Why It’s Important for You to Run to Jesus Before You Run Out

It's so easy for us to rely on self-sufficiency but on our own, we will never have or be "enough." But when we run to Jesus in faith, He will give His best. #BibleStudy #Faith #TrustJesus #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers #WWGGG

Why do we so often wait until we’ve run out of self before we take our needs to the Lord?

The idea of self-sufficiency is a powerful drive in our lives and I think the enemy of our souls is just fine with that. We turn to so-called “experts and authorities,” read self-help books, worry a little more, and push ourselves a little harder. But sometimes no matter what we do or how hard we try . . . we run out of self-sufficiency.

Jesus, His disciples, and His mother were all attending a wedding in Cana. We don’t know how Mary learned of the host’s empty wine barrel embarrassment. They had prepared. They thought they had enough. But in spite of all their efforts . . . they ran out.

“They have no more wine.”
John 2:3

It’s not clear what Mary expected her son to do but she trusted him to care and to do something.

“Do whatever he tells you.”
John 2:5

And like Jesus’ mother, Mary, we can take our needs to AND trust Him to care and deal with the problem in a way that He knows is best.

His best may mean that He will miraculously change our circumstances and supply what is needed, like turning water into wine. But it may also mean that He will choose to work in us instead.

I am absolutely confident that whenever He acts, whatever He does, and however He does it . . . it will always be for our good and for His glory!

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

And…

This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.
Philippians 4:19–20

We have His promises!

Promises that invite us to take our empty selves to Him quickly . . . trusting His all-sufficient grace to do what is best and give what is needed most. We can count on Him! Why would we ever choose to wait until we run out? It’s so much better—no it’s best, to run to Him first.

A Prayer to Run to Jesus Before

Lord, Please forgive me! It’s so easy for me to foolishly fall into the pattern of self-sufficiency. I listen to the lies and follow advice that tells me to just try harder and do more, to be better prepared and more organized. The truth is that when I try to do myself relying on my own strength . . .I will always fall short. I will always come up lacking. I will always run out!

I need you. I need to run to You, Lord Jesus. I am learning that when I can’t . . . you can. Your all-sufficient grace gives me everything I need. Whether my need is physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual, when I bring it to You in faith, You will work in Your timing to use my circumstances to bless me and glorify Yourself.

I believe You are always at work in my life. I believe You always do what is best. I give you every part of my life and I pray that with Your help, I will faithfully do . . . “whatever [You] tell me.” I thank you, Lord. I trust You. I run to You. Amen.

The truth is . . . you and I will always “run out” when we try to do it all ourselves depending on self-sufficiency. The only way to have all we need is to run to Jesus and trust Him to provide His “best.”

On today’s note write:

Today I will run to Jesus and trust Him to give me His best.

God bless you today and you surrender your self-sufficiency to the One who loves you so much He wants you to have His best.

Click here to read the rest of John 2.

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And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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How to Know, Love and Trust God and Enjoy a Blessing

4 / 8 / 214 / 8 / 21

The Book of John invites readers to KNOW, TRUST, and LOVE Jesus, the One, who revealed God's character and love to a broken and hurting world. #Faith #Jesus #Blessings #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Do you have a friend, mentor, or family member whom although they have been gone for years, your heart still overflows with love every single time you think about them?

I am so excited to be starting my favorite book of the Bible today.

John wrote his Gospel message 50+ years after Jesus ascended into heaven and LOVE pour out through every phrase on every page. John loved Jesus and Jesus loved John.

And he wants everyone who reads his words to KNOW, LOVE, and TRUST JESUS too!

So, John started back at the beginning…

In the beginning, the Word already existed.
The Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
John 1:1

With the Word – who spoke creation into existence.

God created everything through him,
and nothing was created except
through him.
John 1:3

The Word – who is greater than any problem you or I face.

The Word gave life to everything
that was created, and his life
brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.
John 1:4–5

The Word – who loved those He created so much He became one of them to save them.

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 1:14

The Word – who revealed the very nature and character of God Himself.

From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.
John 1:16–18

One of the most common struggles people have, as they try to get to know Jesus, is that they minimize who He really is. They think of Him as part God and part man, or all of one or the other, not . . . 100% God and 100% Man. God in the flesh on earth to save and redeem His fallen creation.

John knew, love, and trusted Jesus completely and he invited people to “come and see.” Because when they come as a SEEKer, their hearts and minds will be opened to see God Himself. And through Jesus, they will come to KNOW God, LOVE God, and TRUST God completely.

A Prayer to Know, Love, and Trust God

Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to earth to save us and show us the Father’s overwhelming love. Thank you for making it possible for us to KNOW the very nature and character of the Great I AM. You revealed that both the law and gospel are features of God and what He wants for us. The Law shows us His will and teaches us that when we follow it we will be blessed with direction and protection. The Gospel shows us His forgiving love that covers our failures with mercy and grace.

Jesus, You perfectly represent both the Law and the grace of the Gospel. Please forgive me for failing to trust You completely and by Your mercy and grace, help me to KNOW You are God, the Messiah. Help me to LOVE You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. And help me to TRUST and OBEY Your will that I might live each day for Your glory and enjoy the blessings of a soul completely surrendered to You. Amen.

You may be wondering . . . so, what’s the blessing?

The truth is, when you and I know, trust, and love God we are blessed with…

undeserved all-sufficient grace.
a peace that passes understanding.
freedom from doubt, worry, and fear.
courage and strength to face life’s challenges.
a future filled with hope and promise.
and so much more.

On today’s note write:

Thank you Jesus for making it possible for me to KNOW, LOVE, and TRUST GOD!

God bless you today as you SEEK the One who loves you more than you can hope or imagine.

Click here to read the rest of the 1st Chapter of John.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

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Tell the Life-Changing Message of Good News Even If No One Listens

4 / 7 / 213 / 29 / 21

There is a life-changing message that is able to change everything . . . a message of faith, hope, and love. One that is worth sharing again and again. #Easter #Hope #Jesus #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers

I love that women were the first to hear the Life-Changing Message of Good News…

“Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”
Luke 24:5–7

Can you imagine?

And those women received the angels’ message with hope and joy as they remembered all that Jesus had told them.

They were likely disappointed, however, with the reaction they received when they shared the news with the men.

But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it.
Luke 24:11

You and I joyfully celebrated and proclaimed the life-changing message to each other just a few days ago.

HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!

A life-changing message of Good News we have to share with the world. But the message still catches people by surprise and sometimes we can be laughed at or ridiculed or even rejected. But with the Lord’s help, we can fight discouragement as we remember that the message is His. We are called to plant seeds of truth and then to trust the Holy Spirit to nurture them and help them flourish.

Like the women . . . we have been blessed with the message and a command:

Go quickly and tell…
Matthew 28:7

Go, tell, and pray that everyone who hears the words, “HE IS RISEN” will, like the disciples, one day say:

The Lord has really risen!
Luke 24:34

A Prayer to Boldly Tell the Life-Changing Message of Good News

Lord, the TRUTH of Your resurrection is a life-changing message. You are the risen Christ! And because You are alive, we too shall live. Because You are alive, I have a full and abundant life today. I have courage and strength to defeat fear, peace to defeat anxiety, and joy to defeat sadness. I have Your promises to give me hope for the future.

You have changed my life.

Today, I pray that You will give me the boldness I need to “go and tell.” Please give me a hunger for Your Word, teach me Your promises, and fill me with Your Spirit to share Your love. I know there will be times when I am laughed at, ridiculed, and even rejected for sharing Your life-giving life-changing message but it is too wonderful to keep to myself.

By Your grace, I ask that Your words to the disciples fill my heart and mind. “Look at my hands and feet, and see that it’s really me. (Luke 24:39a GW) I pray that I will cling to Your promise that You are “the resurrection and the life and that anyone who believes in You will live, even after dying, (John 11:25)

Thank you for living, dying, and rising again that I might be forgiven and given life! Thank you for filling my soul with Your life-changing message of Good News. In Your holy name, I pray. Amen.

The Lord has given each of us a personal story . . . one filled with His life-changing message. We don’t have to stand on our soapbox and preach . . . just tell a grace-filled story of love, promise, and hope.

On today’s note write:

HE IS RISEN and changed my life with His LOVE!

God bless you today as you continue to celebrate and share the life-changing message of the Lord’s resurrection.

Click here to read the rest of Luke 24.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

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How to Have Courage and Strength to Do the Right Thing

4 / 6 / 213 / 29 / 21

There has always been peer pressure and temptation to "go along." But by God's grace and with His help you and I can KNOW the TRUTH and do the right thing. #TRUTH #SEEKFirst #TrustJesus #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

It takes great courage to do the right thing when everyone else is going in a different direction.

Take a look at our current culture . . . where people are losing friends, positions, and platforms simply for saying something with which the crowd disagrees and/or disapproves.

In that context, Joseph of Arimathea gives us an example of courage in the face of peer pressure.

The crowds had screamed for Jesus to be crucified. The Jewish leaders desperately wanted Him dead. But although Joseph was one of them . . . he boldly stood for what was right even though it threatened his position and, likely, his life.

There was a good and righteous man named Joseph. He was a member of the Jewish high council, but he had not agreed with the decision and actions of the other religious leaders. He was from the town of Arimathea in Judea, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come. He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Then he took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in a long sheet of linen cloth and laid it in a new tomb that had been carved out of rock.
Luke 23:50–53

Even when loud voices are screaming and applying immense pressure to comply and they demand that they are right . . . although, clearly in defiance of God’s Word, you and I are called, like Joseph, to stand strong.

We need to SEEK God’s truth and trust Him to give us what we need to follow His will.:

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

Joseph trusted Jesus’ promises about God’s Kingdom. Joseph had believed and followed in secret but when the other disciples had fled in fear . . . God gave him the courage and strength he needed to do what was right.

A Prayer for God’s Help to Do the Right Thing

Father, please give me a hunger and thirst for Your Word. I want to KNOW, the TRUTH that will set me free. (John 8:32) I want to KNOW and TRUST JESUS, the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. (John 14:6) Please make me a SEEKer of Your Kingdom. (Luke 12:31) Make it my heart’s desire to live each day loving You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mark 12:30)

Please forgive me. My sins sent Jesus to His death. I am guilty and I am so sorry. I want to obey You. Too often, like Paul, I fail to do the right thing I want to do and I do those things that I don’t. Things You have told to do or not to do. (Romans 7:18–19) I need Your grace and mercy. I ask for Your forgiveness.

I believe You want to help me do the right thing. I believe Your Spirit is with me to guide me and give me courage and strength. I believe that grace, mercy, and love surround me. Please help me live each day doing Your will for Your glory. Amen.

No matter our race, gender, age, background or anything else . . . we will all always struggle with peer pressure. The enemy of our souls will always tempt us to follow the crowd and desire popularity.

And all of that may look desirable for a moment . . . but it can’t last.

Only one thing lasts forever. The Psalmist wrote:

The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever.
Psalm 119:160

On today’s note write:

God’s Word is the TRUTH that is always right.

May the Lord bless you today as You SEEK His will to do the right thing!

Click here to read the rest of Luke 23.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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Why It’s Important to Always Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing

4 / 5 / 214 / 5 / 21

Life is full of distractions but Jesus said there is one thing necessary . . . it's important to keep the main thing the main thing—know, trust, and love. #Jesus #BibleStudy #LoveGod #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers #WWGGG

You’ve most likely heard the expression, “keep your eye on the ball.”

Anyone who has ever played a sport, especially softball or baseball, has been told this advice is important for success. It’s also a saying used when studying or trying to succeed in a profession.

Focus and keep the main thing – the main thing!

Jesus had been giving His followers instructions and guidance for 3 years. And now, He paused to tell them that the most important event in all human history was about to happen—His death and resurrection. He was in the process of introducing a new covenant.

“This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you”
Luke 22:20

And what was their response? They argued about which one of them was the “greatest.”

Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them.
Luke 22:24

And when Jesus was agonizing in the Garden and asked them to pray…

“Pray that you will not give in to temptation.”
Luke 22:40

They feel asleep.

At last, he stood up again and returned to the disciples, only to find them asleep
Luke 22:45

The disciples took their eyes off the ball. And that can happen to us too.

Life is full of distractions . . . things that tempt to take our eyes off of Jesus and focus on our problems or compare our struggles with someone else’s.

So today, we’re praying and asking God to help us focus on Jesus.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5–6

A Prayer to Always Keep Jesus the Main Thing

Lord Jesus, thank you! You are the great I AM.

You told Martha that Mary had chosen the one thing worth being concerned about as she sat at Your feet listening to You. (Luke 10:42) Your Word says that You will keep in perfect peace all whose thoughts are fixed on You. (Isaiah 26:3) And that those who seek You with their whole hearts are blessed. (Psalm 119:2)

Lord, please forgive me. I can so easily be distracted by life. I can fall asleep with concerns rather than taking them to You in prayer. I can fret about things that You want me to surrender to You.

Please help me. My heart’s desire is to focus on You . . . to KNOW, TRUST, and OBEY Your will. I want Your will, to LOVE You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love others as I love myself, to be the main thing in my life. Please make me faithful to the study of Your Word, to prayer, and to worship You with all that I do, all that I say, and all that I am. May I humbly give myself to serving You each day that I might fully live for Your glory. Amen.

The “main thing” is that which is most important.

I’ve heard a saying that the fastest way to know what is most important to someone is to look at their calendar and their checkbook. Although there is some truth to that, I think it’s bigger than that.

When you and I want our relationship with Jesus to be the “main thing” in our lives, we can look to Brother Lawrence and his desire to practice the presence of God.

“We have to know someone before we can truly love him. In order to know God, we must think about Him often. Once we get to know Him, we will think about Him even more often, because where our treasure is, there also is our heart!”
Brother Lawrence – Practicing the Presence of God

On today’s note write:

May I focus on heart and mind on the main thing—knowing and loving Jesus.

May the Lord bless you today as you spend your day in His presence.

Click here to read the rest of Luke 22.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

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Why You Need to Watch the Signs and Pray for Strength

4 / 2 / 214 / 2 / 21

The world is full of crazy chaos. We shouldn't be surprised, Jesus said it would be like this before His return and to be ready we need to watch and pray. #EndTimes #JesusReturn #WatchandPray #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

The world can be a a terrifying place . . . hurricanes, earthquakes, wars, violence, plagues, civil unrest, and persecution.

We really shouldn’t be surprised. When asked about the “end of the age,” Jesus replied…

Nation will go to war against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven. But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution.
Luke 21:10–12a

And people have been wondering if they are living in that “time” for generations. But Jesus said something else that is so very important…

But not a hair of your head will perish! By standing firm, you will win your souls.
Luke 21:18–19

He didn’t say we wouldn’t suffer and or die . . . everyone suffers and everyone dies. But our souls and our eternal future—they are secure in Christ Jesus.

Jack E. Dawson created a beautiful painting of water pouring over a cliff in the midst of a terrible storm. But if you pause and look very carefully, you will see a bird in its nest comfortably tucked toward the bottom of the waterfall on a protected ledge.

Peace in the Midst of the Storm by Jack E. Dawson

Surrounded by chaos . . . it is safe.

Finally, Jesus also told His followers what they should do as they wait for His return.

Watch the signs. Keep alert. And pray for strength! (Luke 21:34–36)

Click here to read all of Luke 21.

A Prayer for Strength as We Watch and Wait

Lord Jesus, wars, storms, illness, hatred, violence . . . this world can be a frightening place. Thank you, for telling us that all of these are to be expected. Knowing they’re expected doesn’t make it any easier to live through them but knowing You are with us does.

Again and again, I read the words . . . “be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, and don’t be anxious.” It’s almost impossible when I look at all that’s going on in the world. But then I also read the words . . . “I am with you (Matthew 28:20), I will never leave you (Hebrews 13:5), I have overcome the world (John 16:33), and I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am (John 14:3).”

Lord, please help me watch the signs and pray. Help me to remain alert with anticipation for Your glorious return. And please give me the strength I need to live each day trusting that Your Spirit is with me and that Your grace is sufficient to help me do whatever lies before me each day.

I believe You will come again with power and great glory (Luke 21:27) And I believe that by Your grace and with Your help, You will give me everything I need to trust Your will and follow Your plans for me each day. I love You, Lord, and I thank you . . . forever and always. Amen.

The enemy wants us to focus on the chaos and live in fear.

But Jesus…

Wants us to be prepared and focus on Him. To watch and pray!

He told the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane to…

Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation.
Matthew 26:41

When we watch in faith and pray with strength we will by God’s grace, have everything we need to endure the times.

On today’s note simply write:

Watch the signs and pray for strength.

God bless you today as you trust Jesus to be with you and give you strength as you watch and wait for His return.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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Leave your prayer requests…

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I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

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Why It’s Important for You to Be Broken Before Jesus

4 / 1 / 214 / 1 / 21

Those who proudly thought they had all the answers tried to trap Jesus through questions. But Jesus welcomes questions from those who are humble and broken. #Forgiveness #God'sLove #Jesus #CountingMyBlessings

Jesus would have welcomed the Pharisee’s questions if they had truly wanted to learn from Him. But they tossed questions His way trying to trap Him into saying something that would either 1. get Him in trouble with those who followed Him, or 2. get Him in trouble with the Roman government.

The funny thing is, they never realized they didn’t have a chance . . . they were “matching wits” with God Himself.

They arrogantly asked…

“By what authority are you doing all these things?
Luke 20:2

Jesus responded…

“Let me ask you a question first.”
Luke 20:3

They pridefully inquired…

“Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
Luke 20:22

Jesus replied…

“Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
Luke 20:25

And arrogance and pride in any form will always get in the way of knowing Jesus.

Jesus quoted the Psalmist who had written:

The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.
Luke 20:17

And He looked at the proud and arrogant and said…

Everyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on.
Luke 20:18

Have you been broken to pieces? I have. And I’ve learned that God’s way of doing things requires brokenness.

Brokenness that falls at the foot of the cross in humility and says, “I’m so sorry, Jesus. I need Your forgiveness and healing.”

The Life Application Bible says there is a choice to make, we will either be broken before or in the end we will be crushed by Him. That’s the Law. But the Gospel is—Jesus welcomes the broken.

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.”
Matthew 5:3

A Prayer for Those Who Know
They are Broken and Need Jesus

Lord Jesus, Thank you for allowing me to stumble . . . for allowing the consequences that led to my brokenness.

Please forgive me for the times I foolishly listened to and believed the enemy’s lies. Forgive me for ever thinking I know the answers apart from You. Forgive my moments of arrogance, pride, and selfishness. I am so sorry.

Please grant me wisdom to know and understand Your will. Please help me trust and follow You wherever You lead.

Thank you for welcoming our questions when we humbly come to You SEEKing YOUR ABSOLUTE TRUTH. You are love. You are full of compassion. You care.

You are my Lord and Savior and I worship and adore You. Amen.

The truth is . . . being broken is unpleasant. Who am I kidding, it’s hard! But oh, I wouldn’t trade my brokenness for anything in the world. Through it, I received the healing touch of Jesus on my life.

And I gained the Lord’s hard to understand peace, a future filled with hope, and more blessings than I can count. I learned that everything God promised about His grace, mercy, and love is a TRUTH that I can count on every single day.

That is the blessing of knowing I am broken and that I need Jesus.

On today’s note write:

Jesus welcomes those who are broken before Him.

God bless you today as you praise God for His healing mercy and grace.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

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!

How to Experience the Joy of Being Seen, Loved, Changed, and Blessed

3 / 31 / 213 / 29 / 21

2,000 years ago, Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus and he was seen and loved. Then because of His time with Jesus, he was also changed and blessed. #Godlovesyou #LovedbyGod #Blessings #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

He was “vertically challenged.” So short in stature that he couldn’t see Jesus over the crowd. He was also hated. As a tax collector he could collect as muct as possible from people and keep the surplus for himself.

When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”
Luke 19:5

Yet 2,000 years later he inspires us. Zacchaeus was a SEEKer. So much so, that he climbed a tree just to see Jesus! I picture Jesus seeing him up there, perched on that limb and smiling . . . maybe even cracking up.

Jesus responded to this hated, short, SEEKer with love and compassion. He went home to his house and changed his life.

Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Luke 19:9–10

And Zacchaeus not only believed in Jesus, his actions also testified to his faith—he promised he would give the poor half his wealth and reimburse taxpayers 4 times the amount of any money he had cheated from them.

You and I can be inspired by both the converted tax-collector and by the One who looked beyond where he was to see life-changing possibilities.

Zacchaeus was seen, loved, changed, and blessed by the One who is able to do the same for you and me.

Let’s pray to respond like Zacchaeus by SEEKing and responding with joy to the message of Jesus love. And to respond like Jesus, that we my look past the surface to see all the possibilities when a life is surrendered to the Lord’s love.

A Prayer of Thanks
We are Seen, Loved, Changed, and Blessed

Oh Lord, thank you! When I feel small and insignificant—You see me. When I feel unlovable because of my flaws and failures—You love me.

And You smile because You see my potential is greater than my past. You see me with a changed future. One that is blessed with forgiveness, faith, hope, peace, joy, life, and love.

By Your grace, may I be a faithful SEEKer of Your truth and Your will. May I find peace in Your promises and comfort in Your presence. Please help me respond to Your love by surrendering to You and all You want for me. Change me Lord according to Your will. Help me resist temptation that I might obey You. Help me forgive as I have been forgiven. Help me love as You love me. Help me bless others as You have so abundantly blessed me.

Your love surrounds me and changes me. I pray that with the help of Your Spirit I will faithfully love You with all that I am and love others in ways that give them a desire to SEEK You as well. I thank you and praise You, my Lord and my God. Amen.

I remember singing a song about Zacchaeus when I was a little girl. The lyrics went like this…

Zacchaeus was a wee little man
And a wee little man was he
He climbed up in a sycamore tree
For the Lord he wanted to see

And when the Savior passed that way
He looked up in the tree
And said, ‘Zacchaeus, you come down!
For I’m going to your house today!
For I’m going to your house today!’

Zacchaeus was a wee little man
But a happy man was he
For he had seen the Lord that day
And a happy man was he;
And a very happy man was he.

Zacchaeus enjoyed the blessing of experiencing a life changed by Jesus. The blessing of knowing that no matter how the things appeared at the moment . . . He was seen, loved, changed, and blessed!

On today’s note write:

Because of Jesus, I am seen, loved, changed, and blessed.

God bless you today as you SEEK Jesus and respond to His love.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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Leave your prayer requests…

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

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

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How You Can Know If You are Worthy of Jesus’ Time

3 / 30 / 213 / 30 / 21

It's people who try to decide who is and who isn't worthy. But Jesus says "come to me." Jesus makes everyone who humbly comes to Him worthy! #Worthy #JesusLovesYou #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers #WWGGG

When you feel rejected and unworthy . . . run to Jesus!

In a first Century culture, men were valued, women less so, and children were to be seen and not heard.

One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him.
Luke 18:15

It wasn’t unusual for mothers to bring their children to a rabbi for a blessing. And unfortunately, it wasn’t unusual for the disciples to try to decide if someone was worthy of Jesus’ time.

They wanted to or did send away…

Hungry crowds in need of a meal.
A Canaanite woman whose daughter needed healing.
And these children.

We’re guilty sometimes, aren’t we?

We’re guilty of deciding who is worthy of coming to Jesus. We’re guilty of choosing who’s good enough to worship with us. And some of us have even been judged and considered unworthy ourselves.

But when Jesus saw what the disciples were doing, He said…

Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.
Luke 18:16

He lifted women up. He lifted the poor, the broken, the sick, and the hurting. He loved and accepted those who were rejected and unworthy from every race and background while consistently challenging those who were judgmental, proud, and self-righteous.

You see…

The truth is—no one is worthy of Jesus’ time!

Yet, He loves and receives everyone who comes to Him with humble trusting child-like faith. He calls them His cherished and precious masterpieces. (Ephesians 2:10)

Precious masterpieces who are blessed to be received and made worthy by Him every time they SEEK Him, RELY on Him and TRUST Him.

You and I are not “worthy” on our own but because of His grace, mercy, and love . . . the Lord declares us “worthy” of His time every time we humbly come to Him with child-like faith.

So when you feel rejected and unworthy—run to Jesus!

A Prayer to Be Worthy of Jesus’ Time

Jesus, thank you for caring for the unworthy and rejected. Thank you for loving every single one of us. Thank you for telling us we can come to You anytime. When the world calls us unworthy or someone rejects us . . . You never will. You welcome us with open arms.

Lord, I love you! I am so sorry for my sins that caused Your suffering. And I know that like John the Baptist said, “I am not worthy.” (Matthew 3:11)

But You say, “Come to me.” And You ask me to invite and welcome everyone I meet to “come” as well. By Your grace and with Your Spirit’s help, I will trust and obey. I will run to You when I feel unworthy and I will stand against the enemy when he tempts me to be prideful and judgmental.

Thank you for calling me Your own. Thank you for suffering my punishment and covering me with Your own righteousness so that the Father sees me as “worthy.” Your love overwhelms me. I praise You. I thank You. I love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen.

It’s the world’s way to consider some worthy and others unworthy. It’s the enemy’s desire to separate us by gender, race, background, beliefs, economics, education, etc.

But that is NOT the way of Jesus.

Jesus says EVERYONE and ANYONE who humbly comes to Him with humble child-like faith is precious and worthy of His time. To find out more about what it means to be childlike click here and to read all of Luke 18 click here.

On today’s note write:

Because of His love, Jesus declares me “worthy” of His time.

May God bless you as you run to Jesus today.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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Leave your prayer requests…

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

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

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

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Jesus Healed 10 But Only 1 Life Was Changed Forever

3 / 29 / 213 / 5 / 21

10 men came to Jesus for healing but only 1 returned to thank Him. That 1 was healed completely inside and out . . . a blessing that changed his life forever. #Gratitude #Thankful #Healing #ChangedLife #CountingMyBlessings

Have you ever prayed in desperation…

Jesus, if you __________ then I will __________?

Leprosy was a highly contagious disease of the skin that terrified people. For that reason, people who had it were completely isolated from their families and communities. They were even called “unclean.”

After the past year, it’s easy for us to see how easily people can isolate themselves out of fear of illness.

What if you heard there was a “Healer” in town? Someone who could make it possible for you to LIVE a normal life again? Not a “new normal” but a full healthy interactive life with those you love and care for?

10 men came to Jesus in need of a miracle.

I wonder if they were thinking, “If Jesus heals me, I will be so thankful . . . I will __________.

But how often do we think or even pray, “If Jesus __________ I will __________ and then we don’t?

Life distracts us and we go back to our old routines and habits.

But for one of the 10, the physical healing of His body led to a simple response of gratitude that led to a life-changing word from Jesus.

One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God. He kneeled at Jesus’ feet, so grateful. He couldn’t thank him enough—and he was a Samaritan.

[Jesus] said to him, “Get up. On your way. Your faith has healed and saved you.”
Luke 17:15–16, 19 (MSG)

Jesus gave him the greatest healing of all. He changed this man’s life forever, not only healing him physically but healing him spiritually.

Gratitude changes our lives. We are healed by God’s mercy and saved by His grace. And a thankful heart and life of gratitude opens us to a life of praise that blesses us and glorifies God.

A Prayer of Gratitude
and the Healing of a Changed Life

Father, please help me want Jesus more than anything. Help me want the Healer more than the healing. Help me come to You in faith with my needs but even more than that . . . help me come to You with gratitude for all You have done and continue to do for me.

You have changed my life! You forgive my sins and give me faith. You heal me physically but more importantly, You heal me spiritually. Because of Your grace, mercy, and love, I have everything I need today and the hope of having everything I need for all eternity.

Please help me to keep my heart and mind focused on You. Help me trust and obey Your will for me. Help me live a changed life of gratitude for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

When you and I focus on ourselves and forget to live with gratitude we open ourselves up to all kinds of temptation and sin. But running back to Jesus in gratitude opens our hearts to know and love Him more and more.

On today’s note write:

Today, I will pray to live my life changed by gratitude.

Read the rest of Luke 17 here.

May God bless you today as you thank Him for His gift of a life changed by His grace, mercy, and love.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

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…

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How a Bold Question About Money Actually Changed Our Lives

3 / 26 / 213 / 26 / 21

A wise friend once challenged us with a bold conversation about money that changed our lives and turned out to be a blessing full of wisdom. #Stewardship #Money #LoveMoney #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers

Have you ever had someone say something that annoyed you at the time but later you realized that God used that one comment to plant a seed and change your perspective?

This one occurred when Rev was a Seminary student assigned to do hands on instruction at the church where I was teaching 3rd grade. One of his assignments was making shut-in calls with an older gentleman from the church.

Harry was respected and loved by everyone but he had this one habit that could get on a person’s nerves. He referred to everything he “owned” as “belonging” to God. He drove God’s car and listened to God’s radio and so on and so forth.

So, Rev was a little put off when Harry asked him about our giving habits. We were poor students. I mean really poor students who were doing the best to make ends meet and we believed we were giving to the best of our ability.

But Harry challenged us in that conversation to 1. think of everything we had as a gift from God, and 2. faithfully give at least 10% of our income.

And Harry’s bold challenge about money changed our lives.

In Luke 16, Dr. Luke shared the way Jesus challenged His followers to change the way they thought about their finances.

No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.
Luke 16:13

When you and I think about our jobs and our incomes as blessings . . . gifts from God to be used generously for His glory. It changes everything. We start looking at Him with greater gratitude and at everything we have as ways to love others for His glory.

A Prayer to Trust God
with the Blessing of Money

Lord, You are Creator, Redeemer, Helper, and Friend. You are Lord of all! All we have is the result of Your loving care and creative hand. Your blessings extend to every corner of our lives.

Please forgive me for valuing things of this world more than I do the things that last forever. You have blessed me with all I need now and forever.

You forgive me and cover me with your grace, mercy, and love. You give me peace and joy, courage and strength, protection and provision. Please help me remember that all I have is a gift from Your hand and please help me to faithfully care for and use all I have been given in ways that will give Your glory and reflect Your love. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

An important point to remember when it comes to our attitudes about money is…

Money is a hard and deceptive master. Wealth promises power and control, but often it cannot deliver. Great fortunes can be made—and lost—overnight, and no amount of money can provide health, happiness, or eternal life.
Life Application Bible Notes

Stewardship is “the conducting, supervising, or managing of something; especially the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.”

All we have is only ours to use and the best way to do that is to prayerfully trust and obey God’s will and use all we have for His glory. And I have to tell you that change in attitude turned out to be an amazing blessing!

On today’s note write:

Everything is a gift from God to be used for His glory.

May you be blessed today as you prayerfully invite God to guide your use of all have.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

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!

3 Awesome Reasons for Joy Found in Jesus’ Love

3 / 25 / 213 / 3 / 21

Jesus' love is made clear in three stories He told - stories of God's willingness to search for, wait for, and forgive anyone because He loves them. #BibleStudy #Parables #JesusLove #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers

Jesus went out of His way to show people that He loved them.

And because as He said…

The Father and I are one.
John 10:30

Jesus made the point that He was showing them God’s love for them.

A love that is proclaimed in the stories Jesus shared in Luke 15.

The Lost Sheep
The Lost Coin
The Prodigal Son

Jesus made it clear that God seeks out sinners and when they are found . . . He and all the hosts of heaven . . . REJOICE!

I love the messages of these parables.

The parable of the lost sheep tells us that the Lord seeks out those who are lost because of their own foolishness.

The parable of the lost coin explains that He seeks out those who are lost because of the carelessness of others.

And the parable of the prodigal son helps us know that He waits with open arms for those who are lost because of their own rebellion.

3 Reasons for Joy Found in Jesus’ Love

God is always pursuing those who are lost.

He has given each of us the freedom to trust Him or reject Him but He never does the rejecting. He is always doing whatever He can to find those who are lost.

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?

Suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it?
Luke 15:4, 8

God is watching and waiting for those who have rejected Him to return home to Him.

We believe that going our own way is freedom but the truth is freedom is found in Christ Jesus alone. The truth is the joy we want is found in returning to the Father through Jesus’ love.

So he returned home to his father. And 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 15:30

And then…

God throws a joyful party whenever one of His children comes home to Him.

But those who are self-righteous are in danger of missing out on the joy of celebrating God’s gift of forgiveness . . . both in the giving and in the receiving.

In Jesus’ story, the father left the party to seek out and plead with prideful older son to join the celebration because the Father seeks out both the unrighteous and the self-righteous. He wants everyone to experience His mercy, grace, and love.

The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him…
Luke 15:28

A Prayer to Experience Joy in Jesus

Lord, Your grace overwhelms me. You have given us the ability to make our own choices fully knowing that sometimes we will lose our way because of foolishness, carelessness, and rebellion. But even then, I see how You have worked in my life to guide me back to You.

When one of Your children returns from a time of rebellion, You are there watching and waiting with open arms, a forgiving heart, and the gift of freedom and joy.

Father, I am sorry for failing to faithfully follow Your will. I humbly come to You, and I thank You for seeking me, finding me, and forgiving me.

I ASK that by Your grace, You will give me the desire to SEEK You above all else and that You will help me forgive as I have been forgiven.

Thank you for giving me the gift of JOY. And all I have is because You have blessed me through Jesus’ love. I thank You and praise You. Amen.

Warren Wiersbe wrote:

Sin promises freedom, but it only brings slavery (John 8:34); it promises success, but brings failures; it promises life, but “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23)

The truth is . . . all we need forever and eternally is found in Jesus’ love.

On today’s note write:

Jesus’ love gives me JOY!

May God bless you today with the joy that is found in Jesus!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

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!

How You Will Be Blessed If Jesus Is Everything You Want and Need

3 / 24 / 213 / 24 / 21

Carry your cross. Count the cost. Words that don't sound like Jesus. But He invites His followers to know that when He is what we want we have all we need. #Jesus #BibleStudy #CarryYourCross #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

I recently circled these words of David from Psalm 142:

Then I pray to you, O Lord.
I say, “You are my place of refuge.
You are all I really want in life.
Psalm 142:5

The rest of that section of his Psalm says things like . . . “I cry out, I plead, I pour out my complaints and tell Him all my troubles. I look for someone to help me but no one gives me a passing thought.”

And the words before say:

No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me.
Psalm 142:4b

Have you ever felt like David? Lonely? Afraid? Like no one cares?

If so, I want you to know that it is a lie straight from the pits of hell.

You see what David realized in the middle of his prayer is that…

Even if God is all you and I have, we have everything we need!

Jesus came to not only save us but He came to show people that TRUTH! He came to be everything we want and need!

In Luke 14, we have an account of another one of Jesus’ stories:

Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations.
Luke 14:16

But people made excuses. They were busy or they had more important priorities.

They all began making excuses.
Luke 14:18a

So the Master told His servant:

“Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.”
Luke 14:23

After Jesus told them all were invited and all are wanted, He told them…

“But don’t begin until you count the cost.”
Luke 14:28a

Why?

Because He knew the challenges, the rejections, the mocking, the persecution . . . the crosses His followers would have to carry. But He also knew the TRUTH that His ancestor, David, had spoken generations before…

You are all I really want in life.

Because He has promised to give us everything we need when He is all we want.

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

A Prayer for Jesus to Be
Everything You Want and Need

Thank you Father for your invitation to each of us to turn from our frivolous and less than meaningful lives for an eternal relationship with You that is filled with purpose, peace, and love. Thank you for Jesus who makes it all possible.

He said there is a cost to following Jesus and surrendering my life to You. We may lose popularity, status, and relationships . . . but oh, the wonderful things we receive. Forgiveness. Hope. Peace. Contentment. Love. And so very much more. By Your grace, when Jesus is all we want we receive everything we need one moment at a time.

Because You are who You say You are and You faithfully keep Your promises, I can say from the depth of my heart . . . “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life.” Amen.

Jesus is all we want and need!

When you and I repent and surrender our lives to Jesus no matter what it costs, when we make Jesus everything we want . . . He graciously becomes everything we need.

I can’t really explain it. I’ve shared before, that I held back a little bit of myself for years because I was afraid that the “cost” might be greater than I was willing to give. I was afraid I would have to sacrifice something that was too dear or that God would allow a pain that was too great.

I know now that was a lie from the enemy.

God has carried me through things I never believed I could endure. He’s carrying me through a difficult time right now. And He has proven to me…

The words for today’s note…

If Jesus is all I have; I have everything I need.

May God bless you as you invite the Holy Spirit to help you make Jesus everything you want and need.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

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!

When You Don’t Understand Why God Allows People to Suffer

3 / 23 / 213 / 23 / 21

It's hard to understand why God allows suffering. Sin in this world was not His plan but by His grace, He provided a way to give us what we need when we do. #Suffering #BibleStudy #Jesus #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

After decades in ministry, I have to admit that it’s often hard to understand why God allows people to suffer.

And I think most of us would admit that it’s especially hard when the sufferer is someone who is kind, loving, caring . . . good. Or when that person is an innocent child.

Somehow we want to believe that suffering is deserved because if that’s true . . . then maybe we can avoid it personally.

In today’s verses, Jesus dispelled the idea that all suffering was the result of God’s judgment unleashed on those who are especially sinful.

“Do you think this happened to them because they were more sinful than all others from Galilee?”
Luke 13:2 (NCV)

Jesus quickly said, “No, not at all.”

Then He addresses the more important point…

“You will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God.”
Luke 13:3

And it’s so important, He said it again…

“I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.”
Luke 13:5

Why does God allow suffering?

Because we live in a world permeated by sin. And living in a sinful world includes suffering.

So, the question is not why people suffer but what God has done about it and how He can work in and through it in our lives.

We can take sin seriously and make it personal. We don’t ask why God allowed it but ask Him to show us how He might use it our lives and the lives of those around us.

Jesus calls each of us to take our suffering to Him, to let Him help us through it, and then to use our stories to help others by inviting them to find His grace and mercy through the “narrow door.”

Later in Luke 13, it says…

Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?”

He replied, ^“Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail.”
Luke 13:23–24

When Jesus said to “work hard” He wasn’t talking about working to earn God’s favor, we can’t. But by God’s grace, we can admit our sin and our need for God’s mercy and grace, we can ask Him to forgive us, and help us trust Jesus to save us.

Why does God allow allow people to suffer?

Because He knows suffering is the result of sin and He wants all people to trust His love and grace, a gift that will save them eternally.

A Prayer to Have Strength
Whatever God Allows

Father, I hate the suffering part of life. It does help to know that You hate it, too! It was never Your intention for us to struggle with the consequences of sin and evil in this world. You wanted and created a beautiful perfect world where we would live with joy in Your presence. And even though we fail You, You love us so much that You sent Jesus to save us and make it possible for us to one day experience the joy of that perfect world with You.

Please forgive me. I don’t want to give in to sin. I want to trust Your will and obey You faithfully. I need Jesus. I believe that He is the Way through the “Narrow Door.” I trust He is Truth and Life (John 14:6) I believe that I can only come to You through Jesus by the power of Your Holy Spirit. (John 6:44)

I ask that You will guard my heart and soul, and give me strength to endure when I am hurt by sin . . . my own or someone else’s. Please help me to focus on You, to live with the hope of Your promises, and trust and obey Your will to show You my love. I pray all of this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

The Good News is that Jesus is the Way through the narrow door. Based on all of His other teachings . . . “working hard” comes through our sincere desire to KNOW Him and heartfelt desire to trust and obey Him.

The blessing is that when we do, we have the promise that God will give us everything we need . . . even when He allows us to suffer.

On today’s note write:

With His help, I will trust God to help me live through whatever He allows.

May He bless you as you trust God to help you endure whatever He allows.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

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 Things Jesus Warned People About and 1 Way to Success

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The world gives all kinds of opinions to help people know the way to success. Jesus offered something very different through warnings and one absolute truth. #SEEKFirst #TrustJesus #Hope #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers

In a world full of opinions all claiming to be the “truth,” we need for life, having someone who has told us the real, the best, the absolute truth for life . . . well, that is information we should apply.

The crowds of people gathering to hear Jesus had grown into the thousands and in Luke 12, Luke recorded five warnings, 5 times He told His followers to “beware” . . . 5 things He told His followers to avoid and 1 thing that would show them the way to success.

5 Things Jesus Warned People About

1. Beware of Hypocrisy

He turned now to his disciples and warned them, “More than anything else, beware of these Pharisees and the way they pretend to be good when they aren’t. But such hypocrisy cannot be hidden forever.”
Luke 12:1b (TLB)

Hypocrisy is…

Claiming to know the truth without living by it.
Living a selfish self-serving life.
Outward conformity without inner conviction.
Pretending to believe something you don’t.

2. Beware of Greed

Then [Jesus] said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”
Luke 12:15

The world is constantly telling us more is better and most is best. But greed leads to coveting and both ruin relationships. We simply can’t love like Jesus and be greedy.

3. Beware of Worry

Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life.”

“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”
Luke 12:22, 25

Oooh, I’ve wasted way too much time worrying. Worry is lack of trust and it has robbed me of peace, contentment, joy, and several other things the Lord wants for His children.

The truth – fully trusting God is so much better!

4. Beware of Being Unprepared

“You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”
Luke 12:40

You are I are called to live out our beliefs, reflect Jesus’ love, and live with hope for the eternal future we have been promised.

5. Beware of the World’s Lies

“You fools! You know how to interpret the weather signs of the earth and sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the present times. Why can’t you decide for yourselves what is right?”
luke 12:56–57

God has given us the truth in His Word. He gives us the Holy Spirit that we might discern the truth amid the world’s lies and propaganda. We need to turn to His Word and constant prayer to know that if a message doesn’t align with God’s Word . . . it is not truth!

1 Way to Success for a Follower of Jesus

♥ Be a SEEKer

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

I love the Life Application Notes for this verse:

Seeking the Kingdom of God above all else means making Jesus the Lord and King of your life. It gives Him control of every area—your work, play, plans, and relationships.

And when you and I give Him control – He will give us everything we need to trust Him, follow His will, and enjoy His peace that we might live a life of contentment.

Praying for the Way to Success

Lord Jesus, thank you for warning us about the things that will ultimately harm us. Thank you for teaching us the truth and helping us know what we need to live with peace, joy, contentment, and so much more.

Lord, Your grace, mercy, and love have changed my life. With the help of Your Spirit, I will SEEK You and Your Kingdom above everything else. I give You control of my life and I trust You will give me everything I need to live each day for Your glory. I thank and praise You and worship Your holy name! Amen.

On today’s note write:

SEEK God first and give God control.

God bless you and give you everything you need to SEEK Him and KNOW the way to a success that lasts forever.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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