How to Give God Glory Every Day

11 / 11 / 1911 / 10 / 19

If you and I are going to ask what would give God glory, we need to know how to give God glory! The Bible gives the following 5 ways to glorify God consistently. #WWGGG #GiveGodGlory #HopeinGod #CountingmyBlessings

I’m so excited about the response to #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory?

Many of you have already joined the #WWGGG Facebook Group and committed to asking yourself the question as you maneuver the joys and challenges of life each day. Some are sharing it with their own children and their church’s youth groups. Others are inviting their extended family and friends to join us on Facebook and begin a movement of people living for God’s glory.

The following quote sums up what it means to give God glory…

“We do not segment our lives, giving some time to God, some to our business or schooling, while keeping parts to ourselves. The idea is to live all of our lives in the presence of God, under the authority of God, and for the honor and glory of God. That is what the Christian life is all about.”
R. C. Sproul

I want to look at 5 ways you and I can give God glory every day.

Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans…

I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him.Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:1–2 (NLT)

I’ve read that verse hundreds of times but today I want to pull it apart and make it practical. I don’t want to just read it, nod my head in agreement, and move on … I want to take it to heart and live.

So, I’m learning…

How to Give God Glory Every Day

You and I can give God glory every day by taking a closer look at His Word and applying it to every area of who I am.

1. Give God Glory by Surrendering the Day to Him

As I open my eyes and begin to start the day, I want to surrender myself to God.

The Message version of those verses above say:

Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.
Romans 12:1

That’s surrender! Giving every part of my life to God as an offering to be lifted up for His glory.

Years ago, a friend taught me his morning prayer. I’ve always loved it…

Lord, I surrender this day to You. I will follow where You lead and trust Your will as You reveal it to me. Please help me fulfill this promise that my life might give You glory. In Jesus name by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

2. Give God Glory with Your Body (Physically)

Paul wrote in one of his letters to the people in Corinth…

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
1 Corinthians 6:19–20

I really want to be a good steward of the body God has given me but I have to admit that often when it comes to diet and exercise and the stewardship of taking care of myself physically, my intentions are better than my actual follow-through.

Paul also wrote…

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31

So, I’m challenging myself to do better. When I’m tempted to binge or miss my appointment with a workout or ignore important healthy routines … I want to ask and apply #WWGGG!

In addition, verse 18 in chapter 6 says…

Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.
1 Corinthians 6:18

You and I can glorify God with our bodies by honoring who He created us to be sexually as well as trusting and obeying His Word on marriage – things that definitely give Him glory.

3. Give God Glory with Your Thoughts (Mentally)

Whew, this one’s hard, isn’t it?

I think intentionally controlling my thoughts throughout the day is one of my life’s greatest challenges.

The enemy of our souls is continuously taunting us with past hurts, past mistakes, worldly pleasures, greed, judgments, self-righteousness, doubt … okay, you get the idea! We can also add countless “entertainment” choices that can either bless or harm our mental well-being.

Paul also wrote…

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:3–5

It’s so encouraging to know that God hasn’t abandoned us to control our thoughts on our own. He has given us His Spirit to help us.

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
Romans 8:11

You and I can’t and won’t control our thoughts on our own. We will follow the enemy’s taunts down into the pit every time. But we’re not alone. We have the Holy Spirit with us and within us to guide us to help us stay out of those pits of defeat and discouragement and anything else we might be tempted to put in our heads that fail to glorify God.

And that’s an awesome reason to give God glory!

4. Give God Glory with Your Feelings (Emotionally)

I’m super emotional. Highs, lows, and everything in between. When Rev asks me if I remember an event or an experience, I will typically reply with…

“I don’t know. Did I cry?”

I don’t remember facts and details but whew, do I remember emotions.

So glorifying God with my emotions is important to me.

Paul also wrote:

You have never been tempted to sin in any different way than other people. God is faithful. He will not allow you to be tempted more than you can take. But when you are tempted, He will make a way for you to keep from falling into sin.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLV)

God gave us our emotions.

He not only gave them to us – Jesus lived them for us.

Jesus understands our emotions! He experienced life here on earth in a body with all its feelings and emotions.

The difference … Jesus managed His emotions perfectly for God’s glory.

When You and I are tempted with out of control emotions – praise God for His promise to “make a way to keep us from falling into sin.” So, I’m praying and asking God to help me ask #WWGGG before I write that snarky reply in person or in an email, text, or comment. With God’s help, I believe I can do a better job of taking an emotional pause first.

And for this emotional Sanguine, being able to manage my emotions with godly wisdom would be an awesome reason to thank and praise God.

5. Give God Glory with Your Soul (Spiritually)

When you and I repent of our sins and entrust our lives to God through faith in Jesus … we are glorifying God spiritually.

And when we share our stories of how the Lord has changed our lives through His grace, mercy, and love …. we are glorifying God.

Glorifying God with our souls is to glorify Him with who we are completely … which is why giving God the glory with my soul is my favorite one of all.

You see, everything else will fade away.

Our bodies will eventually fail and die, needing to be replaced with a new and perfect body when Jesus returns. Our minds and emotions will be cleansed and purified and the junk that haunts and taunts us will be overwhelmed by all that is good and God-pleasing.

But our souls … the total of who we are inside, the inside wiring and creation of God that we surrender back to Him in faith, that will live on to glorify Him for all eternity.

How awesome is that?!

So, after pulling apart the question “How to give God glory”, we can put it back together like this…

To give God glory every day – we surrender ourselves to God who loves us so much He provided Jesus, the sacrifice for our sin and who through His Spirit is able to give us everything we need to live each moment for His glory physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

We can live to lift His name HIGH for…

“He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since He is Lord of heaven and earth, He doesn’t live in man-made temples,and human hands can’t serve His needs—for He has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and He satisfies every need.

“His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him—though He is not far from any one of us.For in Him we live and move and exist.
Acts 17:24–25, 27–28

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

5 Prayers for the Holidays (Soon to be Upon Us)

11 / 7 / 1911 / 7 / 19

The holidays are full of both excitement and anxiety. I love these prayers for the holidays. They are the hope & attitude adjustment I need. #Prayer #Hope #Holidays #Hospitality #WWGGG

It’s November! What?!

We’re less than three weeks away from Thanksgiving and it always seems like Christmas follows in a blink after that. And for most of us, we can’t help but think about what that means for us and for the other people with whom we’ll interact over the holidays.

Because there are always emotions attached to the way we look at the holidays. Emotions attached to past memories and emotions connected to our current relationships.

Praise God, He understands our emotions, loves us, and invites us to bring all of those amped up feelings to Him in prayer so He can help us.

I’m so excited that my friend Sue Donaldson, of Welcome Heart, is sharing wisdom concerning many of the ways our thoughts, attitudes, and emotions can affect us over the weeks ahead. And I love that she’s doing it by taking it all to the Lord in prayer.

So, please make her feel welcome and don’t forget to say “hello” and bless her with a comment.

5 Prayers for the Holidays
(Soon to be Upon Us)

How we feel about the holidays-soon-approach may have everything to do with how we were raised, whose turn it is to host, or how badly the turkey turned out in 2008 which is now the stuff of family legend, no (stuffing) pun intended.

Here are 5 Scriptures and prayers for the holidays to ready our minds and hearts for seasonal festivities. May this be the best year yet all because God invites us to know Him deeper and follow Him better.

PRAYER FOR EXPECTATIONS

Expectations are great in their place but their place may only be in my imagination. I get into trouble when I expect someone to read my mind and do and say exactly as I was thinking they would do or say.

My favorite Scripture that helps me balance my best-laid plans and the reality of the moment…

“My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him.”
Psalm 62:5 (NKJV)

Father, I give you all my hopes and dreams for the holidays. Please grant the ones that glorify you most and which grow me best into Your likeness. May I allow You to be in control. And when things don’t turn out exactly as I thought they might, may I let it go and rest in You. Thank You and Amen.

PRAYER FOR COMMUNICATION

Whether or not your family is a talkie-bunch, how we communicate can make or break a holiday event. I was anxious about how I might talk with an almost-relative who I knew I would be seeing soon. A friend counseled me: “Brag on her son when you see her.” That was great advice and smoothed over any awkwardness. You don’t need to make things up to be nice, but you can always be kind with your words.

Paul wrote…

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Lord God, I want to use my words for blessing (not cursing!) this holiday season. I will see some people I don’t know well nor see very often, and only You know what’s going on in their lives. May I look for ways to say kind things and believe the best about another even if they say something offensive to me. Help me respond rather than react, and if I know I’m getting impatient, may I give myself a time-out until I spend time communicating with You. Thank You and Amen.

PRAYER FOR PEACE

God’s presence brings peace so I wonder, “Why don’t I always feel peaceful?” It’s a matter of the mind. Preparations for the holidays can fill my mind so much so I leave God on the perimeter and start wringing my hands in worry instead of folded in prayer to the One Who can actually do something about my anxieties. Jesus understood our proclivities to stew in the details of how much stew to make for how many guests as He recalls His Father’s loving care…

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
Matthew 6:31–33 (NLT)

Father God, I’m so glad you are in the details. Remind me every day that You’ve got it all under control even if I don’t have it on the list or, God forbid, I lose those precious lists. Thank you that You know what I need and what my guests and family needs. Teach me how to seek Your kingdom above all else. As I set each table may I set my mind on things above. Thank You and Amen.

PRAYER FOR FORBEARANCE

I love that old-fashioned word. Think: patience. My sister heard this great definition: “Forbearance is putting up with more than you are due (or that you THINK you are due!)” The funny thing about forbearance is that we want everyone else to “forbear” with us but forget to forbear with everyone else, depending on how much coffee we’ve had or how little sleep we’ve managed. It can be tricky to rub shoulders and hips in close proximity in a kitchen meant for one and now there are five, and you just wish everyone would go away for thirty minutes so you could get yourself together. Instead, we are called to forbear…

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

Dear Father, I have no excuse for not exercising patience with others. After all, You are amazingly patient with me. Grant me the grace to forgive, the cognizance to hold my tongue, and the humility to keep my huffiness at bay. May I love lavishly and find You at every turn of the shopping aisle and what space is left at the kitchen island. Thank You and Amen.

PRAYER FOR CELEBRATING

Holidays are for celebrating! I love a great tradition that brings joy and sweetness to friends and family. However, my love for Christ and my purpose to make all my life all about Him gets lost in the trappings of tradition and wrappings of “we-must-do-it-this-way-again-because-that-is-what-we’ve-always-done.” I’m fairly certain flexibility–not cleanliness–is next to godliness.

When I remember Who I treasure and surrender each event to God–no matter how small, commit each task to His favor–no matter how simple, I can celebrate with abandon: my family and friends, the music, food, decor, the dark nights and special lights, the fire in the fireplace or a simple candle.

I want my heart’s cry to be like the Psalmist’s…

“Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:25–26 (ESV)

Oh, God, I love You so! I celebrate You and what You purpose through my life. May I not be trapped by my traditions. I offer them all to You. Show me how to celebrate You best and foremost. May your love and sacrifice sink deep into my bones so that when people come into my home they know that they have been with Jesus. Now that’s something to celebrate! Thank You and Amen.

Sue Donaldson and her husband, Mark, live in San Luis Obispo, California. Sue taught high school English, part of the time in Brazil with Wycliffe Bible Translators. She and her husband, Mark, have raised 3 semi-adult daughters who keep them at the bank and on their knees. Sue loves connecting people to one another, to God, and to His Word, and has been speaking for the last 20 years or so with long pauses for babies, diapers and soccer pasta parties. She blogs at Welcome Heart.com – Ordinary Hospitality, Extraordinary God.

Sue’s books include:

Come to My Table: God’s Hospitality and Yours
Hospitality, 101: Lessons from the Ultimate Host, a 12-Week Bible Study
Table Mentoring: A Simple Guide to Coming Alongside

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May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

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And I’d love for you to join our new Facebook Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. Click on the link to learn more!

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How #WWGGG Can Change Your Life

11 / 4 / 1911 / 5 / 19

There's a simple question you and I can ask ourselves that will not only change our lives but one that can change the lives of people everywhere. #WWGGG #WWJD #Question #ChangetheWorld

I remember the first time I read Charles Sheldon’s book, In His Steps.

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.
2 Peter 2:21

The Holy Spirit used seven words…

“That you should follow in His steps.”

A simple phrase inspired a group of people to ask a question.

What would Jesus do?

And lives were changed … their lives and the lives of people around them.

Because they quickly learned that a question like “What would Jesus do?” is easy to ask but not easy to consistently apply. You see, before someone can do what Jesus would do they have to KNOW what Jesus would do.

Which is something I’ve been thinking a lot about this year.

I’ve wondered if #WWJD has become an easy phrase to use to tell other people what they should be doing and saying rather than being a personal commitment to actually knowing, loving, and obeying Jesus.

When I hear someone proclaim that Jesus wants people to affirm something that clearly goes against God’s Word, I fear that a phrase like “What would Jesus do?” has lost a bit of its significance for a few of the people who use it.

So, earlier this year, I started asking myself a new question…

What would give God glory?

Based on the verse…

Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31

And I’ve discovered this is a question that has the power to change lives. Well, at least it’s changed mine.

Before I explain that, I want to take a minute to explain what I believe it means to do everything for the glory of God.

Paul Tripp defines glory in this way…

Glory isn’t a part of God; it’s all that God is. Every aspect of who God is and every part of what God does is glorious. But even that’s not enough of a description. Not only is He glorious in every way, but His very glory is glorious!

God’s glory encompasses the greatness, beauty, and perfection of all that He is.

If the intent of my life is to live for God’s glory … then everything I do and say needs to point others to want to know Him – know the greatness, beauty, and perfection of all that He is.

So, asking the question, “What would give God glory?” causes me to stop and pause and think before I speak or act.

#WWGGG

Before I do or say anything, I want to pause and ask #WWGGG.

Before I respond to an unkind comment … #WWGGG.
Before I post something online …#WWGGG.
Before I make a purchase … #WWGGG.
Before I choose a TV show, movie, or book … #WWGGG.
Before I eat … #WWGGG.
Before __________ … #WWGGG.

What would give God glory in my life? And I invite you to ask, “What would give God glory?” in yours.

Like #WWJD, we first have to know what God says gives Him glory rather than trying to make things up on our own. So let’s do a little digging…

Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 (HCSB)

Our kindness, compassion, care, and concern … our love for others gives God glory.

God bought you with a great price. So honor God with your body. You belong to Him.
1 Corinthians 6:20 (NLV)

Caring for our own bodies physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually gives God glory.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2

Discerning God’s will and following it gives God glory.

Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God,
    and keep the vows you made to the Most High.
Then call on me when you are in trouble,
    and I will rescue you,
    and you will give me glory.”
Psalm 50:14–15

Thankfulness and praise give God glory.

Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32

Forgiving others because God has forgiven you and me gives God glory.

“If you love me, obey my commandments.”
John 4:15

Obedience shows our love for God and gives Him glory.

I worship and praise Your name for Your unfailing love and faithfulness; for Your promises are backed by all the honor of Your name.
Psalm 138:2

When you and I worship and praise God we give Him glory.

But why is it important? Why does it matter?

Why does my signature line say – By His grace and for His glory?

Because I believe it’s why I was created…

Bring all who claim me as their God,
    for I have made them for my glory.
    It was I who created them.
And
“You are worthy, O Lord our God,
    to receive glory and honor and power.
For You created all things,
    and they exist because
You created what You pleased.”
Isaiah 43:7 and Revelation 4:11

You and I were created for God’s pleasure and His glory! It’s the very reason we are here.

So, are you ready?

Let’s start by making a commitment to stop and pause and ask … “What would give God glory?”

Then let’s invite our friends and family to join us.

Who knows … maybe we could start a movement that could not only change our lives but one that would change the lives of people everywhere.

Let’s make #WWGGG a way of life for those who love and follow Jesus. Because the truth is … if you and I want to do what Jesus would do, we need to live for God’s glory. That’s what Jesus did!

Not to us, O Lord, not to us,
but to Your name goes all the glory
for Your unfailing love and faithfulness.
Psalm 115:1

If you’re in let me know in the comments. I can’t wait to hear from you!

And if you’d like to join a community of people who are committing to ask themselves #WWGGG as they live each day for Him – click here.

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

5 Verses to Pray When You Doubt Your Faith

10 / 31 / 1910 / 31 / 19

One of satan's favorite temptations beginning in the Garden of Eden is to get you to doubt your faith. So, we're praying the promises of God, thanking Him for His faithfulness even when we doubt. #Faith #Prayer #DoubtFaith #Blessings

I’ve recently come to the conclusion that the enemy has one primary form of tempting God’s children.

It’s the same thing he’s used since the Garden…

“Did God really say…”
Genesis 3:1a

He is all about tempting us to doubt.

Doubt God. Doubt the Bible. Doubt Jesus.

And if all else fails … he wants you to doubt your faith.

I recently received a prayer request from someone who was being taunted with a couple of faith-related questions.

What if my faith isn’t strong enough?
What if I lose my faith?

It’s easy to understand where the questions come from at a time when famous leaders are coming forward saying they no longer believe.

It’s confusing and satan loves to use things like the fall of the popular and influential to get us to question God’s Word and His love.

Growing up, my pastor would assure us that it was okay to doubt if…

And the IF is really important.

It’s okay to doubt your faith if doubting motivates you to turn to GOD and SEEK HIS TRUTH!

Everyone will doubt from time to time. When circumstances are difficult and fear looms, when people let us down and life disappoints, when we question and wonder and want and wait … satan uses those moments to taunt and discourage us—tempting us to doubt God’s love and our faith.

Which is why I’m going to the Word and prayer today. I’m asking God to assure us of His gift of faith, asking Him to remind us of His past presence and faithfulness, and asking Him to help us know the truth of His grace, mercy, and love even when we’re weak and worried. I’m asking Him to help us celebrate His blessings no matter how we feel or how the enemy tempts us.

I am making the prayers personal and I’m hoping you will pray with me…

5 Verses to Pray When You Doubt Your Faith

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.
1 Corinthians 10:13

Father, Thank you! Your Word assures me that I’m not alone. Since the first temptation, satan has been taunting us with questions and doubts. He is not a respecter of persons or positions … every one of us is tempted from time to time.

But You, Lord God, are faithful. I am not alone. You are with me. Through the power of Your Spirit, You give me what I need to stand strong and endure in the midst of the battle and You give me what I need to bravely walk away.

When I can’t. You can. You will. You do. Your grace is sufficient and I am so very thankful!

I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Philippians 1:6

Father, Thank you so much for making me Your own. This promise blesses, encourages, and gives me hope. Jesus is the source of my faith and hope. Thank you for Your Holy Spirit who continues to work within me … reminding me of Your love and giving me eyes to see the way You are at work in my life giving me everything I need.

When doubts arise, remind me that the enemy is the source of doubt but…

Jesus is the source of my faith and through the Spirit, He is the One who keeps me strong until that day when He returns to take me home. I have nothing to fear.

But in that coming day
    no weapon turned against you will succeed.
You will silence every voice
    raised up to accuse you.
These benefits are enjoyed by
the servants of the Lord;
    their vindication will come from me.
    I, the Lord, have spoken!
Isaiah 54:17

Father, with Your Spirit’s help, no weapon of doubt turned against me will succeed. You silence every voice that rises up to accuse of past sins that have already been forgiven. You silence every voice that tempts me to doubt You … to doubt my faith in You.

You have given me the gift of faith. I belong to You.

I humbly surrender this day to You in child-like faith. I will trust and follow Your will as You reveal it to me and I will live moment by moment secure in Your presence and protection.

This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Hebrews 4:15–16

Lord Jesus, Thank you! I am not alone. You know me inside and out. You understand our human nature and You know the temptations we face.

Thank you for showing me how to fight satan’s temptations with the Word, for showing me that we can stand with strength on Your Truth.

And thank you, thank you, thank you for making it possible for me to come to the Father in prayer and for promising that at His throne I will receive the grace and mercy I need.

When the enemy tempts me with doubt … Your grace, mercy, and love are my strength when I am weak, my courage when I’m afraid, my hope when I am lost, my possible when circumstances seem impossible, my source and sustainer of faith when questions arise.

You are Lord of lords and King of kings. I am so thankful for You!

“From eternity to eternity I am God.
No one can snatch anyone out of my hand.
No one can undo what I have done.”
Isaiah 43:!3

Father, Thank you! Thank you for giving me the gift of faith in Your Son, Jesus. My confession is not because of who I am … I am not strong enough or wise enough. My belief is not because of what I’ve done or because of the church I attend. It is fully based on Your grace, mercy, and love.

And You say, “No one can undo what You have done. No one can snatch me out of Your hand.”

I am Yours.

When I am tempted, fill me with Your Spirit. When I doubt, assure me of Your love. When I question, teach me Your truth. When life is hard and even when it’s not, help me SEEK First all You want for me one day at a time. Amen.

When you doubt your faith…
When I doubt my faith…

The Good News is – we are not alone.

We are loved. We are understood. And by God’s grace and mercy, we can take it all, our questions, concerns, and doubts, to him in prayer and receive everything we need to live each day with hope and with the assurance of our faith.

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

3 Ways to Encounter God when
You are Weary and Burdened

by Stacey Pardoe
@ Encountering God in the Ordinary

I Wear Orange Because I Can:
How Identity Informs Our Actions

by Sue Donaldson
@Welcome Heart

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

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I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

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Deb Wolf
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May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

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and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

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This Problem in the Church is Hurting Everyone

10 / 28 / 1910 / 28 / 19

When God's people take sides barking and biting at each other, we hurt the message of Christ. It's a problem in the church that hurts everyone. #churchproblems #churchdivision #churchleaders #Jesus #Faith

As Christians, you and I represent Christ to a broken world and I’m wondering about the messages we are sending.

Paul talked so often about the importance of unity in the church because we are supposed to be focused on sharing God’s love. If we can’t love each other … why would anyone want what we have?

Paul wrote in a letter to the Church in Corinth…

I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters. Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,” or “I follow only Christ.”
1 Corinthians 1:10–12

We could simply change the names to say…

“I am a follower of Beth Moore.”
“I follow John MacArthur.”
“I follow Joel Osteen.”
“I follow Andy Stanley.”
“I follow _____________.”

Paul went on to say, “God sent me to…”

preach the Good News—and not with clever speech, for fear that the cross of Christ would lose its power.
v. 17

When God’s people take sides barking and biting at each other … we hurt the message of Christ. And it’s a problem in the church at large.

Whenever Rev and I talk with someone who is struggling to surrender their lives through faith in Jesus, most of the time their problem is with the church.

The Church! And we ARE the church!

We are not called to build up an individual church leader’s ministry. We are called to tell people about Jesus.

We are all sinners … even our church leaders. Even the best of teachers don’t get it right all the time. And when we sinful people divide the church … everyone suffers. Both believers and non-believers get hurt in the process.

Social media only intensifies the problem by putting it all out there on a larger scale but the truth is, this has been a problem since the early church. Which is why Jesus prayed…

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.I pray that they will all be one, just as You and I are one—as You are in me, Father, and I am in You. And may they be in us so that the world will believe You sent me. I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and You are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent me and that You love them as much as You love me.“
John 17:20–23

Wow, we’ve really messed that up, haven’t we?!

Christianity has been divided into so many groups, how is a non-believer supposed to know who or what to believe?

The Solution to The Problem in the Church

Focus on Jesus!

My prayer is that we would stop cheering on church leaders with whom we agree or bashing the ones with whom we disagree and that we would become intentional SEEKERS of God’s truth … of His Kingdom.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need.
Luke 12:31

I wrote a few weeks ago about my love of reading the Bible. The following is from that post…

Although, I used to be an avid reader of books written by Bible teachers, I’ve observed that although there are, I’m sure, many books which are Biblically sound … there are also others that contain a culture pleasing bias.

I don’t have the time or the energy to join the arguments about which teachings are Biblical and true and the ones that aren’t.

I feel God has called me to tell people about His transforming love.

Maybe He has called you to that as well.

I get it! It’s easier to talk about what is current and trending on Facebook and Twitter. It’s easier to focus on the current problem in the church than it is to start a conversation about Jesus and the Bible.

But Jesus is the One who really matters, isn’t He?

Your relationship and mine to the risen Christ is the only thing in life that has eternal implications.

The Life Application Bible Notes say the following about Paul’s words to the Corinthians…

We can spend a lifetime accumulating wisdom and yet never learn how to have a personal relationship with God. We must come to the crucified and risen Christ to receive eternal life and the joy of a personal relationship with our Savior.

Which is why I try so hard to stay out of divisive conversations.

I don’t want my personal “opinions” to turn someone away from knowing the joy of a personal relationship with Jesus. And I’m guessing you don’t want that either.

So, what can we do…

1. Love people!

All people! Even when it’s hard or when we don’t agree.

Jesus said…

“I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
John 13:34–35

We are called to love like Jesus.

And I know people love to reference the times Jesus called out church leaders in order to justify what’s happening today. But we have to remember, Jesus KNEW what was in their hearts. You and I don’t have that ability. And we never will, we are called to love … not always agree, but love.

2. Tell them about Jesus!

Encourage people to become SEEKERS. Point them to the Bible and invite them to find out for themselves. Tell them your story … the way knowing and loving Jesus has changed your life.

You may think you don’t have much of a story or that you don’t know what to say but it’s not up to you and me bring people to faith – that’s the work of the Holy Spirit. You and I are called to “go and tell” and trust God to do the rest.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20–21

You and I have no idea what God is able to accomplish in someone else’s life when we simply share our stories.

3. Pray.

Pray for the church.
Pray for our church leaders.
Pray for everyone.

I read a devotion titled, “Is Prayerlessness a Sin?” in the book Power in Prayer by Andrew Murray the other day. In it he wrote…

We must see that prayerlessness, with the excuses we make for it, is a greater sin than we thought. It means that we have little taste or desire for fellowship with God. It shows that our faith rests more on our own work and efforts than on the power of God. It shows we have little sense of the heavenly blessing God waits to shower upon us. It means we are not ready to sacrifice the ease and confidence of the flesh for persisten pleading before God. It shows that the spirituality of our life and our abiding in Christ is too weak to allow us to prevail in prayer.

I have to admit, his words made me squirm. I’m guilty. We’re all guilty. We’re all sinners.

Which is why we need Jesus!

He is the power to forgive sin. He is the One who forgives sinners.

He is the One who is able to transform lives and unite His people.

He is the reason we are called “Christians.”

One final thought I’d like to share from the Life Application Bible Notes.

The young church at Antioch was a curious mixture of Jews and Gentiles. It is significant that this is the first place where the belivers were called Christians (or “Christ-ones”) because all they had in common was Christ—not race, culture, or even language. Christ’s love crosses all boundaries and unites all people.

May it be true of you and me. May we be the ones who focus on sharing the message of His love – by His grace and for His glory!

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

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And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

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I’m asking God to bless you today!

When You Want to Thank God for the Gift of Hope

10 / 24 / 1910 / 25 / 19

When I've prayed and prayed and waited and waited, when life is hard and circumstances frighten me ... I'm praying and thanking God for the gift of hope. #Prayer #Blessings #Hope #Faith #Godlovesyou

I’ve spent a lot of time this week thinking about hope.

You see, I’d never really stopped to think about the differences between the way secularists and people of faith perceive hope.

For the secularist, hope is based solely on the strength of their inner desires and the belief that they will achieve or receive the things they want.

But for the person of faith, hope is based on the promises of God and given as a gift of grace through faith.

The Apostle Paul wrote…

We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it.But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)
Romans 8:24–25

I love that!

It means you and I don’t have to suck it up and generate hope on our own when life is hard and we’re overwhelmed. We can go to God in prayer and ask Him to give us the hope we need.

Paul also wrote…

God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.
Hebrews 6:17–18

That place where our prayers reach God’s heart … where you and I can run for comfort, strength, and hope when life is hard.

And the Father who loves us is faithful to give us exactly what we need.

When I watch the news and see people floundering to find secular answers to change a broken world, trying countless worldly ways wishing one of them will bring the peace and satisfaction they “hope” for.

But nothing does.

Because the hope that is able to change lives is given by God and I don’t know about you, but for me, when life is hard or when I’ve prayed and prayed and waited and waited … I’m thankful for God’s gift of hope.

Will join me today and thank God for His grace in giving us the gift of hope?

Verses to Pray When You Want to Thank God for the Gift of Hope

I find rest in God;
    only He gives me hope.
He is my rock and my salvation.
    He is my defender;
    I will not be defeated.
Psalm 62:5–6

Father, Thank you for the countless times I’ve been able to come to You with my doubts and fears. Thank you for hearing the cries of my heart, even when I can’t put them into words.

Lord, I can say with David, “I will not be defeated” not because of who I am but because of You, my Defender. You give me hope, my Rock and my Salvation. You are loving and gracious and good. Thank you for Your blessings too numerous to count.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.
1 Peter 1:3–4a (NIV)

Father, Thank you for giving Peter, a fearful denier, everything he needed to boldly and powerfully profess the message of Jesus after the resurrection. Thank you for giving me new life through Jesus’ sacrificial love and thank you for filling this new life with hope. I love that Your promises never change, never perish, spoil or fade.

Of all the things this world has to offer … I know I can completely trust Your perfect love and that truth gives me hope.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.
Romans 5:3–5

Father, I’ll admit that I don’t feel like rejoicing when problems and trials arise. I typically find myself whiney and worried. But by Your grace, when I think of all the times You have given me everything I needed to walk through life’s challenges … I have hope that You will never leave me or forsake me no matter what I have to face.

The hope You give never disappoints … not because I always get the outcome I want but because You always give me what I need each day to live through whatever You allow. Sometimes You allow things that teach me I can endure with strength when I put my hope in You.

Thank you, Father, for the gift of Your Holy Spirit who reminds me of Your love and fills me with hope.

I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope He has given to those He called—His holy people who are His rich and glorious inheritance.
Ephesians 1:18

Confident hope is a gift only You can give Lord. Our world offers us wishes to go with our wants but when those desires fail to happen … wishing falls apart. But hope that shines with the light of Your perfect love lasts forever.

The hope You give is focused on You, Lord, the God of the impossible. The loving Father who has made me His own. Thank you for Jesus, for faith, hope, and love. By Your grace and for Your glory.

‘I see that the Lord is always with me.
    I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.
No wonder my heart is glad,
    and my tongue shouts His praises!
    My body rests in hope.
Acts 2:25–26

Thank you for always being with me, Lord. Your presence gives me strength and courage.

No wonder my heart is glad!

I will forever praise You as I place my life safely in the palm of Your hand … for there is no better place on earth to rest in hope.

Thanks and praise now and forever. Amen.

If you need the gift of hope today…

Pray and ask God to give it to you.
Remember the times He has given you hope in the past.
Thank Him for being the God of possibilities … including the ability to give you hope when you need it.
Trust Him to give you everything you need today.
And read … What Gives You Hope When You Need it Most?

God bless you today, tomorrow, and all the days to come with all the hope you need that you might rest in His love and rejoice!

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

Trusting God in Your Pain

by Nicki Schroeder
@ Living for an Audience of One

How Grandma Did Hospitality

by Laura Thomas
@Heartwarming Encouragement for Your Soul

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

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I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

I'm finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith 'n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun!

Deb Wolf
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Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
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Thank you so much for partying with us!
May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

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What Gives You Hope When You Need It Most?

10 / 21 / 1910 / 21 / 19

The dictionary defines “hope” as…

To cherish a desire with anticipation: to want something to happen or be true – as in hope for a promotion or hope for things to go well.
To trust.
To desire with an expectation of obtaining, accomplishing, or fulfilling.
To expect with confidence.

So, of course, that made me wonder…

Based on those definitions – What gives people hope?

I started with a Google search of the question “What gives you hope?” and found the following answers:

Not much.
Knowing that things could always be worse.
An inspiring person with strength and courage.
The belief that things will get better.
The determination and will power to improve whatever is wrong or overcome what’s going on.
When a child smiles.
Believing that dreams come true.
A sense of humor.
Optimism

Then I looked up the Biblical definition of the word “hope”…

Hope is the confident expectation, the sure certainty that what God has promised in the Word is true, has occurred, and or will occur in accordance with God’s sure Word.
Bible.org

Hope is the confident expectation of what God has promised and its strength is in His faithfulness.
Wiley Online Library

So, what’s the difference?

With the secular definition, the degree to which a person has hope is based solely on the strength of that person’s desires. But for those of us who believe that our hope is based on the Biblical definition … our hope, our strength is based on the promises of God.

In other words – you and I don’t have to be strong in order to be hopeful because weak or strong, God’s promises remain the same, God remains the same and He IS the source of our hope.

The writer of Hebrews wrote:

Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1

Paul wrote:

The Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
Romans 15:4

And…

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

And, one more…

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.
2 Thessalonians 2:16–17

So, you and I don’t have to be strong to achieve that thing for which we hope; God Himself is our source of strength, confidence, peace, and hope … He has always been and He always will be true to His promises.

I don’t know about you, but I find that very encouraging.

As do many of my friends. I asked them…

What Gives You Hope When You Need It Most?

Here’s what they had to say in response to the question – What gives you hope?

Stacey wrote, “Looking back on the ‘suicidal’ me, seeing how far He’s brought me from there and knowing He’s not DONE with me yet!! Praise His Holy Name!!”
Jenn wrote, “Truly, the Word of God gives me hope. Many years ago, I read in Psalm 107 that God sent forth His Word and healed the people. My spirit latched onto that and hasn’t let go. His Word and being in intimate relationship w/ Him have brought me so much healing.”
Sandra said, “God’s Word.”
Samantha wrote, “The knowledge that God is in my corner which I know to be true based on the experiences. I’ve seen God’s unending faithfulness in my life over and over again.”
Teri said, “The presence of the Holy Spirit gives me hope. Being down and out for over a month and a half, I’ve relied so desperately on His ‘still small voice’.”
Shelley wrote, “Reading and learning the Word of God gives me hope and the peace that ‘passes all understanding’.”
Patsy said, “The promises of God and His faithfulness.”
Dawn wrote, “Jesus and the message of the Gospel.”
Sarah said, “Reading in Revelation 21–22 about the New Heaven and New Earth where there will be no more tears of suffering.”

Over the years, others have shared…

God’s grace and forgiveness give me hope … no matter how many times I mess up, what Christ has done has already cleaned up my mess.
The grace of God in Christ Jesus gives me hope.
Knowing God is in control of my life here on earth and for eternity and that His only motives for me are love.
Trusting that God is faithful and that He always keeps His promises.
Knowing I belong to the Lord and that someday I will live with Him forever.
The testimonies of people who have been changed by the saving grace, mercy, and love of God.
Knowing God has everything under control even when it looks to me like nothing is under control.
Have the peace and strength that only God can give … making it possible to take things one day at a time.
Remembering that God created me, sent Jesus to save me, and calls me His own.
The confidence that nothing happens outside of God’s control.

Would you like to know what gives me hope when I need it?

God’s patient love and transforming power!

The way He worked in my life to create a hope-filled story that changed everything.

I’m sitting here trying to find the words to explain it to you and tears fill my eyes as I think about the journey God allowed to take me from an anxious people-pleasing afraid to make a mistake “good girl” … to a completely broken hopeless mess.

But God…

(Two of my favorite words in the Bible because they are always followed by verses that tell of God’s gracious love and transforming power. They always bring words of hope!)

But God, in His mercy gently put the pieces back together. Not all of them. There are still parts of my story that aren’t completely filled in … but that’s where the hope shines through.

That’s where I can come to you and say, if Jesus can heal this broken mess and in the process transform me into someone who wants to simply live each day surrendered to honoring His command to…

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Luke 10:27

It sounds so simple and yet, we make it so complicated, don’t we?

This is why I know I need the hope that comes from knowing and trusting God’s promises.

7 *Promises from the Message that will Give You Hope When You Need It Most***

God loves you.

This is how much God loved the world: He gave His Son, His one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in Him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.
John 3:16 (MSG)

God will meet every need you have.

You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 )MSG)

God’s grace and forgiveness give you freedom.

That means you must not give sin a vote in the way you conduct your lives. Don’t give it the time of day. Don’t even run little errands that are connected with that old way of life. Throw yourselves wholeheartedly and full-time—remember, you’ve been raised from the dead!—into God’s way of doing things. Sin can’t tell you how to live. After all, you’re not living under that old tyranny any longer. You’re living in the freedom of God.
Romans 6:12–14 (MSG)

God will protect you when you are tempted.

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; He’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; He’ll always be there to help you come through it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG)

God cares for you and He is always with you.

God has said,
“I will never fail you.
    I will never abandon you.”
So we can say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper,
    so I will have no fear.
    What can mere people do to me?”
Hebrews 13:6 (MSG)

God is always working for your good and His glory.

God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
Romans 8:26–28

God promises you will have a home with Him
forever and always.

Jesus said, “My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them real and eternal life. They are protected from the Destroyer for good. No one can steal them from out of my hand.”
And…
“Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I’m on my way to get your room ready, I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live. And you already know the road I’m taking.”
John 10:27–28 & John 14:1–2 (MSG)

And finally, a verse to memorize that will give you hope when you need it…

Why am I discouraged?
    Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
    I will praise him again—
    my Savior and my God!
Psalm 43:5

So, let me ask you…

What gives you hope when you need it most?

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

5 Verses to Pray that will Help You Fight Your Spiritual Battles

10 / 17 / 1910 / 17 / 19

Praying God's Word and asking Him to give you everything you need to be equipped and prepared to fight your spiritual battles with courage and faith. #Prayer #Faith #SpiritualWarfare #Blessings

I always believed there would be a point in my life when I would anticipate and be ready for life’s inevitable spiritual battles. But unfortunately, there are still times when they catch me by surprise and I’m unprepared.

Honestly, I’m most susceptible after a period of smooth sailing or an awesome mountaintop high. It seems the enemy loves to sneak in with an attack when I’m feeling fine and all is right with the world.

Which is why, I believe, Paul wrote what he called his “final word” to the Ephesians.

Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:10–12

Paul was familiar with the enemy’s spiritual battles and the strategies used in an effort to discourage and defeat God’s people. He knew he wasn’t strong enough to withstand these assaults on his own and that he needed to depend on God to help and equip him, making him ready to fight every attack with faith.

I’m thankful the Lord saw to it that you and I were not only told that we need to be equipped and ready but that He made sure we were told how to be equipped and ready.

Paul wrote:

Put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Ephesians 6:13

We need the:

Belt of Truth – to defeat the devil’s lies.
Body Armor of God’s righteousness – to protect us from the attacks on our hearts … our emotions.
Shoes of Peace – to take the message of God’s peace to a hurting world.
Shield of Faith – to see beyond our current circumstances with hope.
Helmet of Salvation – to protect us from the doubts that attack our minds.
Sword of the Spirit – to help us fight evil attacks offensively with the truth of the Word of God.

And then Paul followed the armor verses with these words…

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Ephesians 6:18

Which is why we’re praying today … asking God to give us all we need to be equipped and prepared for all of the spiritual battles we face.

5 Verses to Pray that will Help You Fight Your Spiritual Battles

“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
2 Kings 6:16 (NIV)

Father, I admit that I feel alone when an attack hits. Spiritual battles so often make me feel anxious and afraid.

Please help me remember that I am never alone. You are with and within me giving me the strength and peace I need whatever the day brings. When the enemy confronts me with lies that overwhelm me, Your Word says Your angel warriors fight for me even as the battle rages around me.

Jesus won the victory, Your angels are fighting for me, and Your Spirit is with me … I have nothing to fear. Thank you, Father! Your grace and mercy overwhelm me.

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
1 John 4:4

Oh, Father, how I love these words. You have made me part of Your family through the gift of faith. You have forgiven me and given me the gift of Your Spirit … the One who is greater.

Greater than anything that comes against me in this world. Greater than temptations, lies, and the forces of evil. You, Lord, are greater! You have defeated all that stands against Your children. You have made us Your own. You have made me Yours! I am safe. By that power of Your greatness and love, help me resist all the enemy throws at me as I humbly live each day for Your glory.

No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.
Isaiah 54:17 (NIV)

Father, nothing, absolutely nothing intended to rob me of who I am in You will ever succeed. Every time satan reminds me of my faults and failures, each time I face my spiritual battles, You say I am vindicated, justified, absolved … I am washed clean because of who I am in Jesus.

This is my inheritance as Your child … just because You claimed me as Your own. Not because of any good in me but because You are loving, kind, and good. Thank you, Father. May I always remember Your promise to give me everything I need … I have nothing to fear.

The Lord is faithful; He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.
2 Thessalonians 3:3

Father, thank you for the strength and protection You give me when my heart and mind are under attack. I will run to You when temptation overtakes me. I will turn to Your Word when doubts arise. I will cling to Your promises in the middle of my spiritual battles. I will trust Your unfailing love when life is hard and I need hope.

You alone are worthy of all my worship and praise! Thank you, Father! Thank you!

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
John 10:10

Father, Jesus said He is the Good Shepherd who watches over and protects His sheep … even to the point of sacrificing Himself for them. The enemy is always working to steal, kill, and destroy the people You created. He lies and tempts and taunts and confuses us, all in an attempt to get us to deny Your love. Please forgive us, Lord.

Thank you for the blessings You give to those of us who love Your Son … blessings of Your mercy and grace giving us a rich and satisfying life. Maybe not rich in things of this world but rich everything we need.

Because of Jesus, I am rich in love, peace, mercy and grace, courage and strength, hope, and so much more … all the things I need for a rich and satisfying life. Thank you, Father. The spiritual battles are real and sometimes they’re overwhelming—but by Your grace, I can rest in the truth that although there are battles, the war has already been won and the enemy has already been defeated! I give You my thanks and praise forever. Amen.

The enemy has been defeated.

God has given us everything we need for every battle.

Yet, in those moments when life feels overwhelming and satan is trying to steal, kill, and destroy who you are in Christ Jesus…

Run to God with your need, trust Him to give you everything you need, and praise Him for helping you fight your spiritual battles.

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

Who Knew a Hug Could Cause Such Anger

by Yvonne Chase
@ The Single Woman’s Cheerleader

What the Bible Says About Body Image

by Diane Ferreira
@Worth Beyond Rubies

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

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5 Important Things You Need to Bless Your Prayer Life

10 / 14 / 1910 / 14 / 19

I read a quote that inspired me to dig deep into the Bible to study 5 practical and very doable things I believe will encourage and bless your prayer life. #Prayer #Blessings #PrayerJournal #Faith

Have you ever been among the people who spend way more time reading books and doing Bible studies about prayer than you actually spend praying?

Yeah, me too!

If I’m really being honest, I would tell you that I’ve spent most of my life feeling like I should have done so much more when it comes to prayer. The one thing that reassures me a little is that I’ve never met anyone, even those I’ve considered great prayer warriors, who say they believe they’ve got this prayer thing down pat.

And maybe we’re not supposed to. Maybe we’re supposed to always crave more when it comes to spending time with the Lord in prayer. Maybe we, like Brother Lawrence, should be “practicing the presence of God” … longing for a continuous open line of communication rather than brief one-way monologues of pleas and petitions.

The other morning I was reading a devotion in Andrew Murray’s book, Power in Prayer: Classic Devotions to Inspire and Deepen Your Prayer Life, and well, I can’t stop thinking about the following quote:

Through prayer, God has given to everyone the right to take hold of Him and His strength. It is on prayer that promises wait for their fulfillment, the kingdom for its coming, and the glory of God for its full revelation.

Prayer must be to the glory of God, in full surrender to His will, in full assurance of faith, in the name of Jesus, and with a perseverance that refuses to be denied.
Andrew Murray

I wonder how often I’ve failed to go to the Lord and let Him hold me close … filling me with the peace and strength I’ve needed. I wonder how often I’ve missed promises God wanted to fulfill in my life just because I didn’t ask. I wonder how often I failed to give Him glory because I was just too focused on myself.

Even with all my wondering, it was the second sentence that really grabbed my attention.

Because I wanted to know the Biblical truths behind Murray’s “must”s for prayer. So, I went to the Word because I want to know … if these are truly things that could make a difference. And when I want to know, that’s where I go.

And I believe these things can and will inspire and deepen my prayer life and I believe they will bless your prayer life as well. So, here are:

5 Important Things You Need to Bless Your Prayer Life

1. Pray to the Glory of God

Do you remember the first sentence in chapter one of The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren?

It’s not about you.

Only God could take a book that begins that way and turn it into an international bestseller.

And the second chapter…

You were made for God’s pleasure.

Isaiah wrote…

Bring all who claim me as their God,
for I have made them for my glory.
It was I who created them.
Isaiah 43:7

My prayers change when I believe I was created for God’s glory. Whatever He allows, wherever He leads, whatever He asks … I simply pray that He will go with me that I might be used by Him for His glory.

2. Pray Fully Surrendered to God’s Will

Surrender was always hard for me and honestly, I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily easy now. But I do believe that whatever God wills … He will give me the courage and strength I need to trust and obey.

Much of being able to pray the following words of Jesus…

“Abba, Father,” He cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not mine.”
Mark 14:36

Is trusting that He is able to give us everything we need to endure. We can stand with Paul and say…

I can do all things because Christ gives me the strength.
Philippians 4:13 (NLV)

With God’s help, and the strength only He can give, you and I can pray fully surrendered to His will.

3. Pray Trusting God is Who He Says He Is

You and I have to know who God says He is if we are going to trust that He is who He says He is. And if He isn’t, why do we pray to Him at all?

I gathered 35 “I Am” Verses – God Is Who He Says He Is. Here are a few of my favorites:

“From eternity to eternity I am God.
No one can snatch anyone out of my hand.
No one can undo what I have done.”
Isaiah 43:13

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6

“The Lord God says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega. I am the One who is and was and is coming. I am the Almighty.”
Revelation 1:8

When you and I trust God to be who He says He is, His promises become life-giving power for every need and circumstance.

4. Pray in the Name of Jesus

God met our greatest need in and through Jesus who lived the perfect life we are unable to live, suffered and died to take our punishment upon Himself and rose to life again proving God’s ultimate power over sin and death.

Paul wrote:

But thank God! He [Jesus] gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57

And because of the victory Jesus knew we would have in Him, He said…

I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and He will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.
John 16:23–24

You and I pray in Jesus name … not as some magic formula to get God to fulfill our self whims and wishes but in faith, praying to give God glory, to follow His will, trusting His promises—confident in the name of Jesus, the Father will give us everything we need.

He’s already met our greatest need. He gave us Jesus to bridge the gap that sin created.

5. Pray Without Ceasing

So, back to practicing the presence of God … that is praying without ceasing.

I can be persistent in prayer when I trust and believe that God is with me.

When my circumstances are hard.
When I’m grieving.
When I’m afraid.
When I’m filled with joy.
When I’m at peace and when I’m stressed out.
When I’m washing the dishes and doing the laundry.
When I’m sitting in church and when I’m not.
When I’m running errands, sitting in traffic, or on the job.
Wherever I am…

David wrote…

Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for You are close beside me.
Psalm 23:4

Jesus said…

“I am with you always, even to the end of the world.”
Matthew 28:20 (NLV)

And…

“If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you. I will talk to the Father, and He’ll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth.”
John 14:15–17a (MSG)

When I am aware of God’s presence, trusting that He is as close as my beating heart … I will simply talk with Him throughout the day.

That’s praying without ceasing.

Bringing every overwhelming or seemingly insignificant, my own or someone else’s to the “I Am” … the One who is, was, and always will be Lord of all.

The One who says…

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28

That’s prayer – the kind of prayer that is inspired and deep … the kind that changes lives.

Prayers that…

are for God’s glory.
are surrendered to God’s will.
trust God is who He says He is.
are in the name of Jesus.
are persistent.

Prayers that come before the Father with child-like faith … humbly trusting His perfect unfailing love.

I believe by God’s grace these things will inspire and deepen my prayer life and I believe they will bless your prayer life too.

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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Simple Prayers that will Help You Praise God in the Storm

10 / 10 / 1910 / 10 / 19

It's hard to praise God in the storm when I just want Him to stop the chaos. So, I've written prayers so I'm ready to praise Him even when life is hard. #Prayer #Faith #PraiseGod #Blessings #Hope

I can sing my heart out along with Casting Crowns anytime I hear – Praise You in this Storm.

And I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
That You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

Or with Mercy Me when I hear – Bring the Rain.

So I pray…

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there’ll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that’s what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I’ll admit, I’ve often had tears streaming down my face as I sing along because the truth is … sometimes it’s hard to praise and worship in the middle of the mess.

And it’s even harder to surrender the mess when I just want God to take it away. My heart wants to accept whatever it takes to bring Him glory but my stubborn humanness just wants it to go away.

When life is hard, my prayers include way more pleas than praise.

It hit me this week, that in those moments it would be so helpful if I had prayers of praise and worship ready to lift up when my heart hurts and soul aches … when I want to praise God in the storm.

And I thought you might find those prayers helpful too.

So, I’d love for you to join me as I pray…

Simple Prayers that Praise God in the Storm

“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For You created all things, and they exist because You created what You pleased.”
Revelation 4:11

Father, when I look at the beauty of Your creation, I’m overwhelmed. You spoke and earth, sea, and sky came to be. Sun, moon, and stars filled the sky in perfect formation. Plants and animals filled the earth showing us Your creativity. Colors and forms beyond anything we could imagine came into being at Your command.

Then You created me and You even created people for me to love. Then when we made a mess of what You made … You gave us Your healing mercy and grace.

Thank you, Lord. I will lift Your name all the days of my life. You alone are worthy of my worship and praise for Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever.

Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise His holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me.
Psalm 103:1–2

Father, life is hard and I’ve prayed and prayed. When I concentrate my attention and energy on my problems, I’m frustrated and discouraged. But when I remember all You have done for me in the past and cling to Your promises to provide for me now and in the future … I can face today with hope and peace.

Thank you, Lord. Life is hard but You are able! When I face the impossible I can trust You to give me everything I need. So, I will praise You. I will tell others of Your goodness and grace and I will live today for Your glory.

O Lord, You are my God. I will praise You. I will give thanks to Your name. For You have been faithful to do great things, plans that You made long ago.
Isaiah 25:1

Father, when I think of Your faithfulness, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and praise. Just a few verses later, Isaiah wrote — “You are a refuge from the storm and a shelter from the heat.”

You invite me to run to You in the middle of the storm and You promise to be my place of safety. Lord, I know You may not choose to change my circumstances but I believe You are forever faithful to give me everything I need to endure through. My days do not come as a surprise to You and with Your Spirit’s help, I can live each one for Your glory.

I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
Psalm 34:4–5

Father, this verse is so personal to me. You allowed me to live through one of my greatest fears and taught me that You are truly greater than my worst concern. You have and continue to forgive me … replacing my pain with the joy of Your presence.

David wrote, “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him!” And all I can say is, “Amen!”

In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
John 1:1–2,14

Father, I just want to thank and praise You for Jesus! The Word – who was with You at creation and promised by the prophets. The Word – who became fully human and lived a perfect life … full of inexhaustible love and truth.

And Your Word says, that because of Jesus, I can truly know You. Jesus Himself said, “No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.” So today, I simply want to thank and praise You for allowing me to know and love You through Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I surrender my all to You. In the storm or when skies are clear, I will trust Your love, worship and praise Your holy name, and live each moment for Your glory. Help me by Your grace and the power of Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

One of the things I love about the Bible is reading the accounts of people of faith who were able to praise God in the storm.

I’m also thankful for the accounts of people like me, who at times cried out in fear before they felt God’s peace and strength … before their pleas became praise.

So, I will keep these prayers close at hand, always ready to praise God who is with me even in the worst of storms.

When life is hard and I want to praise God in the storm!

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

How the Holy Spirit Inspires Christians to Serve Him

by Valerie Murray
@ Cord of 6

7 Practical Ideas for Engaging the Scripture When Days are Busy

by and @ Deborah Haddix

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

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I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

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Deb Wolf
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How to Bless Your Mess with Less

10 / 7 / 1910 / 7 / 19

Bless your mess and enjoy your life by choosing less of the mental and emotional junk that hurts you and your relationships, #MentalHealth #Faith #BetterRelationships #BetterLife

We haven’t always been this organized.

But after our last two moves required an overwhelming and frustrating amount of purging … Rev and I decided never again!

To be honest, I’m not the one who’s organized. Rev is. He has arranged spaces and labeled storage boxes. You know the saying … “a place for everything and everything in its place.”

And I love it! I can actually find things. It’s awesome!

Do you want to know something that should be obvious but often isn’t?

It’s easier to be neat and organized when you have less stuff.

Learning the blessing of enjoying a more simplified physical life has inspired me to look into the possibility of simplifying the mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of me as well.

I’ve shared with you that I’m an easily distracted squirrel chaser. My thoughts and emotions too often pursue whatever darts by rather than…

[Breaking] down every thought and proud thing that puts itself up against the wisdom of God [and taking[ hold of every thought and make it obey Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NLV)

Wow, I can relate to Paul’s struggle to do what he not only knows he should do but what he wants to do! Can you relate to the struggle, too?

So, I’m making adjustments that will bless my inner mess with less so that with God’s help, I’ll live with less stress and anxiety and enjoy more peace and joy.

I’ve already started blessing my spiritual life with less by giving up reading what people say about the Bible and reading the Bible itself. You can read more about that here.

Now I’m working on my thoughts and emotions.

That means I need the Holy Spirit’s help, giving me everything I need to think about the “whatevers”…

Whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s Word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].
Philippians 4:8 (AMP)

Living with less is an admirable goal but if I just get rid of the mess in my head without replacing it with something better … agitation, anxiety, and all the junk that hurts me and my relationships will return in no time. So, when it comes to taking control of my mental and emotional squirrel chasing, I have to replace the negative triggers with God’s positive “whatevers.”

And here’s how I’m starting…

7 Ways to Bless Your Mess with Less

1. Less Talking and More Listening

I’m a talker! But I’m learning to be a better listener. I still have a lot to learn and I want to be teachable. I also have things to say and I want people to be willing to listen. So, I will…

Ask more questions and patiently listen to the answers.
Wait for the whole answer without interrupting.
Avoid distractions and I will make and maintain eye contact with the person with whom I talking.
Be caring, kind, and compassionate.

Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.
Proverbs 12:!5

2. Less Technology and More Face to Face

It’s so easy to get lost in the world of apps. Social media connects us with friends all over the world but too often, it keeps us from connecting with those we love who are right beside us. So I will…

Set aside my tablet and phone and enjoy technology-free times with the people I love.
Find other things I can do with family and friends.
Choose one family member to talk with in person or on the phone each day.
Set a technology curfew and take a break.

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
Romans 12:10

3. Less Worry and More Peace

I really need to replace my “what ifs” with “whatevers.” I have spent way too much of my life living worried and I’ve had enough! With God’s help, I will

Admit when I’m worried and identify the problem.
Pray. Give it to God and ask Him to replace my worry with His peace.
Memorize and trust God’s promises.
Live in the present, do what I can today and let go of what I can’t.

Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
Luke 12:25–26

4. Less Control and More Freedom

It’s funny how much most of us want to be in control. Offering control was the first temptation in the Garden … eat the fruit and “your eyes will be opened and you will be like God.” And since the first sin, a desire for control has been evident in everyone. Just spend time with a toddler!

The freedom I want can only be found in surrendering my life to the Lord, again and again, every single day. So, I will…

Prayerfully give up my will to God each morning.
Stop trying to manage every little detail of my life.
Accept that there are things I can’t change.
Walk away from perfectionism and enjoy the freedom I have in Jesus.

For you have been called to live in freedom. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.
Galatians 5:13

5. Less Complaining and More Celebrating

Grumbling and finding fault seems to be a way of life at the moment but when I chase the miserable squirrel of negativity, I am just that; I’m miserable. I stop noticing the countless blessings God has given me to celebrate. So, with His help, I will…

Count my blessings!
Carefully filter my input – the things I read, listen to and watch.
Intentionally look for the good in people and find joy in simplicity.
Celebrate my blessings … big and small.

Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise His holy name.
Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.
Psalm 103:1–2

6. Less Judging and More Forgiving

You’ve most likely heard the Mother Teresa quote…

If you judge people, you have no time to love them.

And God’s Word consistently says that we are to love people…

Continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8

And that forgiveness shows our love…

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven.

Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Proverbs 17:9a and Ephesians 4:32

The truth is … being judgmental and angry ruins my peace, robs me of joy, and keeps me from loving well. So, I will…

Stop to remember how much God has forgiven in me.
Look at the bigger picture . . . there are many things I don’t know about the person you are judging.
Intentionally look for the good in people.
Give up my need to be “right.”

Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
John 13:34–35

7. Less Fear and More Faith

I spent way too much of my life living in fear. I believed and trusted in Jesus for my eternal future but I wasn’t willing to depend on His ability to care for me each day. And let me tell you, that ain’t no way to live!

Jesus often said some variation of the following to His followers…

“Why are you afraid? Just have faith.”

By God’s grace, I now know that the Lord is able to give me the courage and strength I need each day. I believe I can trust His promise to…

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
John 14:27

So, I will…

Remember the ways God has protected me in the past.
Ask myself if my fear is real or imagined.
Pray and give God my fears and ask Him to increase my faith and give me peace.
Memorize God’s promises that He is greater than my fear.

I am so ready to bless my mess with less.

What do you think?

Are you ready to bless your mess with less?

Are you ready to join me in chasing few squirrels so you can enjoy more of the Lord’s wonderful blessings?

Which less are you going to choose first?

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

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and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

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I’m asking God to bless you today!

What Happens When You Pray the Promises of God

10 / 3 / 1910 / 4 / 19

God promised to give us everything we need for whatever we're living through. So, when I don't have the words ... I pray the promises of God. #Prayer #Faith #PromisesofGod #Hope

I always struggled to put my prayers into words. And in all honesty, most of the time, I tried to figure things out on my own before I’d pray about them.

When the kids were acting out, I’d read a couple of parenting books.
When one of us had health issues, I’d do a symptom check investigation.
When a relationship was strained, I’d go looking for advice from so-called relationship experts.

Oh sure, I prayed. But they typically went like this…

“Please heal __________.”
“Please help __________. “
“Please fix __________.”
“Please give __________.”

Now, I’m not saying those aren’t valid prayers or that we shouldn’t pray them. In fact, sometimes when I’m in the middle of a crisis and my emotions are frayed and thoughts scattered, those are the only words I can find.

But I’ve experienced something that has blessed and transformed my prayer life.

When I can’t find the words … God has filled Scripture with verses and prayers of His people. God’s Word gives me everything I need to go to Him with my burdens, gratitude, and praise.

The truth is, nothing you and I face is new to God. Solomon wrote…

History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.
Ecclesiasted 1:9

Nothing in our lives surprises or shocks our Father.

And He promises to give us everything we need for whatever we’re living through. So, when I don’t have the words … I pray the promises of God.

His Word helps me thank and praise Him, repent and implore. And praying Scripture imprints it on my heart and mind.

I’d love for you to join me as I …

Pray the Promises of God

This hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out His love to fill our hearts. He gave us His love through the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to us.
Romans 5:5

Father, Thank you for the amazing and overwhelming gift of Your love. Your creation shows Your love and care but the One who came … who lived and died to show us Your love is our promised hope. Through Jesus’ resurrection, You give us the promise of victory over sin, death, and satan’s power. And from His ascension on through time, You give us the Spirit’s presence to fill us with love and the hope that will not disappoint.

I believe Your Word and trust Your promises. Please fill me with all I need today through Your Spirit. Fill my heart with faith, hope, and love – three blessings I can count on now and eternally.

Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6b–7

Father, I need You!

It’s funny, I can make a long list of things I thought I needed in my life … things I brought to You through pleading whines that bordered on childish tantrums. And the truth I’ve learned is whether You answered me with a “yes,” a “no,” or you asked me to “wait,” You always gave me what I needed. You always gave me Your best. How can I begin to thank you?

And when my circumstances were painful and hard, You gave me what I needed to live through them one moment at a time. Your grace is sufficient! In every high and every low, You are able to give me exactly what I need.

Resting on that truth gives me the peace I need. Today, I ask You to help me remember all You have done for me in the past that I might experience Your peace today and hope for tomorrow.

The Lord is faithful; He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.
2 Thessalonians 3:3

Lord, Thank you! You are faithful! You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Your children are safe under Your care.

When I look around, it feels like the enemy at work everywhere. Your Word says He will use every kind of deception to fool the world. And Jesus taught that we should pray and ask You to deliver us from evil.

Please protect me through the enemy’s attacks on my heart and mind. Give me the strength I need and keep me focused on You, Lord … remembering how You have faithfully given me the strength and protection I have needed in the past.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2

Father, these words are unsettling. I see churches adjusting to the world’s customs and behavior. James wrote, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you.” I need wisdom. I want to know Your truth that gives freedom from the world’s lies. I want to know, trust, and follow Your will.

Please transform my heart and mind through Your Word and the power of Your Spirit. Make me humble and teachable. Help me listen and fill me with love. Give me the courage and strength I need to obey You even when everyone around me is not. I need You, Lord, and surrender myself to You.

We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.
Romans 8:28

Father, I rest my heart, mind, and soul on this beautiful promise. You are always working in my life doing what is best for my eternal future. I’ll admit, sometimes it’s hard to find the “good.” Sometimes people are cruel and life is painful. And in those moments, it’s hard for me to remain focused on You.

Help me cling to the promises that…

You are good. (Psalm 119:28)
You are love. (1 John 4:16)
You are my refuge and strength. (Psalm 46:1)
You are merciful. (2 Corinthians 1:3)
You are my Savior. (Psalm 68:20)

Whatever is going on around me … You are at work for my good and Your glory. I can trust this promise because I know that my ultimate good is to spend my life now and forever surrounded by Your glory and love.

Thank you, Father. In Jesus name. Amen.

So…

What Happens When You Pray the Promises of God

God promises to hear you. (1 John 5:14)

We are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him.

God gives you hope that does not disappoint. (Romans 5:5)
God gives you hard to understand peace. (Philippians 4:6–7)
God reveals His will for you. (Romans 12:2)
God gives you strength and protection for your circumstances. (2 Thessalonians 3:2–3)
God works in your life for your good and His glory. (Romans 8:28)

What is your favorite of the promises of God?
Think about how you might add it to your prayers.

Blessings!

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

Are You Sick and Tired of Being Busy

by and @ Maree Dee

If You Feel Yourself Breaking Under the Load

by Lois Flowers
@ Waxing Gibbous

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

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I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

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Deb Wolf
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Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

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May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

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and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

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How to Read the Bible in a Way that will Change Your Life

9 / 30 / 199 / 30 / 19

Why I believe reading and studying the Bible is so important. But actually sitting down to read the Bible and letting God speak through His Word. #Bible #BibleStudy #BibleReading #Blessings

I get religion.

It’s always been a part of my life.

I grew up in church, attended parochial schools, became a church organist in high school, a parochial teacher after college, and I married a minister.

Like a piece of modeling clay, I was poked here and pinched there until I was shaped into what I call a “good little church girl.”

I’ve attended more Bible Studies and church services than I can count.

Some might say, I have been indoctrinated even “brainwashed.

And there was a time in my life when they would have been right. You see, everything I knew about my faith … I’d learned from other people.

Oh sure, I read and memorized the required parts of the Bible when I was in school and studied the verses that were listed in every Bible Study I’ve attended but through most of my life … I allowed other people to teach me their understanding of what the Bible taught and that greatly influenced what I believed.

Now please don’t misunderstand, I believed in Jesus as my Savior! This post is not about questioning whether or not I had faith.

It is about…

What I was missing in my life because I was sitting at the feet of people rather than sitting at the feet of Jesus.

So, I want to tell you why I believe reading and studying the Bible is so important. Not just reading what people say about the Bible. Not just attending topical Bible Studies. Not just listening to sermons and “messages.”

But actually sitting down to read the Bible and letting God speak through His Word.

In response to some of the comments I received at – You Need to Answer the Most Important Question about Jesus … I want to answer a few questions.

What initiated my love for the Bible.
Why I trust the Bible.
Why I don’t read many books written about the Bible.

And tell you…

How to Read the Bible in a Way that will Change Your Life

1. I love the Bible because…

I fell in love with reading the Word of God almost 15 years ago.

At the time, I was in a pit of despair … so completely broken that it was hard to function. I was having trouble getting out of bed and living my life. I didn’t want to see anyone or do anything.

By God’s grace, I picked up my Bible and a pen and I spent every spare moment reading and taking notes. Not a verse here and there but Genesis through Revelation … Creation through the Promised New Creation.

And as I prayed and asked Him to teach me through His Holy Spirit, God spoke to my broken heart…

He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
Psalm 40:2

Ever so slowly with each turn of the page, the Spirit filled me with hope, peace, and even joy. He showed me that even when others reject and forsake me … God never will. And I began to fall in love with my Creator and my Savior.

Like reading an amazing autobiography, I identified with the people of God’s Word. I could see myself…

taking a bite of the apple in the Garden.
depressed like Sarah.
grumbling like the wilderness wanderers.
broken like Job.
running like Jonah.
hiding and afraid like the disciples.

I’d love to see myself in the heroes of faith … but I identify more with the broken and needy. Because in their accounts, I see God’s constant and unwavering love.

And if He loved them like that, I can trust His love for me.

You see, I don’t see the Bible as a bunch of stories or a list of rules. For me, it is the greatest love letter ever written.

It is a message from God to His creation that He loves them so much He would rather die for them than live without them.

2. I trust the Bible because…

The Bible was written:

over a 1500 year span (from 1400 B.C to A.D. 100)
over 40 generations
over 40 authors from many walks of life (i.e. – kings, peasants, philosophers, fishermen, poets, statesmen, scholars)
in different places (i.e. – wilderness, dungeon, palaces)
at different times (i.e. – war, peace)
in different moods (i.e. – heights of joy, depths of despair)
on three continents (Asia, Africa, and Europe)
in three languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek)

At yet, it contains one message … one truth from Genesis through Revelation.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him.
John 3:16–17

Throughout history, as artifacts and historical documents have been unearthed and discovered … not one refutes the details of the Bible.

I’ve noticed through commenters online and conversations I’ve had in person … that most arguments against Christianity point to the failures and flaws of the Church – it’s leaders and members.

And you know what?

They’re right! People are messed up! Even people in the church. As much as we want to represent Christ well, we fail.

Paul wrote…

I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.
Romans 7:18b–19

And Paul’s right! But he’s not excusing bad behavior, he’s reminding the people reading his letter why they need Jesus.

A few verses later, he wrote…

What a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 7:24–25a

For me, the message of the Bible – the truth I want people to trust … is that God’s love made evident in Scripture culminates in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. And a life surrendered to Jesus, no matter how broken by sin, will be transformed into a life of love that will live forever.

3. I don’t read many other books about the Bible because…

Although, I used to be an avid reader of books written by Bible teachers.

Lately, I’ve observed that although there are, I’m sure, many books which are Biblically sound … there are also others that contain a culture pleasing bias.

I don’t have the time or the energy to join the arguments about what teachings are Biblical and true and those that aren’t.

I feel God has called me to tell people about His transforming love.

Jesus said…

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
John 13:34–35

I want to tell people and, to the best of my imperfect ability, show people the love of Jesus. I want them to know His power to lift them out of the “pit” and place them on a firm foundation built on His love. I want them to enjoy the freedom He gives to live with peace, hope, and joy.

So, I read my Bible and I write and tell my story.

Because I want people to know the One who says … I love you and I want to change your life.

Finally,

I’m often asked about my preferred Bible choice.

Rev once asked a theology professor, who was an expert in ancient Greek and Hebrew texts, what translation of the Bible he recommended and his answer…

The one you will read!

I agree.

My favorite translation is the New Living Translation.
My favorite Bible is the Life Application Bible. (The notes are so helpful!)

The past two years I’ve read it in the Genesis to Revelation – format. Next year I’m reading it Chronologically.

I always have a notebook, pen, and highlighter with me when I read … marking and writing the verses that speak to my heart.

If you’re struggling with any part of life or even if your not … if you’d just like to change your life for the better, let the Holy Spirit speak to you through the pages of the Bible.

You don’t have to spend hours a day. Just start with the time you have. Leave your Bible open on a counter and read a few verses here and there throughout the day. Read a couple of verses from Proverbs in the morning and a Psalm before bed.

If you want to fall in love with the God of the universe and His Son, Jesus, if you want to know the difference His love can make in your life … read the Bible!

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

5 Verses to Pray that will Help When You are All Used Up

9 / 26 / 199 / 26 / 19

When you are all used up, depleted, and exhausted by life...you need help. Jesus says, "Come to me and rest." These verses and prayers go to Jesus for help. #Prayer #Exhausted #Hope #Blessings

Do you ever feel used up and depleted emotionally?

Times when you get to the end of the day and you are all used up and the thought of getting up and doing it all again tomorrow feels like more than you can take?

I have friends who are dealing with…

physical and/or mental illness
emotional trauma
major life changes
rebellious children
grief
loneliness
stress
problems that seem to never go away

And so many who are simply exhausted because their to-do list is waaay longer than the amount of time they have available.

If any of that describes you … you’ve come to the right place today.

I’m taking my “all used up” feelings to the Lord. I’m taking my circumstances and emotions and laying them at the throne of grace. Then I’m going get away with Jesus to a quiet place and rest with Him.

And I’d love for you to join me…

5 Verses to Pray that will Help When You are All Used Up

Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Hebrews 4:16

Father, thank you for inviting me to come to You with everything. What an amazing gift to know that I can enter Your throne room because Jesus has made it possible. The words before this verse bring peace to my weary soul … [He] “understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin.”

Jesus lived the perfect life I am unable to live and endured the punishment I deserve so I can come to You and receive. All because of Jesus, I receive Your mercy, grace, and help.

Thank you! I need You today. I need Your mercy to cover the things I’ve done and the things others have done to bring to this place of feeling all used up. I need Your grace to fill me with hope and remind me that this is a season to walk through not a permanent situation. And I need Your help Lord as I work to put one foot in front of the other and live today. Please give me all I need to live this day for Your glory.

The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told Him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.”
Mark 6:30–31

Father, I love this moment in Your Word. The apostles had to be so full of emotion. They had experienced the highs and lows of ministry … the overwhelming blessings and exhausting challenges.

And Jesus in all wisdom says, “Come off by yourselves. Let’s take a break and get a little rest.”

I need time to get away with You and rest. Please help me see where I can make choices that will give me that time I need. Please give me wisdom to know when it’s okay to say “no” to life’s demands. And please fill my heart and mind with peace, strength, and encouragement as I sit quietly and Your feet and rest in Your presence. Thank you, Lord Jesus!

Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28

Jesus, I am weary and at moments this burden feels like it is more than I can endure. And You say, “Come to me.” Your promise to “give me rest.” And you do that by helping me carry this burden. You promise that when I walk with You my burdens are easier to bear.

You don’t promise to remove them … You promise to help me carry them. And when I remember the times you have helped me in the past, I am strengthened and encouraged. You have never left me alone in the past. You have always been with me, even in my darkest moments.

So, I’m coming to you again today. I need You to help me carry this weight and give me the rest I need to move ahead in faith.

Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken.
Psalm 62:5–6

Father, please forgive me. I can get so busy and overwhelmed by my circumstances and feelings that I forget to wait quietly before You. I stubbornly try to do things my own way, charging through life as my thoughts dart from one problem to another and my hope begins to fade.

But Lord, my hope is not in things of the world. My hope is in You. My hope comes from You. It is a gift You give to me through Your Spirit. The One who reminds me that You alone are my Rock and my Salvation! You alone are my firm foundation … the Savior on whom my hope is built. And by Your grace, I will not be shaken by the circumstances of my life. As I live through this season You are allowing, I will remember that I am not alone. The One who holds the stars … holds me.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7

Father, I give it all to You! My worries and cares. My burdens. My overwhelmed emotions and my “all used up” exhaustion. My pain and heartache. My fear and anxiety. Everything! I bring it to You. I will live today under Your care.

I will live with hope! I will stand on faith! I will trust Your love. In Jesus precious holy name. Amen.

Friend, I’ve realized that when I feel all used up … it’s usually because I’m trying to do it “all” on my own.

It’s when I’m worried about people and things and situations over which I have no control.

The blessing is we know the One who is in control. When I surrender the things over which I have no control to Him in prayer, and trust Him to do what only He can do … He fills me with everything I need.

And I believe by His grace, He will give you everything you need as well!

And if you need some specific tips of things you can do to turn things around when you’re exhausted, check out – This is for You – the One Exhausted by Life.

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

5 Ways to Find Quiet in a Noisy World

by and @ Rebecca Hastings

How to Trust God When You Feel Betrayed by Him

by and @ April Knapp

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

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I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

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Deb Wolf
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Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
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May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

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and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

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And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.

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Thank you and God bless!

20 Important Things Jesus Said About Love

9 / 23 / 199 / 22 / 19

God created us with a need for love ... a need He wants to fill in us. And Jesus had a lot to say about love. Here are 20 verses about God's love and ours. #LoveQuotes #Faith #JesusQuotes #Blessings

It sure can get confusing…

What’s that?

All the things culture tries to tell us about “love.”

Seriously! If society has it right, then why are there so many broken families, fragile relationships, and hurting people.

The idea that love is a “feeling” to be expressed any way we’d like as long as “no one gets hurt” just doesn’t work. Why? Because we’re connected to each other through our relationships and when we go outside of God’s intention and protective plan for love … someone always gets hurt! Always!

We all need love!

God created us that way!

Why?

Because He loves us and wants to have a relationship with us; so He created a need within us that He wants to fill.

Simply said … God created us with a need for love … a need that would lead us to His perfect unfailing love.

Maybe one of the reasons we are so divided and full of pain is because we are listening to the wrong voices telling us about love.

Over the past few days, I’ve gone straight to the words of Jesus, the One who lived the perfect example of love. I wanted to know what He had to say about God’s love and ours.

And I found…

20 Important Things Jesus Said About Love

What Jesus Said About Love – God’s Love

1. God Loves People … You and Me.

“This is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him.”
John 3:16–17

2. God Loves You More than You Can Imagine

“I am in them and You are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent me and that You love them as much as You love me.“
John 17:23

3. God Loves and Cares About Your Daily Needs.

“If God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”
Matthew 6:30

4. God Loves You Enough to Search for You When You are Lost.

So Jesus told them this story: “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders.”
Luke 15:3–5

And Waits for You When You Wander Away.

“While he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.”
Luke 15:20

5. God’s Love is Sacrificial.

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.“
John 15:13

6. God’s Love Forgives.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Luke 23:34

7. God’s Love will Never Leave You.

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:20

8. God’s Love Gives Life that Lasts Forever.

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.”
John 11:25–26

9. God’s Love Lightens Life’s Burdens.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.“
Matthew 11:29–30

10. God’s Love is Preparing a Place for You and Me.

“I am going to prepare a place for you?When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.“
John 14:2b–3

What Jesus Said About Love – Our Love

1. Love for God and Others is the Most Important Commandment.

Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.“
Mark 12:29–31

2. Love for God Looks Like Obedience.

“If you love me, obey my commandments.”
John 14:15

3. Love is the Identity of the Follower of Jesus.

“You must love each other as I have loved you.If you love each other, all men will know you are My followers.“
John 13:34b–35 (NLV)

4. Love Follows Where Jesus Leads.

“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.”
Matthew 16:24

5. Love is Sacrificial.

“If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.”
Matthew 16:25

6. Love is Humble.

“God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.”
Matthew 5:5

7. Love is Merciful.

“I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
Matthew 9:13

8. Love is Peaceful.

“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”
Matthew 5:9

9. Love Even When It Seems Impossible.

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.“
Luke 6:27–28

10. Love Like Jesus’ Love lasts forever.

“Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13

I don’t know about you, but I’m sitting here squirming a little. Those first verses about love – God’s love and how perfect and complete it is … well, they bless me like crazy! They explain how God created a need for love in each of us so He could fill it with Himself. Glory!!

But then there are those next verses about love … the way you and I are supposed to love God and the people around me … and well, I see how far I fall short.

Which is why I’m not only thankful that love is forgiving; I’m thankful Jesus also said…

Love doesn’t leave us on our own. God’s love gives us the Help we need to love others.

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.”
John 14:16

So, to go back to where we started.

Culture looks at love as a feeling.

The dictionary says this about love:

an intense feeling of deep affection.
a great interest and pleasure in something.
feel a deep romantic or sexual attachment to (someone).

But the Bible describes it as so much more than the way we feel.

With God’s love in our hearts, love becomes a part of our character that shows itself in the way we act. Love becomes the way we talk … it’s what we do.

It’s the highest calling! One we can only fulfill with the Lord’s presence and help.

I’m praying your life is full of love … the kind of love Jesus talked about.

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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How to Give God Glory Every Day

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