Give Yourself the Gift of Not Worrying

Fall is in the air! I can almost taste the crisp and cool breezes subtly floating in, can you? October marks that time of year when we invariably start thinking about the holidays. It’s an exciting time for most, but can also be sprinkled with sadness if you’ve experienced loss, which most of us have. In addition, most people see it as a stressful time because there’s just a lot going on. I say let’s harness the season’s positive energy surrounding the celebration of the birth of our Savior and use it as a catalyst for a time of reflection, prayer, and for counting our blessings!

If you grew up in a Christian home, I bet at least once you were reminded that Christmas is about the birth of Baby Jesus, not about the presents under the tree. It’s so interesting how us humans love to give advice, but fail at applying it to our own lives. So, off we go to the mall during peak hours to shop for Christmas presents. Before we step foot into a store, we are already stressed because it took us 15 minutes just to find a parking space. We make ourselves crazy trying to find the perfect gifts. We ask ourselves, “What do they like? What do they need? Would they like one of those air fryers that are so popular right now? Maybe they need a power tool. Perhaps I’ll make my life easier and get them a gift card, but will a gift card seem impersonal?” Arrrggghhh! Do you see what’s going on here? Simply put: Worrying. That’s what’s going on here. 

You Don’t Have to Worry

As you may know, lately I have been focusing on The Creed of the Beloved, one line at a time. I’d like to dive into the “You don’t have to worry” line, especially since the holidays are upon us. Jesus taught us this: “So 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.” —Matthew 6:31-33. The “seek ye first” passage is one of the most important in the Bible because it tells us where to focus our energy. 

My friend, there is so much in life you cannot control, nor would you want to anyway. That would be exhausting. Worrying about something that might happen, what you couldn’t control anyway, is a complete waste of your time and energy. Better for you to have lots of energy when something bad actually happens. Then you will have your wits about you, as well as your strength, and you’ll endure the challenge better.

Guardian Angels in the Midst

If you find yourself worrying about everything you need to get done to prepare for the holidays, try putting things in perspective. For many, there are far greater things that people are enduring and going through. If you go to a place of worry, I’d like for you to think about angels, which are one of the biggest symbols of the holiday season. I think there are guardian angels that God assigns to us. This is something you can think about when it comes to the big challenges that you just can’t help worrying about. You don’t have to worry because God is taking care of you. We have angels around us and they are working wonders in our life. 

I’d like to think that a very strong angel has been assigned to my son, Cohen. Most of you know that Cohen has developmental delays due to severe health issues. I’ll be honest and tell you that it hasn’t been an easy road, especially in those moments when it looked like his life was in danger. Of course there was worrying involved, I’m not saying there shouldn’t be any worry at all. But what I’m saying is to catch yourself in those moments of intense worry and just give it to God. Just hand it over to Him. Although I don’t know exactly what the future holds for my little guy, I am confident that good things are coming for him, because I know the character of his Heavenly Father. Since God is full of healing, power, grace, and goodness, I believe that Cohen’s best is ahead of him, and that brings me comfort.

Friend, enjoy this holiday season to the fullest and make a concerted effort to set your worries aside. We have come out of a challenging time and the good Lord has seen us through it. We have suffered loss, but God promises a brighter tomorrow! I pray that you will become a hopeful visionary who can see a way forward in all circumstances. 

God loves you and so do I!

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Standing on God’s Promises, Together…

The Lord guides us to do His good will and share it with mankind. At Hour of Power, we feel truly honored to be a part of a ministry that inspires, heals, and moves people forward in their journey with the Lord, our Savior! We absolutely appreciate all of the testimonials that people take the time to write and send in. We wish we had enough space to publish them all. Also appreciated are the suggestions on how we can improve our ministry, as we want to put forth the best program possible to serve our viewers. 

It warms our hearts to know that lives are being transformed as the Holy Spirit works in and through our global church family. Here are just a few of the testimonials we have received recently:

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The Widow’s Mite: No Gift is Too Small

Do you know the Biblical story of the Widow’s Mite? It’s an often overlooked narrative that’s worth a second glance. It’s about a poor widow who gives two small copper coins to the temple treasury. It was all the money she had. Jesus witnesses this offering and describes how great her gift is, because it represents a greater proportion of her wealth than the larger gifts of wealthy people.

“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.’ ” — Mark 12:41-44

Jesus is teaching His disciples that it is not the amount of money given that is important, but rather the sacrifice made in the offering. There’s a special group of people here at Hour of Power called Legacy Donors, who have decided to give a portion of their estate to this Ministry. It’s a way to ensure that the positive word of the Gospel continues after you are called home by God. It doesn’t require a lot of money to leave a legacy. No gift is too small to share your love for Jesus for generations to come.

To learn more about how you can update or create your Will or Living Trust, we invite you to call us at 714-971-4111 or email livinglegacy@hourofpower.org. 

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You Can Trust Him

WHEN YOU’RE FRUSTRATED, WHEN YOU’RE WORRIED, WHEN YOU’RE AFRAID … THIS IS THE TRUTH YOU CAN STAND ON.

There’s something so powerful about trusting God — no matter what. 

Because the reality is, situations and circumstances in life will test your resolve and faith in God. They might even be unexpected like the loss of a loved one, a financial setback, or a relationship crisis.

This is why it is so powerful when we remember Scriptures like Proverbs 3:5–6 … 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Notice this Scripture doesn’t tell us to sit and do nothing. We still have a part to play and that’s doing what God has told us to do. The key is to work hard while also abandoning all outcomes to Him. God’s Word has always had and will always be the final word, making our paths straight. The question is …

Are you willing to trust Him?

I know it isn’t always easy and there are times when the waiting can be frustrating and difficult. But I want to encourage you today to remain committed to trusting God. He’s good, He’s working on your behalf, and He always has your best in mind.

His Word promises in Jeremiah 29:11,

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

I’m praying for you today and believing for God to give you a greater revelation of His love, grace, and goodness in your life. Remember — He is faithful, He is with you, and you can trust Him!

God loves you and so do I,