If You Forget

It feels as if the world has grown darker and everyone is facing emotional and spiritual battles like never before. 

The Bible tells us life would be hard but it also tells us that our hearts should not be troubled. 

So here are four Bible verses to strengthen you, encourage you and give you peace.

1. When you’re worried by world events, remember Luke 21:28 says “when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” 

Don’t live a life of worry. Look up, your Redeemer is near and your King is coming soon.

1. When you’re anxious because of viruses, wars, and evil acts, remember Deuteronomy 31:8 says “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

No matter what happens Jesus is still on his throne, still in control, still with you, still leading you and still loves you.

1. When you see the love and faith of others growing colder, remember Jesus said in John 15:4;12 “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. Love each other as I have loved you.”

Follow Jesus and let his love overflow from you and out into a world that so desperately needs him.

1. When you’re scared, remember Jesus said in John 10:28 “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

You are eternally safe in Jesus. Nothing in this world, not death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, can ever, ever, separate you from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Let me pray for you:

Father,

We don’t know what the future holds but we know that you hold our future and because of that we are safe.

We give thanks for this in Jesus’ name, amen

When your faith grows stronger, your worries grow weaker. So here are three ways to increase your faith and grow closer to Jesus:

1. Read The Bible

Romans 10:17 says that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” while Timothy 3:16 reminds us that “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” 

So read God’s word and let it fill you, guide you, strengthen you and bless you daily.

2. Put What You Read Into Practice

Jesus said in John 14:23, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching” and James 2:20 says, “faith without works is dead”.

Knowledge without application won’t produce results. We’re called to live out our faith in both word and deed as we follow the teachings of Jesus.  

3. Always Be Thankful And Never Stop Praying

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to “Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 

Focus on your Savior, not your situation, and you’ll always have reason to rejoice. Never stop praying and Jesus will never stop providing. Give thanks in all situations and you’ll never run out of things to be thankful for.

Let me pray for you:

Father,

We thank you for your word that guides us, your Holy Spirit who empowers us, and your grace that blesses us so abundantly.   

We give thanks for all these things in Jesus name, amen.

God bless you.

In this episode I’m going to remind you of the best way to deal with negative people. 

Hi, I’m Paul and you’re listening to If You Forget.

Sometimes it just isn’t possible to get along with someone. So if you have to deal with someone like that it’s important to remember that you can’t control someone’s words, attitude or their actions but you can control your response to them. So here are three ways to respond to negative people:

1. When you receive hateful words, respond with Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Then let it go and let God deal with it.

2. When you have to deal with bad attitudes, respond with Titus 3:2, “slander no one, be peaceable and considerate, and always be gentle towards everyone.” Then let it go and let God deal with it.

3. When you’re hurt by someone’s actions, respond with Romans 12:17, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.” Then let it go and let God deal with it.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:44 “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”  

We do that by doing what Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” 

You represent the living God to a dying world so desperate for grace, love and hope. God has shown these things to you through Jesus so that you could show them to others. 

Let me pray for you:

Father,

You tell us in Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on us, live at peace with everyone.”

So help us to let go of the things we can’t control and remind us that the same mercy, grace and love you’ve given to us is also available for the people we struggle with as well.

In Jesus’ name we pray, amen

Psalm 119:28 says “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.”

If life feels like it’s closing in on you, remember the promises God gives you in the Bible to strengthen you. 

If you feel weak and overwhelmed, remember that God reminds you in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in your weakness.”

If you feel burdened with family troubles, sickness, or worry, remember that Psalm 34:17 says “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”

If you feel attacked by temptation, remember that 1 Corinthians 10:13 says that “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

If your heart is broken, remember Psalm 34:18 says “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” 

And finally, when you think that you just can’t take anymore, remember 

Psalm 34:19 says “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all” while Deuteronomy 33:25 says, “your strength will equal your days.”

That means that however many days God has given you, He’ll give you the strength to make it through each one of them, because He loves you.

Let me pray for you:

Father,

Thank you for your Word and these reminders that you love us, you protect us, and that you are always there for us.

We give thanks for these things in Jesus name, amen.

In this episode I’m going to remind you of a bible verse to help you fight depression. 

Hi, I’m Paul and you’re listening to If You Forget.

Isaiah 41:10 says “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

In this verse we find 5 different ways that God helps you fight depression.

1. Are you depressed because you’re afraid? If so he reminds you that he’s with you. 

Hebrews 13:5 promises that the Lord will never leave you or forsake you. You never face anything alone. God is with you wherever you go and through whatever you face.

2. Are you depressed because you’re discouraged? If so he reminds you that he’s your God.

Psalm 42:11 says “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again - my Savior and my God!” To those watching at the cross, all seemed lost, but God turned the darkest moment into the brightest blessing.  God works all things for your good. He did it then and he still does it today.

3. Are you depressed because you feel weak? If so he promises to strengthen you.

Isaiah 40:29 says that “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” You may be weak but God is strong. So don’t rely on your strength, rely on his. God loves you and will fight for you.

4. Are you depressed because you need help? If so he promises to provide

Psalm 18:6 says “In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.” God sees you. He hears you. He’s with you and he promises to help you.

5. Are you depressed because you feel like everything is falling in on you? He promises to hold you up.

Psalm 37:24 says “though they may stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord upholds them with his hand.” Life is hard, and you may stumble and struggle, but you won’t fall. God is holding you, protecting you, and leading you. So be still you’re safe in his love. 

Let me pray for you:

Father,

We give you our depression, our sadness, and our worries. We aren’t strong enough to carry them but you are. Fill us with hope, joy and peace though your Son Jesus today and every day.

Amen 

Luke 2:11 says “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

With so many bad things going on in the world right now it’s easy to lose sight of the true meaning of the holiday. So to help you refocus here are three ways to keep Christ in Christmas

1. Read bible verses focused on the birth of Jesus

Romans 10:17 says, “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” So read chapters like Luke 1 and 2 or Matthew 1 and 2 that speak about the birth of Christ.  Or read Advent bible verses that speak about the hope, peace, love and joy that the birth of Christ brings to us.

2. Serve Jesus by serving others

1 Peter 4:10 tells us to “use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

God has blessed you so that you can be a blessing to others wherever he’s placed you. Use whatever gifts he’s given you to help others, build them up, and point them to Jesus, the greatest gift of all. 

3. Receive again the gift of Jesus

Christmas is an opportunity to experience again the beauty of the birth of your Savior. 

Luke 2:14 says “Glory to God in the highest heaven,    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 

Christmas is a time to remember that our dark and weary world has been given a great light through Jesus. He’s saved you from our sins, he loves you, and he gives you hope and a future that no one and nothing can ever take from you.

Let me pray for you:

Father,

May the hope, the peace, the joy, and the love we find in the birth of your Son fill our lives today and every day. And with each day may we grow ever closer to you.

In Jesus’ name we pray, amen

In this episode I’m going to remind you of three things Jesus said about your future.

Hi, I’m Paul and you’re listening to If You Forget.

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

The world might not have a lot of hope to offer but Jesus does. He invites you to come to him, with all your troubles and worries, and rest in his love. 

So whenever you’re anxious remember these three things Jesus said to settle your heart and give you peace.

#1 - Jesus said you would have trouble but he also said he would give you peace.

Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

The troubles of this world may be big but Jesus is bigger. He’s still in control, he still has a plan for you, and he still loves you, so give Jesus your troubles and he’ll give you his peace. 

#2 - Jesus said don’t worry about your life.

In Matthew 6:31 Jesus said “do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Jesus has freed you from the burden of worry. He knows who you need, what you need, how much you need and when you need it.  So follow him, trust him, then watch him provide everything you need.

#3 - Jesus said you will be with him forever.

John 14:1;3 says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. I go to prepare a place for you, and I will come back and take you to be with me so that you also may be where I am.”

You may have trouble in this world but this world is not your home. Your home is with Jesus. Revelation 21:4 says that “He will wipe every tear from your eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain.”

Remember, nothing in this world can ever separate you from his love. Everything is going to be okay. 

Let me pray for you:

Father,

Whenever we’re worried, bring these beautiful promises to mind and quiet our hearts with your love.

In Jesus’ name we pray, amen

In this episode I’m going to remind you how to heal after someone hurts you. 

Hi, I’m Paul and you’re listening to If You Forget.

Colossians 3:13 tells us to “forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

People can be very cruel, and inflict a great deal of pain on us, but we’re called to forgive because we can’t heal until we let go of anger.

Now it’s important to know that forgiving doesn’t mean excusing. If you’re in an abusive or dangerous situation make sure you seek safety. 

Forgiving means letting go and not letting anger take a foothold in your life. Romans 12:21 tells us to “not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” 

Forgiving is hard, but remember Psalm 147:3 tells us “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Healing comes through forgiving, through trusting God, and through trading your hurt for his peace.

So here are 3 ways to forgive someone who has hurt you.

#1 - Make a decision to forgive then let go

Ephesians 4:31 tells us to “get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.” 

You can be filled with anger or God’s peace, not both. So forgive and let go, so he can fill you with his peace.

#2 Pray for your enemies 

Jesus said in Matthew 5:44 “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you!” Pray the Lord softens the hearts of those who hurt you. When you do that you’ll find your own heart softening too.

#3 Don’t seek revenge

1 Peter 3:9 says “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.” 

Respond to sin with blessing, trust the Lord to deal with those who have hurt you, and he’ll bless you with healing and peace.

Let me pray for you:

Father,

Forgiving is hard. Give us the strength to let go, the faith to trust you, and the grace to accept your love and peace. 

We ask these things in Jesus’ name, amen

Isaiah 26:3 says “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”

Whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed by life, remember that when you trust Jesus, and you’re focused on him, he fills you with his peace. 

Matthew 11:28 says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” You’ve already given Jesus your sins, now give him your fears, your anxieties and your troubles too. 

And once you’ve done that keep your thoughts fixed on him so you can remain in his peace. 

Life is hard, and trouble never seems to end, but  when your trouble increases, his grace increases all the more. 

Ephesians 2:14 says that “he himself is our peace.” Jesus is always with you, always leading you, always working all things for good on your behalf. 

Let me pray for you:

Father,

Settle our hearts and give us peace through Jesus. Help us to always focus on our Savior, not our situation. Our situation is temporary but our Savior is eternal.

In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Matthew 1:23 says that “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God with us’”.

You may be feeling hopeless because of your sin, or maybe because of the situation that you’re facing, but Jesus never leaves you without hope.

Psalm 33:20 says “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.” 

Jesus never leaves you. He never forsakes you. He never leaves you without hope. He’s called Immanuel, God with us. He’s with you to pay for your sin, with you in your pain, with you in your tears, with you to shelter you and lead you through the storm, and you’re with him in resurrection, in healing, in making all things new, in hope, in peace, in love and in fellowship now and forever. 

Let me pray for you:

Father,

In our darkest hour you send your brightest blessing. Thank you for the hope we have in Jesus. In this world we may have trouble but Jesus has overcome the world, and through him so have we. 

We give thanks for this in Jesus’ name, amen