• Put your hand in the hand of God.

  • God is good. All the time.

  • Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.

  • God so loved the world. Every person.

  • We love Him because He first loved us.

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User-friendly devotionals with audio

  • God’s Healing Balm in Times of Grief

    By Maria Fontaine

    Audio length: 9:11
    Download Audio (8.4MB)

    Dear one, my heart breaks with you whose heart is broken during your time of grief. My eyes weep for you who weep. My heart aches for you in your time of loss. At times like these, sometimes all we can do is cry out to Jesus for His comfort in our pain, and for strength to go on another day.  I pray that even in your sorrow you can know His peace. It is so very hard when we lose someone who was dear on Earth to us. I have experienced this too, and I know what it feels like to suddenly realize that things are never going to be the same again.

    Sometimes we don’t get a chance to say goodbye to our loved one, or to ask forgiveness for the ways that we may have failed them. We yearn for one more chance to put our arms around them and assure them of how much we love them and how much they meant to us. We may feel condemnation or remorse when we lose a loved one or wish that we had done things differently or better, and it is at such times that we need to receive the Lord’s abundant supply of grace in time of need, His peace that passes all understanding, His strength to go on, and trust for brighter days.

    The most important thing we can do in times of grief and loss is turn to Jesus and His Word for comfort. We can also pray for those experiencing these times and seek His comfort for them. We can pray that in spite of the loss, in spite of the tears and the heartache, in spite of the questions, they will experience His peace and love.

    The most important thing to remember in times of grief is that the Lord loves you. No matter how painful the loss, the confusion, and the heartbreak, you must hold on to the knowledge that He loves you. His love is unending, unfailing, unchanging.

    No matter what happens in this life, no matter how dark it looks, no matter how difficult the battle, no matter how dark the tunnel, no matter how long the suffering, Jesus loves you! He gives you His overwhelming love. He doesn’t give His love stingily, He doesn’t mete it out a little bit here or a little bit there as you earn it, and then stops pouring out His love if you are not good enough or you make mistakes or you’re not prayerful or not dedicated enough. The Lord always pours His love forth freely and abundantly! He never, ever stops pouring forth His love. He never turns His back. He never closes His eyes or His ears to your cries and your needs.

    When you feel the most desperate and you feel the situation is the darkest, when you feel the most confused and you hardly even know how to pray, the Lord will pour forth His love even more abundantly, not less. The Bible says that the Spirit will intercede on our behalf in these times with “groans too deep for words” (Romans 8:26–27). Not only that, but Jesus Himself is also interceding for us (Romans 8:34)!

    He wants to wash away the pain and to wipe away the tears and to comfort your broken heart. But the only thing that can heal your heart is your faith and trust in the Lord’s love, and your knowledge from years of experience that He has never failed you, that He does all things well (Mark 7:37), and that all things really do work together for good to them that love Him (Romans 8:28)—and you do love Him.

    So no matter how hard it is to go through these times of grief and loss, you can know that even this will work together for good. Rest in the assurance that Jesus loves you very much and that He hasn’t abandoned you in your time of grief. Even when you can’t feel or see His love, by faith you can know that He is with you and hold on to His promises.

    Your faith in His love is the only thing that is strong enough to quench these fires of sorrow. Right now you may feel that this loss is some kind of sign of God’s displeasure, or you may be filled with remorse for the things left undone or the words left unspoken. In this life, you won’t be able to tell your loved one all the things that you wish you had told them, or kiss them and hug them or spend more time with them as you may wish you had.

    But you don’t need to worry about all the things that you weren’t able to do, or your failures and how you fell short. We don’t have to pay any penance for our failures and mistakes and shortcomings and the things we wished we had done better or differently. We don’t have to suffer; we don’t have to endure condemnation or remorse and regrets. We can find the peace of the Lord in His forgiveness and love and in His promise that He works all things together for good for those who love Him. “Death is swallowed up in victory!” (1 Corinthians 15:54).

    When we are overwhelmed with feelings of guilt or condemnation, it keeps us from dwelling on the good memories of sweet times and blessings! When we look back at the past, we can become overwhelmed with sorrow for our failures, but when we refuse to dwell on the past, but instead focus our attention on the present and the bright future to come, we can feel the assurance of Jesus’ love. Our loved ones would want us to continue on in our lives by faith, looking toward the bright future!

    His Word tells us that “there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1–2). What a beautiful promise!

    The past is over, it’s done, and we’re forgiven, and we must not concentrate on it if we are to continue onward by faith. Our failures are blotted out, and our loved ones who are now in heaven have forgiven us for any failures. They understand. Thankfully, this separation will not be for long; it will be only a “moment,” and then we will be reunited forever, nevermore to be separated or to feel such loss and pain!

    But in spite of our pain right now, we are so blessed, because we have hope and knowledge of heaven and the Lord! So while our loss is great and our grief is deep, it is small compared to the loss of those who do not know Jesus. They have no lasting consolation or comfort. They feel they have no hope of seeing their loved ones again and being reunited. But we have been blessed with the truth of the Bible, and we do not “grieve as those who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). This separation is only for a time, and then our pain and our tears will be forgotten.

    Thank You, precious Jesus, our wonderful Savior and Shepherd, for Your promises of comfort that we need so desperately and appreciate so very much. You are our “refuge and strength and very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Thank You for giving us hope for the future, strength to carry on during times of grief and loss, and the confidence to know that our loved ones are safe in Your arms. Help us to trust in Your precious promises and look to the future in faith, knowing that You will fill all the empties, as You have promised in Your Word.

    Originally published July 1995. Adapted and republished September 2023. Read by Debra Lee.

  • Sep 22 Hurry and Worry
  • Sep 21 One Thing Before All Things
  • Sep 19 Faith Like Gold
  • Sep 15 Learning About God’s Mercy
  • Sep 13 Trusting Through the Silence
  • Sep 12 A Life Well Lived, Today and for the Future
  • Sep 6 How God Gave Me a Home
  • Sep 5 Setting Our Affections on Things Above
  • Aug 30 Through the Pain
   

Directors’ Corner

News, writings and thoughts from TFI Directors

  • God’s Kind Of Unity: An Unstoppable Force

    Jesus said: “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another” (John 13:35).

    In today’s virtually connected world, where literally anyone around the world is just a moment away through online communications, we might feel like we’re more connected to others than ever before. Information travels everywhere almost instantly. We can read snippets of people’s lives on social media. However, just knowing about others doesn’t create the powerful bond of genuine unity that is formed through close interactions. In fact, many people seem more isolated than ever.

    Many seek to be in unity by conforming to what they perceive others think or how they act. But true unity isn’t about conformity or being informed about others. Putting on façades to fit in with others can’t truly bond your spirit with theirs in a meaningful way.

    Unity is about the shared love that God’s Spirit creates in us. That unity of spirit defines who we are as His followers. His spirit of love is the only force in the universe capable of providing the power to have this kind of unity and oneness.

    People call many things “love,” but His love is so powerful that if we will allow it to guide our lives and shine out on others, it not only changes us but also anyone who is touched by His Spirit in His children and receives it.

    One of the greatest challenges throughout history has been to unify people. Some try to do it by force, oppression, fear, or using lies to persuade and blind people, deceiving them into thinking that the pathetic imitations foisted on them are the full reality. But inevitably it will ultimately fail because those things can never change a person’s heart and spirit in a creative way.

    Only the spirit of God’s love can ever draw humankind into true unity. And His love has to be willingly chosen. It cannot be forced. Those who open their hearts to Jesus possess the ability to experience and share His spirit of love with others. God’s love in us can be the spark that others see that draws them out of the darkness and into the light. Our unity, through having Jesus as the center of our lives, can draw their attention. Then Jesus can open doors in ways that He alone can for them to come closer and closer to Him.

    This reminds me of a testimony I heard about a Hindu woman. She had been drawn to some Family members by their kindness and love. She had been deeply immersed in Hinduism her whole life, but they suggested that as a first step, she could put a picture of Jesus alongside the idols she prayed to.

    Some time later, she came to them a changed woman. She said that she had put a picture of Jesus in her prayer room beside the other gods, and she began praying to Him as well, and every time she prayed to Jesus, it was as if a fragrant aroma seemed to fill the air and the answer to her prayers always came! So, she became a follower of Jesus. I watched a video the other day which is a beautiful proof of this unity that Christians around the world can manifest. It is a moving song called “The Blessing.”1 It is based on the blessing found in Numbers 6:24–26: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

    The video is a compilation of brief clips produced by World Blessing—Hope without Borders of people from around the world singing this song in 257 languages in 154 countries. This song was first produced in March 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic and has had more than 93 million views and has received thousands of comments.

    The diversity of cultures and language, combined with the power of God’s Spirit shining through His children around the world, amplifies the fact that we are one in Him. It is one of the most powerful songs I have seen or heard.

    According to one site, this song has been sung in over 3,000 languages now. Because the lyrics are scripture and there are an estimated 3,500 languages into which some portion of the Bible has now been translated, it became a hit around the world. It was put to music by Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes in early 2020, and the Lord has caused it to spread among His children like a freedom cry of His Spirit.

    Differences in doctrine, language, culture, and many other things demonstrate the diversity of God’s followers, but His Spirit beaming from each of His children bears witness to the most important thing: We are one in Him!

    His love can shine regardless of troubles or suffering or whatever this life may bring. Here are some of the comments posted on YouTube about this video, followed by the link to the video. I included an English translation for the comments that were in other languages. I hope you will enjoy watching it.

    Comments about the video:

    • This video is absolutely amazing!! It’s like a glimpse of Revelation 7:9!! Peoples from every nation, tribe and tongue praising the most High! It makes us feel so close, even though we are scattered around the globe! This video is very special. Thanks for making it. 🙏🏻❤️
    • I’m ex Muslim. Jesus healed my pain. Hallelujah. I pray that every nation will come and receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior, Amen. Blessing. Maranatha
    • I’m from Myanmar, God hear our voices, God see our tears, God hear our prayers, God never forsake us.
    • I am from India and I love this unity and song amen ❤️ Jesus Christ blessed the whole world 🌍
    • Hello from Germany, This is so beautiful, tears are in my eyes, thank you all so much!!❣🎊💕 I’m so very much excited about this song – this will be so great, worshipping our LORD JESUS CHRIST at one time all nations together in HIS kingdom 🙏💟
    • Amo esta canción, su origen y significado. Mis papás siempre nos bendecían al salir de casa y ahora hago lo mismo con mis hijos. (Spanish) (I love this song, its origin and meaning. My parents always blessed us when we left the house, and now I do the same with my children.)
    • Halleluja und Amen!!🙏🏻🔥💪🏻
      Gott segne alle seine Kinder in Jesus Christus!
      Ich liebe euch alle Geschwister in Jesus! ❤
      Grüsse aus der Schweiz (Swiss German)
      (Hallelujah and Amen!!🙏🏻🔥💪🏻
      God bless all his children in Jesus Christ!
      I love you all, brothers and sisters in Jesus! ❤
      Greetings from Switzerland.)
    • This is the most moving thing I may have ever seen. How beautiful our brothers and sisters worshiping together across the globe are. I am filled with Joy and Hope and Prayers for this kind of Unity in our world—in Jesus’ name 💞🙏🏼💞
    • tuyệt vời... chúc tụng Chúa. Great!!! Bless to you! My Jesus. (from Vietnam)
    • This brings tears to my eyes! I’m from Malaysia! This is what I call being united together in Christ. We are all one in Christ our Lord! AMEN!
    • क्योंकी परमेश्वर ने जगत से एसा प्रेम किया कि उसने अपना एकलौता पुत्र दे दिया कि जो कोई उस पर विश्वास करे वह नाश न हो परंतु अनंत जीवन प्राप्त करे | ( यूहन्ना 3:16 in Hindi) ✝️📖🛐 (For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. | John 3:16) ✝️📖🛐
    • Благославения всем моим братья и сёстрам во Христе по всему миру. Дай нам Бог дойти до конца, сохранить веру и встретиться за брачным пиром. Иисус грядёт! (Russian) (Blessings to all my brothers and sisters in Christ around the world. May God help us to reach the end, keep the faith, and meet at the wedding feast. Jesus is coming!)
    • உயரமும் உன்னதமுமான சிங்காசனத்தில் வீற்றிருக்கின்ற நம் கர்த்தருக்கே எல்லா கனமும் மகிமையும்! (Tamil) (All honor and glory to our Lord who sits on the high and noble throne!)
    • I’m watching/listening to this today at a nearby park. ... I just wanted to be with my brothers and sisters in Christ... I dunno why but I miss you... I know weird, but I guess it’s because we ALL know where we truly are from (His Kingdom)... until that moment ... continue to look to Him... He is returning SOON! HALLELUJAH!!
    • After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”
    • Having final stage pancreatic cancer, I imagine this is how it will be in heaven, full of amazing praises to our God and risen Christ!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d48-qbcovVY

    Maria: We may not know the future, but we know who holds it in His hands. He’s the one who loves all His children with the love that created us and the whole universe. How can we keep from singing!

     

  • Sep 12 The Book of Galatians: Chapter 2 (verses 11–21)
  • Aug 29 The Book of Galatians: Chapter 2 (verses 1–10)
  • Aug 1 The Book of Galatians: Chapter 1 (Verses 11–24)
  • Jul 18 The Book of Galatians: Introduction
  • Jun 20 2 Thessalonians: Chapter 3 (Part 2)
  • Jun 6 2 Thessalonians: Chapter 3 (Part 1)
  • May 23 2 Thessalonians: Chapter 2 (Part 2)
  • May 9 2 Thessalonians: Chapter 2 (Part 1)
  • Apr 25 2 Thessalonians: Chapter 1
   

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  • The Family International (TFI) is an international online Christian community committed to sharing the message of God’s love with people around the globe. We believe that everyone can have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, which affords happiness and peace of mind, as well as the motivation to help others and to share the good news of His love.

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  • The primary goal of the Family International is to improve the quality of life of others by sharing the life-giving message of love, hope, and salvation found in God’s Word. We believe that God's love—applied on a practical level to our daily lives—is the key to resolving many of society's problems, even in the complex and fast-paced world of today. Through imparting the hope and guidance found in the Bible’s teachings, we believe that we can work toward building a better world—changing the world, one heart at a time.

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  • Love for humankind

    God’s unconditional love for humanity that knows no boundaries of race, creed, or status, motivates and guides us to help meet the needs of those we come in contact with, whether spiritually or practically.

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1 and 2 Thessalonians
A study of Paul’s epistles to the Thessalonians and how these teachings apply today.
The Heart of It All: Foundations of Christian Theology
A book compiled from a series of articles covering the basics of Christian doctrine.
Living Christianity
Applying the teachings of the Bible to our daily lives and decisions.

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