Do Not Fear
In Isaiah 43:1, God speaks to His people with a message of hope and encouragement:
"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine."
These words are not just a reassurance—they are a reminder of who we are, and whose we are.
God is both our Creator and Redeemer. He is the one who formed us, knitting us together in our mother's womb (Psalm 139:13), and He is the one who redeemed us, bringing us back into relationship with Himself through Jesus.
We can rest in peace and confidence knowing are not forgotten or abandoned, but intimately known and cared for by the God of the universe.
When God says, “Do not fear,” He is not ignoring the challenges you face. He is acknowledging the reality of fear and offering comfort in His presence. Fear often arises from feeling alone or uncertain, but God’s promise is clear: He has called us by name, and we belong to Him. We are His, no matter what we face.
Whether you are walking through a season of uncertainty, facing personal challenges, or carrying burdens that weigh heavy on your heart, this verse invites you to rest in the truth that you are redeemed, known, and loved.
God’s call on your life is unshakeable. Today, stand in that assurance and walk forward with courage, knowing you are never alone and always held in His loving care.
Hope for the Poor in Spirit
Jesus began His famous Sermon on the Mount with an upside-down perspective and eight counter-cultural blessings—commonly known as the beatitudes.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:3 ESV
To be physically poor is to lack resources or material possessions. The word "poor" might trigger a mental image of someone who can’t pay their bills, can’t break free from the cycle of poverty, or can’t afford food, clothing, or shelter.
So what does it mean to be spiritually poor, and why does Jesus think that’s a good thing?
Those who realize their own spiritual poverty know that, without God, they are spiritually bankrupt. Those who are poor in spirit understand the desperation of their situation—that they can have nothing, do nothing, and be nothing without Him. Those who are poor in spirit recognize that it’s humility, not pride or self-reliance, that’s a ...