Your Name Will be Called!!!!

Revelation 21:27
The day of the Lord Jesus is near. While you still have breath, take up your cross and follow the Lord each day. Don't forget: everyone's deeds follow them into eternity.
"But there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Revelation 20:12
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Daniel 12:2-3
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

It is a common plover (a type of bird ) about the size of a robin. It is easily recognized by its wailing noise and two black breast bands. They are usually found in the United States and Central America. They are called Killdeer because of the wailing noise they make that actually sounds like "kill-deer". The most interesting thing about this bird however is that,it is a master of distraction. When it lays eggs or has chicks and you go near the nest, it jumps away from the nest and pretends to have a broken wing 🪽. When you think it is vulnerable and decide to go after it, it will move a little further on. It will continue to do that until you are far away from the nest. The Killdeer will then suddenly have a healthy wing 🪽 and will fly away. Interestingly, that is how the enemy behaves. Anytime you go close to what God has for you,he finds a way to distract you. Suddenly, everything looks like it is going against you. Friends and family turn against you and finances are not forthcoming. The proverbial "all hell breaking loose". Successful people however know that this is rather an indication of being close to the breakthrough. It shows something good is about to happen for you. So when distraction comes, it is time to dig in your heels,stand firm and push 🫸 on. When Tobiah and Sanballat tried to distract Nehemiah he said "I am doing a great work and I cannot come down "(Nehemiah 6:3). Don't allow anyone or anything to distract you from your purpose. Have a lovely day .

Wednesday Encouragement — Keep Your Eyes Upon Christ

Blessings, dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

We have reached the midpoint of another week. On Monday, we reminded ourselves that after gathering to worship on the Lord’s Day, we were sent back into the world to live what we profess and faithfully serve our Lord Jesus Christ.

Now, halfway through the week, perhaps the pressures of life have already begun to distract us.

Responsibilities accumulate. Problems arise unexpectedly. News from around the world troubles our hearts. Financial concerns, family responsibilities, health concerns, and the countless demands of everyday life can slowly pull our attention away from the One upon whom our eyes must remain fixed.

That is why today we need to remind ourselves again:

Keep your eyes upon Christ.

Peter walked upon the water while his attention remained upon Jesus. But when he looked at the wind and the waves surrounding him, fear replaced faith and he began to sink.

How often do we do the same?

We look at the storms instead of the Savior. We concentrate upon our problems rather than His promises. We become overwhelmed by circumstances while forgetting that the sovereign Lord who controls the wind and the waves is walking with us through the storm.

“But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.” — Matthew 14:30

And immediately, Jesus reached out His hand.

What a beautiful reminder for us today. When our strength begins to fail, we do not need complicated words. Sometimes the most powerful prayer is simply:

“Lord, save me. Lord, strengthen me. Lord, guide me.”

Whatever you are facing today, bring it before Him. Our sovereign God has not lost control of one single detail of our lives.

And while we carry our own burdens, let us remain sensitive to those around us. Someone you encounter today may also be struggling silently. God may use your prayer, your encouragement, your compassion, or your testimony of Christ to strengthen them.

So let us continue through the remainder of this week faithfully doing what God has called us to do.

Do not watch the storm.
Watch the Savior.
Do not surrender to fear.
Walk by faith.

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” — Hebrews 12:2

May our Lord strengthen us, guide us, and keep our hearts firmly fixed upon Him as we continue serving together.

Serving Christ Together for His Glory Alone.

Soli Deo Gloria.

**Jesus Calls Everyone to Repentance and New Life**

Peter From Sinner to Transformed Man

Peter was an ordinary fisherman, living a simple life, when Jesus called him to become a "fisher of men" (Matthew 4:19). Even while walking alongside Jesus, Peter still carried his human weaknesses — impulsive, full of passions, and he even denied his own Master in a moment of persecution (Luke 22:54-62).

But Jesus already knew this and interceded for him: *"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail"* (Luke 22:31-32).

After the resurrection, Peter received the visitation of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), and from then on he became a different man. So much so that, faced with the lie of Ananias and Sapphira, who deceived the Holy Spirit, Peter confronted them with authority — and both fell dead before God (Acts 5:1-11). A sign that God does not delight in falsehood among those who follow Him.

Peter, now transformed, teaches us that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19) and that those born of God live in holiness — without lying, envy, immorality, theft, or fraud (Galatians 5:19-21).

**On sin and repentance:**

- *"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"* (Romans 3:23)
- *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins"* (1 John 1:9)
- *"Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out"* (Acts 3:19)
- *"I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live"* (Ezekiel 33:11)

God does not desire the sinner's condemnation, but awaits their repentance and conversion with an open heart. He hears the prayer of those who sincerely seek Him.

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT

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God’s Word reminds us of the joy and freedom of belonging to Jesus.

____

It is the best riches not to desire riches.

Thomas Brooks

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Loving Father, please give me Your strength and mercy each morning.

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For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was His plan from before the beginning of time—to show us His grace through Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:9 NLT

No matter who or what stands in your way, family, colleagues, or tough situations, stay faithful and trust the process. Just obey what God has called you to do and leave the rest in His hands!

Connect With Us: www.valleychurchwinnemucca.com

#FaithOverFear #TrustGodsPlan #ChristianInspiration #ObedienceToGod #Overcomers #SaintsOfGod #FaithInAction #SpiritualEncouragement #ValleyChurch #ChristianMotivation

RUN YOUR RACE WITH YOUR EYES ON JESUS!
Don’t Let the Weight Stop You From Reaching the Finish Line!

Scripture :
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”— Hebrews 12:1–2
Thought Of The Day...
There comes a time in our walk with God when we have to ask ourselves a serious question:
What am I carrying that God never told me to carry?
Hebrews 12 tells us that the Christian life is like a race. But this is not a sprint. It is a race that requires faith, endurance, discipline, patience, and focus.
The writer says:
“Let us lay aside every weight…”
Notice that the Bible distinguishes between a weight and sin.
Everything weighing you down may not necessarily be sinful, but it still may be keeping you from running effectively.
Some weights are fear.
Some weights are disappointment.
Some weights are unforgiveness.
Some weights are people’s opinions.
Some weights are past failures.
Some weights are relationships that constantly drain your spirit.
Some weights are worry about things you cannot control.
And sometimes we are asking God to give us strength to carry something when God is saying:
“I NEVER TOLD YOU TO CARRY IT. LAY IT DOWN!”
First Peter 5:7 says:
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
You cannot run freely while trying to carry yesterday’s pain, tomorrow’s worries, and today’s responsibilities all at the same time.
Some things have to be laid at the feet of Jesus.
LAY ASIDE THE SIN THAT EASILY BESETS YOU
Hebrews does not stop with the weights. It says:
“…and the sin which doth so easily beset us…”
There are some things we need God to carry, but there are other things we need to repent of and put away.
David prayed in Psalm 139:23–24:
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me…”
We cannot ask God to bless what He has told us to surrender.
We cannot run toward destiny while deliberately holding onto something that keeps pulling us backward.
Sometimes spiritual growth requires us to say:
“Lord, show me ME.”
Not my neighbor.
Not my spouse.
Not my family.
Not the people at church.
ME!
Show me what needs to change.
Show me what needs to go.
Show me what I need to surrender.
Because I don't want anything interfering with the race You have placed before me.
RUN THE RACE GOD SET BEFORE YOU
The Scripture says:
“…let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”
Notice it says “the race that is set before us.”
You don't have to run somebody else's race.
You don't have to compete with somebody else's calling.
You don't have to compare your chapter three with somebody else's chapter twenty.
Galatians 6:4 says:
“But let every man prove his own work…”
God has given you a race.
Your assignment may be different.
Your journey may be different.
Your timing may be different.
Your obstacles may be different.
And your testimony may be different.
Stop looking at how quickly somebody else seems to be moving and trust what God is doing in your life.
YOU ARE NOT CALLED TO OUTRUN OTHER PEOPLE. YOU ARE CALLED TO FINISH YOUR RACE FAITHFULLY!
RUN WITH PATIENCE
This may be one of the hardest parts.
“…run with patience…”
We want God to do it now.
We want the prayer answered now.
We want the door opened now.
We want the healing now.
We want the breakthrough now.
We want the situation changed now.
But sometimes God develops us while we are waiting for what He promised us.
Isaiah 40:31 declares:
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength…”
Patience does not mean you have stopped believing.
Patience means:
“God, even though I haven't seen it yet, I still trust You.”
When you're tired—keep running.
When you're disappointed—keep running.
When people misunderstand you—keep running.
When prayers seem unanswered—keep running.
When you cannot see the finish line—keep running.
Why?
Because God never promised that the race would always be easy.
But He promised that He would be with you.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS
Hebrews 12:2 gives us the secret:
“Looking unto Jesus…”
Your strength will not come from constantly looking at the problem.
Your peace will not come from constantly looking at people.
Your confidence will not come from constantly looking at circumstances.
LOOK TO JESUS!
Peter learned this lesson when he walked on water.
Matthew 14:29–30 tells us Peter stepped out of the boat and walked toward Jesus. But when he focused on the wind, fear entered and he began to sink.
The storm was already there when Peter stepped out.
The difference was where Peter was looking.
As long as his attention was directed toward Jesus, he was walking through something that should have overwhelmed him.
But when his focus shifted from Christ to the crisis, fear began taking over.
And somebody needs to hear this today:
DON'T LET WHAT IS AROUND YOU BECOME BIGGER THAN THE JESUS WHO IS BEFORE YOU!
JESUS IS THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER
Hebrews calls Jesus:
“…the author and finisher of our faith.”
If Jesus is the Author, He knows your story.
If Jesus is the Finisher, He knows how your story ends.
Philippians 1:6 says:
“He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
God did not bring you this far just to abandon you halfway through the race.
There are still chapters God is writing.
There are still prayers God is answering.
There are still doors God can open.
There are still people God wants you to impact.
There is still purpose in you.
So don't quit because you're tired.
Don't quit because it became difficult.
Don't quit because somebody walked away.
Don't quit because things didn't happen according to your timetable.
LAY ASIDE THE WEIGHT.
TURN AWAY FROM THE SIN.
STOP COMPARING YOUR RACE.
RUN WITH PATIENCE.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS.
And when your strength gets low, remember:
THE SAME JESUS WHO CALLED YOU TO THE RACE WILL GIVE YOU THE GRACE TO FINISH IT!


PRAYER...
Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, thank You for reminding us that we are not running this race alone.
Lord, reveal every weight that has been slowing us down. Help us release fear, worry, disappointment, bitterness, unforgiveness, painful memories, and every burden You never intended us to carry.
Search our hearts, O God. Reveal every sin that easily besets us, and give us the courage to repent, surrender, and walk in obedience.
When we become tired, strengthen us.
When we become discouraged, encourage us.
When we become distracted, redirect our eyes toward Jesus.
When we cannot understand what You are doing, give us faith to trust You anyway.
Help us stop comparing our journey with others and faithfully run the race You have personally placed before us.
We declare that our past will not stop us, our problems will not defeat us, distractions will not derail us, and discouragement will not cause us to quit.
Our eyes are on Jesus—the Author and Finisher of our faith!
Give us grace to run.
Give us patience to endure.
Give us strength to continue.
And give us faith to finish.
In the mighty name of Jesus,
Amen and Amen!

DECLARATION...
TODAY I DECLARE:
I will lay aside every weight that hinders my walk with God.
I will turn away from anything that separates me from His will.
I will not compare my race with anyone else's race.
I will run with patience when the journey becomes difficult.
I will trust God when I cannot understand His timing.
I will keep moving when I feel tired.
I will keep believing when I cannot see the breakthrough.
MY EYES ARE FIXED ON JESUS!
He is the Author of my faith.
He is the Finisher of my faith.
What God has started in me, He is faithful to complete!
I WILL NOT QUIT!
I WILL NOT GIVE UP!
I WILL RUN MY RACE!
I WILL KEEP THE FAITH!
AND BY THE GRACE OF GOD, I WILL FINISH STRONG!
In Jesus’ name—Amen!

August 26
“WHO GOD IS TO ME”
MY HOPE
Psalm 71:5 (LLV) —
“For You are my hope, O Lord GOD; You have been my trust since my youth.”
Hope
is often
spoken of
as something
we wish
will happen.
“I hope
things get better.”
“I hope
everything works out.”
“I hope
tomorrow
will be easier.”
But biblical hope
is different.
It is not
a wish.
It is
confidence
placed
in Someone.
“For You
are my hope,
O Lord GOD.”
The psalmist
does not say,
“My hope
is that
my circumstances
will improve.”
His hope
is God.
Then he looks
backward.
“You have been
my trust
since my youth.”
There is something
beautiful
about faith
that has lived
long enough
to remember.
Years
bring memories.
Some joyful.
Some painful.
Some we would
gladly live
again.
Others
we are simply
grateful
to have survived.
But when
we look back,
we can often see
something
we could not see
while we were
living through them.
God
was there.
Through doors
that opened.
Through doors
that closed.
Through prayers
answered
as we hoped.
Through prayers
answered
in ways
we did not
understand.
Through beginnings.
Through endings.
Through laughter.
Through tears.
God
was there.
And yesterday's
faithfulness
becomes
today's reason
for hope.
The psalmist
does not pretend
the future
holds no uncertainty.
Later he prays,
“Do not cast me away
when I am old;
do not forsake me
when my strength
is gone.”
He knows
life changes.
Strength fades.
Tomorrow
contains things
we cannot predict.
But God
does not change
with our seasons.
The God
who held us
when we were young
does not become
less faithful
as the years
pass.
So hope
does not require us
to know
what happens next.
Hope says,
“I know
who will be there.”
Perhaps
that is why
this is
the right place
to finish
our journey.
We have called Him:
My Rock.
My Shepherd.
My Light.
My Refuge.
My Strength.
My Keeper.
The One
who walks
with me.
My Hiding Place.
And now,
after remembering
all those things,
we can look
toward whatever
comes next
and say:
You are
my hope.
A new beginning can face an unknown tomorrow because it remembers a faithful yesterday:
I may not know what lies ahead, but I know the God who will be there.
Reflection: When I look back over my life, where can I see God's faithfulness giving me reason to trust Him with what still lies ahead?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have been faithful through every season of my life. Thank You for the times I recognized Your hand and for the times You were working when I could not see it. When tomorrow feels uncertain, help me remember yesterday's faithfulness. You have been my trust, and You remain my hope. Whatever years or days lie ahead, let me face them with confidence—not because I know what they hold, but because I know You will be there. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Dear Father,

I love the teaching style of Jesus, particularly because He used parables to make illustrations, and from these parables, so much can be deduced. Today, I pondered the Parable of the Talents, which says: “The kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his servants and entrusted his goods unto them. He gave one five talents, another two, and another one. The one with five talents traded and gained five more talents, and he that had received two also gained two more. The last one did nothing with what he was given…”

However, between the periods of receiving the talents and the reward lies a season of struggle. Such great conversions are not instantaneous; if they were, they would all have brought back returns. And perhaps the five talents measured as returns for the five given were not a literal representation of how his harvest was without losses. Perhaps, in the process of conversion, he gained some harvests and some lessons. And perhaps both the lessons and the fruits are counted as gains in this kingdom.

In seamlessly telling the story, He had no intention of bypassing the struggle; He left us to discern the various ways in which it applies: that both the fruits and the lessons are counted as gains in this kingdom, so long as we proceed-- not to bury what has been entrusted to us, but to put it to use.

I’d like to write You about the struggles and the lessons I’ve encountered, and how all people see are the fruits. But do I need to? When most of all, You see how in the midst of all these, I’ve grown.

Translations;
Slide 1: English
Slide 2: French
Slide 3: Bengali
Slide 4: Hindi
Slide 5: Urdu

#LettertoGod
#stewardship
#purpose
#gifts
#talents

Actor and 1990's New Kids on the Block American BoyBand founding member Donnie Wahlberg celebrated his birthday by looking back on a year of spiritual renewal, sharing footage of himself and his wife, Jenny McCarthy, being baptized.

“The Lord has been renewing my mind, rebuilding my spirit, rearranging my priorities, recentering my focus…refining my faith, restoring my joy and redeeming my life!” Wahlberg wrote.

The “Blue Bloods” star has become increasingly outspoken about his Christian faith, recently sharing that after years of relying on himself, he realized he needed to surrender his life to Jesus. He has even called giving his life to Christ the greatest accomplishment of his life.

Reflecting on where his journey has brought him, Wahlberg ended his birthday message with a powerful declaration: “I don’t know where I would be without Jesus, but I know where I will be with Him! All the glory is His!”