If You Forget

Romans 3:23 says that “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” 

We all know there’s a way we should act, and we all know we don’t always act that way. So when you fall short here are three things you should do.

1. Admit you’ve fallen short

1 John 1:8 says that “if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” Nothing good comes from lying to yourself. So the first step towards moving forward is admitting that you’ve sinned.

2. Ask Jesus to forgive you

1 John 1:9 promises that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” And Romans 3:24 tells us that “All are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

Your sin may be great but Jesus is greater. Ask him to forgive you and set you free and he will.

3. Change your wrong behavior 

In John 8:11 Jesus said, “Go now and leave your life of sin.” Jesus offers a better way.  He makes all things new. Leave behind the sins of the past and follow Jesus to a life of freedom of joy. 

Let me pray for you:

Father,

We give you our sin and you give us your grace. Thank you for making a way through Jesus. 

We love you and praise you, amen.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 

It’s hard to be thankful when life is filled with trouble. Sometimes we feel like God doesn’t hear our prayers for help. But Psalm 10:17 says “You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.”

Whether things are good or bad give thanks because no matter what you’re facing you are still a child of God, still deeply loved by your Heavenly Father, still filled and led by the Holy Spirit, Jesus is still King, his tomb is still empty, his will is still done, he still has a plan for your life, your sins are still forgiven, you are still called to peace and everything is going to be okay.

You can be thankful in all circumstances because your blessings aren’t based on your earthly situation, they’re based on the grace and goodness of God.

Let me pray for you:

Father,

Thank you for all you’ve given us, all you’ve brought us through and all you will do for us in the future.

We love you and praise you in Jesus’ name, amen

In this episode, I’m going to remind you to thank God for what he’s done and trust him for what you need.

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

2 Corinthians 1:10 says that “he rescued us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again.”

You may be really struggling right now, and feel like there’s no hope, but remember that the Lord has helped you in the past.

Isaiah 25:9 says “this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us.” Think about all the times you trusted the Lord and he saved you. He’s carried you through so many difficult battles.

Then when you face trouble today and in the future remember that Philippians 1:6 says that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Through Christ, God has started a good work in you, and he didn’t bring you this far just to leave you now. He’ll finish what he started. He promised.

So look back and thank God for the strength and protection he gave you, then look forward and trust him to do it again.  

Let me pray for you:

Father,

Thank you for victories past, present and future. When we are anxious or afraid, remind us that you are always with us and that you have promised to complete the work you began in us. 

We give thanks in Jesus’ name, amen.

Zephaniah 3:17 says that “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”

In this verse we find five ways that God loves you.

#1 - God loves you by being in your midst

Hebrews 13:5 promises that he will never leave you and he will never forsake you. No matter where you go you are never alone. The Lord is always with you. 

#2 - God loves you by saving you. 

John 3:16 says that God loves you so much that he gave his only Son to pay for your sins. And Psalm 18:2 says that the Lord is your rock, your fortress and your deliverer. He gives you strength and he fights for you because he loves you.

#3 - God loves you by rejoicing over you. 

Galatians 3:26 says that “in Christ Jesus you are a child of God through faith.” Your heavenly Father loves you, he is a proud parent, and you bring him joy.

#4 - God loves you by quieting you by his love. 

Colossians 3:15 encourages you to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts”. Let his love settle your spirit and cause you to overflow with his peace.

#5 - God loves you by exulting over you with loud singing. 

Isaiah 43:1 tells you to “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.” The Lord sings a beautiful song of redemption for all the world to hear -  you are his, you are loved, and you belong to him now and forever.

Let me pray for you:

Father,

You are a good father who loves us dearly. Thank you for your love that supports, saves, rejoices, quiets and exults us daily. 

We give thanks in Jesus’ name, amen

In this episode I’m going to remind you of three things Jesus told you to give you peace. 

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

The world doesn't have much hope to offer these days but Jesus does. Whenever you feel life is overwhelming you remember these three things Jesus said to settle your heart and give you peace.

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

In John 14:27 Jesus said, “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 peace the world offers is temporary but the peace Jesus gives is eternal. Don’t let your heart be troubled. Jesus is still in control, and he still loves you. Remember that his peace is greater than your trouble. 

#2 - Jesus told you not to worry about your life.

In Matthew 6:31-34 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.”

The Lord knows who you need, what you need and when you need it. He’s freed you from the burden of worry. Be still. The Lord will provide. Follow him, trust him, then watch him provide everything you need. 

#3 - Jesus said your home is with him.

In John 14:1-3 Jesus said “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me, that you also may be where I am.”

This world is not your home. Your home is with Jesus. Romans 8:39 tells us that no pain, no trouble, no enemy, nothing in this world can ever separate you from his love. So don’t fear, Jesus is leading you home and everything is going to be okay. 

Let me pray for you:

Father,

Your peace is greater than trouble,

Your love is greater than hate,

Your shelter is greater than the storm,

Your joy is greater than sadness,

Your hope is greater than uncertainty, and 

Your salvation is greater than sin.

Whenever we’re worried, remind us of these beautiful promises so that we may be filled with your peace.

In Jesus’ name we pray, amen

In this episode I’m going to remind you that God is going to give you the strength you need to make it through today.

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

Deuteronomy 33:25 promises that “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 and every one of them.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember Psalm 22:5 “To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.” So Have faith, the Lord hears your cries and he sees your tears. 

If you feel helpless, remember that Psalm 9:18 promises that “God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.” So Don’t give up, the Lord will remember you and help you.

Then finally if you’re feeling weak, remember the Lord’s promise from 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” So Be encouraged, God gives you grace and the power to overcome all things through Christ.

The same power that spoke the universe into existence, that holds all things together, and that overcame death, is the same power that will strengthen you today and every other day until the Lord calls you home.

Let me pray for you:

Father,

Settle our hearts and renew our strength today. Thank you for caring for us and giving us hope and a future. 

In Jesus’ name we pray, amen

God bless you.

In Isaiah 46:4 God says, “I will be your God throughout your lifetime -- until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you.  I will carry you along and save you.

In this verse God gives us five promises to help us deal with anxiety.

#1 - He promises, I will be your God throughout your lifetime

The Lord is your heavenly father and you are his beloved child. You are loved and you are cherished. In Deuteronomy 31:8 God promises to never leave you and never forsake you. So don’t be anxious, God is always with you.

#2 - He says, I made you

Psalm 139:14 says that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Zephaniah 3:17 says that the Lord is so pleased with you that he rejoices over you with singing. So don’t be anxious, God created you with value and for a good purpose. 

#3 - He promises, I will care for you

The Lord will provide. Philippians 4:19 says that “God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”  So don’t be anxious, your heavenly father knows what you need and he will take care of you.

#4 - He promises, I will carry you

In this world you will face hard times, temptations and trials but God will see you through them all. Psalm 37:24 says that “though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.” So don’t be anxious, the Lord is your strength and he is carrying you.

#5 - He promises, I will save you

Your sin may be great but your Savior is greater. John 3:16 reminds you that “God loved you so much that he gave his only son Jesus to pay for your sin.”  And John 10:19 says that “no one can snatch you out of the Father’s hand.” So don’t be anxious, God gave up too much to ever give up on you.

Let me pray for you.

Father,

When we feel anxious, settle our hearts and remind us of your promises. Take our anxiety and replace it with your perfect peace today.

We ask these things in Jesus name, amen.

In John 16:33 Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

When life is hard, remember that the troubles of this world may be great, but Jesus is greater. 

Jesus never loses a battle and he never stops fighting for you. Jesus fought for you on the cross and he continues to fight for you today.

So when you're weak remember his strength is your strength, because Isaiah 40:29 tells us “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”

When you’re hurting, remember he’s the Great Physician, because Psalm 147:3 reminds us that “he heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” 

When you feel tired and beat down, remember in Matthew 11:28 he calls you to rest, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

And finally, whatever you are facing  remember to not let your heart be troubled, because Deuteronomy 20:4 promises us that “the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”

Let me pray for you:

Father,

When we face trials and temptations, when we find ourselves surrounded by trouble, remind us to never lose hope because you have given us strength, healing and rest though Christ.

In Jesus’ name we pray, amen

In John 13:7 Jesus said, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

Sometimes we just don’t understand why the Lord allows certain things to happen to us, and it’s hard to trust when we can’t see, but we’re called to “walk by faith, not by sight”. 

Remember that Jesus is always fighting for you, he’s always holding you close and he’s always working for your good. Deuteronomy 31:6 encourages us to, “be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

So don’t lose hope. No matter how dark things may look, remember that Jesus is the light of the world and whoever follows him will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Let me pray for you:

Father,

Help us trust you even when we cannot see. Remind us that you bring good from evil, light from darkness and hope from despair. 

You are a good father who loves us. Thank you for all the blessings you’ve given us. 

Do you struggle to remember your worth? Or are you having trouble leaving your past behind? Well, the good news is that you are a new creation in Christ.

Hi, I’m Paul here with today’s reminder. 

2 Corinthians 5:17 promises that “anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

You may be struggling to move on from a difficult past.  Or, in a world that values followers and likes over character, you may feel that you are lacking something. Or maybe you’re surrounded by people who don’t appreciate you.

Any of these things might cause you to see yourself as not having much worth. 

But that isn’t how Jesus sees you.

You are who Jesus says you are - chosen, forgiven, loved and treasured. You are His beautiful creation. You have a purpose and you have great value.

Always remember that Jesus looked at the cross, thought of you, then said “you are worth it.” 

Let me pray for you:

Father,

The world tears down but you build up. Your love is so much greater than the lies of this world.

Thank you for loving us and thank you for reminding us of our true worth. 

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