Tricia McNair: Noble Life Ministries

  "The Word  became flesh  and dwelt  among us. We observed his glory,  the glory as the one and only  Son  from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14 CSB) In this country's turbulent times it can be difficult to see God's grace, mercy, justice and truth. We find ourselves living in a rebellious nation, with a deadly disease, death by the thousands and trouble on every side.  Families are searching for financial stability and some of us just want to make it through this new "normal" way of living. I wondered what I could do to stay encouraged, feel God's grace, and  know his truth while making sure I use common sense to guide my decision making. The Holy Spirit spoke these instructions to me.  I hope they are helpful to you as well.  1) Preserve common sense and discretion.   Common sense is to have a sane and realistic attitude to situations and problems.  Discretion is the quality of leaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offe

" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.  "  The gift of discernment is giving to us as a gift to know the truth.  Webster dictionary defines “discern” as “to separate a thing mentally from another or others; recognize as separate or different — to perceive or recognize; make out clearly”.  In every aspect of our lives we must be able to separate truth from lie. Therefore, we need discernment to get to the truth.  Di scernment is a vital tool in spiritual warfare. Paul states in 1 Corinthians 12:10 "But to another, miracles and to another, prophecy ; to another discernment of spirits; to another, kinds of languages; to another, translation of languages [Original Aramaic]    Discernment of spirits is the ability to tell if you are dealing with the truth or a lying spirit.   The gift   of discerning spirit makes it possible to know with assurance whether behavior is divine, human or

"What I am leaving with you is Shalom [Peace] - I am giving you my shalom. I don't give the way the world gives. Don't let your yourselves be upset or frightened. [John 14:27 CJB]" P eace is defined as freedom from disturbance; tranquility.  Jesus gave us  his peace, calmness, not like the world's peace.  What is the difference between the world’s peace versus Jesus' kind of peace? Jesus' words before this verse gives us a clue. Jesus said that the Holy Spirit is to be our Counselor (Parakletos). During your troubled and difficult trials the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth (John 15:26;16:37) will comfort and provide us  truth and peace. The world cannot give this kind of peace because it does not accept Him neither sees Him nor knows Him. Yet He is real and active in the believer's life. The Spirit is unnoticed by the unsaved who have no spiritual life. The peace the Lord gives comes from the Holy Spirit. The peace that the world gives is

" It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.” [Isaiah 65:24 NKJV] Many people quote the phrase, "This too shall pass" and believe that it is in the Bible. However, the phrase is not in the Bible per se. But the phrase's meaning is true. Everything will pass away, but love.  It means that the trouble you are currently experiencing will pass away. However, the phrase ” It shall come to pass," means it has not happened yet but it will happen. Jeremiah is saying that before we call on our LORD God, he has heard and already answered our prayers. He will take care of the situation before we finish praying NOT when we finish praying! He already has the answer to your prayer. In other words, before we call on Him, he has worked it out and His plans are made for our victory.    The LORD knows about our current trouble, situation or pandemic, he has already answered and heard our request.  We must lea

“So don’t throw away that courage of yours, which carries with it such a great reward. For you need to hold out!" [Hebrews 10:32-36 CJB]    The author of the Book of Hebrews writes to the Messianic Community reminding them of the courage they displayed in their past sufferings and struggles. They knew what it was to be publicly disgraced and persecuted, property seized and also to support others who had such experiences.  They had gladly accepted it with joy, because they knew that what they possessed in Christ was the greater reward. He reminded the community that whatever they might now be facing, they would do well to remember those earlier days of getting through it and recalled their steadfastness in the past. He tells them that they stood strong before so don’t throw away the courage they had in the past.  We have faced many difficulties in this country in the last 20 years (i.e., 911,  other deadly viruses, recessions, Boston bombing, etc.) and now this COVID

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might." [Ephesians 6:1 NASB] Ephesians 6:1 Be strong – The Greek word used here is "Endunamoo" meaning to empower, enable, strengthen. In this verse it translates metaphorically to "strong mind".  During this time of uncertainty and a global pandemic do not become weak minded, afraid, anxious and lack trust. No matter what the circumstances are be strong in your mind and focus on prayer, praise and the Word of God.  As Jesus hung on the cross at Calvary, he said, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me. " His humanity felt what we feel when we go through trials and tribulations. But, the Son of God, knew it was not over and  Resurrection Day would come! It was the power of the Holy Spirit that raised Him from the grave, “ He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it” [Colossians 2:15].   From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the

Hannah’s Problem: Hannah was married to Elkanah, a direct descendant of Levi (1 Chronicles 6:33-38). One indication of how lawless were the times in which Samuel was born is his father’s bigamous marriages. In those days (though it was never sanctioned by God), a man whose wife was infertile would take a second wife by whom he could bear children. Elkanah had two wives, Penninah, his second wife had many children for Elkanah, but Hannah, the beloved, his first wife was barren. Often Penninah belittled and taunted her, plus the Israelites considered a barren woman to be cursed by God.   However, Hannah’s barrenness did not diminish Elkanah’s love for her. Just as our sins do not diminish the love God, Abba has for us. One day Elkanah gave Hannah a double portion of the sacrificial blessing, because he loved her. Penninah, her rival taunted her and made her feel bad, because ADONAI had kept her from having children. She taunted her so much that she would cry and not eat. This ta