Month: January 2021

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Thought of the Day 1/13/21

““Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew‬ ‭5:10‬ (‭ESV)‬‬

There has been a lot of people throwing around the term “persecuted” lately to describe the treatment of the modern Christian Church, even here in America. Is the American Church truly under persecution? When compared to other countries like India, China, Nepal, and so many others where believers are imprisoned, kept from their families, shunned from their communities, beaten, tortured, and even killed for their faith and boldness for sharing it, it is hard to ascribe the term “persecuted” to the treatment of Christians in America presently. However, I personally do not believe that we are far from it with the way that this country has been spiraling morally for the past few decades. As a society, we have deemed Christianity as “outdated” or even “cult-like”. May God have mercy on us! If we do not remain steadfast and bold in our faith and in protecting our God-given and constitutionally protected right to worship God and declare Him to others, we will soon be listed as a country where persecution is rampant.

Take heart, though, my brothers and sisters. Our Lord and Savior Himself declared:  “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Trust that  God will be with you as you proclaim His name, and even if you suffer persecution it will be counted as a blessing for you will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven!

Jessica Ford

Communications Director 

ALIVE Ministries USA

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Thought of the Day 1/10/21

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews‬ ‭10:24-25‬ ‭(ESV‬‬)

In such a divided time in our country’s history, where the rift reaches into our churches, these verses from Hebrews are so important. We should be focused on trying to “stir up one another to love and good works” — reigniting that flame of passion and desire for God and serving Him. We need to also be sure to not neglect “to meet together, as is the habit of some”, even in the midst of a pandemic and governmental overreach trying to shut our churches down. Assembling together for corporate worship in the church is vital for the growth and development of each individual as well as the Church body as a whole. While doing so, we need to leave the divisive thoughts and language outside those sacred walls and seek to encourage one another and emphasize edification and unification as we can indeed “see the Day drawing near”. Are you being faithful to assemble and fellowship with fellow believers? Are you encouraging and edifying your brothers and sisters in Christ? If not, turn from that spirit of division and destruction today.

Jessica Ford

Communications Director 

ALIVE Ministries USA

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Thought of the Day 1/9/21

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm‬ ‭46:1‬ ‭(ESV‬‬)

We just came through a year of what many would call utter turmoil and chaos. From the pandemic to the election drama, there seemed to be nowhere to escape trouble in 2020. This new year so far has not looked to offer much relief, however, as many still face significant stress from loved ones dying, being sick or out of work from COVID-19, struggling with the difficulties of virtual schooling, juggling monies to keep the lights on and food on the table, etc. Amidst all of this there is still strong division in our country as well as the daily struggles of health, personal relationships, job difficulties, natural disasters, and so much more that keep the assaults coming. It is no wonder that so many today seem to be at their breaking point, and that suicide remains among the leading causes of death in the United States. Sadly, too many of us buy in to the false narrative that we have to be “strong enough” or take on our problems “alone”. There is a friend who is closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24) who is ready and waiting for us to call upon His name. When we call on Him, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Present. He is always with us just waiting for us to reach out to Him. Will you call upon His name today and allow Him to be your refuge, strength, and help?

Jessica Ford

Communications Director 

ALIVE Ministries USA

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Thought of the Day 1/8/21

“Therefore You are great, O Lord God. For there is none like You, and there is no God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.” 2 Samuel‬ ‭7:22‬ ‭(ESV‬‬)

King David here has just heard from God that his throne will be established for all future generations and lead to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. David, though considered even today one of the greatest kings of all time, regarded himself of lowly origin as the youngest of his father’s sons and “just a shepherd boy” (considered by some nations at that time the lowest occupation). However, God had chosen David to lead the nation of Israel and to be the earthly bloodline through which our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ would arise. David heard these words from God and had heard the promises of the Messiah passed down from the spiritual elders of past generations. There is truly none like God so faithful to keep their promises, so pure and righteous in character, so full of grace and mercy for those of us who do not deserve it. May we join in David’s praise of our Lord today that there is none like Him, and worthy is He to be praised!

Jessica Ford

Communications Director

Alive Ministries USA

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Thought of the Day 1/7/2021

“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.” Proverbs‬ ‭11:24‬ ‭(ESV‬‬)

It would seem if one person freely gives of what they have they would be in more want than the person who keeps for themselves what they have; however, today’s verse tells us the opposite. For when we give freely of our money, our time, our talents, our compassion, our friendship, God seeks to richly bless us. Do not mistake this as a get rich quick scheme or some sort of prosperity gospel for it is not. God will bless those who give all those aforementioned things freely with no regard for what they will get in return. How can you begin to give more freely today?

Jessica Ford

Communications Director

Alive Ministries USA

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Thought of the Day

“Give us this day our daily bread,”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:11‬ ‭(ESV‬‬)

The disciples of Jesus had asked Him to teach them how they should pray, as John the Baptist had taught his disciples. In this brief beginning to the example prayer, Jesus teaches that we should seek our daily needs from God. He is our Provider and knows all our needs before we even ask Him (Matthew 6:8). He delights in providing all our needs and even more so when we come to Him and trust Him to deliver them.

Did you read yesterday’s verse of the day? We were reminded not to focus merely on physical bread for our existence as God can sustain us by any means — including by the words of His mouth (Matthew 4:4). The Lord will provide — we need only seek Him and trust Him.

Jessica Ford
Communications Director
Alive Ministries USA