God's Answers

Alyssa posted a comment on the "God is Here for You" post a little while ago. It was a lot about God answering our prayers. Since that comment is kinda hidden away, I thought I would make an article out of it.

Have you ever prayed to God and thought He never gave an answer? For example, maybe you know lost someone close to you. You may wonder why God put you through that. Maybe you prayed and prayed that that person would stay healthy and with you, but nothing gets better. Would you doubt that He heard your prayers? Know this: God always hears and answers our prayers. As I've said before, God has a plan. He has reasons for everything He does. Alyssa talked about how she lost a family member, and she wondered why God would put her through so much pain. She eventually found out what God's answer was. The loss of her uncle strengthened her family's faith. Even though God always answers our prayers, it doesn't mean we will always like what the answer is. So if you don't think God is listening; if you don't think He gave you the right answer, remember that our God is always listening us, His children. Trust in Him; He always has the right answer.

Trust God,
Kyle

Courage in Faith

So I'm sure I've explained faith and what it entails. One thing I never mentioned is that faith can give you courage. I realized this when I was listening to "Find Your Wings" by Mark Harris. There's a line in the chorus that goes:

That faith gives you the courage
to dare to do great things.

I paused the song the first time I heard that so I could think that over. I realized that he's right! There is courage in faith. If you want courage, simply have faith that God is watching over you. Have faith that He loves you and will make everything OK. Simply put: Faith is the key. The key to courage, the key to heaven, the key to an AMAZING relationship with God. So next time you're walking through the Devil's valley, have faith that your God will lead you to His mountain. Then you will have the courage to walk through the valley, proudly, untouched by the Devil, for God is with you.

Have faith,
Kyle

"He Still Calls Me Son"

I was listening to my iPod yesterday when I came upon a song. It's one I've listened to many times before, but I never fully listened and absorbed the meaning of the song. It was "He Still Calls Me Son" by John Waller. It's a song about Grace. He starts off by telling us the bad things he's done and the terrible things that have been done to him:

"I drug his name through godless places
And I've known shame that no child of his should know
I've seen pain on broken faces
Beyond all thought of hope
I was just too far from home
Still I always wondered when I closed my eyes"

And the first chorus reads:

"After all I've done
Could he run to me?
Would he kiss my face?
Could he even look at me?
After where I've been
should he take me back?
I would understand
I've disgraced him
But it would be amazing
If he still calls me son"

Are you ever like this? I know I get like this sometimes. I went through a rough patch awhile back. I wondered if God could ever forgive me for all the terrible things I did and thought. Things I didn't do that I should have.

In the next verse, he talks about how, just when things look the worst, and he's crawling home on his hands and knees, he sees God watching over him with forgiveness.

After all I'd done
He just ran to me
Then he kissed my face
He would not let go of me
After where I'd been
He just welcomed me
I didn't understand
But he put his robe on me
It was so amazing
That he still called me son

That's the second chorus. It shows how amazing God's grace is! No matter what we've done, God will always be here for us. Our faith is what matters. God will always forgive us, because Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross for our sins. God will always call us his sons (and daughters).

One day as I breathe my last
And I know my days on earth have ended
When every hour is spent
I will close my eyes in amazement
And I'll hear angels
They'll be singing

And here, on his deathbed, he is sharing still how God's grace is with him. His faith has earned him his place in heaven, because God forgives us of any sin we have committed.

If you're ever wondering if God will call you His, think of this song and smile. Know that God will always forgive you. Even if your faith is weakened with pain and sorrow, You're still His child and his love for you is uncondional. Amen

God's grace,
Kyle

credits: Lyrics posted are from the song "He Still Calls Me Son" by John Waller. Lyrics were taken from allthelyrics.com

Faith Saves

Faith is very important and very powerful thing. Faith is believing and being certain of something we don't see. In this case, that thing we don't see is God. We have to have faith that God has a plan for us, and He does. Every little thing that happens is part of God's greater plan. Sometimes that plan includes things we don't like. I have a very close friend that had a battle with cancer. Throughout her fight, she kept her faith strong. She put her life into God's hands. She dropped life's reigns and let God do His thing, and she was rewarded for her faith. He got rid of her cancer! It's amazing what faith can do. You've probably heard me mention this before, and I'll mention it a million times more. The story of Joseph in Egypt. The terrible thing that happened to him, the cancer in his life, was being sold into slavery. Joseph kept his faith strong. He believed that God knew what is best. God rewarded him by bringing him up to be the Pharoah's right-hand man. Eventually, that led to Joseph's family being brought to Egypt, and then the Israelites being delivered from Egypt. So just remember, God has a plan for you. Keep your faith strong and you will be rewarded. Amen

Stay faithful,
Kyle

Friends: God's Reminder

I was talking to my best friend last night. I was having a bad day and she reminded me, again, how God is here for me. I thanked her for being God's reminder, and she quoted her grandmother: "Friends are God's messengers. They show us we always have someone to love us." Good friends are always there for you, just like God is. Sometimes God will send you a reminder via your friend. Make sure you listen to it. Sometimes it's not exactly what you want to hear. Here's a situation: Your boy/girlfriend just broke up with you. You're really upset about it. You are talking to your friend and they tell you it's all going to be OK and you should try to move on. Although this may not be what you want to hear, take it as God's Word. He always knows what's best for us.
Sometimes, His plans don't take shape right away, but be faithful. Trust in God. A perfect example is the story of Joseph in Genesis. His brothers sold him into slavery. He went to Egypt as a slave, then a prisoner. He could have given up, bet he kept following the LORD. He stayed faithful and that took him far! He went from being a prisoner to Pharaoh's right-hand man! That's what faith can do.
So listen to your friends. Sometimes God will speak to you through them. And what God says matters. Amen

Peace be with you,
Kyle