Short, weekly reminders from the Bible that Jesus loves you and that you’re going to be okay.
It feels as if the world has grown darker and everyone is facing emotional and spiritual battles like never before. The Bible tells us life would be hard but it also tells us that our hearts should not be troubled. So here are four Bible verses to strengthen you, encourage you and give you peace. When you're worried by world events, remember Luke 21:28 says “when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” Don't live a life of worry. Look up, your Redeemer is near and your King is coming soon. When you're anxious because of viruses, wars, and evil acts, remember Deuteronomy 31:8 says “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” No matter what happens Jesus is still on his throne, still in control, still with you, still leading you and still loves you. When you see the love and faith of others growing colder, remember Jesus said in John 15:4;12 “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. Love each other as I have loved you.” Follow Jesus and let his love overflow from you and out into a world that so desperately needs him. When you're scared, remember Jesus said in John 10:28 “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” You are eternally safe in Jesus. Nothing in this world, not death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, can ever, ever, separate you from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Let me pray for you: Father, We don't know what the future holds but we know that you hold our future and because of that we are safe. We give thanks for this in Jesus' name, amen
When your faith grows stronger, your worries grow weaker. So here are three ways to increase your faith and grow closer to Jesus: 1. Read The Bible Romans 10:17 says that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” while Timothy 3:16 reminds us that “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” So read God's word and let it fill you, guide you, strengthen you and bless you daily. 2. Put What You Read Into Practice Jesus said in John 14:23, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching” and James 2:20 says, “faith without works is dead”. Knowledge without application won't produce results. We're called to live out our faith in both word and deed as we follow the teachings of Jesus. 3. Always Be Thankful And Never Stop Praying 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to “Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” Focus on your Savior, not your situation, and you'll always have reason to rejoice. Never stop praying and Jesus will never stop providing. Give thanks in all situations and you'll never run out of things to be thankful for. Let me pray for you: Father, We thank you for your word that guides us, your Holy Spirit who empowers us, and your grace that blesses us so abundantly. We give thanks for all these things in Jesus name, amen. God bless you.
In this episode I'm going to remind you of the best way to deal with negative people. Hi, I'm Paul and you're listening to If You Forget. Sometimes it just isn't possible to get along with someone. So if you have to deal with someone like that it's important to remember that you can't control someone's words, attitude or their actions but you can control your response to them. So here are three ways to respond to negative people: 1. When you receive hateful words, respond with Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Then let it go and let God deal with it. 2. When you have to deal with bad attitudes, respond with Titus 3:2, “slander no one, be peaceable and considerate, and always be gentle towards everyone.” Then let it go and let God deal with it. 3. When you're hurt by someone's actions, respond with Romans 12:17, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.” Then let it go and let God deal with it. Jesus said in Matthew 5:44 “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” We do that by doing what Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” You represent the living God to a dying world so desperate for grace, love and hope. God has shown these things to you through Jesus so that you could show them to others. Let me pray for you: Father, You tell us in Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on us, live at peace with everyone.” So help us to let go of the things we can't control and remind us that the same mercy, grace and love you've given to us is also available for the people we struggle with as well. In Jesus' name we pray, amen
Psalm 119:28 says “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.” If life feels like it's closing in on you, remember the promises God gives you in the Bible to strengthen you. If you feel weak and overwhelmed, remember that God reminds you in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in your weakness.” If you feel burdened with family troubles, sickness, or worry, remember that Psalm 34:17 says “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.” If you feel attacked by temptation, remember that 1 Corinthians 10:13 says that “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” If your heart is broken, remember Psalm 34:18 says “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” And finally, when you think that you just can't take anymore, remember Psalm 34:19 says “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all” while Deuteronomy 33:25 says, “your strength will equal your days.” That means that however many days God has given you, He'll give you the strength to make it through each one of them, because He loves you. Let me pray for you: Father, Thank you for your Word and these reminders that you love us, you protect us, and that you are always there for us. We give thanks for these things in Jesus name, amen.
In this episode I'm going to remind you of a bible verse to help you fight depression. Hi, I'm Paul and you're listening to If You Forget. Isaiah 41:10 says “Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” In this verse we find 5 different ways that God helps you fight depression. 1. Are you depressed because you're afraid? If so he reminds you that he's with you. Hebrews 13:5 promises that the Lord will never leave you or forsake you. You never face anything alone. God is with you wherever you go and through whatever you face. 2. Are you depressed because you're discouraged? If so he reminds you that he's your God. Psalm 42:11 says “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again - my Savior and my God!” To those watching at the cross, all seemed lost, but God turned the darkest moment into the brightest blessing. God works all things for your good. He did it then and he still does it today. 3. Are you depressed because you feel weak? If so he promises to strengthen you. Isaiah 40:29 says that “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” You may be weak but God is strong. So don't rely on your strength, rely on his. God loves you and will fight for you. 4. Are you depressed because you need help? If so he promises to provide Psalm 18:6 says “In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.” God sees you. He hears you. He's with you and he promises to help you. 5. Are you depressed because you feel like everything is falling in on you? He promises to hold you up. Psalm 37:24 says “though they may stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord upholds them with his hand.” Life is hard, and you may stumble and struggle, but you won't fall. God is holding you, protecting you, and leading you. So be still you're safe in his love. Let me pray for you: Father, We give you our depression, our sadness, and our worries. We aren't strong enough to carry them but you are. Fill us with hope, joy and peace though your Son Jesus today and every day. Amen
Luke 2:11 says “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” With so many bad things going on in the world right now it's easy to lose sight of the true meaning of the holiday. So to help you refocus here are three ways to keep Christ in Christmas 1. Read bible verses focused on the birth of Jesus Romans 10:17 says, “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” So read chapters like Luke 1 and 2 or Matthew 1 and 2 that speak about the birth of Christ. Or read Advent bible verses that speak about the hope, peace, love and joy that the birth of Christ brings to us. 2. Serve Jesus by serving others 1 Peter 4:10 tells us to “use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.” God has blessed you so that you can be a blessing to others wherever he's placed you. Use whatever gifts he's given you to help others, build them up, and point them to Jesus, the greatest gift of all. 3. Receive again the gift of Jesus Christmas is an opportunity to experience again the beauty of the birth of your Savior. Luke 2:14 says “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Christmas is a time to remember that our dark and weary world has been given a great light through Jesus. He's saved you from our sins, he loves you, and he gives you hope and a future that no one and nothing can ever take from you. Let me pray for you: Father, May the hope, the peace, the joy, and the love we find in the birth of your Son fill our lives today and every day. And with each day may we grow ever closer to you. In Jesus' name we pray, amen
In this episode I'm going to remind you of three things Jesus said about your future. Hi, I'm Paul and you're listening to If You Forget. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” The world might not have a lot of hope to offer but Jesus does. He invites you to come to him, with all your troubles and worries, and rest in his love. So whenever you're anxious remember these three things Jesus said to settle your heart and give you peace. #1 - Jesus said you would have trouble but he also said he would give you peace. Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” The troubles of this world may be big but Jesus is bigger. He's still in control, he still has a plan for you, and he still loves you, so give Jesus your troubles and he'll give you his peace. #2 - Jesus said don't worry about your life. In Matthew 6:31 Jesus said “do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?' or ‘What shall we drink?' or ‘What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Jesus has freed you from the burden of worry. He knows who you need, what you need, how much you need and when you need it. So follow him, trust him, then watch him provide everything you need. #3 - Jesus said you will be with him forever. John 14:1;3 says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. I go to prepare a place for you, and I will come back and take you to be with me so that you also may be where I am.” You may have trouble in this world but this world is not your home. Your home is with Jesus. Revelation 21:4 says that “He will wipe every tear from your eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain.” Remember, nothing in this world can ever separate you from his love. Everything is going to be okay. Let me pray for you: Father, Whenever we're worried, bring these beautiful promises to mind and quiet our hearts with your love. In Jesus' name we pray, amen
In this episode I'm going to remind you how to heal after someone hurts you. Hi, I'm Paul and you're listening to If You Forget. Colossians 3:13 tells us to “forgive as the Lord forgave you.” People can be very cruel, and inflict a great deal of pain on us, but we're called to forgive because we can't heal until we let go of anger. Now it's important to know that forgiving doesn't mean excusing. If you're in an abusive or dangerous situation make sure you seek safety. Forgiving means letting go and not letting anger take a foothold in your life. Romans 12:21 tells us to “not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Forgiving is hard, but remember Psalm 147:3 tells us “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Healing comes through forgiving, through trusting God, and through trading your hurt for his peace. So here are 3 ways to forgive someone who has hurt you. #1 - Make a decision to forgive then let go Ephesians 4:31 tells us to “get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.” You can be filled with anger or God's peace, not both. So forgive and let go, so he can fill you with his peace. #2 Pray for your enemies Jesus said in Matthew 5:44 “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you!” Pray the Lord softens the hearts of those who hurt you. When you do that you'll find your own heart softening too. #3 Don't seek revenge 1 Peter 3:9 says “Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.” Respond to sin with blessing, trust the Lord to deal with those who have hurt you, and he'll bless you with healing and peace. Let me pray for you: Father, Forgiving is hard. Give us the strength to let go, the faith to trust you, and the grace to accept your love and peace. We ask these things in Jesus' name, amen
Isaiah 26:3 says “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Whenever you're feeling overwhelmed by life, remember that when you trust Jesus, and you're focused on him, he fills you with his peace. Matthew 11:28 says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” You've already given Jesus your sins, now give him your fears, your anxieties and your troubles too. And once you've done that keep your thoughts fixed on him so you can remain in his peace. Life is hard, and trouble never seems to end, but when your trouble increases, his grace increases all the more. Ephesians 2:14 says that “he himself is our peace.” Jesus is always with you, always leading you, always working all things for good on your behalf. Let me pray for you: Father, Settle our hearts and give us peace through Jesus. Help us to always focus on our Savior, not our situation. Our situation is temporary but our Savior is eternal. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.
Matthew 1:23 says that “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God with us'”. You may be feeling hopeless because of your sin, or maybe because of the situation that you're facing, but Jesus never leaves you without hope. Psalm 33:20 says “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.” Jesus never leaves you. He never forsakes you. He never leaves you without hope. He's called Immanuel, God with us. He's with you to pay for your sin, with you in your pain, with you in your tears, with you to shelter you and lead you through the storm, and you're with him in resurrection, in healing, in making all things new, in hope, in peace, in love and in fellowship now and forever. Let me pray for you: Father, In our darkest hour you send your brightest blessing. Thank you for the hope we have in Jesus. In this world we may have trouble but Jesus has overcome the world, and through him so have we. We give thanks for this in Jesus' name, amen
Romans 3:23 says that “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We all know there's a way we should act, and we all know we don't always act that way. So when you fall short here are three things you should do. 1. Admit you've fallen short 1 John 1:8 says that “if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” Nothing good comes from lying to yourself. So the first step towards moving forward is admitting that you've sinned. 2. Ask Jesus to forgive you 1 John 1:9 promises that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” And Romans 3:24 tells us that “All are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Your sin may be great but Jesus is greater. Ask him to forgive you and set you free and he will. 3. Change your wrong behavior In John 8:11 Jesus said, “Go now and leave your life of sin.” Jesus offers a better way. He makes all things new. Leave behind the sins of the past and follow Jesus to a life of freedom of joy. Let me pray for you: Father, We give you our sin and you give us your grace. Thank you for making a way through Jesus. We love you and praise you, amen.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” It's hard to be thankful when life is filled with trouble. Sometimes we feel like God doesn't hear our prayers for help. But Psalm 10:17 says “You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.” Whether things are good or bad give thanks because no matter what you're facing you are still a child of God, still deeply loved by your Heavenly Father, still filled and led by the Holy Spirit, Jesus is still King, his tomb is still empty, his will is still done, he still has a plan for your life, your sins are still forgiven, you are still called to peace and everything is going to be okay. You can be thankful in all circumstances because your blessings aren't based on your earthly situation, they're based on the grace and goodness of God. Let me pray for you: Father, Thank you for all you've given us, all you've brought us through and all you will do for us in the future. We love you and praise you in Jesus' name, amen
In this episode, I'm going to remind you to thank God for what he's done and trust him for what you need. Hi, I'm Paul and you're listening to If You Forget. 2 Corinthians 1:10 says that “he rescued us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again.” You may be really struggling right now, and feel like there's no hope, but remember that the Lord has helped you in the past. Isaiah 25:9 says “this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us.” Think about all the times you trusted the Lord and he saved you. He's carried you through so many difficult battles. Then when you face trouble today and in the future remember that Philippians 1:6 says that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Through Christ, God has started a good work in you, and he didn't bring you this far just to leave you now. He'll finish what he started. He promised. So look back and thank God for the strength and protection he gave you, then look forward and trust him to do it again. Let me pray for you: Father, Thank you for victories past, present and future. When we are anxious or afraid, remind us that you are always with us and that you have promised to complete the work you began in us. We give thanks in Jesus' name, amen.
Zephaniah 3:17 says that “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” In this verse we find five ways that God loves you. #1 - God loves you by being in your midst Hebrews 13:5 promises that he will never leave you and he will never forsake you. No matter where you go you are never alone. The Lord is always with you. #2 - God loves you by saving you. John 3:16 says that God loves you so much that he gave his only Son to pay for your sins. And Psalm 18:2 says that the Lord is your rock, your fortress and your deliverer. He gives you strength and he fights for you because he loves you. #3 - God loves you by rejoicing over you. Galatians 3:26 says that “in Christ Jesus you are a child of God through faith.” Your heavenly Father loves you, he is a proud parent, and you bring him joy. #4 - God loves you by quieting you by his love. Colossians 3:15 encourages you to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts”. Let his love settle your spirit and cause you to overflow with his peace. #5 - God loves you by exulting over you with loud singing. Isaiah 43:1 tells you to “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.” The Lord sings a beautiful song of redemption for all the world to hear - you are his, you are loved, and you belong to him now and forever. Let me pray for you: Father, You are a good father who loves us dearly. Thank you for your love that supports, saves, rejoices, quiets and exults us daily. We give thanks in Jesus' name, amen
In this episode I'm going to remind you of three things Jesus told you to give you peace. Hi, I'm Paul and you're listening to If You Forget. The world doesn't have much hope to offer these days but Jesus does. Whenever you feel life is overwhelming you remember these three things Jesus said to settle your heart and give you peace. #1 - Jesus told you would have trouble but he also said he would give you peace. In John 14:27 Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” The peace the world offers is temporary but the peace Jesus gives is eternal. Don't let your heart be troubled. Jesus is still in control, and he still loves you. Remember that his peace is greater than your trouble. #2 - Jesus told you not to worry about your life. In Matthew 6:31-34 Jesus said “do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?' or ‘What shall we drink?' or ‘What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” The Lord knows who you need, what you need and when you need it. He's freed you from the burden of worry. Be still. The Lord will provide. Follow him, trust him, then watch him provide everything you need. #3 - Jesus said your home is with him. In John 14:1-3 Jesus said “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me, that you also may be where I am.” This world is not your home. Your home is with Jesus. Romans 8:39 tells us that no pain, no trouble, no enemy, nothing in this world can ever separate you from his love. So don't fear, Jesus is leading you home and everything is going to be okay. Let me pray for you: Father, Your peace is greater than trouble, Your love is greater than hate, Your shelter is greater than the storm, Your joy is greater than sadness, Your hope is greater than uncertainty, and Your salvation is greater than sin. Whenever we're worried, remind us of these beautiful promises so that we may be filled with your peace. In Jesus' name we pray, amen
In this episode I'm going to remind you that God is going to give you the strength you need to make it through today. Hi, I'm Paul and you're listening to If You Forget. Deuteronomy 33:25 promises that “Your strength will equal your days.” That means that however many days God has given you, he'll give you the strength to make it through each and every one of them. So if you're feeling overwhelmed, remember Psalm 22:5 “To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.” So Have faith, the Lord hears your cries and he sees your tears. If you feel helpless, remember that Psalm 9:18 promises that “God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.” So Don't give up, the Lord will remember you and help you. Then finally if you're feeling weak, remember the Lord's promise from 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” So Be encouraged, God gives you grace and the power to overcome all things through Christ. The same power that spoke the universe into existence, that holds all things together, and that overcame death, is the same power that will strengthen you today and every other day until the Lord calls you home. Let me pray for you: Father, Settle our hearts and renew our strength today. Thank you for caring for us and giving us hope and a future. In Jesus' name we pray, amen God bless you.
In Isaiah 46:4 God says, “I will be your God throughout your lifetime -- until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. In this verse God gives us five promises to help us deal with anxiety. #1 - He promises, I will be your God throughout your lifetime The Lord is your heavenly father and you are his beloved child. You are loved and you are cherished. In Deuteronomy 31:8 God promises to never leave you and never forsake you. So don't be anxious, God is always with you. #2 - He says, I made you Psalm 139:14 says that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Zephaniah 3:17 says that the Lord is so pleased with you that he rejoices over you with singing. So don't be anxious, God created you with value and for a good purpose. #3 - He promises, I will care for you The Lord will provide. Philippians 4:19 says that “God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” So don't be anxious, your heavenly father knows what you need and he will take care of you. #4 - He promises, I will carry you In this world you will face hard times, temptations and trials but God will see you through them all. Psalm 37:24 says that “though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.” So don't be anxious, the Lord is your strength and he is carrying you. #5 - He promises, I will save you Your sin may be great but your Savior is greater. John 3:16 reminds you that “God loved you so much that he gave his only son Jesus to pay for your sin.” And John 10:19 says that “no one can snatch you out of the Father's hand.” So don't be anxious, God gave up too much to ever give up on you. Let me pray for you. Father, When we feel anxious, settle our hearts and remind us of your promises. Take our anxiety and replace it with your perfect peace today. We ask these things in Jesus name, amen.
In John 16:33 Jesus said, “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.” When life is hard, remember that the troubles of this world may be great, but Jesus is greater. Jesus never loses a battle and he never stops fighting for you. Jesus fought for you on the cross and he continues to fight for you today. So when you're weak remember his strength is your strength, because Isaiah 40:29 tells us “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” When you're hurting, remember he's the Great Physician, because Psalm 147:3 reminds us that “he heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” When you feel tired and beat down, remember in Matthew 11:28 he calls you to rest, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” And finally, whatever you are facing remember to not let your heart be troubled, because Deuteronomy 20:4 promises us that “the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” Let me pray for you: Father, When we face trials and temptations, when we find ourselves surrounded by trouble, remind us to never lose hope because you have given us strength, healing and rest though Christ. In Jesus' name we pray, amen
In John 13:7 Jesus said, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” Sometimes we just don't understand why the Lord allows certain things to happen to us, and it's hard to trust when we can't see, but we're called to “walk by faith, not by sight”. Remember that Jesus is always fighting for you, he's always holding you close and he's always working for your good. Deuteronomy 31:6 encourages us to, “be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” So don't lose hope. No matter how dark things may look, remember that Jesus is the light of the world and whoever follows him will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Let me pray for you: Father, Help us trust you even when we cannot see. Remind us that you bring good from evil, light from darkness and hope from despair. You are a good father who loves us. Thank you for all the blessings you've given us.
Do you struggle to remember your worth? Or are you having trouble leaving your past behind? Well, the good news is that you are a new creation in Christ. Hi, I’m Paul here with today’s reminder. 2 Corinthians 5:17 promises that “anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” You may be struggling to move on from a difficult past. Or, in a world that values followers and likes over character, you may feel that you are lacking something. Or maybe you’re surrounded by people who don’t appreciate you. Any of these things might cause you to see yourself as not having much worth. But that isn’t how Jesus sees you. You are who Jesus says you are - chosen, forgiven, loved and treasured. You are His beautiful creation. You have a purpose and you have great value. Always remember that Jesus looked at the cross, thought of you, then said “you are worth it.” Let me pray for you: Father, The world tears down but you build up. Your love is so much greater than the lies of this world. Thank you for loving us and thank you for reminding us of our true worth. We give thanks for these things in Jesus name, amen.
1 John 1:9 promises that, “if we confess our sins to Jesus, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” In other words, if you recognize the fact that you’ve sinned against God, you make a decision to come back to Him, then you ask Jesus to forgive you, your relationship is restored. So then what? Jesus said in John 15:4 “Remain in me, as I also remain in you.” Once the relationship is restored you want to make sure it grows and becomes strong because the closer you are to Jesus the stronger you are and the more peace you’ll experience. So here’s three ways to stay close to Jesus: 1. Read the Bible Timothy 3:16 reminds us that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” The Bible reveals the heart of God and the way he wants you to live your life. 2. Put what you read in the Bible into practice James 2:20 says, “faith without works is dead”. Knowledge without application will not produce any results. 3. Find a good church and strong, authentic Christians so that you can be part of the faith community 1 Thessalonians 5 instructs us to “encourage one another and build each other up.” So surround yourself with those who will help you stay closer to the Lord, not draw you away from him. Let me pray for you: Father, We give thanks because no matter how far we’ve gone we can always come home to you. You are a good father who loves us and, through Jesus, your arms are opened wide and in your presence we find forgiveness, blessings and acceptance. We give thanks for all these things in Jesus name, amen
If you aren’t careful the holiday season can become very stressful and even depressing. So, to prevent that, here are three ways to boost your joy this Christmas season: 1. Be Thankful, Even If Things Are Crazy Right Now 1 Thessalonians 5 tells us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Your joy doesn’t come from your earthly circumstances; it comes from your heavenly standing. No matter what is happening in this world you are a child of God, deeply loved by your Heavenly Father, and sealed by the blood of Christ. There’s nothing in this world that can ever separate you from God’s love. So give thanks for his love and the grace that has helped you make it through this year. 2. Serve God By Serving Others 1 Peter 4 says that “each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” God has blessed you so that you can be a blessing to others. Use whatever gifts he’s given you to help others and build them up. Whether it’s giving time or money or using your talents, share the love of God with those around you through your words and your actions. 3. Remember That Christmas Is About Christ Christmas is about the gift we received in Jesus. Christmas is when we remember that our dark and weary world was given a great light through a Savior who would save us from our sins and give us hope. A Savior foretold by the prophets, who entered this world through a virgin, was crucified on a cross, laid in a grave, resurrected from the dead, ascended to heaven, who sits at the right hand of the Father and who will return again one day. No sickness, no shut down, no circumstances can ever take away that gift. Let me pray for you: Father, Bless us with the light of Christmas, which is faith. Bless us with the hope of Christmas, which is grace. Bless us with the spirit of Christmas, which is love. Bless us with the true meaning Christmas, which is Christ. In Jesus name we pray, amen. God bless you.
Hi, I’m Paul here with today’s reminder. Isaiah 9 verse 2 gives us this beautiful promise: “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.” Promises like these were given in the Old Testament but then God stopped speaking through the prophets for 400 years. It was a time of silence and darkness; a time where the people thought God had abandoned them and that he wouldn’t keep his promise to save them. But the truth was God wasn’t pulling away, he was moving, drawing closer, working, preparing the world for Jesus to bring hope and salvation and light to the dark and weary world. In the same way do you feel like God is far from you? Do you find yourself walking in darkness? Are your troubles deep and overwhelming? Are you tired of struggling? If so remember that Jesus still offers hope, he still saves, he still carries your burdens, he still is a bright light to lead you out of the darkness. Trust Jesus to save you from your sin, lay the troubles you carry at his feet, follow him, pray, read his word, live out his teachings and be filled with hope this Christmas. Let me pray for you: Father, In the darkest hour you send your brightest blessings. Thank you for the hope we have in Jesus. Our sin and the troubles of this world are no match for the grace, compassion and love we find in him. Let us never forget this truth. In Jesus name, amen.
You might be struggling to find things to be thankful for during a pandemic. But remember, sometimes God sends his brightest blessings during the darkest times. Hi, I’m Paul here with today’s reminder. 1 Thessalonians 5 verse 18 tells us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” It’s been a hard year filled with disappointment and loss. Maybe you’re wondering if anything to be thankful for or if anything good can come out of such a hard season. Jesus’ followers thought the same thing as they saw him on the cross. They thought, “how can anything good come from this?” But God’s ability to bless us and to do good works in our lives isn’t limited by anything that’s going on in this world. We often don’t see the good he’s doing until later on but he’s always working, always drawing us closer, always leading us to blessings. So don’t lose hope. Continue to give thanks, no matter how dark things may look, because you know that your Lord and Savior is the light of the world. He loves you and he’s for you and he has a good plan for you. Let me pray for you: Father, Help us stay focused on the good work you’re doing in our lives. We give thanks because you bring good from evil, light from darkness and hope from despair. You are a good father who loves us so. Thank you for all the blessings you’ve given us. In Jesus name, amen.
The world is a scary place right now. Jesus told us it would be like this. But he also told us to not be afraid. Hi, I’m Paul here with today’s reminder. The world doesn’t seem to have a lot of hope to offer these days but Jesus does. Whenever you’re anxious remember these three things Jesus said to settle your heart and give you peace. #1 - Jesus said you would have trouble but he also said he would give you peace. In John 14 Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” The troubles of this world may be big but Jesus is bigger. He’s still in control, and he still loves you, so keep your eyes on him and he’ll fill you with peace. #2 - Jesus said to follow God and not worry about your life. In Matthew 6 Jesus said “do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” The Lord knows what you need and he will provide. He’s freed you from the burden of worry. Follow him, trust him then watch him work in your life. #3 - Jesus said you will be with him forever. Again in John 14 Jesus made this promise: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” You may have trouble in this world but this world is not your home. Your home is with Jesus. Nothing in this world can ever separate you from his love. Everything is going to be okay. Let me pray for you: Father, Thank you for the hope we find in Jesus. Whenever we’re worried, remind us of these beautiful promises so that we may be filled with peace. In Jesus name, amen.
In Isaiah 46 verse 4 God says, “I will be your God throughout your lifetime -- until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. So in this verse God gives us five promises. Promise #1 - The Lord will be your God throughout your lifetime. The Lord is your God and you are his child. He loves you and cherishes you. He will never leave you and he will never forsake you. You are going to be okay. Promise #2 - God made you. Psalm 139 says that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. God made you for a purpose. Your life has value. You are nothing less than God’s beautiful creation. Promise #3 - God will care for you. God is a good, good Father. He’ll provide for you. In every season of life he’ll make sure you have everything you need. Promise #4 - God will carry you You may face hard times, temptations and trials but God will carry you through them all. Psalm 37 says that “though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.” Promise #5 - God will save you Your sin may be great but your Savior is greater. You were bought for a great price, as 1 Corthians 6 says. God loved you so much that he gave his only son Jesus to pay for your sin. God gave up too much to ever give up on you. Let me pray for you. Father, When we feel lost, remind us we are safe in your care. When we feel afraid, remind us that we are under your protection. You are our God, you made us for a purpose, you care for us and you saved us because you love us so. We love you and thank you in Jesus name, amen.
With COVID still wreaking havoc on our lives it’s easy to lose hope. But Jesus is greater than Covid. Hi, I’m Paul here with today’s reminder. In John 16 verse 33 Jesus says, “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.” Jesus gives you peace when in faith you pray, you read his word, you trust in his promises and you let him lead you. So make sure you’re doing these things daily, keep your eyes fixed on him and he will fill you with his peace. The world is constantly trying to convince you that trouble rules this world but that is a lie. Jesus is still on his throne. His peace is greater than trouble. His love is greater than hate. His shelter is greater than the storm. His salvation is greater than sin. His joy is greater than sadness. His hope is greater than uncertainty. Covid is big but Jesus is bigger. The troubles of this world are great but Jesus is much greater. So focus on your Savior, not your situation. Your situation is temporary but your Savior is everlasting. Let me pray for you. Father, Give us strength when we are weak. Give us hope when we doubt. Give us peace when we are troubled and give us joy when we are sad. Remind us that you are in control now and always. In Jesus name we pray, amen. Thank you so much for listening. Remember you can go to ifyouforget.com to subscribe to this podcast and also to enjoy past episodes. God bless you.
Are you struggling to set boundaries with people? If so let’s look at how Jesus did it. Hi, I’m Paul here with today’s reminder. So think of boundaries as a fence you put up around yourself to protect your physical, emotional and psychological health. Healthy boundaries are necessary for a healthy relationship with people and with God. So let’s look at three examples of Jesus setting boundaries. 1. Jesus set boundaries physically by sometimes distancing Himself from others to recharge. In Luke chapter 5, word of Jesus’ ministry spread and crowds of people flocked to Him.making demands on his time, everyone wanted something from Jesus, but verse 16 tells us he often withdrew from everyone to pray. 2. Jesus set emotional boundaries by refusing to get pulled into pointless arguments In Matthew 21 the religious leaders tried to pull Jesus into an argument. They asked him by what authority He was doing the things he was doing. So in verse 24 Jesus says “if you answer my question I’ll answer yours”. Then He asks them by what authority John the Baptist do what he did. When the religious leaders refused to answer, Jesus saw that they weren’t interested in searching for truth. He saw that they were only interested in dragging Him into an argument so Jesus cut the conversation off then went back to preaching. 3. Jesus set physcological boundaries by not allowing Himself to be manipulated. In Matthew 16 Jesus is explaining to His disciples that he needs to go to the cross. Peter isn’t having it and tells Jesus that this can not be allowed to happen. Jesus responds in verse 23 by saying that Peter isn’t concerned with God’s will, he’s only concerned about earthly things and again shuts the conversation down to return to preaching and teaching. In each of these cases Jesus set boundaries so that he could stay focused on his Father’s will. Anything that took the focus off of God was something Jesus wouldn’t allow so we shouldn’t allow it either. Let me pray for you, Father, help us to recognize people and situations that take our focus off of you. Give us the strength and wisdom to say no, to walk away and to know when advice isn’t beneficial. Protect our hears and minds and always keep us in your love. In Jesus name, amen. Thank you so much for listening. Remember you can go to ifyouforget.com to subscribe to this podcast and also to enjoy past episodes. God bless you.
When someone causes you pain you have a choice: Respond by hurting them back or break the cycle. Hi, I’m Paul here with today’s reminder. Romans 12 tells us to “not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Now listen, this passage is not telling you to stay in a dangerous or abusive situation. If you’re in a situation like that make sure you seek safety. What it’s telling you is that when someone hurts you, and you respond by hurting them back, the cycle of evil continues. So God reminds you that He wants something better for you than this endless cycle of hate and pain and revenge. I know this is hard to do but let go. Let God judge. Let God deal with those who have hurt you. Anything the Lord has called you to do He’ll give you the strength and the grace to do it. So pray, trust, remember His promises, let Him work, break the cycle and experience the freedom He’s calling you to. Let me pray for you. Father, Fill us with your Spirit to respond to evil with good, the strength to let you fight for us, the grace to forgive those who hurt us and the faith to move forward to the blessings you’ve set before us. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
If you feel weak and overwhelmed remember 2 Corinthians 12 where God reminds you, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in your weakness.” If you feel burdened with family troubles, sickness, or worry remember Psalm 34: “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” If you feel attacked by temptation remember 1 Corinthians 10: “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” And finally when you think that you just can’t take anymore, remember Deuteronomy 33, “your strength will equal your days.” That means that however many days God has given you, He’ll give you the strength to make it through each one of them, because He loves you. Let me pray for you, Father, Thank you for Word that reminds us that you love us, you protect us, and that you are always there for us. We give thanks in Jesus name, Amen.
Are you feeling anxious or afraid? If so let me give you five reasons why you have nothing to fear. Hi, I’m Paul here with today’s reminder. Isaiah 41 verse 10 says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” In that verse God gives you five reminders: Don’t be afraid, because He’s with you and He is your Protector. Don’t be discouraged, because He’s your God and He has a plan for you, even if you don’t see it right now. He will strengthen you, because you trust and depend on Him to make it through each day. He will help you, because He’s the Good Shepherd and you are one of the sheep in His care. He will hold you up, because you belong to Him, and though you may stumble He’ll never let you fall. Let me pray for you, Father, Thank you for peace when we’re afraid. Thank you for encouragement when we’re down. Thank you for strength when we’re weak. Thank you for direction when we feel lost and thank you for love that never let’s us fall. We give thanks in Jesus name, amen. Thank you so much for listening. Remember you can go to ifyouforget.com to subscribe to this podcast and also to enjoy past episodes. God bless you.
So maybe the election hasn’t gone the way you wanted it to, or, maybe it has. Either way, remember that our hope is not in a political party, our hope is in Jesus. Hi, I’m Paul here with today’s reminder. Psalm chapter 20 verse 7 tells us that “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” While we should always strive to be good citizens, it’s important to remember that governments and politicians come and go. But Jesus is our hope, our strength, our salvation, our shelter, our guide and our King forever. Jesus is the ultimate hope of this world and the true solution for all its troubles. Let me pray for you, Father, Keep us from being tempted from putting our hope in the wrong place. You didn’t leave us without hope. You so loved the world that you sent your Son to save us. Help us to always hold fast and trust in this truth. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
Are you anxious about the Presidential election? Let your heart be still because no matter who’s President, Jesus is still King. Hi, I’m Paul and here’s today’s reminder. Isaiah 9 tells us that “A child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.” Then in Colossians 3 we’re told to “Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, since as members of one body we were called to peace. And to be thankful.” So no matter who’s President, Jesus is still King. His tomb is still empty, His will is still done, your sins are still forgiven, you are still called to peace and everything is going to be okay. Let me pray for you: Heavenly Father, we don’t know what the future holds but we know that you hold the future, and because of that we are safe and we are loved. Settle our hearts and help us to trust you more as your will is done on earth just as it is in heaven. In Jesus name we pray, amen. Thank you so much for listening. If you like what you hear please go to ifyouforget.com to subscribe and enjoy past episodes.
In this episode I’m going to remind you why and how to forgive someone when you’ve been hurt. We discuss: What forgiveness is and isn’t Why should we forgive? How do we actually forgive someone?
In this episode I’m going to remind you of four ways to protect your heart. 1. Watch your thoughts and your words. 2. Focus on Jesus and how you are a new creation in Him. 3. Ask yourself if your thoughts and actions are leading you to Jesus or away from Him. 4. Keep walking with Jesus, remembering that if you run off course He’s always ready to forgive you and restore you. Remember to visit If You Forget to subscribe to this podcast and also to enjoy past episodes.
In this episode I’m going to remind you of four ways that you can draw closer to Jesus. Pray Praise Pursue Practice
In this episode I’m going to remind you how you can follow Jesus.
In this episode I’m going to remind you what to do when God seems silent in your life.
In this episode I’m going to remind you to not run away from God’s blessings.
In this episode I’m going to remind you that through Jesus, God puts broken things back together - including you.
In this episode I’m going to remind you that no matter how far away you are you can always, always, always come back to God.
In this episode I’m going to remind you that you’re going to be okay because God is with you.
In this episode I’m going to give you 3 things to remember when life is hard: 1. Remember to focus on your Savior not your situation. 2. Remember that Jesus is your strength. 3. Remember to lay your burdens down at the feet of Jesus
In this episode I’m going to remind you how to deal with difficult people biblically.
Hi, I’m Paul and welcome to If You Forget. In this episode I want to remind you that God will give you the strength you need to make it through today and every day after that. If you like what you hear today, remember to check out our website at ifyouforget.com where you can sign up for a free newsletter, subscribe to this podcast or listen to past episodes. And now let’s talk about the strength God gives us. I know many of you are struggling right now. You’re worried about the pandemic, you’re worried about your finances, you’re stressed over being quarantined with some people and kept apart from others. You’re anxious over what your job will look like, or what your relationships will look like or over what the world will look like once when we emerge from all this. You’re worried that you won’t have the strength to get through the days ahead. But you’re going to be okay. There’s a promise given in the Bible, it’s in Deuteronomy 33:25 and it says that “your strength will equal your days.” That means that however many days God has given you He will also give you the strength to make it through each one of them. And the strength He gives isn’t based on your power, or your wisdom or your intelligence it’s based on His power, His love and His faithfulness. Remember what the Lord told Paul in 2 Corinthians 12? “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Then Paul responds by saying “I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.” So go into this day knowing that your strength will equal your days. Remember that the power of Christ, the power that overcame death, the power that spoke the universe into existence, the power that holds all things together, the power of the King of kings and Lord of lords, is the same power that will strengthen you every day until the Lord calls you home.
I think my favorite promise in the Bible is Revelation 2:17. It’s not quoted too often but in it Jesus gives a deeply personal promise. The verse says... "To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it." I love that, especially the last past about the new name. That, I think, really speaks to what it means to have a relationship with Jesus. So let’s start with who the promise is given to. Our verse says it’s given to the person who is victorious. In 2 Timothy 4:7 Paul talks about “finishing the race” and how he "kept the faith". So, the person who’s victorious, the person that this promise is made to, is someone who has kept their faith in Jesus. Now by keeping faith in Jesus what I mean is someone who simply trusts that Jesus has paid for their sin and has made peace with the Father on their behalf. It’s believing that Jesus has done for us what we could not do for ourselves. So this promise is given to someone who trusts in Jesus as their Savior and has a relationship with him. Jesus gives that person a white stone with a new name written on it. In ancient times a white stone was given to athletes when they were victorious and in the ancient courts a white stone was given to a person who was found innocent. So there’s a lot of symbolism there with gaining victory over sin through Jesus and being declared innocent as a result. So Jesus promises that if you have faith in Him He will give you a new name and this name will only be known by you and Him. Let me ask you, what is your name? I don’t mean your legal name or even your nickname, I mean what is your true name? The name that only you and Jesus know. Is your name Depression or Anxiety or Fear? Is it Addiction, Greed or Pride? Anger, Lust or Hopelessness? Is your name Unworthy or Unappreciated or Unloved? Jesus will give you a new name. The world may have discarded you. You may even have discarded yourself but then Jesus comes along and redeems you, restores you and makes you His treasure. Jesus gives you beauty for ashes, strength for fear, joy for sadness and peace for despair. The Bible says that in Christ you are a new creation. He creates in you a new heart and a new spirit and He loves you and values you. He fulfills every longing that you have to be accepted. Jesus gives you a new name. He says to you “This is what the world has called you. And this is what you’ve called yourself. But from now on you will be called by the name which I have called you. Beloved, Accepted, Favored, Forgiven, Valued, Pure...a name that is more wonderful than any you could ever imagine." That’s what a relationship with Jesus looks like.
Between the Coronavirus, self quarantine and economic uncertainty, it’s easy to lose sight of all our blessings. So in this episode I want to remind you how important it is to always be thankful, even during difficult times. Hi, I’m Paul and welcome to If You Forget. If you like what you hear today, remember to check out our website at ifyouforget.com where you can sign up for our free newsletter, subscribe to this podcast or listen to past episodes. And now, let’s talk about being thankful. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to “Give thanks in all circumstances” because “this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” If you want to live in God’s will then your heart must be thankful. Developing a thankful attitude is one of the most life-changing things you can do. It completely changes your outlook on life. It clears your vision, allows you to see that God is with you in your everyday life and shows you that you are surrounded by His grace. Now I think there are two things that keep us from having a thankful attitude. The first being all the thoughts that are competing for your attention. Every day a thousand thoughts rush towards you. Many of these thoughts are negative. That’s especially true now with social media bombarding you with pandemic and other doom and gloom news 24/7. If you’re not careful, the negative thoughts will be the ones that take root, grow, then block you from seeing all the things that you should be thankful for. So the way to deal with this is to do what 2 Corinthians 10:5 commands, which is to “take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ”. What that means is you take each thought then decide whether it will lead you closer to Jesus or further from Him. The thoughts that lead you closer to Him are the ones you let in. The others are the ones you keep out. The kind of thoughts you want to let in are referred to in Galatians 5:22-23 as the fruit of the spirit. They include: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the thoughts that help develop a thankful attitude. And these are the thoughts you should fill your heart and mind with then allow them to overflow into your actions. The second challenge is mistakenly thinking that everything has to be going well in order to be thankful. Now I know it’s sometimes hard to find blessings when things are going wrong but on bad days you can simply give thanks that you woke up. Not everyone is given that privilege. On bad days you can be thankful that no matter what happens the Lord will be there with you. He promises to never leave you and never forsake you. And He promises to one day right all wrongs, wipe away all tears and heal all sickness. Remember our 1 Thessalonians verse? “Give thanks in all circumstances” not just the good ones. Our earthly circumstances change day to day. The Father’s love endures forever. It never changes. He’s with us during the hard times, always giving us strength and mercy and grace in time of need. So whatever is happening we are always blessed and we always have reason to be thankful. As we wrap this up I want to encourage you to begin each day with a thankful heart. Before you even get out of bed find at least one reason to be thankful then build on that by noticing other blessings -- both big and small -- as the day goes on. It’s a simple idea but also a life-changing one when put into practice. So remember: when you are living with a thankful heart you are living with the attitude God wants you to have. And this attitude brings with it a peace and joy that nothing in this world -- no trial or circumstance or virus can ever take from you. If you enjoyed this show please remember to check out our website at ifyouforget.com where you can sign up for our free newsletter, subscribe to this podcast or listen to past episodes.