine. Her story encourages us to be generous and to have faith that our needs will be met, when we trust in God to provide. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the act of giving with an obedient heart, even when we have little to give, can lead to unexpected abundance and blessings in our lives.
For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.
Those who love the Lord and place their faith in Him may call upon Him in their time of need. No matter your struggle—be it physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual—God stands by your side, ready to fight for you and defend you. From the smallest battle to the biggest God will defend you and protect you. In the realm of Christian spiritual warfare, the path to victory lies in remaining in God’s will and fighting on your knees. Do not fear, trust in the Lord with all your heart and He will give you the victory.
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.
Regardless of the cause—sin, grief, illness, or any other form of distress—if you find yourself in a period of darkness, turn to God. He is a beacon of light and the embodiment of all that is good. Seek the Lord with prayer and supplication. He has the power to transform your grief into happiness, mend your brokenness into wholeness, and convert your mourning into joy. Have faith that God is able to change your circumstances and in His time, He will rescue you from your distress and restore what has been taken by the enemy. Until that moment arrives, continue to praise Him.
I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.
In the face of life’s trials and tribulations, we find comfort in the unwavering faithfulness of God, who always honors His promises. His faithfulness, firmly established in the heavens, stands firm forever. During our greatest hardships, anchoring our faith in God’s love and mercy grants us incomparable peace and comfort. Our hope and confidence rest in His faithfulness, for His Word stands as a true testament to His faithfulness for eternity. Even in moments when our faith is weak, God remains faithful. (2 Timothy 2:13)
The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
God is the definition of perfect goodness, embodying kindness, compassion, and boundless mercy towards those who earnestly seek Him. His goodness extends to all and he is prepared to bless those who turn to Him. No soul exists beyond the reach of His mercy and forgiveness; His desire is for every individual to experience eternal joy. Every good thing emanates from Him, reflecting His goodness. Open your heart to God’s presence, fervently seeking Him, and immerse yourself in His enduring love and goodness.
Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.
God is all powerful and there is nothing too hard for Him. In moments when you feel overwhelmed by your circumstances, remember that you serve a mighty God who created the heavens and the earth and whose power has no limit. Be encouraged and let your faith be strengthened by knowing that for God, nothing is impossible. His omnipotent hand can move through any situation, achieving the seemingly impossible with ease.
The Consecrated Woman 