Rays of Hope

What do you do when you don't know what to do? Psalm 46:10 says "Be silent and know that I am God..." Don't be afraid of what appears to be larger than life - this battle is the Lord's. Trials, trauma and transition come to push us to the next level of freedom. Frustration, discouragement and impatience come in like a flood - before your breakthrough! Take your position - STAND STILL.

Agape!
Desiree A. Eastland
First Lady, HOPE Church Pearland

Who are you when no one is looking? Who are you when everyone is looking? Do you know and are you familiar with yourself? I'm talking about who you really are, not who you want to be. Today, make a commitment not to allow your environment to alter your identity. Find your identity in Christ and through Christ for He is able to power you to be whom He created you to be. You are destined for greatness and are on your way the moment you release the facades, the roles you play and the fears that may plague you. Come out of hiding and live the life God has prepared for you.

Philippians 1:6 - "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."

Be confident, because if God started it, He will finish it.

Philippians 3:13, 14 - "No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."

Forget what's behind and press forward.

Philippians 4:6 - "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done."

Stop worrying and allow God's peace to consume you. 

Philippians 4:13 - "For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength."

You are empowered.

Philippians 4:8, 9 - "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you."

This is how you empower yourself. 

Philippians 4:19 - "And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."

This is the Promise.

Peace!
Desiree A. Eastland
First Lady, HOPE Church Pearland

What would you do if you were not afraid? Would you start a business? Would you leave an abusive relationship? Would you go back to school? Would you get help for that addiction? 2 Timothy 1:7 says God did not give us "the spirit of fear, but of power, love and sound mind." The sum of all fear is destiny delayed! God wants you to "flip the script." Instead of adding all your fears, think about what He has already done for you, and be encouraged by the sum of all your faith!

Agape!
Desiree A. Eastland
First Lady, HOPE Church Pearland

Today is your day to do something different. You have the authority and the right to walk by faith and not fear. Fear paralyzes you - Faith causes you to move. Fear restricts you - Faith increases you. Fear makes you worry - Faith provokes you to worship. Fear says God is taking too long - Faith reminds you that He is always there when you need Him. Fear makes you want to give up - Faith empowers you with sufficient grace to do anything you can see in your mind. Start now and only focus on today. Do the best you can and at the end of your ability is God's opportunity.

Agape!
Desiree A. Eastland
First Lady, HOPE Church Pearland