Raise.YourFaith

02/26/2022

Praying for the People of Ukraine

Within every earthly nation and behind every border live “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession” (1 Peter 2:9). Even though this world has many divisions and tensions, God’s people are united with the unbreakable bonds of love and peace by His Spirit. We can stand together in prayer, despite our differing cultures, backgrounds and political situations. For “there is one body and one Spirit” (Ephesians 4:4).

Let’s use our prayers today to stand with our brothers and sisters in Ukraine who are currently facing the mounting fear and uncertainty of military conflict.

Let’s pray for God’s hand to be on Ukraine: Heavenly Father, You know the name of every man, woman and child in Ukraine. They matter to You and we pray for Your protection over the people of this nation who are now caught up in war. For those fleeing their homes, please provide places of safety and refuge.

Let’s pray that God’s people can shine the light of Jesus in the darkness: Lord God, equip and empower your people in Ukraine to be lights of Your love and care. May Your church step forward with practical help to meet the many needs of the scared, injured and lost.

Let’s pray for peace to win: Mighty God, Ruler over all the earth, we thank You that You still reign, even when it seems like chaos and violence are winning. You are the God of reconciliation, who can direct leaders’ hearts like rivers; please bring and end to this conflict. May Your divine peace reign in this troubled part of the world.

Let’s pray for the Our Daily Bread Ministries team in Ukraine: Father, please protect all our friends, including our staff and volunteers who have been forced to flee from their office. And may our many readers in Ukraine find hope and encouragement through Your Word and the companionship of the Our Daily Bread booklet.

02/13/2022

Commercial holidays can get you down! Valentine’s Day has given me mixed feelings at different times of my life. If you have no significant other, are recently divorced, a widow/widower… this holiday can seem empty and hard.

Remember, friends- Jesus loved us first.

Before parents, or siblings, or boyfriends, or spouses…

Before co-workers or friends or children…

He was there. At the moment of your conception. He was there, desiring a relationship with you.

This Valentine’s Day, whether you have someone special in your life or not- I challenge you to sit just 10 minutes, contemplating on the very thought that God loved you first.

His love is unconditional, eternal, and never will disappoint.

02/07/2022

One thing that I’ve always been taught is that it’s wrong to be angry with God. Sacreligious, even.

But I’ve found in my Christian walk, I’ve been angry at God a lot, and not even realized it. I didn’t have much guidance on how to handle my anger with the Lord because if I ever mentioned it, I was made to feel bad for my feelings, because it was “wrong to feel that way.”

Have you ever been angry with God? How have you worked through your anger with Him? Has He shared anything special with you in your moments of doubt and frustration?

01/29/2022

I’ve got to share this for the ladies, because JAEL IS MY HERO! 👏🏼🙌🏼

He is raising up women warriors who, like Jael, will take the tent pegs and drive it through the head of the enemy. Take that tent peg and drive it into the head of those evil principalities coming for your family, your community and this nation. Stand in your God-given authority and in power take down the plans of the enemy.”

The Lord is shouting from Heaven,

“Jaels arise, war for your children, war for the generations to come, war over them. Take what you have in your hands and destroy the plans of the enemy. This generation which is to come will carry a move of God which the enemy doesn’t want to happen, but Rise Up Jael’s who will stand as the warrior I have called you to be. You are so much more stronger than you believe!!

Deborah told Barak, the leader of the Israelite army, that she will go with him into battle at his request, but also tells him that there would be no glory for him because Sisera would die at the hands of a woman.

The enemy was delivered to die in the hands of a woman!

So to all you beautiful Jaels out there because I believe that courageous spirit is within each of us. Take up your tent peg and deliver that death blow to the enemy!!

01/29/2022

You think your ministry is gone?

Peter didn’t quit after he denied Christ.
David didn’t quit after he committed adultery and murder.
Paul didn’t say he “couldn’t preach Christ because he used to be Saul.”

Repent. Seek Peace with your Neighbor. Start Again.

01/28/2022

As people of western culture, we raise up a lot these days...

Opinions.
Children.
Grades.
Credit Scores.
Injustice.
Idols.
Portfolios.
Pitchforks.

It’s interesting to me- the world has changed. Its view on Christianity and faith communities has changed. And we have the immense power, with our voice and in our silence, to either raise up or damage the testimony of Christ.

We’re not perfect. But our weakness proves His strength, and as we walk together we have the opportunity, as Christians, to . This page is about that- uniting Christians of like mind, heart, and voice - whose only desire is to support each other and love out loud, regardless of affiliation or denomination. And if you’re not a Christian, that’s ok- you’re just as welcome to the cookout.

Let’s raise up something else, together- let’s raise up our faith.