Persecuted? Yes. Frightened? Yes. Cowering? Never.

On February 15, 2021July 15, 2025 By Inspirations By KatherynIn attitude, death, discouragement, Enemies, faith, Fear, governments, Loss, patience, persecution, power, problems, victory, weaknessLeave a comment

The scripture for today, February 16 (2/16), is 2nd Thessalonians 2:16 as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”

Who were these people the apostle Paul was writing? They were suffering people.

Physically they were suffering. Some in their group had even been killed for their faith. Mentally they were suffering. Would they be next? Would it be worth everything they were going through?

Spiritually they were struggling. The apostle Paul, who wrote this, had been through such struggles many times himself. He wanted to make sure their faith would not waver.

How? By praying that their persecution would stop? At no time in the Bible do we have an account of Christians pray that the persecution stop. What did they pray for? Boldness.

They could be bold if they knew Jesus Christ loved them personally. They could be bold if they knew God the Father loved them personally. They could be bold with eternal encouragement, strength.

“Just keep doing what you’ve been doing,” he told them. “With the strength God gives you, keep doing good deeds and spreading the Word.”

Persecuted? Yes. Frightened? Yes. Cowering? Never.

How about your life?

God’s encouragement never ceases. It is always there. There when you feel alone, when you feel forsaken, when you are frightened, when you feel helpless, when you feel hopeless.

God gives good hope. Sometimes things in your life may be going so badly you have trouble having faith in God. But you can still hope. The candle of your faith may be flickering, but your hope can still be a flaming hope, a large hope, a good hope.

STEPHEN: UNLIKELY MARTYR ran for his life when his best friend was crucified because of their prank against the city’s goddess. No matter where he lived and what he tried to get people to believe in the one true God, things seemed to backfire. His university turned against him. The Olympic Games turned against him. His fellow craftsmen turned against him. Then he met Jesus. To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this: https://bit.ly/2XBFXvJ

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Do your best, Timothy. Do your best.

On February 14, 2021July 15, 2025 By Inspirations By KatherynIn attitude, Daily, discouragement, Enemies, eternity, Fear, governments, Heaven, Inspirational, Loss, patience, persecution, power, problems, temptation, victory, weaknessLeave a comment

The scripture for today, February 15 (2/15), is 2nd Timothy 2:15 as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

“Do your best,” Paul told a younger co-worker. “Do your best.”

This was an apostle speaking. This was Paul who had endured multiple beatings with rods and lashings with whips. This was Paul who no one could stop.

He had endured floods and snowstorms, hunger and robbers on the road. Still, no one could stop him. He endured shipwrecks and even treading water a day and night in the sea. Nothing could stop him.e \

It seems with Paul, it was never enough. He was driven. When he was stoned and presumed dead, he got up and went back into the city! When he was imprisoned, he defied the magistrates who put him there and sang his sermons to the other prisoners. Nothing could stop him. Nothing could shut him up.

When he wrote this, he was now in prison. He had done his best. Now it was time for the next generation. He was handing the torch over to Timothy and the others.

“Do your best, Timothy. Don’t let them stop you. Never let them stop you. They are lost and don’t know it. Tell them, Timothy. Keep telling them, no matter how terribly they treat you. Keep telling them and keep telling them. Don’t stop, Timothy. Do your best.

“Some will stop what they are doing and listen to you. They will turn their life around. They will be there with you when it is time to be presented to God. They will be there with you, and with you they will say, “I did my best.”

PAUL: THE UNSTOPPABLE. I sometimes wonder what kind of child Paul was. I tend to think when his parents punished him, he got up and immediately did the offending thing again. Why do I think that? Because that is what he did as a missionary preacher. Pagan priests beat him. But he got up and preached again. Jewish priests lashed him. But he got up and preached again. Governments imprisoned him. But he got up and preached again. What kind of stuff was Paul made of? To READ THIS BEST SELLER, click a book cover or paste this: https://bit.ly/UnstoppablePaul

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To Absorb You

On February 12, 2021 By Inspirations By KatherynIn blessings, faith, Inspirational, joy, love, patience, power, praise, prayer, rest, Thanksgiving, worshipLeave a comment

0-THEY MET JESUS-Medium-front cover I praise you, mighty God ~ mighty in truth, in love, in life. Above all lies and hatred and annihilations. You are the strongest, the highest, the greatest. You are above all, in all and through all. You are brighter than the sun you formed, deeper than the oceans you brought forth, higher than the stars you sprinkled throughout the heavens. You are holy and filled with majestic greatness. My soul soars to you, then bows low to honor you.

Thank you, my Lord, for giving me your Bible so I can understand your stubborn love and mighty truth. For sending a part of you in Jesus’ body so we could see you, then sending a part of yourself in your Spirit of Truth so we could hear and read you. Thank you for the winter snow and icy wind, and time of rest for nature. A calm and serene time for me when nothing much is going on outside in the cold, leaving more time to read of you, meditate about you, pray to you, to absorb you.

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Even in winter, you are the sunshine of my soul

On February 12, 2021July 15, 2025 By Inspirations By KatherynIn #friendships, blessings, Daily, faith, family, forgiveness, good works, joy, love, praise, prayer, Thanksgiving, weaknessLeave a comment

Ah, my Lord God, what a wonderous artist you are. You delight my senses with the gentle touch of a snow flake and the crunch of my feet as I walk among your whited wonder. The wind is cold, but inside I am warm. Oh, look at that Woodpecker. How much fun he is having with that tree. And that squirrel scampering across the snow with something in its mouth; I’ll bet it’s some morsel it buried during the fall. Oh, my, that child has made snow angels, and those children over there are making snowmen. How beautiful and enchanting you made everything on earth, my home.

Father, how can you forgive me for doing the same wrong thing over and over? How can you forgive me for leaving undone the good things I need to get out there and do? Help me forgive others in the same way I need you to forgive me.

Thank you, dear Lord, for loving me with a love so powerful, nothing holds it back. When I sin, you ache, then call me to you. When I ~ with your help ~ convince someone to become a Christian and saved from Satan, you notify the angels, and we all rejoice together. When I feel lonely, all I have to do is call one of the many friends you have given me. Oh, and thank you for children who remind me of innocent wonder. Even in winter, you are the sunshine of my soul.

JOSEPH: THE OTHER FATHER was selected to raise the Son of God. The responsibility! How was he supposed to keep the child safe in a violent world, even on the highways where skirmishes occurred? And up in the mountains cutting lumber where bears and lions wandered? And in foreign Egypt where there were pockets of Jews willing to take bribes for information about him? And in his own town where his uncaring children called him bastard and their fathers called his father a fool for marrying a woman already pregnant by someone else? To READ NOW, click a book cover or paste this: https://bit.ly/30FFlbC

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How can I touch your holiness?

On February 11, 2021July 15, 2025 By Inspirations By KatherynIn attitude, Daily, discouragement, Inspirational, judging, patience, power, prayer, temptationLeave a comment

The scripture for today, February 10 (2/10), is James 2:10 as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

“Out of the same mouth comes praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.”

Do we pray on Sunday and curse on Monday? Do we sing on Sunday and lie on Monday? Do we recite a scripture on Sunday and mock someone on Monday?

On the other hand, do we use this as an excuse not to go to church? Do we refuse to attend because there are hypocrites in the church?

Do we refuse to go to work because there are hypocrites there who talk behind the boss’s back? Do we refuse to go to school because there are hypocrites there who would skip school if they could? Do we refuse to sit for two hours in a boring airport because there are hypocrites there smuggling things in their suitcases? Do we refuse to go to sporting events because there are hypocrites there that would literally “kill the umpire” if they could?

Even Jesus had a hypocrite among his 12 Apostles ~ Judas. That didn’t stop him from doing what was needed to save us from hell.

In a sense we are all hypocrites because we go to church and sing songs about giving everything for Jesus, then we go home and don’t. Or we sing songs about going into all the world and teaching the gospel, then we go home and don’t. Or we talk about the importance of praying for everyone around us and their loved ones, then we go home and don’t.

Perhaps Jesus was the biggest hypocrite of them all because he, who never, ever sinned, took the blame for your sins and went through excruciating body and soul death in your place.

Oh, my Lord Jesus, how can I worship you enough? How can I thank you enough? How can my spirit touch your holiness? I am weak and need you.

PAUL: THE UNSTOPPABLE. No one could stop him from cursing, jailing and torturing Christians. Then Jesus got hold of him and he joined the camp of the enemy. Once again, no one could stop him. Not any of the beatings he endured, and going hungry, and being thrown into the sea and being stripped by thieves and being stoned until he was supposed to be dead. For years he dared anyone to stop him from telling people the truth about Jesus and save their souls. People hated him for it. But always, in the midst of torture, he would shout, “Jesus! This is for you!” To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this: https://bit.ly/3fw2mlA

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Oh, how you have spoiled me.

On February 9, 2021July 15, 2025 By Inspirations By KatherynIn attitude, blessings, Daily, forgiveness, Heaven, Inspirational, patience, prayer, Scripture, ThanksgivingLeave a comment

Oh, how you have spoiled me. You placed diamonds in mountain-top snow, rubies in the flowers, emeralds in the meadows, and delight in the birds that daily sing to me. As I climb the mountain of my life I think back of all the enormous opportunities I had as a youth. As I grow older and climb higher, my choices are narrowing and I am glad. My focus is more and more on you. Someday I will reach the mountain top, and you will be there. You will smile and say, “Welcome home.”

Forgive me when I refuse to forget a hurt and let myself become bitter. Help me not forget those who have mistreated me. Perhaps they did not know they did. Or, even if they did so on purpose, bless them anyway.

Ah, thank you, my Lord, for all you have done for us through the history of mankind. I, along with everyone else, travel a wilderness, often not making good choices. The frustrations you must feel when I don’t pay attention to you but they do not stop you from loving me. You have been too patient. But you also give me your Word map in my wilderness to show me just where I am. And give me work to do in order to make sense of life. Thank you for entrusting me with that work. I will do the best I know how. I know you smile and reply, “That’s all I ask: Do your very best.”

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The crown of a victor

On February 6, 2021July 15, 2025 By Inspirations By KatherynIn attitude, discouragement, Enemies, Fear, forgiveness, healing, Inspirational, judging, power, problems, victory1 Comment

The scripture for today, February 7 (2/7), is Proverbs 2:7 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

“He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless.”

Do you feel like a loser sometimes? Once someone gets into that mindset, it is hard to break out. One dream after another has been shattered. One goal after another has been blockaded. One effort after another has been a failure.

The world can be a cruel place in which to live. It is ruled by Satan.

But look up! Victory is still possible! There is an old song called “Victory in Jesus.” We may be losers to our friends, but victors to God. Just remember, we cannot have victory in Jesus unless we have something to be victorious over.

Life is hard. But each day problems face us and we refuse to give in, that’s victory. Each day we search God’s Word for answers in the right places, that’s victory. Each day we refuse to give up on Jesus despite opposition to him by those around us, that’s victory.

Satan hates it when you don’t give up. Satan wants you to, not only give up on yourself, but also give up on God.

Do not give up. Never give up. Turn to God who can help you — with all your sins — be blameless and victorious. Keep on fighting and walking, fighting and walking until at last you walk right through the gates into heaven and are given the crown of a victor.

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It’s never too late. Look up!

On February 5, 2021July 15, 2025 By Inspirations By KatherynIn discouragement, ego, emptiness, Enemies, healing, judging, power, sin, victory, weaknessLeave a comment

The scripture for today, February 6 (2/6) is Jonah 2:6f as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

“To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you brought my life up from the pit, O Lord my God. When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.”

This is what was going through Jonah’s mind as he was swallowed by the great fish and on his way to certain death.

It is never too late.

As long as the breath of life is in you, it is never too late to cry out to God. You may be in the pits of your life. You may feel you cannot sink any lower than where you are now.

But look up! God is watching you with tears. You are not only breaking your own heart, but you are breaking the heart of your Maker who loves you so. God wants to lift you up out of your pit.

Still, he cannot do it without your help. What is your part? You must lift up your hands so God can grab hold of them.

Look up! God is right there within your grasp.

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Like a thousand suns

On February 4, 2021July 15, 2025 By Inspirations By KatherynIn #friendships, blessings, faith, Heaven, Holy Spirit, Inspirational, joy, love, praise, prayer, problems, Thanksgiving, weakness, worshipLeave a comment

I adore you Lord God, for you are the Will of the universe, the Voice of the cosmos, the Spirit of the heavens. You provide all my needs. I know some day you will take me home to not, only know you, but be with you. You are my delight now and will be forever. What a glorious day it will be. Though others may weep, I will celebrate with the angels, for I will be at home with you at last. At last.

Forgive me when I complain to others. I need to keep my thoughts to myself. If I just have to complain, I must bring it to you, then leave it with you to solve.

Thank you, dear Lord, for your Words that explain everything so clearly. They touch my heart like silk and lighten my day like a thousand suns. They are my daily enchantment and delight. I have pored over them and meditated on them like a thirsty wanderer every day for many years and haven’t burned out yet. Sometimes I come close, but the desire never really goes away. Did you put that desire in my heart? Is it your Spirit embracing mine? I worship you in thanksgiving.
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Your love washes over my soul

On February 3, 2021July 15, 2025 By Inspirations By KatherynIn #friendships, blessings, church, Inspirational, joy, Life of Christ, love, patience, praise, prayer, Thanksgiving, victory, worshipLeave a comment

My God, You are the self-existent one. I am always overwhelmed with awe when I read Isaiah’s prediction that the Child who will be born someday in Bethlehem will be called both Son and Father and mighty God. The Son is Father of the Child. You begat each other because you are both the First Cause and the material manifestation of yourself. You are self-existent. You are the great I AM. You are from eternity to eternity. You are so far above my understanding, I ache to comprehend the unfathomable intensity of your being.

Your love washes over my soul and makes me feel wanted and protected and special. Ah, my Lord, I am a friend of the King of the universe, the Maker of heaven and earth, the Lover of my heart and soul. Just think! I am not only your friend, but you have made me your Bride. Sometimes you smile at me, sometimes you take my hand and walk through dark shadows with me, sometimes you run with me through meadows of happy deeds as together we reach out to the rest of the world. I am never alone when I am with you. How blissful and beautiful I feel when I think of you, my Lord.

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