I will share about Christian books I have read or listened to.
I will be sharing about my life before and after Christ. I will include stories about my pet and other pets I have encountered.
Don't Give Up
Can you think of a time recently where something was so hard that you just wanted to give up, but you didn't? Where did you draw strength from? What kept you going?
One of the most incredible parts of being a Christ-follower is that our own strength is only part of the equation. God's strength wells up in us. Psalm 46:1 says, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." How incredible that it doesn't say, "A sometimes present help." He is "a very present help."
In 2 Chronicles 15, we see that Asa, King of Judah, was up against major challenges—he had been trying to refocus the nation of Judah on God after years of idolatry and war. He was facing a huge challenge! Through the prophet Azariah, God spoke this encouragement to him to build him up:
"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."
2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV
God knew what Asa faced. He knew every detail of the burden, and all that was at stake. God also knew the strength He could provide to someone willing to rely on Him. He didn't say, "Good luck out there, that looks rough so don't blow it." He said, "But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."
Just as Asa heard these words and took courage, we can take courage, too. We are not alone. We can rely on God's strength. The reward is coming. Don't give up.
Grace and Truth in Jesus
For centuries, the nation of Israel awaited the coming Messiah who would bring the Kingdom of God and make things right in the world. Despite pain, persecution, and setbacks, they persevered because their hope was grounded in the promises of God.
Israel’s wait was finally over when the Messiah, Jesus, arrived. However, Jesus did not come as many expected—in a grand procession or with a large army behind Him. Instead, He arrived quietly in the stillness of the night, as a baby, in a little town called Bethlehem.
But in a surprise twist, this newborn was not only the Messiah who would free God’s people from their sins, but God Himself. John tells us that “the Word was God” (John 1:1). The Word exists eternally, but for a time took on human form and lived among people.
Jesus began His earthly ministry in the most humble way—by coming as a baby. But it’s through the person of Jesus that we see the glory of God. Paul says in Colossians, “For in Christ all ...
