GRASP Ministries Inc

08/09/2023

Good afternoon kingdom people.

Title: "Pressing On: Embracing Adversity with Faith"

Introduction:
Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters, Life's challenges are not meant to crush us but to shape us into stronger individuals. In times of trial, we must remember that we are not alone. Drawing wisdom from the scriptures, let us explore how we can press on and find strength in the face of adversity.

1. The Promise of God's Presence:
Scripture reminds us, in Isaiah 41:10, "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." In the midst of adversity, we can take comfort in knowing that God is by our side. He promises to give us the strength we need to face any challenge that comes our way. By acknowledging His presence, we can find the courage to press on.

2. The Power of Perseverance:
Hebrews 10:36 encourages us, "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised." Adversity tests our faith and perseverance. It is through the trials that our character is refined. Remember, the journey may be difficult, but the destination is worth it. By pressing on with steadfast determination, we align ourselves with God's will and open ourselves up to His blessings.

3. The Lessons in Adversity:
Romans 5:3-4 reminds us, "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope." Adversity has a purpose in our lives. It teaches us valuable lessons, strengthens our character, and builds resilience. Rather than allowing adversity to defeat us, let us embrace it as an opportunity for growth and transformation.

4. The Assurance of Hope:
In Psalm 34:17, we find solace: "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles." As we navigate the storms of life, we must hold onto the anchor of hope. Our faith assures us that God hears our prayers and will deliver us from our troubles. Even in the darkest moments, let hope be the light that guides us forward.

Conclusion:
Dear friends, in the face of adversity, let us remember these truths from the Scriptures. God's presence, our perseverance, the lessons we learn, and the assurance of hope are powerful tools to help us press on through life's challenges. As we lean on His strength, we can overcome any obstacle that stands in our way. Let us embrace adversity with faith, knowing that it is through these struggles that we emerge as stronger and wiser individuals. May God bless you abundantly as you press on in your journey. Amen.

Bro. T

07/19/2023

Good morning kingdom people.

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

When we reach a point of contentment, we are not moved by what another person does or does not have. Contentment prevents us from defining ourselves according to the world's values. We become content through God, in whom we know we have everything we need. Eternal life, being the most important of it all.

Dear God, I thank you that I can be totally content in you. You have filled all the gaps and voids in my life. I know that I will never find contentment in this world; only in you and you alone. I pray that more and more of your children will come to realize this too, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

06/20/2023

Good morning kingdom people

Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.

Jesus never promised us an easy life. He warned his apostles to expect opposition. But this is nothing new, for even in the Old Testament, the prophets were ridiculed, threatened, and worse. But when we are faithful to God’s call and endure these hardships for His sake, He fills us with the Spirit of patience so that His power may be evident in us.

Father, it is never easy when people taunt me, reject me, or even hurt me. I get frustrated when I feel like nobody is listening. Thank You for the example of the prophets who have gone before me. I am encouraged by their perseverance, and I pray that You would grant me patience by Your Spirit, just as You did for them, so that I too may persevere and carry out Your work. In Jesus’ name, amen.

06/20/2023

Good evening kingdom people

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Most will admit that all are sinners, that no one is perfect. But the problem that often arises in sharing this news is that many men do not see it as a great problem that they are sinners. But as our sins, Paul tells us, merit the "wages" of death, we see that sin is much more serious than most realize.

Lord God, our sins have made a breach between us and you, an gulf or chasm that is too vast for any man to build a bridge over. But your grace, through the blood of the Redeemer, has made a way for us. Teach us to hate our sin more and love you more with each passing day. Amen.

06/16/2023

Good afternoon kingdom people.

Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, they sinned against God and exposed their own shame. And though God announced the consequence of their sin, He still did not abandon them. It was God who provided clothing for them, covering their shame. For even then, His love and mercy were evident and drove His actions.

Lord, I thank You for Your great mercy. Even when I fail to honor You, You still show me honor. I am thankful that You are quick to forgive and that I am always near to Your mercy. Your care has protected me from many dangers. Please keep me close, Lord, so that I may never be out of Your reach. In Jesus’ name, amen.

06/13/2023

Good evening kingdom people

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

What is our attitude when we approach God? Sometimes we come to Him broken, sorrowful, and repentant. Other times, we come fearful and hurting, weighed down by great need. But in all circumstances, we should come before Him with gratitude, for no matter our situation He welcomes us and receives us.

Lord, I come before You with a song of gratitude and praise. For You have opened the door of Your heavenly dwelling place to me. You have invited me in, given me Your ear. You have listened to my worries and my desires. You have forgiven my sins and mended my broken heart. So I praise You and thank You, Lord, for Your great love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

06/13/2023

Good afternoon kingdom people.

As I was preparing the devotion I stumbled upon a fellow sister in Christ's post Terri Belt Esterline.
I was moved with compasion. The Lord spoke quickly this is what the devotion should be today.

And such were some of you.... Let these words echo in your heart as you drive by the homeless, the pr******te, the drug addicted, the drug dealer; keep in mind it was not too long ago that you used violence to solve the conflicts you encountered, you cussed someone out for parking in the spot you wanted, accussed your spouse of cheating when it was you who was stepping out. It was you who called your child names that should never be uttered to anyone. It was you who stole, lied, cheated, abused (yourself and others), rebelled against both man's law and God's.
In Corinthians 6, Paul gives a laundry list of those who we won't see in the kingdom of God. In my self righteous attitude, I used it as a check list. Not always for self examination and correction, but for gloating over the fact that I'm not like them therefore surely I'LL be accepted into the Kingdom. As I drove by those "unworthy for the Kingdom", I would have to catch myself getting uber judgemental. My thoughts and comments would be negative and condemning right from the jump. This happened one day some years ago as I was on my way to work. When I rounded the corner and readied my judgmental comments, The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and I heard those wonderful words...and such were some of you... but it wasn't a joy of being delivered that I felt but conviction. Judge not lest ye be judged right.... after I asked for forgiveness for the filthy rags I was wearing, from that day forward I made it my purpose to pray for those who society would throw away, pray for those I turned my nose up toward. Look to them as my future bro and sis in Christ. It is important that we don't act or allow ourselves to feel superior to those who are not like us today because that was us yesterday.❤

06/12/2023

06/11/2023

Good evening kingdom people.

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

It is easy to look at the conflict, disease, and affliction in this world and lose hope for the future. When we consider human selfishness, we can’t begin to imagine how we could ever fix this mess. But God has given us hope, the anticipation of a new heaven and new earth, where righteousness will dwell. Even as we endure the realities of this life, we do so knowing that one day, we will be free from pain and evil.

Lord, it is with pain and sorrow that I look upon the evil that permeates our world. I long for a day when we will be free from evil and the suffering that it brings. Thank You, Lord, for promising a righteous home. Even now, prepare my heart to make my dwelling there, and use me to show others the way. In Jesus’ name, amen.

06/10/2023

Good morning kingdom people.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

Some of us have near-death stories to tell- times when we narrowly and miraculously avoided a terrible fate. And as believers, all of us have a spiritual near-death story. Our sin and selfishness ultimately lead to destruction. It is only by the miraculous and unfailing mercy of God that we avoid our fate.

Lord, too often, and for too long, I have tried to make my own path. And every time I do, I see too late that destruction and ruin await me. Yet, in Your unfailing love, You have shown up to be my rescuer, diverting me from my destructive course. Thank You for saving me and restoring me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

06/09/2023

Good morning kingdom people.

My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

From our earliest days, our parents are our primary source of wisdom. Their guidance and rules during our childhood kept us safe from everything from choking to strange dogs to traffic. No matter what our experiences since then, we see value in that foundational wisdom, which informs our desire to seek the wisdom of our Heavenly Father in adulthood.

Father God, sometimes I take Your wisdom for granted. But as I look back on my life, I cherish Your boundaries and instructions with gratitude. Then, You protected me through my parents. Now, I ask that You would grow me in wisdom by Your Spirit and Your word, so that I may continue to live faithfully for You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

06/07/2023

Good evening kingdom people.

The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

We often think we can figure everything out by our own reasoning. We look to our own innovations to improve our lives. And though our philosophies change with each generation, our world really doesn’t improve. But God is timeless, and He calls us to center our wisdom not on our own shifting thoughts, but on His steadfast and timeless plans, which endure forever.
Lord, when I look at the world, I see that it is as broken as it has ever been. All of the knowledge and learning that we have accumulated has not brought us peace and righteousness. Your wisdom alone is enduring, Lord. And Your plans alone are steadfast. So teach me to rely on Your word and Your truth, so that I may find my way within the purposes of Your heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.