Author: Temecula Sip Sense

Sip, Savor, and Stay in the Know! 🍷

We Are Called to Love Extravagantly

Good morning, Beloved!

I want to share something the Lord has placed on my heart. Let’s start by reading this verse:

36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:36-40, NIV)

A Stirring from the Lord

Recently, He has been bringing discomfort to my heart regarding how His children are treating others. Even in Church families, we are not living out the Second Greatest Commandment.

I asked the Lord, “Why aren’t we doing as you commanded?”
And He responded: “My children are too busy, too distracted, too exhausted.
You are carrying the full weight of responsibilities that I never meant for you to carry alone. You should be leaning on me and on each other.”

We are overwhelmed by the demands of life—our jobs, our families, our schedules. So much so that we don’t have time or energy for anyone else.

Even worse, sometimes we wear our “busyness” like a badge of honor. As if the more we “do”, the more others will be impressed and the more pleased the Father will be. But busyness is not a Holy excuse.

The Lord does call us to steward many things, but His expectation is that we look to Him for wisdom, strength, and strategy. That we consistently cast our cares on Him and spend enough time in prayer and in the Word to be strengthened and recharged.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV)

We should also be able to look to our community, other brothers and sisters to love us, encourage us, and pray with us in our daily walk.

“As iron sharpens iron,
    so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)

A Word from Ephesians

Then, Holy Spirit caused me to stumble (literally, I happened to flip to this page) upon Ephesians 5.

1-2 Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that. (Ephesians 5: 1-2, MSG)

And the Lord spoke again:

“My children are loving too cautiously. You want to support people from afar—without becoming too involved. You don’t want to share their burdens, give your time, or your attention.”

We fear that giving to others and loving others will mean less time and energy for our “priorities”. And when we try to do everything in our own strength, we give from a limited supply.

We need to look to the Father for supernatural strength and unlimited supply for stewarding our responsibilities and for the capacity to extravagantly love others.

Love from His Abundance

When He calls us to do something, He always provides the resources. He won’t lead us to do what He won’t see us through. We just need to ask. Spend time with the Father. Sit with Him. Pray. Read the Word. Let Him fill you. And then love others with the Love of Jesus—not from your lack, but from His abundance.

Loving others may be listening, encouraging, spending time in fellowship, helping financially, offering physical assistance, or simply being present. As we step out in obedience, may the Holy Spirit guide each moment so we can discern and love as needed.

“The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. So my heart is full of joy. I will thank Him with my song.” (Psalm 28:7, NLV)

Jesus Loves You Extravagantly,

Alexis

He is the Good Shepherd

Hi Beloved! Wow, it has been a long time!

So much has happened in the last few years. I wrote the blog post below back in August of 2022. It’s a personal testimony about the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness! Since that time, everything has changed again, but I will share my recent testimony another time. For whatever reason, I had this saved in my drafts, but it was never posted. The Lord prompted me to share it now. I pray that it blesses someone.

August 14, 2022

I hope this finds you all blessed. After my last post, life got extraordinarily busy, but it was a blessed year. We sold our house, then while waiting for our new house to be built, we had to move all six of us into a two-bedroom apartment for two months. I also started a new job, my brother got married, we moved into the new house, the kids had to switch schools, and now here we are! I couldn’t have done any of it without God perfectly planning and orchestrating every step. Does the Lord ever give you a particular verse for a particular season? For me last year, it was Psalm 23.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures: He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul: He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23)

We had originally discussed selling our house this year, in 2022. After our youngest daughter was born, we needed another bedroom and a better layout.  However, in February of last year, the Lord prompted me to move sooner. I couldn’t even imagine packing up to sell at that time. I was still nursing my 10-month-old baby, we had tons of old toys and clothes that I didn’t have time to sort through, we were planning a spring vacation and of course, my brother’s wedding! I said, Lord, no way. I couldn’t possibly. Not with everything else going on right now. My husband also convinced me that we would need to put some money into the house and make updates before it would sell. We didn’t really have the funds or the time, so we thought planning ahead for next year was the best option. However, at the Lord’s insistence, I decided to set up a meeting with a realtor.

We were expecting them to give us a long list of updates to make and a small price tag on our house, once they were complete. Much to our surprise, they said they could sell it “as-is” for a great price!  That was much easier than we thought, but then where would we move? I wanted a new build, but my husband was more worried about location. All the new builds I tried to show him were too far for his liking. He wanted to start with the location, then look for the house. I wanted to get something brand new that we could purchase from the builder. It was definitely a seller’s market at that time. Inventory and interest rates were low and many people were over-paying and guaranteeing appraisals.

When a house across the street from us went up for sale, they received 45 offers! We heard other stories of buyers putting in dozens of offers with no luck. It made us hopeful as sellers, but hopeless as buyers. How were we going to be competitive in this market? With a new build, there are no bidding wars or worries about inspections or appraisals not meeting expectations. However, the biggest downside with a new build is the wait. Some build times were seven to eight months and with the supply shortages due to COVID, they could be even longer. I worried our house would sell quickly, but then we would be moving without a new home lined up.

Our realtor suggested moving into an apartment, which seemed almost absurd at the time. We have four kids and some apartments cost more than most mortgages. We also have a beautiful dog named Pepper and she is considered a bully-breed, so many apartments wouldn’t accept her. There was so much to consider and to worry about, but I couldn’t bear the weight. So, I decided to remove myself from the process. I said, Lord, if this is what YOU want us to do, YOU will do it. YOU will make the way. YOU will open the doors and YOU will carry the worry. Then He gave me Psalm 23. I received it in my heart and believed it. I felt such a peace to move forward. I decided my part would be to move with the Spirit and simply walk through the doors God opened.

We spent a few weeks packing and getting the house “show ready” before it went on the market. Since all of our family was in Denver, we had no help with the packing and nowhere to go during showings. So, we sat in parking lots, wandered around Target, and drove around in circles. I had two babies in diapers and one still nursing. It was early spring, so it was still very cold outside. There were so many showings, so many showings. We were cold and tired, but I meditated on the verse. The Lord leads us beside still waters and makes us to lie down in green pastures.

On Easter Sunday 2021, I received word that we finally got an offer at full asking price! We were so excited! Our first offer was full price. Then, just hours later, our realtor said that the buyer wanted to back out. Luckily for us, they had already signed the contract, so the earnest money was ours. But we were back to square one. I thought, what happened to this seller’s market? Where were all the offers? Granted our house needed a little work, but it was a nice house, with four bedrooms, on a nice lot. However, I decided that I couldn’t worry about it. I told God that I wouldn’t bear that burden. I didn’t have the time or the strength, so I didn’t.

We also had to start the buying process.  I said, Lord, please make this quick and as easy as possible. I then immediately had a feeling that the house would find us, so I didn’t even bother with a search. I knew everything we would see online would have so many offers that it would be impossible. I prayed that our realtor would have special insight and provide us with the perfect house. Then just two days later, I got the call. Our realtor heard about a house that matched our requests. It was a new build (which I was ecstatic about) and it was only 20 minutes away from our current house, in a great location, so my husband couldn’t complain. The only downside was that it was out of our current school district, so the kids would have to switch schools. I knew my teenager would not be happy about that, but we went to see the location and the model home because I had already said that if God was opening a door, I would walk through.

It was perfect – the price, the location, the layout. But again, I didn’t think we could get her on board. She was adamant about not switching schools and I did feel bad, as she was now in high school. So, I talked to her about it and as expected, she was angry and didn’t want to hear the details. I was in a tough spot because I thought it was perfect and I knew it wouldn’t be available long, but I was sensitive to her feelings as well. I tried talking to her later and she refused.

That evening, I called the realtor to let her know we had to pass. She tried to convince me to reconsider, but I said we couldn’t do it. That night, I couldn’t sleep. I had the overwhelming feeling that I made the wrong decision. So, again I said, Lord, if YOU want us to have this house, YOU please change my daughter’s heart and mind. I didn’t think it was possible, as she was so firm in her stance. Then, the next morning, she came to me and said, do you think you could call them back about the house? I don’t want to be selfish, and I want to do what is best for the family. I was stunned!

Does that happen to you? You ask God to move mountains, then are surprised when he does it? I was like, Lord, if that’s not a sign, then I don’t know what is! I called the realtor and by God’s grace, it was still available. We were in! That meant that we had to sell our house in less than a week because we couldn’t be approved unless we were under contract, so the race was on!

A few days later, by God’s grace, we received another offer that was a bit lower than asking, but we accepted. I was relieved, but then immediately wondered about the inspection and the appraisal. What if they found something? What if it didn’t appraise? Then again, I decided no. NO way. I don’t have the time or the strength to worry. Lord, you wanted us to sell, so please work it out.

Our sale was closing in May, but the new house wouldn’t be ready until July. The Lord blessed us with a two-month wait for our new build instead of seven or eight, but we still needed a place to live. I said, “Lord, you know what we need – something with a short-term lease and no dog breed restrictions that is in our area.” A tall order, but I knew God could do it! Nothing is too hard for God and with him all things are possible. Sure enough, within a week, we found a place that would be ready two weeks before we closed! Our applications were approved, and we were set!

The house sale went better than I could have hoped. The buyers asked for NOTHING after the inspection, which is very rare, and the appraisal came through for the purchase amount, even after another house down the street didn’t appraise. It was amazing! God is so faithful!

Our Lord is so incredible, He arranged for a new build (for me), in a great location (for my husband), with everything we wanted and needed, in our price range, that would be ready within two months, an apartment that accepted our dog, that was in our price range, and in our area, that allowed short-term leases, and a house sale for a fair price with no inspection requests! AMEN!

Why am I telling you all of this? Because if the Lord did it for me, He can and will do it for you! You can trust Him. I could have been so worried and stressed through it all, but I decided to trust Him and remember that He is a good shepherd. When it’s God’s will, nothing can stop it from taking shape in your life. When God opens a door, nothing, no man or devil can shut it. His plans will be fulfilled! If the Lord gives you a verse for a season, meditate on that verse day and night. Whatever you are facing today, be encouraged to know that the Lord will work it out and the outcome will exceed your expectations!

For this year, the Lord gave me Romans 8:28, and I can’t wait to see what the Lord will accomplish!

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Jesus Loves You,

Alexis ❤️

Keep Your Head Up

Hi Beloved! I can’t believe it’s the week of Christmas! December is going even quicker than it usually does. I hope you have a blessed Christmas and remember you are righteous, worthy, loved, special, highly favored, victorious, free, and forgiven!

Keep your head up, child of God. Don’t you know your worth?

The creator of the heavens and earth planned your days before your birth.

❤❤❤

Keep your head up, child of God. Don’t you know you’re loved?

No power exists that can separate us from our father up above.

❤❤❤

Keep your head up, child of God. Don’t you know He’s near?

Be strong and courageous, and live freely without fear.

❤❤❤

Keep your head up, child of God. Don’t you know His plan?

To prosper and to bless you. Keep you safe in His mighty hand.

❤❤❤

Keep your head up, child of God. Don’t you know you’re free?

Not bound by sin or bondage. Broken chains are all He sees.

❤❤❤

Keep your head up, child of God. Don’t you know His Grace?

Given to us in the form of His son. The perfect lamb to save the human race.

❤❤❤

Keep your head up, child of God. Don’t you know the truth?

As far as the east is from the west, is how far our sins are removed.

❤❤❤

Keep your head up, child of God. Don’t you know we’ve won?

The blood of one has saved us all. Jesus – the precious son.

❤❤❤

Jesus Loves You,

Alexis

A Love Like No Other

Hi Beloved! Happy Monday! I hope you had a blessed weekend. My prayer is that you have a revelation of who Jesus truly is and always remember that you are SO loved.❤

A Love Like No Other – Alexis Gonzales

It’s a love like no other, never changing strong and true
You didn’t have to earn it, so there’s nothing you can do
To make Him love you more or less, it’s firm and not persuaded
By your attitude or behavior, whether kind or agitated

You are precious in His sight, both now and forever
He’s with you day and night, through every endeavor
King of Kings and Lord of Lords, words sharper than a two-edged sword
What He speaks will come to pass, His promises fulfilled at last

You can trust His plans, every good and perfect gift is from above
Always concerned about us, His intentions fueled by love
Never forget who you are because of whose you are
Be bold and courageous, pushing further, raise the bar

We are more than conquerors in Christ, expect success in all you do
Everything you touch will turn to gold, others blessed because of you
You are not alone – He’s with you
Look to Him for strength, it’s made perfect in your weakness
He’s full of love, Grace, and meekness

You will be empowered to move mountains, heal the sick
Stay 10 steps ahead of the enemy, confound him, though he’s slick
You will come out on top, His word says we will win
Covered by His precious blood, no longer bound by sin

His love has no boundaries, no limits, it never ends
To us it’s freely given, often hard to comprehend
If He didn’t withhold His only Son, will He not give you all?
Chasing you down are His goodness and mercy, even though we stumble and fall

Because you are a new creation, you can have great expectations
You are so loved, His greatest prize
The Holy Spirit makes you wise
To become all you’ve been called to be, heirs to the throne, you’re royalty

Jesus Loves You,

Alexis

Wrestling With Faith

Hi Beloved! I hope you are having a great week! Here is another one for you. It can be hard to hold on to faith when the wait is long, the results aren’t as expected, and fear and doubt start taking root. Just remember, He is faithful. Amen! ❤

Wrestling With Faith – Alexis Gonzales

I don’t want it your way, Lord
I want it today
No patience, no rest, faith is put to the test
I’m trying to knock down doors, not respecting what is yours
The timing, the fight, thinking I am always right
I’m trying to force my will, but that battle’s all uphill
Thinking that you won’t come through, seems like I don’t even know you
Because have you ever failed me? Never
Have you ever let me down? I couldn’t think of a time, however
I’m so quick to turn, wondering can I trust you now
I’ve been waiting so long, thinking, do I have it all wrong?
Are you actually there? Do you actually care?
I hope it’s not all for nothing, all the waiting, all the hope
Will it lead me down the right path or am I cut from the rope
I’m trying to hold on, but do I have it all wrong?
Then again, why would I question and why would I doubt
You always come through, no question about
Your faithfulness, your love, we have it to the end
Even when we start to waiver and be shaken to the core
We need to remember that’s when you’re with us all the more
You’ll always provide for your children that you love, even when we’re undeserving
You are true to us even when you’re not the one we’re serving
I couldn’t understand the Israelites’ plight
Always worried and complaining, though they didn’t have the right
Did you ever fail them? Did you ever not come through?
No, but they were acting like they didn’t even know you
I thought, how do they not know and how do they not see how remarkably faithful you will always be
How could they doubt for a minute or even fear at all
You will always deliver, even if by close call
Then I realized how hypocritical I was being, here losing my faith because of the unseen
But God is so faithful, you can see from my past
Lord, forgive my unbelief, I know it won’t last
If I remember your goodness, your perfect planning, and Grace
You’re with us till the end, there’s no time or space
That can separate us from your love Lord, this is true
Lord, I trust you and thank you for all that you do
I need to sit back, relax, and let you come through
Prepare to receive my blessing and start thanking you
Your ways are perfect, you want what’s best for me too

Jesus Loves You,

Alexis

The Battle

Hi Beloved! I can’t believe it’s been over a year since my last post. We were so busy in 2021 and this year was no different. I’m working on a post about how God perfectly orchestrated our house purchase/sale. Everything worked out for our good and His glory. Amen! So, please stay tuned. I hope to get it up next week.

In June 2021, we attended my brother’s wedding. It was such a beautiful event! I’m so happy he found the perfect partner and that I have a wonderful, new sister. The day after the wedding, my aunt gave me a journal as a gift. The Lord prompted me to begin writing songs, poems, and special revelations in March 2020, but receiving this journal was the push I needed to get started. I’ve been writing as often as possible and I want to share some of the poems I’ve written, over the next couple of weeks. As always, if you want me to pray with you or for you, please reach out! I hope you all have a blessed Advent season. ❤

The Battle – Alexis Gonzales

The war has been won, but the battle’s still on
We’re training, preparing, forgetting no one
Collecting the lost, no matter the cost
The clock’s running down, but we’re gaining ground
No, it won’t be easy, there’s an adversary
Also trying to collect as many as he can carry
But God’s Army is strong, some under pressure so long
That the coals turned to diamonds and grief to a song
Preparing us for such a time, He can turn things on a dime
He can use everything you’ve been through for your good
It wasn’t all for nothing, He knew you would
Rise from the ashes a new creation, victorious, pointing others to their salvation
He’ll sometimes let us walk through the fire and let things come down to the wire
To make us durable and of great faith, but He’ll always take us by the hand
And lead us to a firm rock on which to stand
He’ll be the 4th man in the furnace, protecting us, no ashes burn us
We won’t even smell like smoke, He’s true to every word He spoke, every chain and
bondage broke
He wants you for the cause, so jump right in, no need to pause
Not of your own, but of his strength
His grace abounds for every stage, He will be with us through it all
Even to the end of the age

Jesus Loves You,

Alexis

What Does the Bible Say About Peace and Love?

Hi Beloved! Happy Resurrection Sunday! He is risen, hallelujah! We thank you, God, for the gift of your precious Son. Because of His sacrifice on the cross, we are joint heirs to the Kingdom of Heaven and have the right to live healthy, whole, and prosperous! Amen!

I want to finish off this series with verses from the bible about peace and love.

PEACE – The Lord gives us peace that transcends all understanding. Even if our circumstances change and we face difficulties, our peace cannot be shaken or taken if it’s rooted in the Lord.

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

“I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none will make you afraid; I will rid the land of evil beasts, and the sword will not go through your land.” (Leviticus 26:6)

“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)

“Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)

“Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11)

“For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.” (Ephesians 2:14)


“Then teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you; and be sure of this—that I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20)

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)

LOVE – We love because God first loved us. He so loved us that He gave His one and only son to be crucified for our sins. Jesus took the punishment we deserved, so we could take the blessings He deserved.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

“We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34)

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39)

“And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—” (Ephesians 2:4-5)

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)

Beloved, I hope that you are blessed and encouraged by God’s word. Please let me know if I can pray for you! Have a blessed week!

Jesus Loves You,

Alexis

What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness?

Hi Beloved, happy Wednesday! I pray that everyone is safe and well! I’m continuing this series with the topic of forgiveness. The bible talks about two types of forgiveness. The first is God’s forgiveness of our sins and the second is our forgiveness of each other.

FORGIVENESS – For all believers, the Lord has forgiven all sins – past, present, and future. He will never remember our sins or hold them against us because of the precious blood of Jesus, that was shed on the cross. Likewise, He wants us to forgive one another, as He forgave us.

“For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.” (Romans 3:25)

“Then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” (Hebrews 10:17)

“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:28)

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

“Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:9-15)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

“As he hung on the cross – “And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

“Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)

“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.” (Psalm 32:1-2)

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37)

“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” (James 5:14-15)

“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One.” (1 John 2:1)

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:21-22)

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32)

“Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” (Luke 17:3-4)

Beloved, I hope that you are encouraged by God’s word. Remember, you are deeply loved and highly favored.

Jesus Loves You,

Alexis

What Does the Bible Say About Hope?

Hi Beloved, Happy Sunday! I hope that you all had a blessed week. Let’s continue this series by reading what the Bible says about Hope.

We’ve all struggled in some area of our lives. We’ve been through trials and dark times. Many of us are going through a difficult season right now. It can be so tough to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes, we struggle for so long, we just think “this is life…it never gets any better”. But things can get better, they will get better! No matter what difficulties you are facing. Circumstances are only temporary, but the promises of God are eternal. They will come to pass! In Matthew 7:7, Jesus says, “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” If you’ve prayed and nothing happened, pray again, and again, and again. Even if it’s not immediate, the Lord will answer your prayers and deliver you!

HOPE – The Lord says that we will have trials and tribulations in this world, but we can have hope because He has overcome the world. He has plans to prosper us and will work all things together for the good of those who love Him.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

“There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” (Proverbs 23:18)

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” (Ephesians 1:18-19)

“Let’s hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, because the one who made the promises is reliable.” (Hebrews 10:23)

“I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4)

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD.” (Jeremiah 17:7)

“Oh, I must find rest in God only, because my hope comes from him! Only God is my rock and my salvation — my stronghold! — I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 62:5–6)

“Our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and a good hope. May he encourage your hearts and give you strength in every good thing you do or say.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16–17)

“O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is unfailing love. His redemption overflows.” (Psalm 130:7)

“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:21-23)

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)

“He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:3-4)

“The Lord your God is with you, a Powerful One Who wins the battle. He will have much joy over you. With His love He will give you new life. He will have joy over you with loud singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)

Beloved, I hope that you are blessed and encouraged by God’s word. You are deeply loved and highly favored.

Jesus Loves You,

Alexis

What Does the Bible Say About Fear?

Hi Beloved! Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I hope you all are having a blessed week. I want to continue this series with Bible verses about fear. Did you know that “Fear Not!” is the most repeated command in the Bible? I have not personally counted, but it’s said that the command, “Fear not” or “Don’t be afraid” is repeated 365 times. One for every day of the year! Overcoming fear can be challenging. We must take an involuntary emotion and make it a voluntary choice.

FEAR – Our circumstances can cause fear to rise up in our hearts, but we can stand on God’s promises and choose to lay down our fears, burdens, worries, and cares. If the Lord tells us not to be afraid, then we can trust Him to fight for us and cover us with His protection. It is through our confidence in Him that we have the power to overcome fear.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

“For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” (Isaiah 41:13)

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)

“Say to those who have an anxious heart, ‘Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.’ ” (Isaiah 35:4)

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)

“I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;” (Psalm 91:2–5)

“You shall not fear them, for it is the LORD your God who fights for you.” (Deuteronomy 3:22)

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

 “I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4)

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

 “But now, this is what the Lord says…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)

“Jesus told him, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.’” (Mark 5:36)

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” (Psalm 55:22)

“Humble yourselves, then, under God’s mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time.  Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)

Beloved, I hope you are blessed and encouraged by God’s word. You are deeply loved and highly favored.

Jesus Loves You,

Alexis