It’s easy to be tempted to give up on a goal, prayer or desire when it seems as if the answer isn’t coming as quickly as you would like. Yet, at these times, dare to learn how to hope even more in God. Usually, our battles seem the darkest just before the dawn. Just like a woman experiences birth pains right before the birth of her child, we too experience intense moments before breakthrough. Yet, we must not give up prematurely during these heated times. In Hebrews 10:35 it says, “Do not cast away your confidence for it will be richly rewarded.”

As faith-filled believers, we must keep hoping, keep believing and stay faithful. Many times, we are closer than we think to victory. God is faithful to His promises.  When God says we will be richly rewarded for keeping our confidence in Him, that should give us a second wind, giving us fuel to keep up the faith. Don’t give up today on your dreams and your hope in God. By developing the attitude, “I’ve come too far to stop now” and learning how to be full of hope, expecting God’s favor daily, you’ll see God begin to do amazing things even in the midst of trying times! You are closer than you think to victory. Dare to hope in God and His promises. You will not be disappointed!

By Joel Osteen

See him at http://www.joelosteen.com/Pages/Index.aspx

Posted: August 15th, 2008 under Admin.
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If Paul in the New Testament letters started all his letters to his kingdom family with the words “Grace and peace to you,” why is it all we can manage is a “hi”?  Do our friends and family (in the sense of both our blood and Christ’s blood) mean so much less than Paul’s family did to him?  I think not.

 Perhaps we have less understanding of the meaning of these words.  Grace is a free gift of God that comes in conjunction with mercy.  If mercy forgives our sins, grace gives us the power to enact that change of heart in our very lives.  Do you want some change in you life?  Does this gift of God sound like a good deal to you?  Then take it with joy.  Then take it one more step further up and further in:

Try sharing it with others.  Tell someone “Grace and peace to you” when you meet them.  See what happens.  Go on.  Take the challenge.  If grace and peace is in you, then it’s time to share.  If you are still working on grace and peace (and who frankly isn’t?), then giving it away, like love, makes it more real for you. 

 To all of you who share a love of and in Christ who join our community here at KOGF:

GRACE AND PEACE TO YOU NOW AND ALWAYS

Posted: August 8th, 2008 under Admin.
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