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So far Mariana Carroll has created 430 blog entries.

W@W WRAP – Week 403

Surrender, Trust and Lean on our Lord! – Are you facing an impossible situation, or do you feel overwhelmed by fear of the future? Instead of relying on our own strength, let us allow God's wisdom and guidance to lead us. As we are reminded in Psalm 37:3–7 (AMP): "Trust [rely on and have confidence] in the Lord and do good... Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord... Be still before the Lord; wait patiently for Him and entrust yourself to Him." May we surrender every area of our lives to our Lord, trust Him to lead us according to His perfect plan, and lean on His strength and direction in all we do! (Proverbs 3:5–7)

W@W WRAP – Week 4032024-09-21T08:38:06+02:00

W@W WRAP – Week 402

Stand Firm! – We are called to find strength, wisdom and direction by standing firm on God's Word and promises. Though life may sometimes feel overwhelming, we are encouraged to stay grounded in the assurance that Jesus has already secured our victory on the cross. By embracing this truth, staying vigilant, and equipping ourselves with faith, righteousness, peace and resilience, we can remain steadfast no matter what challenges we face. Strength and victory are ours as we stand firm in the fullness of our identity in Christ. (Ephesians 6:10–13)

W@W WRAP – Week 4022024-09-14T07:51:27+02:00

W@W WRAP – Week 401

Take heart! – The well-known book, The Road Less Travelled by M. Scott Peck, opens with a familiar statement: "Life is difficult." Jesus says in John 16:33 (AMP): "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world." When life throws challenges our way, it's natural to ask, "Why does God allow this? Why do bad things happen to good people? Has God forgotten me?" Yet, understanding and dealing with the reality that "life is sometimes difficult" prepares us to face adversity with faith, trusting that God can bring good even from our suffering. (Romans 8:28 & 2 Corinthians 1:3–4)

W@W WRAP – Week 4012024-09-07T07:56:57+02:00

W@W WRAP – Week 399

Within Reach of God’s Loving Touch! – In Mark 5:25–34, we meet a woman suffering from a chronic bleeding condition for twelve years. This not only caused her immense physical pain but also completely isolated her from her community. Despite seeking help from many doctors without success, her steadfast faith led her to believe that touching Jesus’ garment would bring healing. Her trust in Jesus resulted in a miraculous cure, and Jesus affirmed her faith, saying, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” This story reminds us that God is the only answer to whatever we need. So, may we remain close to Jesus, and approach Him with unwavering faith, confident that as we keep our eyes focused on Him, He will offer us healing, restoration, joy and peace. (Mark 5:25–29)

W@W WRAP – Week 3992024-08-24T05:18:24+02:00

W@W WRAP – Week 398

Not my Will, but Yours be Done! – We often struggle with the question, "What is God's will for my life?" However, we need to consider the broader question, "What is God's will?" Most of the time, we seek God's will during tough times or major decisions, wondering, "Why did God allow this to happen?" or "Is God still in control?" But His will is more than just moments – His will is Jesus Christ. It is about pursuing an intimate relationship with our Savior and glorifying Him in all we do. God's plan is far bigger than our individual desires; He invites us to be part of His grand mission to bring hope and salvation to the world. By aligning with His greater purpose, we discover our true calling and make His will a living part of our daily lives. When we surrender our lives and selfish ambitions into His loving and gracious hands, we cannot help but proclaim, "Not my will, but Yours be done!" (John 6:38–40)

W@W WRAP – Week 3982024-08-17T07:58:32+02:00

W@W WRAP – Week 397

The Lord is My Shepherd – Do you truly know God as your Shepherd? Do you recognise Him as the One who intimately cares for you, who is always present to guide, provide and restore? He is the One who fills us with His peace, renews our minds, sustains us, provides rest for our weary souls, and brings calmness amidst life's chaos. God desires for us to find deep peace and refreshment in His presence, easing our anxieties and rejuvenating our souls, as we trust in His provision and divine plan for our lives. (Psalm 23:1–3)

W@W WRAP – Week 3972024-08-10T08:33:57+02:00

W@W WRAP – Week 396

Hope in the Storm – As August begins, it's striking how quickly the year has passed and how many ups and downs we've already encountered. Reflecting on God's promises and our plans for this year, it can feel like we're racing against time, with each day bringing new joys to celebrate and obstacles to overcome. Yet, through it all, may we keep our eyes on Jesus and remember the profound truth that we are never alone. Even in our darkest seasons, God remains faithful, and He is our ONLY HOPE. His constant presence guides us through every storm, shaping us into all He created us to be. (Hebrews 6:19, Philippians 4:4–7 & Romans 15:13)

W@W WRAP – Week 3962024-08-03T07:35:57+02:00

W@W WRAP – Week 395

Prayer is a Way of Life – Do you honestly believe prayer is crucial to our daily lives and makes a real difference? Of all the thighs the disciples could have asked Jesus to teach them, they asked Him only one thing: "Teach us to pray." Perhaps because they understood that prayer is a constant way of living and seeking intimacy with our Father in Heaven, not just an occasional activity when we are in trouble or facing a big decision. The primary purpose of prayer is to allow God to transform us from within so that we can see the world from His perspective and live according to His will. Jesus valued time alone with His Father, away from the crowds. For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, prayer was absolutely essential, even more important than food, revealing the profound, unseen power of prayer. We would never stop praying if we could see the divine changes that occur through prayer. Since, however ordinary we are, when we speak to our Heavenly Father, something extraordinary happens. Through prayer, we draw closer to our Father's heart, receive His strength, seek His guidance, and experience His peace. (Jeremiah 29:12)

W@W WRAP – Week 3952024-07-27T09:20:14+02:00

W@W WRAP – Week 394

A Christ-like Character – John Wooden, the renowned basketball player and coach, once said, "Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are." This principle deeply resonates with Biblical teachings, which emphasise that God values our inner character over outward appearances. Unlike the world, which focuses on superficial traits, God examines the heart. Our character forms the bedrock of our integrity and authenticity, shaping our actions, decisions and interactions with others. It reflects our true selves and our relationship with God. By nurturing a strong, virtuous character, we honour God and encourage others to seek His truth. In every situation, our character speaks volumes about our faith, integrity and commitment to living a life that glorifies God. (1 Samuel 16:7, Psalm 51:10-12 & Galatians 5:22–23)

W@W WRAP – Week 3942024-07-20T09:22:25+02:00

W@W WRAP – Week 393

Standing on the Promises of God: Nothing is Impossible for Him! – Do you ever feel, as it's sometimes said, that you have the world by the tail? Everything seems to be going your way. You have the strength to tackle every task on your to-do list. It might be excelling at work, meeting deadlines effortlessly, maintaining excellent health, hitting your fitness goals, serving at church, or even managing the demands of having grace and patience with your loved ones. Whatever it is, you feel mentally and physically empowered to accomplish it all. But then, suddenly, you hit a wall. Your physical strength might give out, or perhaps it's your psychological or spiritual endurance that falters. In these moments, we realise we aren't as proficient as we thought. But the amazing truth is that we have received the greatest gift through Jesus – our redeemer, joy, steadfast love and boundless peace. So, may we find our hope and strength in Christ, remembering that nothing is ever too hard for our Lord. He will come through for us, for He is a God who keeps His promises. (1 John 4:4, 2 Corinthians 1:20 & Matthew 19:26)

W@W WRAP – Week 3932024-07-13T08:04:34+02:00
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