Tag:

Father’s Love

Pastor Tom Kang Shares Bible Verse Where The Word ‘Love’ Appears For The First Time

by Kriza Jo Tanduyan April 9, 2024

written by Kriza Jo Tanduyan

Pastor Tom Kang shared the part of the scripture where the word “love” appeared for the first time.

Pastor Tom Kang

The lead pastor of NewStory Church, Tom Kang, preached about “love” in one of his sermons. According to him, the word ‘love’ first appeared in Genesis 22:2, “Then God said, ‘Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.’” He explained that among all the places and situations in scripture, it was particularly striking to know that the first time it appeared was in the story of Abraham and Isaac. This story mainly emphasized the depth of a father’s love for his son, whom he was willing to sacrifice.

Eventually, he mentioned that this story was familiar not because it may be the first story recorded in the Bible, but because it was not the last. There were truths revealed at the beginning of the Bible that echoed like waves throughout the scripture — from the Old to the New Testament. One of those truths was hidden behind the story of Abraham and Isaac, a tale of a Father’s Love and a son’s willingness to follow his father.

NewStory Church. (Screenshot). (2024). Isaac, Retrieved March 14, 2024 from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ebtO4rlpOY

Father’s Love

Furthermore, he discussed that centuries later, the gospel presented a new story of a Father’s love and the perfect Son’s willingness to obey even when it meant carrying a wooden cross. Only this time, instead of God providing the substitute, the Son became the sacrifice.

“Jesus, in this second portion. He is the sacrificial lamb. Who substitutes who? Substitutes you. He substitutes me. See, Jesus finished what Isaac started. Jesus finished what Abraham and Isaac never could,” he highlighted.

Moreover, he emphasized that what Jesus did on the cross was amazing and beautiful. Then, he read Romans 8:42, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”

Watch the full sermon here.

Reference | NewStory Church

Header Image: NewStory Church. (Screenshot). (2024). Isaac, Retrieved March 14, 2024 from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ebtO4rlpOY

April 9, 2024 0 comment

Faith God's Word for the Day

God’s Word for Today: The Unfailing Love of Our Father

by Lily Benson September 19, 2023

written by Lily Benson

In the unfailing love of our Father you will find the strength to press on, the courage to face each day, and the peace that surpasses all understanding.

What Does The Bible Say

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Lamentations 3:22-26

In the darkest moments, when hope seems distant, you can find solace in the knowledge that your Heavenly Father’s love is unwavering. His compassion is new every morning, a fresh stream of grace to sustain you through each day.

It’s essential to remember that it’s okay to grieve, to acknowledge the pain and hardship. But let not your heart be consumed by despair, for the Lord is your portion, your very inheritance. In Him, you find all that you need. He is enough, and His love is more than sufficient to carry you through any trial.

The prophet Jeremiah knew this intimately. In the midst of desolation, he clung to the hope that God’s faithfulness would prevail. It was this unwavering trust that kept him going, even when circumstances seemed bleak. Like Jeremiah, you too can find strength in your Savior’s unfailing love.

Take a moment to breathe. Inhale the promises of God and exhale the burdens that weigh on your heart. As you do, may you find rest in His presence, knowing that He holds every aspect of your life in His capable hands. You are not alone.

In the midst of uncertainty, trust that God is working all things for your good. Even when the path ahead seems unclear, His love illuminates the way. You are cherished, seen, and deeply loved by the Creator of the universe.

Watch GOD TV here

Father’s Love Saves Son From Earthquake Rubble In Turkey

by Christa February 15, 2023

written by Christa

Amidst the tragedy in Turkey, love prevails when a father shields his son from the falling debris of their apartment during a deadly earthquake.

Father’s Love

Early morning on February 6, a strong earthquake which was never experienced in the last two decades, hit Turkey. With a magnitude of 7.8, the country faced one of its most devastating times as the tremor left massive damage and killed thousands of people.

But national search operations have rescued quite a handful of residents over the week. And in its one rescue episode, they have witnessed a miracle and a story of a father’s love.

In a video capturing the touching moment, the recording showed the rescue workers retrieving bodies from the pile of rubble. Then, they took out a man with a child on his lap. The man appeared to be protecting his son, shielding him with his body. The workers did not realize that the father’s sacrifice would be worth it.

As they cleared the debris and took out the boy’s body, suddenly, the boy opened his eyes and breathed.

People shouted praises to God as they witnessed the miracle before them. They then rushed him to the hospital to be treated.

Although the father did not survive, his love will remain, and his legacy will live on through his son’s life.

Pray for Turkey

According to USA Today, Turkish President Recep Erdogan reported the death toll rising to more than 35,000 over the last week in the country alone. Adding the number of casualties of the earthquake in Syria, it would total more than 41,000.

Rescue teams have reported that they still hear voices under the rubble a week after the earthquake. It gave hope to the team to find more survivors. But at the same time, time is crucial. Another day means another day of hunger, a small amount of oxygen, and wounds left untreated for the survivors.

So, let us pray for God’s intervention and miraculous help would come their way. Let us pray for Turkey and declare that God will use the tragedy for the revival and harvest of souls.

Header image: Addis Standard, Photo of Turkey, Facebook. Feb 15, 2023. https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/photos/pcb.5924786114236001/5924784140902865/

February 15, 2023 0 comment

Faith Spotlight

God’s Heart For Your Family

by Lauren Koch August 23, 2022

written by Lauren Koch

Have you been feeling like you can’t catch a break lately? Read on for reminders of God’s heart for your family.

“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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.“(Jeremiah 19:11-13)

Believing God’s heart for your family

It can be difficult to understand or look for God’s heart for your family in the midst of trial or even the daily responsibilities of life. If you relate to this, take a moment to remember God’s command to Noah: “be fruitful and increase in number on the earth” (Genesis 9:1). God cares deeply for the family you have created. You have a choice in the attitude you take for your day and towards your family. I pray that if you are in need of a fresh breath of air from Holy Spirit, you receive it today.

Receiving from your first love

Look on the face of the one who loves you, and the one who you love. Go back to the place where you first met His love. Let your history with the father wash over you with gratitude. From this place, receive God’s heart for your family and your life. Ask Him questions about how he views your marriage, your children, and your family’s purpose on this earth. Pray that Jesus would reveal himself to you in the daily, seemingly uninteresting parts of your life, refreshing you with his life and word.

August 23, 2022 0 comment

Faith Spotlight

God Speaks Through Bird Feathers

by Lauren Koch July 27, 2022

written by Lauren Koch

A few years ago, I experienced a season of love from God unlike ever before. Though His love for us is never changing, I believe He used this time to truly transform my heart through multiple encounters with His goodness.

One night at church a woman approached me to share an encouraging word. In it, she mentioned she saw me free as a bird, covered with beautiful feathers. Shortly after, another girl approached me and very hesitantly shared that when she saw me, she immediately thought of the feathers of a peacock. She went on to pray for me and encourage me as a friend. I couldn’t stop laughing at the humor of God! Two people in one evening telling me the same word? He must be speaking! The scriptures that both women prayed over me that day had powerfully grabbed my attention and led me to have an ongoing conversation with the Lord about the season of life he was leading me into.

Winks from God

More than a year later, I was constantly seeing peacocks everywhere I went. It became a game of sorts. I’d see them stopped at red light, on the car in front of me in a bumper sticker. I was gifted a necklace and the charm hung a peacock feather. One day I came home to my apartment and there was a box delivered with a peacock stuffed animal inside it. It seemed the Father was constantly winking at me, reminding me that He saw and loved me.

God speaks through anything that gets our attention

God will use anything to capture our attention and transform our hearts. One day, a neighbor knocked on my door. The wrong package had been delivered to him, and he was bringing it over to me. In his arms were several handfuls of peacock feathers. It was so odd–why was this man carrying these around? He explained he and his sons had just returned from a farm where they got to take some feathers home. He looked at the array of feathers in his arm, handing me the best looking one. “Here, this is for you”.

In this time, God taught me how much he cares for our hearts and the things we care about. God speaks through our desires, showing us just how good he is. I pray that as you read this, the desires of your heart are uncovered and met by God. He cares for you.

July 27, 2022 0 comment

Articles

Dad Surprised By His Two Girls Who Applied To Britain’s Got Talent For Him

by Rhoda Gayle April 22, 2022

written by Rhoda Gayle

A dad was surprised by his two girls who applied to Britain’s Got Talent for him.

Britain’s Got Talent

Nick Edward planned a day our for their family, but his two little daughters had other plans that day. He was sitting in the audience of Britain’s Got Talent with his family when he suddenly saw his daughters Cally, 4, and Savannah, 3, on stage. They were accompanied by Nick’s mother who explained their plan to surprise him.

Everyone in their family knew that the 35-year-old father wouldn’t audition for the show, so they did something unbelievable. Cally and Savannah applied to the talent show on behalf of their dad. When asked by the judges why he didn’t apply to the show himself, he confessed to them that he doesn’t have the confidence to sing.

“I think over the years, I’ve lost a lot of confidence in my singing. So, I tend to do it at home, in the shower,” Nick said.

Photo Courtesy: YouTube | Britain’s Got Talent

Nick Edwards

The girls wanted to hear their daddy sing the song he has been singing for them. It was a very emotional song about a father’s love for his children. After a little water break, Nick came back on stage with his guitar and performed the song.

“You’re daddy’s little girls, precious little angels dancing in the living room and drawing on the table. Wearing momma’s pearls, putting on her make-up. Even though I know these moments won’t last forever, to me, you’ll always be daddy’s little girls.”

Photo Courtesy: YouTube | Britain’s Got Talent

Everyone was in tears as he sings every lyric of the song beautifully and emotionally. Nick’s eyes during his performance tell just how much he loves his daughters.

“Someday you’ll be dressed in white, all gracious with butterflies. But in my mind, I’ll let you go, in my heart you know you’ll always stay here. Until then I’ll cherish every kiss good night.”

As he finished the song, the audience and the judges gave him a standing ovation. What should have been a normal family day out for the Edwards turned out to be a great opportunity for Nick. All the judges voted him into the next round of the competition.

“It was just so moving from start to finish… There’s nor a dry eye in the house and that really hit me emotionally more than anything else today,” judge David Walliams commented.

EMOTIONAL DAD surprised by his kids who applied for the show for him! | Auditions | BGT 2022

Watch this video on YouTube

Grow closer to God daily by getting exclusive video teachings on God Today!

Read God’s Word For You Today directly from your phone. Download the Daily Word app now on Google Play and Appstore

Reference: Youtube | Britain’s Got Talent

April 22, 2022 0 comment

Faith Featured

A Father’s Blessing

by GOD TV March 18, 2022

written by GOD TV

Hey guys, I’ve got a word of encouragement for you today. I want to start off, though, first by just sharing really briefly. I’m a dad, and I have two kids. My daughter, the oldest one, when she came into our life, my wife and I knew that we were going to have her long before we even met each other. God dropped a vision in our hearts, that one day, this little girl will be part of my life and my wife’s life before we met. And that’s a whole other story on another day. But the big thing was to be encouraged by, “Hey, this vision has lit me up, has gotten me excited. ” When she came into my life, I was overjoyed and immediately said, from that day forward, “I’m committing her to you, Lord, I’m going to pray for her, I’m going to lift her up.” On a regular basis, He reminds me, this is what it’s about. This is what it’s for.

And so right now, I just want to pray as the father to my daughter, right? I’m lifting her up daily and praying for her. But I also want to pray for you guys, I want to lift you up and lift you up in a way that just would be to see those blessings upon you right now.

I want to pray. Thank you Lord, as you our Father, Heavenly Father, want nothing but great things, that you desire for us to increase in capacity of not only having what you’ve met within, what you want to increase: the joy, the peace, the love, what the Spirit has to offer, what the Spirit wants to do. Lord, thank you that you are not only faithful to do those things, but that you’re the Author and the Finisher of our faith. You bring to fruition, the great things, the things that we would have even yet to discover, we’ve just been tapping the surface, Lord, holding onto things that maybe we’ve had thoughts come up and we’re like, “That would be amazing, this would be so great,” but you go beyond that.

I pray right now that blessing over everyone listening, everyone hearing this word, let it be that the Spirit rises up within them. That you, Lord, let them be overtaken with your joy, your love, your capacity to love others. I pray right now also power, supernatural power and strength. They would not run out of that “Go get ‘er, I’m going to get it done, I’m gonna go for Jesus, I’m going to fight for Jesus, I’m going to do what I’m called to do” in whatever arena you’re called to, and let it be that you do it with the strength of God, without your own strength and power. I know that God’s put it on my heart to just say, “Don’t do it in your strength.” Don’t try to, we can run out of our own strength like that. Let it be that the supernatural power of the Lord is where your source is, and it just continues to ignite you, continues to grow up and within you. And then you can do it, and say that this is all because of the Lord, because of what God is doing in and through me, not me in my own power, my own strength, but God doing this, and God gets the glory. So thank you Lord, for that. Thank you that you have nothing but love for everyone listening and greater love, Lord, that it is increasing. What I’m envisioning is just this increasing love, from one point of contact to the next contact, and just continue, continue to hit the next person, the next person, and let that spread across this globe, in the Name of Jesus. Be blessed.

________

Intimacy With God: To Know Him Is To Love Him

by John Mathai July 25, 2021

written by John Mathai

True Intimacy

To really know a person is a key to intimacy. When I know a person I accept the person for who he or she is. There is no judgment involved but total acceptance. This is the way God accepts me. He knew me before I was born. He knows my weaknesses and sins. Yet He loves me unconditionally. It is this love that draws me to Him and keeps me in the straight and narrow way.

God is love. And to know Him in this way is a profound knowledge that goes beyond head knowledge. To know Him intimately is to appreciate the deep things of God. God is above us and He is our Creator. There is no one like Him. Yet He makes Himself known to us. It is His Spirit that communes with us and makes us know that we are His. This kind of knowledge is what sets us apart from others who know a lot about God. This is why the devil is able to oppress many because he knows that they don’t know Him. To know Him is to love Him.

Bond With The Father

Jesus came to reveal the Father. Now we know Him as our Father in heaven. And this is true intimacy. Once we know Him we become like Him. Jesus walked in an intimate relationship with His Father. God wants us to have this kind of relationship with Him. When we hear His voice everything else fades into oblivion. This is the ultimate purpose for His people that they may know their God. This intimate union results in the overthrow of the kingdom of Satan. He can’t touch you because of such a strong bond with the Father. So we must trust Him to reveal Himself to us personally. I promise you will never be the same again. Finally, thank you, Jesus, for revealing the Father and making us one with you.

July 25, 2021 0 comment

Articles

A Restart Through GOD’s Grace

by Kelmy Rodriquez July 2, 2020

written by Kelmy Rodriquez

We all wish that we could pause and restart. This thought usually occurs when we suffer from the consequences of our poor decisions. Have you ever entertained the idea of starting life all over from birth? Imagine if we could restart life from the point we went wrong? You can start over and experience a restart through GOD’s Grace!

Diseased Upon Birth

Upon birth, we are born into a world of sin. The iniquities of generations have plagued the beautiful gifts that GOD has given us during creation. From the Garden to the present, the sins of humanity have become trivial. In the womb, we are innocent and protected from the plaque of transgression. We are sheltered as we maintain introverted from sin within the world.

The most significant moment after our birth is the first few minutes of life. We take shallow and irregular breaths, hopefully adjusting to the dense oxygen. As we struggle to breathe, our lungs begin to exercise as we strive to accumulate oxygen. It is truly miraculous and an unforgettable experience. Yet, it is a calamity for the soul. The moment of our first breath, we inhaled the constitutions of humanity. “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” (Psalm 51:5)

We can truly understand the fundamental need for baptism if we identify sin as a form of infection. Baptism would be the vaccine. It formulates a spiritual immune response that begins the process of sanctification. At birth, we become infected with the natural order of humanity and begin to die. Our imminent death is not just in a physical form; we die spiritually, which results in our separation from GOD.

Separation and the Cure

Sin distances us from Our Father and leads us to destructive and deviant behaviors. Freedom from this worldly doctrine is through the Holy Spirit, which we receive through baptism. “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)

Baptism is a new birth, the formation of a new creation. It is not a new birth in the physical as defined by anatomy and physiology. This birth is of the Spirit. This sacred and defining sacrament cultivates the soul to grow in Christ. Many perceive this to be a mere outward expression of one’s faith or an act of obedience. There is a lot more to this powerful act and declaration of faith.

Baptism brings us into communion with GOD. It fosters that much missing component in our relationship with HIM. “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. ‘How can someone be born when they are old?’ Nicodemus asked. ‘Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!’ Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to Spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.'” (John 3:3-7)

Restart, Purify, And Sustain

Amongst Christians, water represents purity and life. During a bath, water takes away dirt, microorganisms we attract daily and alleviates us from odors. Water maintains our hygiene and is used to clean out potential germs from injuries. Medical professionals utilize water to irrigate wounds to prevent infection.

Water brings life by maintaining our hydration and sustaining life. We, like all of GOD’s other creations, are unable to continue living without it. Our food requires water to grow and live. We need water to cultivate and grow greens. A tree endures throughout centuries, yet it requires water to live.

Baptism symbolizes purification and opens an invitation to join GOD in communion. In this great communion with GOD, we are visited by the Holy Spirit for fellowship. The Spirit serves as an announcer that the Father is coming to visit us. HIS fingers purge us of our inherited and personal sins; this is the moment we are granted a restart, a rebirth!

The Restart Through Rebirth

Baptism is an essential step for the processes of sanctification. You become justified by Christ for the glorification of the Kingdom. GOD has created an intelligent design as a pathway for salvation. All we need to do is follow the road, and the first step is baptism. We are unable to promote happiness and freedom in our life without HIS Grace! Have you chosen to restart?

Rev. Kelmy Rodriquez Th.D.

July 2, 2020 0 comment

Articles Faith

Romans 8:28: All Things Work Together For Good

by Carolina Henderson April 4, 2020

written by Carolina Henderson

Look beyond Coronavirus. Romans 8:28 says,“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Sadly, Coronavirus is bringing disaster to many, however, contrastingly we’re also seeing a family out walking and talking together, in other words building better family relationships in our society.

Likewise in (Gen 3:8) below, we read about God also taking the time to meet with His children in the Garden of Eden.

“When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees.”

Essentially, the point being made here is the fall of Adam and Eve, nevertheless, we also discover it was therefore normal for God to walk and talk with His children.

Despite Satan’s plan to kill and destroy. Is Coronavirus bringing about the original picture God had for mankind?

Plagues and diseases are not from God!

God offers us protection from plagues and disease in (Psalm 91) therefore, we can safely say coronavirus doesn’t originate from God but Satan.

“This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
    he is my God, and I trust him.
³For he will rescue you from every trap
    and protect you from deadly diseases.
⁴He will cover you with his feathers.
    He will shelter you with his wings.
    His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
⁵Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies in the day.
⁶Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
    nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
⁷Though a thousand fall at your side,
    though ten thousand are dying around you,
    these evils will not touch you.”

And Psalm 91:10

…”no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.”

Is what the devil meant for bad, God working together for good?

Firstly, as a result of having fewer cars on the road, we can breathe cleaner air.

Secondly, we’re being gifted with an unusually rare but beautiful sight of fathers interacting with their children because time has been afforded them.

Thirdly, many mothers are again enjoying baking and getting back to basics, and furthermore, a tranquil environment being experienced simply because shops are closing for longer.

Romans 8:28

Whilst I can appreciate we need money to live. As Romans 8:28 says, let’s use this disaster to remind ourselves what’s more important to us and make some changes permanent, like our relationship with God and making time for our family above making money our God.

Above all, no amount of money could ever replace a loved one.

The Bible says this is how it was supposed to be. God is our provider, rather than we become independent of Him, therefore frantically meeting our own needs and ruining our families in the process through our ignorance, falsely believing this is the only way!

I’ve personally been using this time to spend more time with my Heavenly Father, walking and talking with Him. Whereby, He has been downloading to me His original plan, very clearly through my born again spirit.

We simply take care of what God provides for us, in all areas of life, now that Jesus has redeemed us.

Carolina Henderson – Also read – Do you need to re-prioritize some things in life?

April 4, 2020 0 comment

Newer Posts

Older Posts