How to Trust Jesus When Life is Hard

No one wants to suffer. So, how do we trust Jesus when life is hard? We turn to Him, remember all He's done in the past & believe His promises for the future. #TrustJesus #BibleStudy #FAith #Matthew16 #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers #WWGGG

If Jesus came to you and asked…

“Who do you say I am?“
Matthew 16:15

What would you say?

Peter replied…

“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:16

A messiah is defined as a savior or liberator . . . someone who sets people free. And that’s exactly what Jesus did for you, for me, and for all of creation. He set us free from sin, death, and satan’s power through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection.

You and I can trust Jesus . . . but what do we do when life is hard?

“If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].”
Matthew 16:24 (AMP)

I grew up going to Christian schools and church. I’ve known this verse for as long as I can remember and up until about a dozen years ago . . . it terrified me.

I didn’t want a hard to carry cross. I didn’t want to “endure whatever.” I didn’t want to suffer or die! And for all those reasons, I was afraid to surrender completely . . . to trust Jesus when life was hard.

I didn’t believe that Jesus was able to give me what I needed to endure whatever God allowed. My faith was weak.

But then, as many of you know, our family lived through several of the things I believed were crosses that were too hard to carry—things I believed were unendurable.

But that was a lie from the enemy. Every day Jesus gave me everything I needed to endure. Everything!

Through illness, loss, fear, anxiety, and much more . . . Jesus carried us.

Proving to me that you and I can trust His promise:

“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 11:28-30

The truth is . . . Jesus will help us carry any cross God allows!

Will you pray with me?

A Prayer to Trust Jesus When Life is Hard

Lord Jesus, I believe You are the Messiah. I believe You are God’s sacrifice to save me. I believe You are my Lord and Savior. And I believe You will give me everything I need to carry any cross that is allowed.

Why do I believe? Because You have been faithful in the past. You have helped me carry and endure things I believed were impossible and unendurable. You are the source of my faith, hope, peace, strength, courage, and love. I believe I can trust You with every part of my life . . . today, my tomorrow, and forever. You are all I need! Thank you, Jesus! Amen.

Friend, we can trust Jesus when life is hard!

He is our Savior Messiah. He is the Alpha and Omega—the Great I AM. And He is faithful to keep His promises.

Pause today and make a list of the times and ways the Lord has given you what you needed in the past . . . times He has calmed your fears and given you strength, moments when you had peace you didn’t understand and the ability to forgive when it felt impossible.

If God allows a cross in your life Jesus will help you carry it.

Today’s note to self…

I can trust Jesus even when life is hard.

May you be blessed today to be an all-in follower of Jesus.

You can read all of Matthew 16 here.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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Praise God for the Gift of His Truth and Love

1 / 22 / 211 / 22 / 21

It's important to know God's TRUTH so we can understand His Love and admit our hypocritical sinfulness and our tremendous need for Him. #BibleStudy #LawandGospel #Faith #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers #WWGGG

I’ll admit, it’s easier to simply focus on Jesus love and acceptance . . . to repeat His Gospel promises and ignore His the truth of His life-changing commands.

It’s more comfortable to say there is no sin, no devil, no hell, and no need for repentance but that wouldn’t be the truth.

Jesus challenged the hypocrites of His day with the following words of Isaiah and through them He challenges you and me as well:

‘These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
Their worship is a farce,
for they teach man-made ideas as
commands from God.’
Matthew 15:8–9

Trusting Jesus’ promises of love and forgiveness elicits our response to obey and follow His commands with sincere attitudes and actions. And once again, that makes me squirm. You too?

You and I need wisdom and discernment to KNOW, TRUST, and OBEY God’s Word in an age when the passages that make us squirm are being ignored and denied.

I don’t like talking about the Law of God’s Word . . . pointing out sin and evil and our need to repent and change. But it’s the Law that makes us aware that we need the Gospel’s message of God’s forgiveness and love.

We’re blessed to have God’s Word readily available to us and to have the promises of His healing touch on our lives because even as Jesus called out hypocrisy and the need for obedience in Matthew 15, we also learn the following essential truth about His compassion and love…

Jesus returned to the Sea of Galilee and climbed a hill and sat down.A vast crowd brought to Him people who were lame, blind, crippled, those who couldn’t speak, and many others. They laid them before Jesus, and He healed them all.
Matthew 15:29–30

You and I can have Jesus’ healing . . . a healing that makes it possible for us to follow Him on a path of righteousness even though we are crippled by sin. And the healing touch that opens our blind eyes to His truth and gives us the message of grace, mercy, and love to proclaim to others.

Healing that gives us a future filled with hope and promise.

I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Pray with me as I thank God for the Law that shows us our need for Jesus’ healing grace and the Gospel that gives us the hope of His loving promises.

Praise God for the Gift of His Truth and Love

Lord, it’s hard to admit that I can be hypocritical picking and choosing the parts of Your Word I want to follow and those I don’t. How I can point out the flaws in others while denying that I am blind and lame. And the way I can believe the voices around me rather than dig into Your Word and fully trust Your TRUTH. Please forgive me. I am so sorry and I repent of my failures and come to You asking for forgiveness. By Your grace and with Your help, I surrender myself to You. Please give me all I need today to live Your plans for me as I share the hope of Your truth and love. Amen.

Friend, I know it’s easier to ignore God’s Laws and simply focus on the grace of His Gospel. But we need both . . . for without the realization that we have sinned and failed to obey His laws, we won’t recognize our need for His mercy and grace.

So, on today’s sticky note write:

Thank God for His TRUTH and LOVE!

God bless you as you live His plans for you with hope!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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How to Have What You Need to Walk on Water

1 / 21 / 211 / 6 / 21

When the storm is difficult and the water is rough keep your focus on Jesus and trust Him to give you whatever you need to have walk on water faith. #Faith #WalkonWater #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers #Matthew14 #WWGGG

Can you imagine what it must have been like to be the disciples sailing across the Sea of Galilee in the middle of the night . . . when Jesus approaches walking on the water.

I can’t imagine all the emotions the disciples were feeling. They had received word that John the Baptist had been killed by Herod. And when they followed Jesus to a “remote area to be alone” to grieve, they were followed by crowds of sick and hungry people . . . thousands of people Jesus healed and fed because “He had compassion on them.”

And now…

The disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them, walking on the water.
Matthew 14:24–25

I want faith like Peter’s to enthusiastically ask Jesus to help me jump out of the boat and walk on water but I think I’m more like Peter a few moments later when he sank into the sea overwhelmed by the storm.

How I can relate to Peter crying out with the words…

“Save me, Lord!”
Matthew 14:30

And I remember Jesus compassion and picture a patient and loving twinkle in His eye when He says…

“You have so little faith.”
Matthew 14:31

Today, I want to pray and remember that when you and I are emotionally exhausted by the storms of life . . . Jesus is the One who controls the wind and the waves. I want to pray to keep my focus on Him—trusting Him to give me everything I need to walk on water.

A Prayer to Have What You Need to Walk on Water

Lord, I can so relate to what the disciples were feeling . . . grief, loss, overwhelmed by demands and responsibilities, caught in a storm sudden and then You come onto the scene doing the impossible—walking on water. How I would love to think I would see nothing but You in that moment, that I would jump out of the boat and run to You ignoring the wind and waves because I know they are completely controlled by You.

Please help me keep my eyes on You, trusting Your ability to give me walk on water faith even when the storm rages around me. Cover me with Your all-sufficient grace and grant me all I need to live today with bold faith for Your glory. Amen.

Friend are you ready to live with bold walk on water faith? Me too!

The enemy wants us to focus on the the losses, demands, and storms but you and I have Jesus and when we focus on Him we have everything we need to live boldly and do the impossible.

On today’s post-it note write:

Today with the help of Jesus, I will have walk on water faith!

God bless you today with courage, strength, and bold faith!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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A Look at the Things Jesus Calls Treasures

1 / 20 / 211 / 5 / 21

Jesus told His followers what to treasure—to know the treasure of God's love remembering it's possible because they are precious and priceless to Him. #Faith #God'sLove #Jesus'Treasure #SEEKfirst #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers

Remember Matthew 6:33:

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

If you haven’t memorized it already . . . it’s a really great verse to hold in your heart.

Why? Because SEEKing is important. Jesus said:

I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Matthew 13:13
Matthew 13:13

Jesus said He spoke in parables so often because He is looking for people with open teachable hearts . . . people who are childlike. People who are SEEKers.

So I want to dig into two of my favorite parables from Matthew 13.

The Things Jesus Called Treasures!

Jesus Parable of the Hidden Treasure

The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Matthew 13:44

I think we can all relate to this man’s actions. When we find a treasure we believe is “worth it,” we’ll give up whatever we must to attain it, won’t we.

In this parable, the treasure contains all of the precious blessings that are found through faith in Jesus. God is the one who has placed the treasure in the field and He invites us to come and to “SEEK,” to sell all that we have, trusting that the treasure of a relationship with Him through Christ will give us everything we need.

And He makes it clear how much He wants that for us by telling us that we are His precious pearl.

Jesus Parable of the Precious Pearl

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls.When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!
Matthew 13:45–46

You and I are God’s precious pearls. He paid the ultimate price to possess the pearl…

God showed how much He loved __________ by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him.
1 John 4:9 (Put your name in the blank)

Pause with me and thank God for seeing precious treasures in sinful human beings . . . for giving His Son, Jesus, and for inviting us to possess the life-giving eternal treasure of His Kingdom love.

Praying About the Things Jesus Calls Treasures

Father, I’m so very aware of my sinfulness, I’ll admit I don’t often think of myself as a precious treasure. But Your Word says that is how You see me . . . that You love me so much You gave up Your life for mine. And You did it all to give me a treasure that is worth more than anything this world has to offer.

Lord, I pray that you will give me the childlike heart of a SEEKer. I pray to know and believe Your commands and promises that I might trust and obey Your will. By Your grace and for Your glory I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Friend, as you SEEK to know the Lord and walk closely with Him, I pray that you will focus on His grace today and remember with childlike faith that you are His precious pearl of great value . . . you are Jesus treasure!

So, on today’s post-it note write:

I am God’s precious treasure and He is mine!

God bless you as you celebrate His love today!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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How to Pray About the Things that Make You Uncomfortable

1 / 19 / 211 / 5 / 21

Knowing God cares about our motives and attitudes makes us uncomfortable. Thankfully, He will help us live with humble love and compassion for His glory. #LovelikeJesus #Faith #Hope #Truth #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG #BlessingBloggers

What do you do when you read a section of Scripture that makes you uncomfortable?

I knew some parts would be uncomfortable and harder to write about when I committed to reading and writing every chapter of the New Testament this year but I was hoping it would take a little longer.

I’m a first-born, Christian church and school educated, married to a pastor . . . people-pleaser. I’ve spent my life trying REALLY HARD to obey the rules and “do it right,” and I sometimes wonder if that’s how many of the Pharisees got started, too. But the problem with Pharisees is that rather than just worrying about their own obedience they worry about everyone else’s obedience, too.

Oh, and they weren’t just worried about God’s commands . . . they wanted strict compliance to all of their man-made rules and traditions. And that’s why, Jesus, who is able to perfectly discern attitudes and motives . . . challenged them with God’s TRUTH.

The truth that says God cares more about our hearts and minds, our attitudes and motives, our showing His grace, mercy, and love . . . than our strict conformity to traditions and regulations.

Jesus said the following when the Pharisees rebuked His disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath:

“But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!”
Matthew 12:7–8

Time and again throughout Jesus’ ministry, He told His followers about the importance of showing mercy and compassion . . . and He didn’t just tell them, He modeled it for them.

I believe God wants our obedience but He wants it because it is one of the ways our hearts, our minds, and our actions can respond to His grace, mercy, and love. And because our obedience to loving like Jesus . . . shows His love to a hurting world.

I don’t know about you, but I’m not very good at consistently doing this on my own . . . will you pray with me as I ask God for His Spirit’s help with the things that make me uncomfortable?

How to Pray About the Things that Make You Uncomfortable

Father, please help me. I want to obey with pure motives and attitudes that honor You. But the world is in my face and it’s so easy to fall into a pattern of worrying about what people think. And people are so free with their accusations and criticism. We also struggle with voices who declare good – evil and evil – good. I need Your Spirit’s help.

I love You, Lord. I want to honor You with pure motives and attitudes. I want to show others the same mercy and compassion that You have shown me. I want people to see You through me. By Your grace and with Your Spirit’s help, help me love like Jesus. Amen.

Whenever I see myself in the hard parts of Scripture it makes me feel uncomfortable and convicted. But the Good News is that the Father of grace and mercy forgives and gives me (and you) everything we need to trust and obey even the parts of Scripture that make us squirm.

On today’s post-it note write:

God, help me love like Jesus! Amen.

You can read more of the ways Jesus challenged the Pharisees in Matthew 12.

God bless you today as you focus on His love and compassion.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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Why You Really Want to Be Childlike and Free

1 / 18 / 211 / 18 / 21

Jesus told His followers to be childlike and to come to Him with their burdens. It's hard to be that trusting and humble but with God's help, it is possible. #BibleStudy #ChildlikeFaith #CometoJesus #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG #HisGraceGirls

I ask God faithfully to make me “childlike.” Unfortunately, too often I give in to childish rather than childlike.

Why do I ask to be childlike? Because Jesus said:

“O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike.”
Matthew 11:25

He also said:

“I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Matthew 18:3

What did He mean? What is the difference between being childlike and my childishness?

♥ Being childish is being foolish and immature.
♥ Being childlike is being trusting, humble, and vulnerable.

The Life Application Bible Notes say:

Those who consider themselves “wise and clever” are prideful and arrogant about their own knowledge but the childlike are humbly open to receive the truth of God’s Word.

I want to be childlike. I want to SEEK God’s truth and trust His promises.

And the good news is that when you and I struggle with childishness—when we fall short of humility and fail to seek . . . Jesus also 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.
Matthew 11:28–29

Jesus doesn’t reject us when we come to Him!

When you and I are weighed down by guilt and shame, fear and anxiety, pain and problems, when we need healing, a fresh start, or freedom . . . He says “come.” And He promises that when we do, He will give us rest by taking our heavy burdens and replacing them with forgiveness, healing, peace . . . love!

Jesus never promised this life would be easy or comfortable but He did promise to help us and give us everything we need to carry on and live free in this moment.

That’s a lot to thank Him for today, isn’t it?

Why You Really Want to Be Childlike and Free

Father, thank you for wanting me to know Your truth. Thank you for Jesus and for showing us Your love and desire to forgive all of creation through Him. Please forgive me for the times I think of myself as wise and clever . . . the times I am childish not childlike.

By the power of Your Spirit, please make me willing to be trusting, humble, and vulnerable. By Your grace, please help me give my burdens to Jesus trusting His power to forgive me and Your willingness to give me everything I need to live free today. I want to be childlike, Father. Take my hand and lead me, I give myself to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

It’s hard to surrender control, isn’t it?

I know I want what I want and I’m not very good at waiting. It’s so easy to have that selfish desire to think of myself as wise and clever.

But God wants better for me and He wants better for you, too. He wants us to live with childlike faith and freedom. And by His grace and with His help, we can have everything we need to do just that when we take it all to Jesus.

On today’s post-it note write:

Today with God’s help, I will be childlike.

Click here to read all of Matthew 11.

God bless you today as you carry your burdens to Jesus with childlike faith!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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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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What to Do When You are Afraid of Being Persecuted

1 / 15 / 211 / 15 / 21

Jesus said that His followers should anticipate being persecuted but He also said . . . "do not be afraid." He wants you to know you are precious to God! #ChristianPersecution #BibleStudy #Faith #Godlovesyou #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Do you ever worry about the possibility of persecution that may be ahead for those who follow Christ?

For years, it seemed like Christians living in the United States were given a pass from the persecution Jesus’ followers were facing in other parts of the world.

In the past year, around the world:

– Over 260 million Christians lived in places where they experienced high levels of persecution
– 2,983 Christians were killed for their faith
– 9,488 churches and other Christian buildings were attacked
– 3,711 believers were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced or imprisoned
Open Doors

Although it may not be considered persecution in the U.S., Christians are struggling with churches being closed, lawsuits being initiated, schools making statements of faith “hate speech”, and businesses and social media monitoring what we are allowed to share.

But before you and I start wringing our hands . . . which I have to admit is easy for me to do, let’s take a look at what Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 10:

“Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.”
Matthew 10:16

The world has always been full of differing messages. Solomon wrote:

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

That’s why it’s important for Jesus’ followers to be both shrewd and harmless. We need to know history and to know God’s Word so that we can live with wisdom willing to make ourselves vulnerable and reach others with God’s love.

What to Do When You are Afraid of Being Persecuted

Jesus honestly said that following Him wouldn’t easy but He also said a couple of really REALLY important truths.

“Don’t be upset when they haul you before the civil authorities. Without knowing it, they’ve done you—and me—a favor, given you a platform for preaching the kingdom news! And don’t worry about what you’ll say or how you’ll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words.”
Matthew 10:19–20 (MSG)

And…

“But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you.”

“Not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
Matthew 9:26a, 29b–31

If you’re feeling anxious and afraid today about the things you see going on in your community, state, country, or the world . . . pause with me to pray, let’s give it all to God.

A Prayer When You are Afraid of Being Persecuted

Father, Sometimes I wonder . . . why? Why do people reject Your love? And why are there people who choose to persecute and harm those who do? I know Jesus said His followers should anticipate persecution and that when they are to consider it an “opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about [Him].” (Matthew 10:18)

When I am anxious and afraid, remind me of Your promises. Give me the courage and strength I need each day and by Your grace, help me boldly share the truth of Your love no matter how the enemy tries to silence me.

And Lord, I pray for Your children who are being persecuted around the world. Be their provider and their source of protection and strength.

Please be with me . . . I give myself to You. Amen.

Friend, God knows. Nothing is hidden from Him. He sees the scope of all eternity and He sees you. He loves you.

On today’s note write:

God is with me. I will not be afraid!

May He be with you today and give you His peace . . . calming your fears about being persecuted.

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!

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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One of the Best Reasons to Thank and Praise God

1 / 14 / 2112 / 30 / 20

Can you imagine?

As Jesus was walking along, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed Him.
Matthew 9:9

It sounds so simple…

But following Jesus meant that Matthew would have to walk away from a less than honorable yet, very lucrative career.

I love that he didn’t even hesitate . . . Jesus called and Matthew followed.

Jesus didn’t wait for Matthew to get his act together before He called him. He called him first . . . while He was still a sinner.

And when Jesus was criticized later for hanging out with sinners at Matthew’s home, He said…

I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
Matthew 9:13b

Friend, that is the Good News of grace for you and me. That is a reason for thanks and praise.

Jesus doesn’t wait for us to give up sin before we come to Him. He invites us to “follow” Him with the promise that when we do He will help us.

I love the way the Life Application Bible Notes add:

Those who are sure that they are good enough can’t be saved because the first step in following Jesus is acknowledging our need and admitting that we don’t have all the answers.

It’s admitting our need for Him and receiving His power to change.

I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.
Ezekiel 36:26–27

You and I don’t have to be perfect to follow Jesus. He calls us to simply surrender to Him and allow Him to mold and make us into people who want to trust and obey Him.

And that is…

One of the Best Reasons to Thank and Praise God

Lord, thank you for loving me while I was still a sinner. Thank you for inviting me to follow You while I was a broken mess. Thank you for giving me what I needed to turn around and walk away . . . to follow You with a tender responsive heart.

Please help me praise and glorify You with everything I say and do. Please help me use my story to tell people how much You love them. Use me to invite them to the beautiful life of freedom in Jesus You want for us all.

Thank you for loving sinners. Thank you for loving me. I give myself to You as an offering of thanks and praise for who You are and for all You have done and all You continue to do. I love You! Amen.

Friend, know that Jesus is saying to you, “FOLLOW ME.” He is inviting your loved ones to “FOLLOW” and your annoying neighbor, and the politician you can’t stand, as well as the hypocrite at church. He isn’t waiting for any of us to get our act together. He simply wants us to “follow” and trust Him to help us with the rest.

And that is one of the best reasons to thank and praise God.

So, today’s post-it note words are simply:

FOLLOW ME!

You can read all of Matthew 9 here.

God bless you today and you trust and follow Him!

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!

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Pray When You Need Jesus to Calm You

1 / 13 / 211 / 13 / 21

People hurried to Jesus when they needed healing and cried out to Him when they were afraid. What a blessing to know when we need Jesus . . . He is with us. #Prayer #Faith #NeedJesus #CalmtheStorm #Healing #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

In this season of Covid and all of the physical and mental suffering that has gone with it . . . can you imagine finding out there is a healer in town? That just a simple word or a touch could cure you or your loved one of any ailment?

Wouldn’t you do just about anything to get yourself or your loved one there?

Matthew 8 begins with the words…

Large crowds followed Jesus.
Matthew 8:1

Because He healed them. And I get it. How often do you and I run to Jesus when we need Him to heal or help while allowing life to distract us when things are going well.

And it’s realizing how easily I’m distracted by life that makes me love Him all the more. His grace, mercy, patience, and understanding . . . His love in spite of my shortcomings overwhelms me.

You see, I’m so much like the disciples.

I’ve seen His miraculous power at work…

He healed Rev of near-fatal Constrictive Pericarditis and gave us bonus days to count.
He protected our 1 lb 9 oz preemie grandson through months in the NICU, PICU, and beyond. Today he is a thriving 12-year-old.

Yet, when the storms of life blow in, when I need Jesus, I can still cry out…

“Lord, save [me]! [I’m] going to drown!”
Matthew 8:25

And He replies…

“Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!”
Matthew 8:26

I picture Him with a twinkle in His eye. He understands our weaknesses and wants us to know He is able to control the storms—those without and those within.

His power is greater than our circumstances. Whatever is going on in your life or mine, we can cry out to Him in the middle of the storm and trust Him to be with us.

Pray When You Need Jesus to Calm You

Lord, thank you for Your love and patience. I am so sorry for the times I ignore You when things are going well only to come running to You when I need You to heal me or someone I love. Too often, I use busyness as an excuse—until another storm rages around me or within me and then I cry out to You again for help. Please forgive me.

Please help me by the power of Your Spirit to . . . “Always be joyful. Never stop praying.Be thankful in all circumstances,” [knowing] this is Your will for me. (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18) Keep me focused on You . . . knowing You are with me and that in Your presence I will find peace and healing. You are always greater than my circumstances and I thank and praise You with all my heart. Yours is the power and glory forever. Amen.

When you need Jesus to calm you…

When you’re in the middle of a storm.
When you need healing.
When you’re alone.
When you don’t know where to turn.

Remember…

Jesus is with you. He is greater than this storm you are facing. He will calm the winds and waves or He will calm you. He will give you what you need to get through this.

So, today’s post-it note…

The Lord is with me. I have everything I need.

God bless you! Have a wonderful day in the Lord.

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!

Powerful Words of Jesus that will Make You Want to Pray

1 / 12 / 2112 / 29 / 20

Some of the powerful words of Jesus make me squirm but others make me want to go to God in prayer and trust Him to respond with love, care, and compassion. #Faith #Prayer #AskSeekKnock #WordsofJesus #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Wow, Matthew 7 contains words of Jesus that everyone seems to know . . . no matter what they believe. Words that many love to apply to others but don’t want to apply to themselves.

Like…

“Do not judge others and you will not be judged.”
Matthew 7:1

And…

“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.”
Matthew 7:12

Don’t we all want the people around us to live those words while finding it hard to follow them ourselves? And how often have you heard one of those verses being used to point out someone’s hypocrisy?

It’s hard, isn’t it?

But then, right between those words of Jesus that make us squirm is this verse that draws us in and soothes our restless souls.

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”
Matthew 7:7

Powerful Words of Jesus that will Make You Want to Pray

Jesus invited His followers and He invites you and me to persistently go to the Father and…

♥ ASK – like we are lost and needy.
♥ SEEK – like we are looking for something precious.
♥ KNOCK – because we trust the Father’s love.

We have a Heavenly Father who is loving and understanding, caring and compassionate. One who wants to spend time with us.

When we find ourselves squirming because we judged when we shouldn’t or failed to treat others as we should, Jesus wants us to remember that the Father knows us, even our flaws and weaknesses, and He loves us anyway.

So much so, that He wants us to come to Him constantly . . . asking, seeking, and knocking—trusting that He will always give us His best, show us the way, and throw open wide the door.

Will you pray with me, right now?

Father, thank you for inviting me to come to You in prayer. Thank you for loving me even with all my failures and weaknesses. I can be so quick to judge others without pausing to know them or their story. And oh how I fail to treat others the way I want them to treat me. Please forgive me.

I need You! By the power of Your Holy Spirit, please increase my faith that I might trust and obey Your Word. Please give me everything I need to never stop asking, seeking, and knocking. Make me confident that I can do all things with the strength You give me through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:13) In whose name I pray. Amen.

On today’s post-it note simply write:

ASK, SEEK, and KNOCK

And remember…

Your heavenly Father would never invite you to pray and then refuse to hear you or give you something that would hurt you. He loves you and promises that He will give you everything you need, guide you along His paths, and fling wide the door to His presence.

And that is GOOD NEWS!

God bless you!

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 Seek God First and Have Everything You Need

1 / 11 / 211 / 11 / 21

Jesus taught His followers about prayer and the importance of seeking God's first with the promise that if you do . . . He will give you everything you need. #BibleStudy #SeekGodFirst #Prayer #Faith #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

One of the things I love about reading Scripture is that it speaks to every intelligence level and personality type. It’s everything you and I need.

How is that possible?

Because…

The word of God is alive and active.
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

God’s Word is living and powerful, able to change lives because God’s Holy Spirit works in us through the Bible’s commands and promises.

Matthew 6 is full of Jesus’ teaching, words that speak to all of us together, and each of us individually.

Maybe you’re going through a season where you need to be reminded about your personal relationship with the Lord. Where you ask yourself, would I still do this act of kindness or service if no one would ever know about it?

Maybe, you need to focus on prayer today and remember how much the Father wants us to come to Him in quiet and privacy to thank and praise Him and talk to Him about whatever is on our hearts and minds.

Maybe you struggle with priorities and what you would identify as your “treasure,” and you need to remember that whatever you treasure most controls your thoughts and your choices.

Maybe like me, you have an ongoing struggle with worry and anxiety and you need to reread Jesus’ words…

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Matthew 6:33–34

And you need to be reminded that His promise to give you everything you need, is a promise to give you:

♥ peace that goes beyond understanding. (Philippians 4:7)
♥ courage when you are afraid. (Mark 6:50)
♥ strength when you feel weak. (Philippians 4:13)
♥ wisdom when you’re confused. (James 1:5)
♥ all-sufficient grace when you’re not enough. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
♥ love and mercy when you need forgiveness. (Ephesians 2:4–5)

It’s easy to confuse “everything we need” with everything we want but what God promises is that He will give us what we need to help us grow in and live with faith that we might be able to endure in any and all circumstances.

And that is the EVERYTHING we need more than ANYTHING!

Will you pray with me?

A Prayer to Seek God First and Have Everything You Need

Father, thank you for Your “alive and active” Word that has made it possible for every generation, every person and personality to be blessed by Your truth.

Jesus, thank you for showing us the Father and His truths and for offering yourself as a sacrifice for me. This world is confusing and full of distractions, but You showed us the importance of seeking God’s Kingdom . . . the life-changing eternity-giving blessing of putting my relationship with You, my God, first in my life. And the promise is not just for an eternity in heaven, it is a promise to give me everything I need right now in the midst of the confusion and chaos.

And thank you, Spirit of God, for being with me and helping me live with wisdom and discernment by grace through faith.

Lord, I surrender my life to you! I love you and pray that with Your help I will live each day for Your glory.

Friend, I pray that as you SEEK God first and give Him all that’s distracting and confusing you today.

Write on today’s post-it note:

By God’s grace, I am blessed with everything I 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!

How to Know the Important Truth About Being Blessed

1 / 8 / 211 / 10 / 21

I refer to myself as “Blessing Counter” on all social media platforms.

So, the question I want to ask today is . . . what exactly is a blessing?

Or to put it another way…

What is being blessed?

The Dictionary defines a blessing as:

a special favor, mercy, or benefit.
a favor or gift bestowed by God, thereby bringing happiness.
the invoking of God’s favor upon a person.

And being blessed as:

divinely or supremely favored; fortunate.
blissfully happy or contented.

But I want to look even deeper. I want to take a closer look at what Jesus said about being blessed in Matthew 5 at The Sermon on the Mount.

Countless Biblical Scholars have preached, taught, and written about this section of Scripture known as The Beatitudes . . . a plethora of words all expanding on these “Blessed are” verses.

Some consider them a “code of ethics,” others believe they contrast Kingdom and worldly values, or superficial and “real” faith. (LAB Notes)

I wonder if maybe Jesus was simply teaching basic eternal spiritual truths.

Jesus told His followers what God blesses. He taught them to recognize their need for God, to repent and turn to Him, and seek His will. About being blessed. #Blessings #Blessed #TheBeatitudes #TrustJesus #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Let’s take a look…

The Truth About Being Blessed

One day as [Jesus] saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around Him, and He began to teach them.

Jesus said: “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.”
Matthew 5:1–3

When you and I realize we are poor in spirit and that we need God, we give up our focus on self and we SEEK God … which is why Jesus said, “theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4

What if Jesus was talking about mourning over sin . . . encouraging His listeners to repent because they recognize their need for forgiveness. The blessing is that this leads to the comforting truth of God’s forgiveness.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9

God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.
Matthew 5:5–6

Humble people trust the Lord and follow His will to love God and love others. Jesus said…

“‘You must love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Matthew 22:37–38

God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Matthew 5:7

Once you and I realize how very merciful and forgiving God has been toward us, we are merciful and forgiving toward others and that begins a beautiful cycle of merciful living among all of God’s children.

God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven.
Matthew 5:8–12

And all of these blessing promises are the result of recognizing our need for God, repenting and turning to Him, SEEKING Him through faith in Jesus, the Word, and prayer.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.
Matthew 6:33

The promise and the blessing . . . God will give us everything we need!

Praying the Truth About Being Blessed

Let’s ask God to help us…

Father, I need You! I need Jesus! I need Your Spirit with me and within me. On my own, I am selfish and stubborn. I am so very sorry, please forgive me. Please help me to be humble and forgiving. Help me to seek You above all else . . . to humbly know, trust, and follow Your perfect will. Give me everything I need to be forgiving and love my neighbor because I love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Father, this life can be hard. Please give me everything I need . . . I give myself to You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Write on today’s post-it note:

I am a SEEKer. I am BLESSED!

May you celebrate His blessings today as you SEEK Jesus and trust Him to fill you with strength, hope, peace, joy, 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…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

How to Fight the Enemy When You Are Tempted

1 / 7 / 211 / 7 / 21

It's a blessing to know Jesus was tempted like we are but He also showed us how to fight the enemy without giving in to sin. With His help, we can fight, too. #BibleStudy #FightTemptation #God'sWord #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Can you relate to just wanting a break from satan’s relentless temptations and taunts? Do you ever feel like you could really use a break from his constant reminders of the pain you have suffered because of your past failures or someone else’s?

Me too! It drives me crazy when I’m having a great day and suddenly a thought enters my head and sends me into a dark and difficult place. And it’s just as frustrating when he puts one right in front of me and I give in yet again!

But it helps me to remember that Jesus knows what it’s like to be tempted. The enemy used the same enticements he uses to tempt us: 1. physical need and desires, 2. possessions and power, and 3. pride. (Life Application Bible Notes)

Jesus knows what it’s like to be fully human and tempted but Jesus didn’t sin! He resisted temptation with the “Sword of the Spirit.”

…take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:17 (NCV)

Three times Jesus responded with the words…

“The Scriptures say.”
Matthew 4:4,7,10

This is one of the reasons I love reading and studying Scripture.

I can’t make use of the greatest weapon in the arsenal God has given us if I don’t arm myself. I want to know God’s will and discern His truth. I want to be armed and ready.

Do you know what Jesus did after He defeated the enemy?

He began to minister to others, preaching, teaching, and healing:

From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”
Matthew 4:17

He called people to turn from their sins, giving up selfishness and stubbornness to follow God’s will by obeying His directives and commands.

I’ve learned something precious as I’ve turned to the Bible over the past decade and a half. Through Jesus, God not only blesses us with the promise of eternal life in heaven . . . He blesses us with freedom, peace, hope, strength, and love each day. And He blesses us with everything we need to release the past and embrace a future filled with hope.

I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

The Lord is true to every promise . . . will you pray with me and thank Him for giving us all we need to fight the enemy?

A Prayer to Fight the Enemy When You Are Tempted

Father, I thank and praise You for Your Word and for making it possible for me to know Jesus.

Jesus, thank you for experiencing humanity in its fullness . . . for allowing yourself to be tempted, to feel pain, to know rejection and encounter the demands and pressures life with people. Thank you for showing me how to live through life’s challenges with wisdom, power, grace, and love—how to trust God’s will and fight the enemy. Thank you for all you have done for me! I love you, Lord. Help me faithfully trust and obey You.

Friend, it’s a great blessing to know that Jesus understands our weaknesses.

This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin.
Hebrews 4:15

He has given us what we need to fight the enemy whenever we are tempted.

On today’s post-it note write:

By God’s grace, I have everything I need to fight the enemy.

May you be blessed as you fight the enemy with God’s Word today. You can read all of Matthew 4 here.

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!

You Need to Know the Trinity will Help You Repent

1 / 6 / 2112 / 29 / 20

There is a difference between confession and repentance and we need God, the Trinity, to help us truly repent and turn our hearts and minds to His better way. #Trinity #TriuneGod #Faith #BibleStudy #Prayer #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Rev used an egg to explain God, the Trinity, to our grandson the other day.

ONE EGG contains – shell, yolk, and the albumen or “white.” Together it is an egg and each individual part is still called an egg. Not three eggs but one egg.

The Father is God. Jesus is God. And the Holy Spirit is God. And together they are God. Not three gods but ONE GOD.

The Trinity…

is one of two important and complicated topics found in Matthew 3. The other is repentance.

The Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all present at Jesus’ baptism.
John the Baptist tells people to—“Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” Matthew 3:2

I think both can be confusing but they really do go hand in hand. Because without God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit loving us and offering us His gifts of mercy and grace we would never even consider repenting.

Repenting is different than confessing.

♥ Confession is defined as a formal statement admitting one’s guilt.

♥ Repentance is the action of sincere regret or remorse.

Confession says, “I did it!” Repentance says, “I’m sorry, I did it and I don’t want to do it again!”

The Biblical definition of repentance is to make a 180-degree turn from self-centered/selfish living to God’s way of living as it is explained in His Word.

This is why we need the Trinity . . . God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him.And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”
Matthew 3:!6–17

When you and I think about the Trinity, we can be greatly encouraged knowing that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are with us impacting every decision, every fear, every emotion, and every moment. It is His plans and purposes, His will, and His power and strength supplying everything we need.

God who loves us so much gave up the glories of heaven to suffer our punishment so that we might live forever blessed by faith, hope, peace, joy, and perfect love.

You Need to Know the Trinity will Help You Repent

Father God, Thank you for loving and saving me. Thank you for working in my life in ways that show how very much I need Your mercy and grace. I am so sorry for the times I have allowed my stubborn selfishness to rule in my life and influence my choices. Please forgive me. I believe that following Your will and obeying Your commands is best. Please help me trust and obey You that I might glorify You and shine the light of Your love. Amen.

May you be blessed today as you trust God—Father, Son, and Spirit— the Trinity, to help you repent and rejoice knowing that you are forgiven and loved.

On today’s post-it note write:

I am forgiven and loved! Praise God!

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 Want to Live Like Those Who are Wise

1 / 5 / 2112 / 29 / 20

Those who are wise are like the Wise Men who went searching for the King and when they found Him, they stopped to worship and give Him precious gifts. #Epiphany #WiseMen #Star #BibleStudy #Matthew2 #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Many people in the U.S. have their focus on the leadership decisions that will be happening tomorrow but did you know tomorrow is also Epiphany – the day we pause to remember those who were wise.

“Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:2

Did you catch a glimpse of the “Bethlehem Star” last month?

Whether God used the convergence of two planets or created a miraculous heavenly proclamation of light doesn’t matter. He used a “Star” to inspire wise men from a distant land to search for King Jesus.

What do those who are wise do when they find the King for whom they are searching?

They worship!

The star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Matthew 2:9b–11

One of my favorite songs from the Children’s Musical – The Birthday Party by Agapeland Music is What Can We Give to the King.

Here are just some of the lyrics…

What Can We Give to the King

What can we give to the King?
Give to the One who has everything?
What can I give?
What gift can I bring?
What can I give to the King?

Give Him a heart that’s opened up wide.
Give Him a life that’s got nothing to hide.
Give Him a love that’s tender and true.
And He’ll give it all back to you.

Give Him all glory, His people on earth.
Give Him all praises, this day of His birth.
Give Him all honor in all that we do.
As He’s given His life to you.

The wise men gave us a beautiful example . . . they offered Jesus their worship and things that were precious to them—gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

May we follow their example and worship King Jesus giving Him our love, trust, and obedience.

Dear brothers and sisters, 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.
Romans 12:1

A Prayer to Live Like Those Who are Wise

Lord, give me a desire to SEEK You above all else and make me wise. I pray that with the help of Your Spirit, I might completely give myself to You as an offering of worship. I ask that You will help me set aside the things that distract me that I might love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mark 12:30) By Your grace, help me know, trust, follow, and obey Your will that I might fulfill Your plans and purposes for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

May we be like those who are truly wise and faithfully SEEK the King knowing that God has given the Light that we might find and worship Him with our love and our lives!

On today’s post-it note write:

With God’s help, I will faithfully SEEK the KING!

You can read all of Matthew 2 here.

God bless you today as you live for His glory!

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!