We live in a society that seeks instant gratification. Instead of making do with what we have and working towards the achievement of a common goal, we often become impatient, wanting everything right now. Yet often the greatest blessings come in the journey en route to the things we want for our lives. Our insistence on having everything we think we need the exact minute we feel we need it sets us up to miss out on some of God’s richest lessons for us.

Yet often our perception of the things we need is faulty. We have difficulty differentiating between true need and what is simply want. Though God has promised to supply for our every need, we are often ungrateful for the things He has provided and foolishly seek more.

The Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:11:

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

Though many Christians have had to endure great persecution as a result of their relationship with Jesus, those of us who live in North America live relatively pampered lives. We have the luxury of worshipping our Lord both openly and freely without fear of having to renounce our choices or lose our lives.

The Apostle Paul knew what it was to suffer for his decisions. A citizen of Rome and a Pharisee, Paul once took great delight in persecuting those who chose to follow Christ. Upon his conversion to Christianity, Paul began to understand what it meant to experience hardship for his faith in our Lord. Shipwrecked several times, beaten, jailed, tortured, starved, and much more, Paul still held fast to the truth that he had learned that whether his needs were met or he found himself wanting that he chose to be content.

Few believers will ever be forced to suffer the mistreatment and pain the Apostle Paul did. Yet we take offence to the most minor inconveniences and are quick to complain when our every whim is not indulged. The truth is being content is a mindset. We can choose to see our circumstances as bleak or blessed. The decision is entirely our own.

If you are struggling to find contentment in the circumstances you find yourself in, consider some of these important steps to help you find the joy in your life:

• Think of one thing in your life that you are grateful for.

No one’s life is 100 percent perfect, yet we all have something we can be grateful for. Taking the time to reflect on your life can help you to see things from a different perspective. Find one thing that you are truly thankful for and express your gratitude to the Lord for that special gift.

• Replace each negative with a positive.

When you find yourself dwelling on the things in your life that make you unhappy, replace those thoughts with things that you are thankful for. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, take time to replace negative thinking with gratitude for the many things that God has given to you.

•  Take joy in simple pleasures.

We can become so caught up in our own negative thoughts that we forget to find the joy in the simple things in life. The greatest pleasures are often found in the smallest things such as the hand of a grandchild in your own, an interesting book, or a hot cup of tea on a cold winter’s night. Take the time to live in the moment and truly appreciate the small things that bring you great joy.

•  Remember that not getting what we want can be good for us.

Since we lack a heavenly perspective, we often cannot see when the things we want would actually cause us harm. Sometimes, not getting the things we want, or not getting them at the time feel we should receive them, is for our own good. Our Lord sees the bigger picture; we only see small details. At times, getting what we want leads to misery and pain, and we can thank our Lord for having the grace to spare us from ourselves and our own short-sighted desires.

Though it can be easy to become caught up in thoughts of what we don’t have, it is important to train our minds to be grateful for all of the things that God has given us. This simple shift in thinking can help us to learn to be content with our lives no matter what is going on around us. We have the confidence that God is for us, and He is working on our behalf to provide all of the things we need to live a life that is filled with joy and pleasing to Him.

Are you struggling with finding contentment in your life? Contact Anchor of Hope Ministry now at (306) 940-9554 to learn more about reconnecting with the source of joy through an abundant relationship with our Lord.

Are you afraid of what the future holds for your life, family, children or business? Or, maybe you are afraid of the next step that God is asking you to take?

The truth is that at one point in our lives, we have had to come face to face with fear. Fear is characterized by anxiety, worry, panic, terror, and apprehension. Someone once defined fear as false evidence appearing real. It is an evil spirit, doesn’t come from God, and the Bible is crystal clear about it.  

2 Timothy 1:7 
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

What Does Fear Do?

Fear cripples and hinders all areas of life and growth. It makes you skeptical – causing you to doubt. You may find yourself asking yourself questions such as. “Did God really say it? Will it work? What if? Do I have what it takes?”

As a result:

Fear causes us to resist change and therefore “get stuck.”

Fear makes you lose trust in God.

Fear tells you to maintain the status quo.

Fear says don't rock the boat.

Fear says you have never done that before.

Fear causes you to remain in the past and even move backwards.

A good example of the power of fear is when the children of Israel told Moses they were better off in Egypt. They feared the journey ahead because it was something they had not known or done before.

Exodus 14:12

12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.

3 Ways to Overcome Fear

As believers, it is important for us to understand that God is not the author of fear. Fear is from the enemy, and we need to deal with it accordingly. What does the Bible have to say about fear, and how can we as believers overcome it?

1.      Do Not be Afraid

When the Israelites became stubborn as a result of their fear, Moses instructed them to not be afraid.

Exodus 14:13 

13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

Letting go of your fear shows that you trust God.  It also builds up your faith, an act that is pleasing to God who continues to fight on your behalf.

2.     Move Ahead and Do What God has Told You Irrespective of Any Feelings of Fear

If fear is not from God, then we should not entertain it. It doesn’t mean it will not knock our doors; however, God has commanded us to slam the door on fear when it comes calling. So, if God has told you to do something, go ahead and do it regardless.

God told the Israelites to move forward when Pharaoh was behind them and the Red Sea was ahead of them. Don't look at the size of circumstances; look at the size of your God.

3.     Stand on God’s Word

365 times in the Bible, it says “fear not.”  There is command from God for every day of the year telling us that we should not fear. Imagine that!

For the children of Israel, the Promised Land had everything they could possibly desire, but there were giants to conquer. The Israelites had to lay aside their fears if they were to get to the Promised Land. Do you now see why it was important that God said to Joshua the following as he prepared to lead them to Canaan?

Joshua 1:9

9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Not only did He command that Joshua was not to be afraid, He also promised to be with him every step of the way. And God has promised that to each of his children.

Isaiah 41:10

10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

When fear comes, stand in faith knowing that God is with you every step of the way to help you accomplish what He has asked you to do.  

Contact Anchor of Hope Ministries by calling (306) 940-9554 to learn more about how God has equipped believers to deal with fear.  We welcome the opportunity to be a help to you.

We live in a society that places great demands on our time. With full time jobs to work, houses to maintain, and a family to care for, it can become very difficult to keep all of the balls in the air. Many people begin to feel overwhelmed, struggling with the feeling that they just can’t handle it all.

When our strength is running low and rest just doesn’t seem enough to keep us on our feet, the Lord provides us with the blessed hope that He will sustain us.

Isaiah 40:31 says:

 “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Waiting on the Lord is a concept we find very difficult. When we feel at the end of our rope, we want deliverance now, and when faced with being patient on God’s timing, we often become frustrated and begin to doubt the sincerity of God’s promises. However, God’s provision comes in His time.

But waiting on the Lord is far more than putting in time with the hope of a desired outcome. To wait on the Lord is to trust our Heavenly Father’s Word with the fervent expectation that when He has accomplished His purpose in our lives that He will renew our strength. The hope of this renewing carries with it many blessings which far outweigh the frustration of waiting.

Throughout the Bible, we see the image repeated of “eagles’ wings.” This reference is often symbolic in nature, referring to God’s deliverance of Israel from bondage in Egypt in Exodus 19. In Isaiah 40:31, wings like eagles is indicative of a correlation between this majestic, powerful bird and the faithfulness of God’s people. For those who place their hope and trust in God, there is a blessed and expected end.

The term “mount up” is taken from the Hebrew word “alah” which translates to “to go up, to ascend, to go up over a boundary.” This important choice of words communicates that the strength that God provides is sufficient to face any obstacle which stands in our way. Isaiah makes use of the same language from Exodus 19:1-6 as a powerful reminder to the children of Israel that God delivered them in the past, and He will be faithful to provide that same deliverance again.

As followers of Christ today, this precious verse is still applicable to our lives. If we choose to believe in God’s promises and wait on His timing, He will provide the renewing we need to face the challenges that lie ahead of us. This refreshing comes in far greater reserves than we could have expected and is well worth the wait since it prepares us to face the future. We don’t have to struggle when God has provided the opportunity for us to soar.  Waiting on God’s perfect timing is the path that leads to His richest reward.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the challenges that lie ahead of you, you can find encouragement in the knowledge that trusting in God’s process will ultimately yield the strength that you need. Hope and help can be found through the prayers of God’s people who offer the assurance of God’s faithfulness to fulfill His Word. Though there are struggles, God also promises to bring deliverance through His renewing. In the mean time, the fellowship of God’s people is a balm to the heart of the hurting.

Are you tired of trying to carry the weight of your problems on your own? Are you in need of God’s renewing power? Contact Anchor of Hope ministry at (306) 940-9554 to learn more about how a relationship with our Lord can provide the renewal you are searching for in your life. We welcome the opportunity to be a help to you.

A vital part of the Christian life is growing in Jesus.  Many believers are surprised to discover that following Christ can be a painful process that requires both fortitude and sacrifice. Growth involves change, and change is never easy for us.

The Bible teaches us in Luke 14:33:

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”

When we accept Christ as our Saviour, the next step is to begin the discipleship process. Though being saved requires little of us beyond faith and acceptance of Jesus’ atonement on the cross for our sins, true discipleship demands a high price. While we will not lose our salvation if we fail to renounce the things of this world in pursuit of holiness and a right relationship with God, the stubborn refusal to do so hinders our growth and robs us of some of the richest blessings of a close walk with our Lord.

There are many costs to be considered along the road to discipleship. Though we are not all called to give up our houses, our jobs, or our families to follow Christ, we must be willing to do so. The path of a disciple is not an easy road. Many difficulties are encountered along the way. Our willingness to follow is continually tested, and we are often called upon to give up the comforts and preferences of our previously established lives in pursuit of a higher calling.

There are many aspects of our lives that can stand in the way of becoming a disciple. The key to following Christ to experience real growth in Him can be found in these important steps:

• Letting go of sin and actively seeking God’s righteousness
• Letting go of our own opinions to instead embrace Bible truths
• Letting go of our own ambitions to embrace God’s will for our lives
• Letting go for any friends that drag us down to embrace the new friends that God supplies
• Letting go of material possessions to embrace a change of focus on seeking first the kingdom of God
• Letting go of old activities to embrace new activities that promote a thriving relationship with God and an opportunity to tell others of His great love
• Letting go of past habits to embrace a new way of life

Many times we make the mistake of viewing the discipleship road as a list of things we need to give up instead of as an opportunity for growth and a deeper relationship with our Lord. God never asks us to sacrifice something dear to us without the promise of the provision of something far better. The blessings in store for us far outmeasure the temporary pleasure of the things we are asked to leave behind to follow Christ.

Is there a cost for discipleship? Yes, there is. But there is also a great reward for our willingness to leave behind the things of this world and follow Christ.

Are you ready to become a disciple of Christ? Let Anchor of Hope Ministry help you learn more about the process by contacting us at (306) 940-9554.

Believers are often asked why God allows suffering. Those who are experiencing a period of grief, sorrow, or pain often seek an answer to this question in the hopes it will help them to make some sense of their circumstances. There are no easy answers. Only the Lord truly knows why He permits difficulties and pain in our lives, but the Bible does give us hope and encouragement to strengthen us when we face trials.

II Corinthians 1:3-6 tells us:

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.”

The Lord is the God of all comfort. When we undergo difficult times in our lives, God wants us to know that He is there to give us the comfort and help that we need. When things are going well in our lives, sometimes we forget about the Lord. We become so wrapped up in our everyday events that we fail to spend much quality time with Him. Yet when turbulent times come, we turn to the Lord for answers and comfort. The Lord is there for us through the victories and through the trials. We never have to face a storm alone.

Verse 4 states: “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” There is great peace in knowing that the Lord is going to use our time of sorrow and grieving to teach us how to help another. During times of crisis and trouble, people truly do want to be a help and a blessing. The greatest comfort is found in the counsel and support of one who has experienced the very trial that we are going through. What an encouragement and help it is to know that someone else has been there and that God gave them the grace and the strength to survive the storm. Somehow it is easier to endure pain when we know that the Lord is going to use it for our good and for the good of others.

Why does God allow suffering? First of all, so that we may be a help and comfort to others.

Secondly, the Bible tells us in I Peter 4:19 “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit he keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” Why does God allow suffering? God allows suffering to see how faithful we are to serving Him. Do we serve the Lord only in the good times, or are we faithful in the hard times as well? Many people turn their backs on the Lord when things take a turn for the worse in their lives. They reason that if this is what serving the Lord is going to do for them then they might as well live for themselves. But the truth is the Lord never promised the Christian life would be easy.

Trials come into our lives for our own good. When a jeweller refines gold, he must subject it to the highest heat in order to allow the impurities in the gold to rise to the surface so that he can skim them off and leave behind only the purest gold. So it is with our Heavenly Father. When the Lord turns up the heat in our lives, it is because He has to skim off all of the impurities that He sees, so that when He is finished with the refining process, He can see His reflection in us.  It is often during these times that we are most tempted to quit, but the purpose in this suffering is to show the Lord that we love Him, and we will continue to serve Him faithfully in the good times and in the bad.

Thirdly, God allows suffering to come into our lives to prove to us what we are made of. It takes no strength whatsoever to quit. God holds out His highest praise for those who hang on through the tough times; those who trust Him to help them through. The Bible tells us in Job 23:10, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me I shall come forth as gold.” Only the Lord knows how much we can handle. Often we underestimate ourselves and what we are capable of. I Corinthians 10:13 says, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” It is through these times of testing that we are made stronger and better for Jesus. It is difficult, but at the end of the trial, our walk with the Lord has been deepened because we have learned what it means to lean solely on Him.

Are you enduring a period of suffering? Do you need the assurance that God is still in control and caring for you? Contact Anchor of Hope Ministry now at (306) 940-9554. We would love to talk with you.

We live in a society that seeks instant gratification. Instead of making do with what we have and working towards the achievement of a common goal, we often become impatient, wanting everything right now. Yet often the greatest blessings come in the journey en route to the things we want for our lives. Our insistence on having everything we think we need the exact minute we feel we need it sets us up to miss out on some of God’s richest lessons for us.

Yet often our perception of the things we need is faulty. We have difficulty differentiating between true need and what is simply want. Though God has promised to supply for our every need, we are often ungrateful for the things He has provided and foolishly seek more.

The Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:11:

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

Though many Christians have had to endure great persecution as a result of their relationship with Jesus, those of us who live in North America live relatively pampered lives. We have the luxury of worshipping our Lord both openly and freely without fear of having to renounce our choices or lose our lives.

The Apostle Paul knew what it was to suffer for his decisions. A citizen of Rome and a Pharisee, Paul once took great delight in persecuting those who chose to follow Christ. Upon his conversion to Christianity, Paul began to understand what it meant to experience hardship for his faith in our Lord. Shipwrecked several times, beaten, jailed, tortured, starved, and much more, Paul still held fast to the truth that he had learned that whether his needs were met or he found himself wanting that he chose to be content.

Few believers will ever be forced to suffer the mistreatment and pain the Apostle Paul did. Yet we take offence to the most minor inconveniences and are quick to complain when our every whim is not indulged. The truth is being content is a mindset. We can choose to see our circumstances as bleak or blessed. The decision is entirely our own.

If you are struggling to find contentment in the circumstances you find yourself in, consider some of these important steps to help you find the joy in your life:

• Think of one thing in your life that you are grateful for.

No one’s life is 100 percent perfect, yet we all have something we can be grateful for. Taking the time to reflect on your life can help you to see things from a different perspective. Find one thing that you are truly thankful for and express your gratitude to the Lord for that special gift.

• Replace each negative with a positive.

When you find yourself dwelling on the things in your life that make you unhappy, replace those thoughts with things that you are thankful for. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, take time to replace negative thinking with gratitude for the many things that God has given to you.

•  Take joy in simple pleasures.

We can become so caught up in our own negative thoughts that we forget to find the joy in the simple things in life. The greatest pleasures are often found in the smallest things such as the hand of a grandchild in your own, an interesting book, or a hot cup of tea on a cold winter’s night. Take the time to live in the moment and truly appreciate the small things that bring you great joy.

•  Remember that not getting what we want can be good for us.

Since we lack a heavenly perspective, we often cannot see when the things we want would actually cause us harm. Sometimes, not getting the things we want, or not getting them at the time feel we should receive them, is for our own good. Our Lord sees the bigger picture; we only see small details. At times, getting what we want leads to misery and pain, and we can thank our Lord for having the grace to spare us from ourselves and our own short-sighted desires.

Though it can be easy to become caught up in thoughts of what we don’t have, it is important to train our minds to be grateful for all of the things that God has given us. This simple shift in thinking can help us to learn to be content with our lives no matter what is going on around us. We have the confidence that God is for us, and He is working on our behalf to provide all of the things we need to live a life that is filled with joy and pleasing to Him.

Are you struggling with finding contentment in your life? Contact Anchor of Hope Ministry now at (306) 940-9554 to learn more about reconnecting with the source of joy through an abundant relationship with our Lord.

Are you afraid of what the future holds for your life, family, children or business? Or, maybe you are afraid of the next step that God is asking you to take?

The truth is that at one point in our lives, we have had to come face to face with fear. Fear is characterized by anxiety, worry, panic, terror, and apprehension. Someone once defined fear as false evidence appearing real. It is an evil spirit, doesn’t come from God, and the Bible is crystal clear about it.  

2 Timothy 1:7 
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

What Does Fear Do?

Fear cripples and hinders all areas of life and growth. It makes you skeptical – causing you to doubt. You may find yourself asking yourself questions such as. “Did God really say it? Will it work? What if? Do I have what it takes?”

As a result:

Fear causes us to resist change and therefore “get stuck.”

Fear makes you lose trust in God.

Fear tells you to maintain the status quo.

Fear says don't rock the boat.

Fear says you have never done that before.

Fear causes you to remain in the past and even move backwards.

A good example of the power of fear is when the children of Israel told Moses they were better off in Egypt. They feared the journey ahead because it was something they had not known or done before.

Exodus 14:12

12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.

3 Ways to Overcome Fear

As believers, it is important for us to understand that God is not the author of fear. Fear is from the enemy, and we need to deal with it accordingly. What does the Bible have to say about fear, and how can we as believers overcome it?

1.      Do Not be Afraid

When the Israelites became stubborn as a result of their fear, Moses instructed them to not be afraid.

Exodus 14:13 

13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

Letting go of your fear shows that you trust God.  It also builds up your faith, an act that is pleasing to God who continues to fight on your behalf.

2.     Move Ahead and Do What God has Told You Irrespective of Any Feelings of Fear

If fear is not from God, then we should not entertain it. It doesn’t mean it will not knock our doors; however, God has commanded us to slam the door on fear when it comes calling. So, if God has told you to do something, go ahead and do it regardless.

God told the Israelites to move forward when Pharaoh was behind them and the Red Sea was ahead of them. Don't look at the size of circumstances; look at the size of your God.

3.     Stand on God’s Word

365 times in the Bible, it says “fear not.”  There is command from God for every day of the year telling us that we should not fear. Imagine that!

For the children of Israel, the Promised Land had everything they could possibly desire, but there were giants to conquer. The Israelites had to lay aside their fears if they were to get to the Promised Land. Do you now see why it was important that God said to Joshua the following as he prepared to lead them to Canaan?

Joshua 1:9

9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Not only did He command that Joshua was not to be afraid, He also promised to be with him every step of the way. And God has promised that to each of his children.

Isaiah 41:10

10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

When fear comes, stand in faith knowing that God is with you every step of the way to help you accomplish what He has asked you to do.  

Contact Anchor of Hope Ministries by calling (306) 940-9554 to learn more about how God has equipped believers to deal with fear.  We welcome the opportunity to be a help to you.

We live in a society that places great demands on our time. With full time jobs to work, houses to maintain, and a family to care for, it can become very difficult to keep all of the balls in the air. Many people begin to feel overwhelmed, struggling with the feeling that they just can’t handle it all.

When our strength is running low and rest just doesn’t seem enough to keep us on our feet, the Lord provides us with the blessed hope that He will sustain us.

Isaiah 40:31 says:

 “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Waiting on the Lord is a concept we find very difficult. When we feel at the end of our rope, we want deliverance now, and when faced with being patient on God’s timing, we often become frustrated and begin to doubt the sincerity of God’s promises. However, God’s provision comes in His time.

But waiting on the Lord is far more than putting in time with the hope of a desired outcome. To wait on the Lord is to trust our Heavenly Father’s Word with the fervent expectation that when He has accomplished His purpose in our lives that He will renew our strength. The hope of this renewing carries with it many blessings which far outweigh the frustration of waiting.

Throughout the Bible, we see the image repeated of “eagles’ wings.” This reference is often symbolic in nature, referring to God’s deliverance of Israel from bondage in Egypt in Exodus 19. In Isaiah 40:31, wings like eagles is indicative of a correlation between this majestic, powerful bird and the faithfulness of God’s people. For those who place their hope and trust in God, there is a blessed and expected end.

The term “mount up” is taken from the Hebrew word “alah” which translates to “to go up, to ascend, to go up over a boundary.” This important choice of words communicates that the strength that God provides is sufficient to face any obstacle which stands in our way. Isaiah makes use of the same language from Exodus 19:1-6 as a powerful reminder to the children of Israel that God delivered them in the past, and He will be faithful to provide that same deliverance again.

As followers of Christ today, this precious verse is still applicable to our lives. If we choose to believe in God’s promises and wait on His timing, He will provide the renewing we need to face the challenges that lie ahead of us. This refreshing comes in far greater reserves than we could have expected and is well worth the wait since it prepares us to face the future. We don’t have to struggle when God has provided the opportunity for us to soar.  Waiting on God’s perfect timing is the path that leads to His richest reward.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the challenges that lie ahead of you, you can find encouragement in the knowledge that trusting in God’s process will ultimately yield the strength that you need. Hope and help can be found through the prayers of God’s people who offer the assurance of God’s faithfulness to fulfill His Word. Though there are struggles, God also promises to bring deliverance through His renewing. In the mean time, the fellowship of God’s people is a balm to the heart of the hurting.

Are you tired of trying to carry the weight of your problems on your own? Are you in need of God’s renewing power? Contact Anchor of Hope ministry at (306) 940-9554 to learn more about how a relationship with our Lord can provide the renewal you are searching for in your life. We welcome the opportunity to be a help to you.

A vital part of the Christian life is growing in Jesus.  Many believers are surprised to discover that following Christ can be a painful process that requires both fortitude and sacrifice. Growth involves change, and change is never easy for us.

The Bible teaches us in Luke 14:33:

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”

When we accept Christ as our Saviour, the next step is to begin the discipleship process. Though being saved requires little of us beyond faith and acceptance of Jesus’ atonement on the cross for our sins, true discipleship demands a high price. While we will not lose our salvation if we fail to renounce the things of this world in pursuit of holiness and a right relationship with God, the stubborn refusal to do so hinders our growth and robs us of some of the richest blessings of a close walk with our Lord.

There are many costs to be considered along the road to discipleship. Though we are not all called to give up our houses, our jobs, or our families to follow Christ, we must be willing to do so. The path of a disciple is not an easy road. Many difficulties are encountered along the way. Our willingness to follow is continually tested, and we are often called upon to give up the comforts and preferences of our previously established lives in pursuit of a higher calling.

There are many aspects of our lives that can stand in the way of becoming a disciple. The key to following Christ to experience real growth in Him can be found in these important steps:

• Letting go of sin and actively seeking God’s righteousness
• Letting go of our own opinions to instead embrace Bible truths
• Letting go of our own ambitions to embrace God’s will for our lives
• Letting go for any friends that drag us down to embrace the new friends that God supplies
• Letting go of material possessions to embrace a change of focus on seeking first the kingdom of God
• Letting go of old activities to embrace new activities that promote a thriving relationship with God and an opportunity to tell others of His great love
• Letting go of past habits to embrace a new way of life

Many times we make the mistake of viewing the discipleship road as a list of things we need to give up instead of as an opportunity for growth and a deeper relationship with our Lord. God never asks us to sacrifice something dear to us without the promise of the provision of something far better. The blessings in store for us far outmeasure the temporary pleasure of the things we are asked to leave behind to follow Christ.

Is there a cost for discipleship? Yes, there is. But there is also a great reward for our willingness to leave behind the things of this world and follow Christ.

Are you ready to become a disciple of Christ? Let Anchor of Hope Ministry help you learn more about the process by contacting us at (306) 940-9554.

Believers are often asked why God allows suffering. Those who are experiencing a period of grief, sorrow, or pain often seek an answer to this question in the hopes it will help them to make some sense of their circumstances. There are no easy answers. Only the Lord truly knows why He permits difficulties and pain in our lives, but the Bible does give us hope and encouragement to strengthen us when we face trials.

II Corinthians 1:3-6 tells us:

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.”

The Lord is the God of all comfort. When we undergo difficult times in our lives, God wants us to know that He is there to give us the comfort and help that we need. When things are going well in our lives, sometimes we forget about the Lord. We become so wrapped up in our everyday events that we fail to spend much quality time with Him. Yet when turbulent times come, we turn to the Lord for answers and comfort. The Lord is there for us through the victories and through the trials. We never have to face a storm alone.

Verse 4 states: “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” There is great peace in knowing that the Lord is going to use our time of sorrow and grieving to teach us how to help another. During times of crisis and trouble, people truly do want to be a help and a blessing. The greatest comfort is found in the counsel and support of one who has experienced the very trial that we are going through. What an encouragement and help it is to know that someone else has been there and that God gave them the grace and the strength to survive the storm. Somehow it is easier to endure pain when we know that the Lord is going to use it for our good and for the good of others.

Why does God allow suffering? First of all, so that we may be a help and comfort to others.

Secondly, the Bible tells us in I Peter 4:19 “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit he keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” Why does God allow suffering? God allows suffering to see how faithful we are to serving Him. Do we serve the Lord only in the good times, or are we faithful in the hard times as well? Many people turn their backs on the Lord when things take a turn for the worse in their lives. They reason that if this is what serving the Lord is going to do for them then they might as well live for themselves. But the truth is the Lord never promised the Christian life would be easy.

Trials come into our lives for our own good. When a jeweller refines gold, he must subject it to the highest heat in order to allow the impurities in the gold to rise to the surface so that he can skim them off and leave behind only the purest gold. So it is with our Heavenly Father. When the Lord turns up the heat in our lives, it is because He has to skim off all of the impurities that He sees, so that when He is finished with the refining process, He can see His reflection in us.  It is often during these times that we are most tempted to quit, but the purpose in this suffering is to show the Lord that we love Him, and we will continue to serve Him faithfully in the good times and in the bad.

Thirdly, God allows suffering to come into our lives to prove to us what we are made of. It takes no strength whatsoever to quit. God holds out His highest praise for those who hang on through the tough times; those who trust Him to help them through. The Bible tells us in Job 23:10, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me I shall come forth as gold.” Only the Lord knows how much we can handle. Often we underestimate ourselves and what we are capable of. I Corinthians 10:13 says, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” It is through these times of testing that we are made stronger and better for Jesus. It is difficult, but at the end of the trial, our walk with the Lord has been deepened because we have learned what it means to lean solely on Him.

Are you enduring a period of suffering? Do you need the assurance that God is still in control and caring for you? Contact Anchor of Hope Ministry now at (306) 940-9554. We would love to talk with you.

We live in a society that seeks instant gratification. Instead of making do with what we have and working towards the achievement of a common goal, we often become impatient, wanting everything right now. Yet often the greatest blessings come in the journey en route to the things we want for our lives. Our insistence on having everything we think we need the exact minute we feel we need it sets us up to miss out on some of God’s richest lessons for us.

Yet often our perception of the things we need is faulty. We have difficulty differentiating between true need and what is simply want. Though God has promised to supply for our every need, we are often ungrateful for the things He has provided and foolishly seek more.

The Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:11:

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

Though many Christians have had to endure great persecution as a result of their relationship with Jesus, those of us who live in North America live relatively pampered lives. We have the luxury of worshipping our Lord both openly and freely without fear of having to renounce our choices or lose our lives.

The Apostle Paul knew what it was to suffer for his decisions. A citizen of Rome and a Pharisee, Paul once took great delight in persecuting those who chose to follow Christ. Upon his conversion to Christianity, Paul began to understand what it meant to experience hardship for his faith in our Lord. Shipwrecked several times, beaten, jailed, tortured, starved, and much more, Paul still held fast to the truth that he had learned that whether his needs were met or he found himself wanting that he chose to be content.

Few believers will ever be forced to suffer the mistreatment and pain the Apostle Paul did. Yet we take offence to the most minor inconveniences and are quick to complain when our every whim is not indulged. The truth is being content is a mindset. We can choose to see our circumstances as bleak or blessed. The decision is entirely our own.

If you are struggling to find contentment in the circumstances you find yourself in, consider some of these important steps to help you find the joy in your life:

• Think of one thing in your life that you are grateful for.

No one’s life is 100 percent perfect, yet we all have something we can be grateful for. Taking the time to reflect on your life can help you to see things from a different perspective. Find one thing that you are truly thankful for and express your gratitude to the Lord for that special gift.

• Replace each negative with a positive.

When you find yourself dwelling on the things in your life that make you unhappy, replace those thoughts with things that you are thankful for. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, take time to replace negative thinking with gratitude for the many things that God has given to you.

•  Take joy in simple pleasures.

We can become so caught up in our own negative thoughts that we forget to find the joy in the simple things in life. The greatest pleasures are often found in the smallest things such as the hand of a grandchild in your own, an interesting book, or a hot cup of tea on a cold winter’s night. Take the time to live in the moment and truly appreciate the small things that bring you great joy.

•  Remember that not getting what we want can be good for us.

Since we lack a heavenly perspective, we often cannot see when the things we want would actually cause us harm. Sometimes, not getting the things we want, or not getting them at the time feel we should receive them, is for our own good. Our Lord sees the bigger picture; we only see small details. At times, getting what we want leads to misery and pain, and we can thank our Lord for having the grace to spare us from ourselves and our own short-sighted desires.

Though it can be easy to become caught up in thoughts of what we don’t have, it is important to train our minds to be grateful for all of the things that God has given us. This simple shift in thinking can help us to learn to be content with our lives no matter what is going on around us. We have the confidence that God is for us, and He is working on our behalf to provide all of the things we need to live a life that is filled with joy and pleasing to Him.

Are you struggling with finding contentment in your life? Contact Anchor of Hope Ministry now at (306) 940-9554 to learn more about reconnecting with the source of joy through an abundant relationship with our Lord.

Are you afraid of what the future holds for your life, family, children or business? Or, maybe you are afraid of the next step that God is asking you to take?

The truth is that at one point in our lives, we have had to come face to face with fear. Fear is characterized by anxiety, worry, panic, terror, and apprehension. Someone once defined fear as false evidence appearing real. It is an evil spirit, doesn’t come from God, and the Bible is crystal clear about it.  

2 Timothy 1:7 
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

What Does Fear Do?

Fear cripples and hinders all areas of life and growth. It makes you skeptical – causing you to doubt. You may find yourself asking yourself questions such as. “Did God really say it? Will it work? What if? Do I have what it takes?”

As a result:

Fear causes us to resist change and therefore “get stuck.”

Fear makes you lose trust in God.

Fear tells you to maintain the status quo.

Fear says don't rock the boat.

Fear says you have never done that before.

Fear causes you to remain in the past and even move backwards.

A good example of the power of fear is when the children of Israel told Moses they were better off in Egypt. They feared the journey ahead because it was something they had not known or done before.

Exodus 14:12

12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.

3 Ways to Overcome Fear

As believers, it is important for us to understand that God is not the author of fear. Fear is from the enemy, and we need to deal with it accordingly. What does the Bible have to say about fear, and how can we as believers overcome it?

1.      Do Not be Afraid

When the Israelites became stubborn as a result of their fear, Moses instructed them to not be afraid.

Exodus 14:13 

13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

Letting go of your fear shows that you trust God.  It also builds up your faith, an act that is pleasing to God who continues to fight on your behalf.

2.     Move Ahead and Do What God has Told You Irrespective of Any Feelings of Fear

If fear is not from God, then we should not entertain it. It doesn’t mean it will not knock our doors; however, God has commanded us to slam the door on fear when it comes calling. So, if God has told you to do something, go ahead and do it regardless.

God told the Israelites to move forward when Pharaoh was behind them and the Red Sea was ahead of them. Don't look at the size of circumstances; look at the size of your God.

3.     Stand on God’s Word

365 times in the Bible, it says “fear not.”  There is command from God for every day of the year telling us that we should not fear. Imagine that!

For the children of Israel, the Promised Land had everything they could possibly desire, but there were giants to conquer. The Israelites had to lay aside their fears if they were to get to the Promised Land. Do you now see why it was important that God said to Joshua the following as he prepared to lead them to Canaan?

Joshua 1:9

9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Not only did He command that Joshua was not to be afraid, He also promised to be with him every step of the way. And God has promised that to each of his children.

Isaiah 41:10

10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

When fear comes, stand in faith knowing that God is with you every step of the way to help you accomplish what He has asked you to do.  

Contact Anchor of Hope Ministries by calling (306) 940-9554 to learn more about how God has equipped believers to deal with fear.  We welcome the opportunity to be a help to you.

We live in a society that places great demands on our time. With full time jobs to work, houses to maintain, and a family to care for, it can become very difficult to keep all of the balls in the air. Many people begin to feel overwhelmed, struggling with the feeling that they just can’t handle it all.

When our strength is running low and rest just doesn’t seem enough to keep us on our feet, the Lord provides us with the blessed hope that He will sustain us.

Isaiah 40:31 says:

 “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Waiting on the Lord is a concept we find very difficult. When we feel at the end of our rope, we want deliverance now, and when faced with being patient on God’s timing, we often become frustrated and begin to doubt the sincerity of God’s promises. However, God’s provision comes in His time.

But waiting on the Lord is far more than putting in time with the hope of a desired outcome. To wait on the Lord is to trust our Heavenly Father’s Word with the fervent expectation that when He has accomplished His purpose in our lives that He will renew our strength. The hope of this renewing carries with it many blessings which far outweigh the frustration of waiting.

Throughout the Bible, we see the image repeated of “eagles’ wings.” This reference is often symbolic in nature, referring to God’s deliverance of Israel from bondage in Egypt in Exodus 19. In Isaiah 40:31, wings like eagles is indicative of a correlation between this majestic, powerful bird and the faithfulness of God’s people. For those who place their hope and trust in God, there is a blessed and expected end.

The term “mount up” is taken from the Hebrew word “alah” which translates to “to go up, to ascend, to go up over a boundary.” This important choice of words communicates that the strength that God provides is sufficient to face any obstacle which stands in our way. Isaiah makes use of the same language from Exodus 19:1-6 as a powerful reminder to the children of Israel that God delivered them in the past, and He will be faithful to provide that same deliverance again.

As followers of Christ today, this precious verse is still applicable to our lives. If we choose to believe in God’s promises and wait on His timing, He will provide the renewing we need to face the challenges that lie ahead of us. This refreshing comes in far greater reserves than we could have expected and is well worth the wait since it prepares us to face the future. We don’t have to struggle when God has provided the opportunity for us to soar.  Waiting on God’s perfect timing is the path that leads to His richest reward.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the challenges that lie ahead of you, you can find encouragement in the knowledge that trusting in God’s process will ultimately yield the strength that you need. Hope and help can be found through the prayers of God’s people who offer the assurance of God’s faithfulness to fulfill His Word. Though there are struggles, God also promises to bring deliverance through His renewing. In the mean time, the fellowship of God’s people is a balm to the heart of the hurting.

Are you tired of trying to carry the weight of your problems on your own? Are you in need of God’s renewing power? Contact Anchor of Hope ministry at (306) 940-9554 to learn more about how a relationship with our Lord can provide the renewal you are searching for in your life. We welcome the opportunity to be a help to you.

A vital part of the Christian life is growing in Jesus.  Many believers are surprised to discover that following Christ can be a painful process that requires both fortitude and sacrifice. Growth involves change, and change is never easy for us.

The Bible teaches us in Luke 14:33:

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”

When we accept Christ as our Saviour, the next step is to begin the discipleship process. Though being saved requires little of us beyond faith and acceptance of Jesus’ atonement on the cross for our sins, true discipleship demands a high price. While we will not lose our salvation if we fail to renounce the things of this world in pursuit of holiness and a right relationship with God, the stubborn refusal to do so hinders our growth and robs us of some of the richest blessings of a close walk with our Lord.

There are many costs to be considered along the road to discipleship. Though we are not all called to give up our houses, our jobs, or our families to follow Christ, we must be willing to do so. The path of a disciple is not an easy road. Many difficulties are encountered along the way. Our willingness to follow is continually tested, and we are often called upon to give up the comforts and preferences of our previously established lives in pursuit of a higher calling.

There are many aspects of our lives that can stand in the way of becoming a disciple. The key to following Christ to experience real growth in Him can be found in these important steps:

• Letting go of sin and actively seeking God’s righteousness
• Letting go of our own opinions to instead embrace Bible truths
• Letting go of our own ambitions to embrace God’s will for our lives
• Letting go for any friends that drag us down to embrace the new friends that God supplies
• Letting go of material possessions to embrace a change of focus on seeking first the kingdom of God
• Letting go of old activities to embrace new activities that promote a thriving relationship with God and an opportunity to tell others of His great love
• Letting go of past habits to embrace a new way of life

Many times we make the mistake of viewing the discipleship road as a list of things we need to give up instead of as an opportunity for growth and a deeper relationship with our Lord. God never asks us to sacrifice something dear to us without the promise of the provision of something far better. The blessings in store for us far outmeasure the temporary pleasure of the things we are asked to leave behind to follow Christ.

Is there a cost for discipleship? Yes, there is. But there is also a great reward for our willingness to leave behind the things of this world and follow Christ.

Are you ready to become a disciple of Christ? Let Anchor of Hope Ministry help you learn more about the process by contacting us at (306) 940-9554.

Believers are often asked why God allows suffering. Those who are experiencing a period of grief, sorrow, or pain often seek an answer to this question in the hopes it will help them to make some sense of their circumstances. There are no easy answers. Only the Lord truly knows why He permits difficulties and pain in our lives, but the Bible does give us hope and encouragement to strengthen us when we face trials.

II Corinthians 1:3-6 tells us:

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.”

The Lord is the God of all comfort. When we undergo difficult times in our lives, God wants us to know that He is there to give us the comfort and help that we need. When things are going well in our lives, sometimes we forget about the Lord. We become so wrapped up in our everyday events that we fail to spend much quality time with Him. Yet when turbulent times come, we turn to the Lord for answers and comfort. The Lord is there for us through the victories and through the trials. We never have to face a storm alone.

Verse 4 states: “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” There is great peace in knowing that the Lord is going to use our time of sorrow and grieving to teach us how to help another. During times of crisis and trouble, people truly do want to be a help and a blessing. The greatest comfort is found in the counsel and support of one who has experienced the very trial that we are going through. What an encouragement and help it is to know that someone else has been there and that God gave them the grace and the strength to survive the storm. Somehow it is easier to endure pain when we know that the Lord is going to use it for our good and for the good of others.

Why does God allow suffering? First of all, so that we may be a help and comfort to others.

Secondly, the Bible tells us in I Peter 4:19 “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit he keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” Why does God allow suffering? God allows suffering to see how faithful we are to serving Him. Do we serve the Lord only in the good times, or are we faithful in the hard times as well? Many people turn their backs on the Lord when things take a turn for the worse in their lives. They reason that if this is what serving the Lord is going to do for them then they might as well live for themselves. But the truth is the Lord never promised the Christian life would be easy.

Trials come into our lives for our own good. When a jeweller refines gold, he must subject it to the highest heat in order to allow the impurities in the gold to rise to the surface so that he can skim them off and leave behind only the purest gold. So it is with our Heavenly Father. When the Lord turns up the heat in our lives, it is because He has to skim off all of the impurities that He sees, so that when He is finished with the refining process, He can see His reflection in us.  It is often during these times that we are most tempted to quit, but the purpose in this suffering is to show the Lord that we love Him, and we will continue to serve Him faithfully in the good times and in the bad.

Thirdly, God allows suffering to come into our lives to prove to us what we are made of. It takes no strength whatsoever to quit. God holds out His highest praise for those who hang on through the tough times; those who trust Him to help them through. The Bible tells us in Job 23:10, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me I shall come forth as gold.” Only the Lord knows how much we can handle. Often we underestimate ourselves and what we are capable of. I Corinthians 10:13 says, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” It is through these times of testing that we are made stronger and better for Jesus. It is difficult, but at the end of the trial, our walk with the Lord has been deepened because we have learned what it means to lean solely on Him.

Are you enduring a period of suffering? Do you need the assurance that God is still in control and caring for you? Contact Anchor of Hope Ministry now at (306) 940-9554. We would love to talk with you.