Tag Archives: do not fear

08.28.14
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For His Sake

“Yet for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” –Psalm 44:22 (New International Version)

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Rise up and help us; rescue us because of your unfailing love (Psalm 44:26). May we remember in prayer our brothers and sisters in Christ being persecuted and facing hardship all over the world. Particularly, in the Middle East regions of Israel, Palestine, and the Gaza strip we hear and see on our televisions wars breaking out with matters of religion being at the root of the issues. Yet, it is no surprise to a Christian with spiritual understanding that time of persecution would come. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12). If you live in the United States as I do, you know that persecution is not as intense as in other parts of the world.

We too will inevitably face persecution, hardship or trials. The apostle Paul knew this very well in his lifetime and yet he continued to press on. “Oh we are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair, persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-12)

So when persecution, trouble, calamity or hardship comes, take courage! Christ has already overcome the world! (John 16:32). “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18) Amen

-Jason M. Alexandre

About Jason M. Alexandre

Jason Melchizedek Alexandre was born in November of 1989 in Brooklyn, N.Y. His family later moved to Philadelphia, Pa., and he now resides in Limerick, Pa. In May of 2014, Jason obtained his Master of Social Work degree at Widener University. Professionally, Jason counsels persons who are homeless, parents, veterans, and others who suffer from various kinds of abuse. Although Jason’s career is Social Work, his spiritual passion is missions. Jason believes in actively answering the Great Commission call Jesus gave all Christians for the Gospel to be spread from person-to-person and nation-to-nation. Annually, Jason travels primarily to Haiti on a mission trip with Haiti Christianity Inc. Each year, Haiti Christianity, Inc., visits cities and/or villages in Haiti bringing children educational supplies, clothing, and medical supplies. They also facilitate conferences in which bible study, budgeting tips, financial planning and most importantly, evangelization takes place. Jason is currently the organization’s public relations director. Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to spread throughout the world and believes it is Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively. To learn more about the organization for which Jason volunteers, please visit www.HaitiChristianity.org.

 

 

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07.30.14
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Position Yourself in Faith, Not Fear

Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

I come to you today in a very humble state.  While out to dinner celebrating my brother-in-law’s birthday, I was side-swiped. A stranger to me, yet friend of my brother-in-law, spoke a sobering truth directed at yours truly.  Their words came completely out of left field and I was caught off guard. However, the truth that was spoken shook me up and resonated deep within.

I have come to a place where I have disconnected myself in order to protect myself. It is far easier for me to keep everyone at bay rather than allow people in.  I work so hard to keep bad things from happening that I also keep the good things out. It’s not me walking on the water or walking by faith trusting in God’s Sovereign hands. It’s me believing the lie that “if I do everything right and play it safe everything will be okay.”

My past is my past and I cannot change it. However, today is a new day and I want to live by faith. To live boldly for Christ without holding back all the good I have inside and not only offering up the portion I see fit. If you have been hurt, rejected or disappointed do not let that stop you from living to your fullest God-given potential.  What I want to pour into you today is love.  We are all hoping and believing for something.  Keep hoping, keep believing and don’t give up.  The Victory is ours and the battle is the Lord’s. Position yourself to receive by letting go of fear. You may think I personally do not struggle with fear…but the truth is, many of us do. Yours could be fear of what people might think, fear of success, fear of failure, fear of disappointment, fear of not financially having enough, fear of speaking truth, fear of letting go, fear of holding on.  Fear daily tries to grip each one of us differently. While you begin to step out in faith believing, I encourage you to fear not. God is in control!

Isaiah 43:19- Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

-Ana

About Ana Martinez

Ana Martinez was born in Michigan. When she was age 4, her parents Pastor Juan and Deborah Martinez founded the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship in Almont, Mich.  Ana grew up in the church and in a humble, loving Christian home.  Her parent’s faithfulness and commitment to ministry for over 27 years has been a testimony to her.  In her youth she was like the prodigal son.  She knows what it means to walk away from your call and to stray from the Word of God.  Her life experiences have taught her that God’s way and His principles are worth upholding.  She is a God-fearing Christian woman determined to do the will of The Lord.  Her heart’s desire is to reach the lost and win souls for the kingdom of heaven by sharing the Good News, according to Matthew 28:19. Ana truly believes people are hurting and need to know that there is forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give ye rest.”

Ana has served on the Missionary Field, and has served in and led praise and worship, web design, children’s ministry and youth ministry.  Ana’s most recent initiative is Georgia Peach Ministry, a non-profit she founded that serves widows and orphans.  Ana is also on the board of the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship. Ana is a private chef and has worked with professional athletes over the past five years. She is also an entrepreneur and is part owner in an interior design business, a chef placement business, and is entering into the food product industry.

 

07.02.14
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He Has Earned His Trust With Me

“He has earned his trust with me. He has shown himself faithful.”  These are recent words I spoke to a friend over dinner as we shared in the goodness of God (thank you Frank Henderson for sharing how God is moving mightily through you and your community in Topeka, KS. Thank you also for inviting your daughter Ashley to read our blog. We appreciate it. ). As I’ve journeyed with God over the years, He’s been faithful in my life, never giving me a reason to doubt him.  But I have doubted. Sometimes it takes more “examples” for him to fully prove himself to us because we’re used to being failed by humans. But as reaffirmed to us in Numbers 23:19, “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” (English Standard Version)

God-doesnot-lieToday’s post is from the daily devotional book, Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. Each devotional is written from the perspective of Jesus speaking to you.  Enjoy and continue to trust Him! He won’t fail you.  -Nicole

LET ME SHOW YOU My way for you this day. I guide you continually, so you can relax and enjoy My Presence in the present. Living well is both a discipline and an art. Concentrate on staying close to me, the divine Artist. Discipline your thoughts to trust Me as I work my ways in your life. Pray about everything; then leave outcomes up to Me. Do not fear My will, for through it I accomplish what is best for you. Take a deep breath and dive into the depths of absolute trust in Me. Underneath are the everlasting arms!

Accompanying Scriptures: Psalm 5:2-3, “Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. 3-In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” Psalm 5:12, “For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.” Deuteronomy 33:27, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you, saying, “Destroy him!” (New International Version)