Food for the Soul

Welcome to the "Food for the Soul" page at Faith Forward Ministries! Here, we provide spiritual nourishment designed to help you connect with God and grow in your faith journey. Loving the Lord and sharing His love with others in a practical way is our mission, and this page is a key part of that. In addition to spiritual encouragement, we also offer resources to help you apply faith in your daily life. From devotionals and prayer guides to uplifting stories of transformation, our goal is to equip you with tools that inspire hope and strengthen your walk with Christ. Dive into these resources to find guidance, comfort, and motivation wherever you are on your journey.

Look for a new devotional posts every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!


August & September 2025

Over the next two months, we will explore what it means to be a Christian and why we believe what we believe. 

We Believe: In the Forgiveness of Sins

The forgiveness of sins is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. It is through faith in Jesus Christ that we are justified and our sins are forgiven. Romans 4:5-8 emphasizes that it is not by our works, but by our faith in Him who justifies the ungodly, that we are accounted as righteous. This blessedness of forgiveness is beautifully described by David, who speaks of the joy and relief of having one's lawless deeds forgiven and sins covered. 

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We Believe: In the Communion of the Saints

The communion of the saints is a profound and beautiful aspect of our faith. It signifies the deep spiritual connection and fellowship that believers share with one another through their common faith in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:23-25 encourages us to hold fast to our hope, to consider one another, and to stir up love and good works. This passage highlights the importance of assembling together and exhorting one another, especially as we see the Day of the Lord approaching. 

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We Believe: In the Catholic Church

The term "Catholic" in the context of the Christian Church refers to the universal body of believers who follow Jesus Christ. This passage from Acts provides a beautiful picture of the early church and its commitment to the teachings of the apostles, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. The early Christians were united in their faith and shared their lives with one another, demonstrating the true essence of the universal church. 

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We Believe: In the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is an essential part of the Christian faith, representing God's presence and power in our lives. In Acts 1:4-8, Jesus instructs His disciples to wait for the Promise of the Father, which is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This promise is not just for the early disciples but for all believers. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses for Christ, giving us the strength and courage to share the gospel and live out our faith. 

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Remembering 9/11 and Seeking Revival

On September 11, 2001, the world witnessed an event that would forever change the course of history. The tragic attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash in Shanksville, PA resulted in the loss of nearly 3,000 lives and left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions. In the aftermath of this tragedy, we saw a nation come together in a way that had not been seen in decades. People from all walks of life united in their grief, their resolve, and their faith.

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We Believe: Jesus will Judge the Living and the Dead

This passage from Revelation provides a vivid depiction of the final judgment. The great white throne represents the absolute purity and righteousness of God's judgment. The image of the earth and heaven fleeing from His presence underscores the awe-inspiring and inescapable nature of this event. Every person, regardless of their status or achievements, will stand before God and be judged according to their works. 

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We Believe: Jesus Will Return

The return of Jesus Christ is a cornerstone of Christian faith. This passage from 1 Thessalonians provides a vivid and powerful image of that glorious day. The Lord's descent from heaven, accompanied by the voice of an archangel and the trumpet of God, signifies a moment of divine intervention and ultimate victory. The resurrection of the dead in Christ and the gathering of the living believers to meet the Lord in the air is a promise of eternal fellowship with Him. 

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We Believe: Jesus Is Seated at the Right Hand of God

Central to the Christian faith is the belief that Jesus, after His resurrection, ascended to Heaven and is now seated at the right hand of God. This phrase is more than symbolic; it carries deep theological meaning and offers profound comfort to believers. In Mark 16:14, we see Jesus appearing to the eleven apostles, confronting their doubts and challenging their lack of faith in the testimony of His resurrection. Despite their uncertainty, Jesus meets them at the table, speaks honestly, and prepares them for the mission ahead. His words and actions reveal the patience and authority of the risen Christ, who is about to take His rightful place beside the Father. 

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We Believe: Jesus Ascended into Heaven

The ascension of Jesus is one of the most significant events in Christian belief, affirming not only His divinity but also His ongoing presence in the lives of His followers. When the risen Christ was taken up into Heaven, He was not leaving behind a world in chaos, but rather completing His earthly ministry and beginning a new chapter for His Church. Jesus' ascension is not a departure as much as a transformation—His presence is no longer bound by time and space, but available to all believers, everywhere and always. 

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We Believe: On the Third Day He Rose Again

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian faith and hope. The Apostle Paul, writing to the church in Corinth, understood the doubts and debates that swirled around the claim that Jesus had been raised from the dead. In the passage above, Paul does not mince words—he insists that the truth of Christ’s resurrection is not a peripheral issue, but at the very heart of the gospel. Without it, faith is futile, preaching is meaningless, and the power of sin remains unbroken. 

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We Believe: The Descent of Jesus into Hell

The phrase "Jesus descended into Hell" is a profound and often misunderstood aspect of Christian theology. It is rooted in the Apostles' Creed, which states, "He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead." This descent signifies Jesus' victory over death and His proclamation of triumph to the spirits in prison (1 Peter 3:19). It is not a descent of suffering, but one of victory and liberation. 

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We Believe: The Burial of Jesus

The burial of Jesus is a significant event that is often overshadowed by His crucifixion and resurrection. However, it holds profound meaning in the narrative of salvation. In 1 Corinthians 15:4, Paul emphasizes that Jesus' burial was a fulfillment of the Scriptures, underscoring its importance in God's redemptive plan. The burial of Jesus signifies the reality of His death. It confirms that He truly died and was laid to rest in a tomb, marking the completion of His sacrifice for our sins. 

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June & July 2025

Grace and Peace to Us

Revelation 1:4-6 is a profound reminder of the eternal freedom we have in Christ. These verses open with grace and peace, blessings emanating from the eternal God and His Son, Jesus Christ. This is no ordinary peace—it is the peace of being reconciled to God, free from condemnation, and the grace of living in His unmerited favor. This greeting is not simply a salutation but a declaration of freedom for those who belong to Christ. 

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Eternal Freedom

Revelation 21:4 is a powerful and comforting promise that speaks to the eternal freedom we have in Christ. This verse is part of John's vision of the new heaven and new earth, where God will dwell with His people, and all things will be made new. The imagery of God wiping away every tear from our eyes and the absence of death, mourning, crying, and pain is a profound reminder of the ultimate freedom and restoration that awaits us in eternity.

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Grace Sufficient

In 2 Corinthians 12:9, the Apostle Paul shares a profound truth about the nature of God's grace and power. Paul had been pleading with God to remove a thorn in his flesh, a persistent struggle or affliction that caused him great distress. Instead of granting Paul's request, God responded with a powerful declaration: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." This response reveals a fundamental aspect of living in the freedom Jesus gives us.

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Proclaiming Freedom

In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus reads from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah in the synagogue, declaring the fulfillment of this prophecy in their hearing. This passage is a powerful declaration of Jesus' mission and the transformative freedom He offers. The Spirit of the Lord anointed Jesus to bring good news to the poor, proclaim freedom for the prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind, and set the oppressed free. This scripture encapsulates the essence of Jesus' ministry and the freedom He brings to all who believe in Him.

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Slave to Sin

In John 8:34-36, Jesus speaks profound truths about the nature of sin and the freedom He offers. He begins by stating that anyone who sins is a slave to sin. This metaphor of slavery is powerful and evocative, illustrating the bondage and control that sin can exert over our lives. Sin is not just an act; it is a condition that enslaves us, preventing us from experiencing true freedom and peace.

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Cleansed and Free

Isaiah 1:18 is a profound invitation from God to His people, offering them a chance to be cleansed from their sins and experience true freedom. This verse paints a vivid picture of transformation, where the deep stains of sin are washed away, leaving us pure and spotless. The imagery of scarlet and crimson, colors that are difficult to remove, emphasizes the severity of our sins. Yet, God's promise to make them as white as snow and wool highlights His power to cleanse and renew us completely.

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April & May 2025

Guided by God’s Light

When I was in elementary school, I had a children's church teacher who loved to sing and play guitar. To this day, I remember several of the songs she taught us - and some of the motions too. One of those songs was about Psalm 119:105. While I cannot remember all the words, the chorus of the song was simply the scripture.

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Rest for the Weary

Life often feels like an endless cycle of responsibilities, pressures, and burdens. The weight of expectations, personal struggles, and uncertainties can leave us feeling exhausted, both physically and spiritually. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus offers an invitation that speaks directly to this weariness. He calls us to come to Him, promising rest for our souls.

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Walking in Wisdom: Choosing Godly Friendships

Friendship is one of the most influential aspects of our lives. The people we surround ourselves with shape our thoughts, our decisions, and even our spiritual growth. Proverbs 12:26 offers a clear and sobering truth—the righteous must be intentional about their friendships because the wrong influences can lead them astray.

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The Power of Encouragement

Anxiety is a burden that weighs heavily on the heart. It can cloud our thoughts, drain our energy, and make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. Proverbs 12:25 acknowledges this reality, recognizing that worry and fear can lead to deep discouragement. But this verse does not stop at describing the problem—it also offers a solution. A good word has the power to lift the heart, to bring encouragement, and to restore joy.

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God’s Love and Our Identity

John’s words in this passage are a powerful reminder of the depth of God’s love and the identity we have in Him. He begins with an invitation to behold—to truly see and recognize—the incredible love that God has given us. This is not a distant or conditional love; it is a love so profound that it calls us His children.

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God’s Restoration and Renewal

Imagine holding your Bible that has traveled through years of study, prayer, and devotion. The edges of its pages are tattered, its spine is creased, and its cover bears the marks of time. Despite its wear, this Bible holds immense value—not because of its outward appearance, but because of the truth contained within. Even as it ages, it remains a source of wisdom, guidance, and comfort.

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