When You Need to Replace What’s Negative with the Truth

The best way to get along with others and replace what's negative with the truth is to focus on who God is and all that He's done for us. #Philippians4 #Positivity #Truth #Faith #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Worry, anxiety, envy, anger, frustration, discouragement, self-pity, etc.

It’s everywhere! And it’s hurting our mental health and our relationships.

At the moment it seems worse than ever. The news is depressing and everywhere you look people are frustrated and discouraged.

But the truth is, it’s always been this way. Negativity is just part of life.

Since the enemy tempted Eve and sin entered the Garden, there has been a consistent stream of negative thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors leading to serious problems.

You’re probably familiar with the following quote:

“Watch your thoughts, they become words;
watch your words, they become actions;
watch your actions, they become habits;
watch your habits, they become character;
watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”
~ Author Unknown

The Bible says it this way:

Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.
Proverbs 4:23(GNT)

What you and I think and the attitudes we form from those thoughts are the most critical contributors to our conversations, behaviors, and in general how we live. We need help to replace what’s negative in our lives.

So, I decided to turn to Philippians 4, because I know I need help and I thought you might need help, too.

When You Need to Replace What’s Negative with the Truth

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6–7

Don’t worry about anything – Anything! Whew, that’s hard. But Paul’s next words are the best way to eliminate worry…

Instead, pray about everything – Turning anxious and upset thoughts into prayers turns my focus from the problem to the One who is the Problem Solver.

Tell God what you need – He already knows what you and I need, but talking to Him about our negative thoughts reminds us that we can surrender everything to His all-sufficient grace, mercy, and love. He will help us replace what’s negative.

Thank Him for all He has done – And when I thank God for His faithfulness and blessings and remember all that He has brought me through in the past, it helps me trust Him with my uncertain future.

Then you will experience God’s peace which exceeds anything we can understand – God’s peace is grounded on faith, hope, and trust in His love. You and I can be confident He will always give us what we need each day (even if it’s not what we want). It’s impossible to understand or explain God’s supernatural peace, but when we are blessed to experience it, we know it is a gift that comes from His grace.

His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus – Which sounds like the perfect antidote to negativity.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing.

Focus your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

And that pretty much sums it up, doesn’t it?

There is something else I find noteworthy about this section of Paul’s letter to the people in Philippi.

It starts with…

Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. v. 2

We don’t know what these two women were arguing about, but we do know it was a big enough problem that Paul heard about it 800 miles away in Rome.

Arguing is nothing new. Jealousy, anger, frustration, and fighting are as old as the first brothers, Cain and Abel. But I love that Paul tells them to work it out . . . to settle their disagreement even if they had to agree to disagree. And don’t you love how he tells them to do it…

Be full of joy in the Lord always. I will say again, be full of joy. Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is coming soon. Philippians 4:4–5

He goes on to tell them how to do it.

Replace What’s Negative with the Truth By…

Quit worrying. Pray—tell God what you need and thank Him for what He has done. Know His peace—a peace that protects your heart and mind. v. 6–7

Keep your thoughts on things that are:

True – Accurate and trustworthy.

Honorable – Building reputations not tearing down.

Right – Fair and just.

Pure – Clean and uncontaminated.

Lovely – Beautiful and pleasant.

Admirable – Respectable and good.

Excellent and Worthy of Praise – Wonderful and God-pleasing.

Now, I’ll admit in our sin-filled world, it seems impossible to keep our thoughts exclusively positive 24/7.

We tell ourselves we can’t help it. There’s so much flying by. The news, social media, and gossip-filled phone calls. Reports presented as truth later revealed as being less than accurate. Posts complete with photos of luxurious vacations and super-children that make us envious. And “ain’t it awful” whispers that invite us to judge.

Whew! The temptations are continuous…

I took a break in the middle of writing this to eat my lunch and decided to quickly scroll through my Facebook feed. Many posts from friends were encouraging and shared Bible verses and posts from their Faith Blogs but others were “ain’t it awful” news reports and articles intended to sway public opinions one way or another.

And it didn’t take more than a few minutes for me to find myself feeling anxious and discouraged . . . AGAIN!

So, I’m making a list of the things I can do to help me change my focus and replace what’s negative with the truth! You might like to try it too…

Admit that I’m Overwhelmed by the Negativity – because I won’t change something I don’t acknowledge.
Stop and Pray – surrender my negative feelings to God and ask for the Spirit’s help.
Give Thanks – list at least 3 blessings, things for which I’m thankful.
Trash Negative Thoughts – thoughts are just thoughts, I don’t have to believe all the negative ones or allow them to linger. So, I’m going to imagine myself physically taking the negative ones and tossing them in the trash.
Avoid Obvious Triggers – I want to take more intentional breaks from social media, the news, and negative people.
Clean Up My Space – I don’t do well with chaos and sometimes chaos in my environment causes chaos in my head. I don’t like to clean but a neat home always makes me feel better. It might help you, too.
Do Something Positive – it’s helpful to pause and take a break to do something I love – play with the dog, call a friend, read a book, etc.
Remember the Big Picture – pause and ask if this will matter a year from now. Five years. 10. And remember that God will always be on the throne now and forever.
Do What I Can or Let It Go – If I can do something about it, I should . . . but if not, I need to let it go and stop worrying about it.
Do Something Encouraging and Kind for Someone Else – I used to volunteer at our local Children’s Hospital and hold babies in the NICU. Volunteer to do something you love . . . help a friend, send a card or notes, make a call, etc.
Laugh – I love to laugh! And I think we all need to laugh a little more at the moment. Remember it’s healthy . . . it’s good therapy and a great ab workout too!

Take one more look at Paul’s initial words to Euodia and Syntyche:

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon!
Philippians 4:4–5

That kind of sums it all up doesn’t it.

You and I can replace what’s negative with the truth and be full of joy when we remember all that the Lord has done and continues to do for us. And with God’s help, we can be considerate of others’ thoughts and feelings even when life is less than ideal and we don’t agree with those thoughts and feelings.

Because when we look at life with the truth of an eternal perspective, we will remember that the Lord is returning to take us home to heaven and well, everything else wanes in comparison.

I’ll admit, it’s not easy. Sometimes it can even feel satisfying to reflect on all that’s wrong in the world while we feel sorry for ourselves.

But God’s truth challenges us and reminds us to keep what’s important . . . important. And with His help we can…

Think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected.
Philippians 4:8 (NCV)

We can think about how very much we are forgiven and loved by the God of the Universe!

Now it’s your turn. What do you do to replace what’s negative with the truth?

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

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

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Leave your prayer requests…

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

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Pray When You are Confused About an Uncertain Tomorrow

9 / 18 / 209 / 18 / 20

Helping you live with boldness when you are confused by an uncertain tomorrow although things try to get in the way with God's help, you can LIVE today! #LiveToday #TomorrowisANewDay #Prayer #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

When our daughter was a toddler she found the difference between today and tomorrow very confusing.

We’ would say, “We are going to to do (something fun) tomorrow.”

And she would always respond with delight and great enthusiasm.

But the next morning when she got up she would ask, “Is it tomorrow?”

Of course, we would reply, “No, it’s today.”

At which point she would get very sad and say, “But I want it to be tomorrow so we can do __________.”

(It sounds like our personal version of who’s on first, doesn’t it?)

And even when we would tell her, “Honey, we are going to do __________.”

She would look at us confused and say, “But it’s not tomorrow.”

Little children aren’t the only ones who have trouble understanding the difference between today and tomorrow.

You and I can so easily waste today worrying about tomorrow. Waiting for tomorrow. Procrastinating until tomorrow. Starting over tomorrow.

But the truth is, whatever we think about tomorrow we can only live today.

Corrie ten Boom wrote:

“Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength- carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”

So, let’s take a closer look at what the Bible says and surrender our worry and uncertainty about tomorrow to the Lord.

Pray When You are Confused About an Uncertain Tomorrow

When You’re Worried and Uncertain about Tomorrow

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
Matthew 6:34

Father, I surrender my thoughts to You. Please grant me Your peace and help me live today without worrying about tomorrow. By Your grace, help me know the difference between planning for tomorrow and worrying about tomorrow. Guide me as I set goals and help me put You first in everything I do . . . that I might live each day for Your glory. Amen.

When You’re Tired of Waiting for “Tomorrow”

Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14

Father, Please give me the courage and strength I need today. Sometimes today is hard because You’re asking me to wait. Please give me patience. By Your grace, give me everything I need to trust You today. Whatever is going on in my life . . . You promise to give me everything I need when I seek You first. Please lead me today, make Your will clear to me, and give me all I need to follow You in faith today. Amen.

“Darkness comes. In the middle of it, the future looks blank. The temptation to quit is huge. Don’t. You are in good company… You will argue with yourself that there is no way forward. But with God, nothing is impossible. He has more ropes and ladders and tunnels out of pits than you can conceive. Wait. Pray without ceasing. Hope.” ~John Piper

When You’re Tempted to Procrastinate Until Tomorrow

“Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the week” ~a Spanish Proverb

Fight the good fight of faith, grabbing hold of the life that continues forever. You were called to have that life when you confessed the good confession before many witnesses.
Ephesians 5:15–17

Father, please give me the strength I need today. By Your grace, help me plan my days well without over-planning so I’m not tempted to procrastinate. Give me the energy I need each day and help me remember to pause and rest in Your presence. By Your all-sufficient grace help me stay focused on You that I might do Your will as You reveal it to me. Amen.

“You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” ~Abraham Lincoln

When You’re Tempted to Carry Guilt and Shame Into Tomorrow

“The voice of sin is loud, but the voice of forgiveness is louder.” ~Dwight L. Moody

If we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
1 John 1:9

Father, I am so sorry for failing to trust and obey Your will the way You want. I try so hard but fall short every day. And the enemy taunts and tells me I’m useless, that I’ll never change, that I need to wear my guilt like a label across my heart. But You are faithful to forgive because You want to forgive. You proved Your unfailing love by allowing Jesus to suffer my punishment on the cross.

Thank you! Help me live today with the joy of forgiveness and help me generously extend that same loving forgiveness to the people You place around me. Thank you for washing me clean today and for every new tomorrow You give me to try again. Amen.

“Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” ~L.M.Montgomery

When You Need to Remember to LIVE Today

“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” ~Martin Luther

The Lord is my shepherd;
    I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
    He leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
    bringing honor to His name.
Psalm 23:1–3

Father, thank you for Your provision, guidance, and rest. You truly do give me everything I need each day. Please help me walk peacefully with You today. Keep me from worrying about tomorrow’s unknown and give me the faith I need to trust You even when I don’t understand. Life can be hard and confusing but when You are with me teaching and leading . . . I have Your all-sufficient grace to flourish in the good things You have prepared for me. I love You, Lord. You are all I need today, tomorrow, and forever. Amen.

I love this quote from Henri Nouwen. It reminds of simple ways you and I can live for God’s glory today . . . without worrying about tomorrow’s uncertainty.

“Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come.”

So friends,

Celebrate today.
Live with confidence that God has You covered in His grace, mercy, and love.
Have hope for tomorrow, but don’t wait for it to live . . . get up and boldly experience all God has for you.
Follow where the Lord leads you and trust Him to bless you with the goodness of life that only He can give.

May He bless you today and tomorrow!

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

How to Trust God’s Love When You are Suffering

9 / 14 / 209 / 16 / 20

How do you trust God's love when you feel like He is the One who is allowing your pain and suffering? 5 ways to trust God's "no" when it's hard. #StrengthinSuffering #TrustGod'sLove #Faith #Hope #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

What do you do when you feel like God is the One who is allowing your pain and suffering?

You’ve prayed to get well, to be free of pain, for a healed relationship . . . for the desire of your heart.

The Bible says, “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires.” Psalm 37:4

You’ve done your best to do “good.” You’ve tried to obey His commands. Maybe you’ve even dedicated your life to serving Him in ministry. You’ve made every effort to “delight” in Him.

Yet for reasons beyond your ability to understand, no matter how much you pray in faith . . . God seems to be saying ‘no!’

And you can’t seem to shake the one thought that keeps repeating . . . it’s not fair!

To make things worse, like salt in a wound, everywhere you look, people who don’t even seem appreciative, have the very thing your heart longs for and you find yourself giving in to jealousy, tantrums, and self-pity.

So, you add whining and complaining to your prayers, like a child trying to get a parent to soften and give you what you want.

But nothing changes…

You wait and pray and wait and pray some more but you’re still sick. Still in pain. Still single. Still longing for a child, a job, a home, a _________.

This may be your story. It has been mine.

I had a heart’s desire years ago and I wanted what I wanted when I wanted it . . . God’s ‘no’ was simply unacceptable. I pouted, complained, whined, and refused to trust that God had a better plan for me.

Without giving you all the ugly details, I’ll tell you I learned a very big lesson the hard way.

Praise God for His forgiving grace, mercy, and love. He patiently showed me His better way. He taught me that I can trust His “no” even when it’s hard and I don’t want to. He taught 5 important truths . . . reasons I can trust His will even when it’s not my desire.

How to Trust God’s Love When You are Suffering

5 Reasons Why You and I can Trust God’s “No”

1. Trust God’s NO because EVERYthing God allows is filtered through His love.

Love is God’s character and He cannot do anything that is outside of who He is. He sees the big picture of our lives and always knows and does what is best for our eternal future even though we don’t understand and it doesn’t feel like it.

Joni Eareckson Tada once wrote…

“Real satisfaction comes not in understanding God’s motives, but in understanding His character, in trusting in His promises, and in leaning on Him and resting in Him as the Sovereign who knows what He is doing and does all things well.”

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.
Psalm 143:8

2. Trust God’s NO because His goodness covers EVERYthing He allows.

God is good! Everything He does is good! You and I live in a sinful broken world and often have to live out the consequences of that truth. But although this life can be hard, God is always at work for our good in ways that will give Him glory.

All He does is just and good, and all His commandments are trustworthy.
Psalm 111:17

And 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

3. Trust God’s NO because He sees the beginning from the end and may be saying “no” to protect you.

You and I make God too small. He is everlasting. He knows your past and your future. He knows the lives you will touch and knows how best to bless you always keeping your eternal future in mind.

But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day.
2 Peter 3:8

4. Trust God’s NO while you do what you can and leave the rest to Him.

It’s important for you and me to get up each day and focus on what we can do. It helps me to focus on counting my blessings and remembering what I have rather than dwelling on what’s lacking. My goal is to do my best with the Spirit’s help to trust God’s plans and purposes one day at a time remembering they always include love . . . very big love. And because of His love, He will give me what I need to endure whatever He allows.

“Harness the power of today. Seize the blessings of today! Make something happen, enhance your life, make someone laugh, help a friend, love, love, love!” ~Steve Maraboli

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
Great is His faithfulness;
His mercies begin afresh each morning.
Lamentations 3:22–23

5. Trust God’s NO as you lean deep into His love through prayer and study of His Word.

When life is hardest . . . I need God the most. So, I turn to Him through His Word and prayer, and by His grace, I begin to rest in His love. With the Spirit’s help, my experience has been that when I lean into the Lord in faith, He is faithful to give me what I need to live that day.

The Lord also keeps safe those who suffer. He is a safe place in times of trouble. Those who know Your name will put their trust in You. For You, O Lord, have never left alone those who look for You.
Psal, 9:9–10 (NLV)

“I won’t tell you it will be easy. It won’t.”

Walking through a valley of grief and heartache is an arduous journey but it is not one we have to take alone.

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

Satan will consistently use your pain, your broken heart to tempt you to doubt God’s love, give up, and to try to take care of things on your own.

Martin Luther said that his tactics have never changed … the lie is still the same as it was in the Garden…

“The sin underneath all our sins is to trust the lie of the serpent that we cannot trust the love and grace of Christ and must take matters into our own hands” ~Martin Luther

I have learned the hard way – that God’s ways are best. I’ve lived out the consequences of falling for the enemy’s lies, and I’ve come to believe with all my heart that God’s grace saturates everything He allows and His protecting hand of mercy surrounds anything He denies.

This isn’t fatalism. It’s faith!

Whatever you are facing today, remember…

God will walk with you through this valley. You can trust His goodness and love … He has proven just how much through His Son, Jesus. You are not alone!

He promised…

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me.
2 Corinthians 12:8–9

I love this quote from Babbie Mason in Trust His Heart…

God is too wise to be mistaken.
God is too good to be unkind.
So when you don’t understand.
When you don’t see His plan.
When you can’t trace His hand.
Trust His Heart!

My friend, Horace Williams, has written an awesome new book,
The Furnace of Affliction

In The Furnace of Affliction: How God Uses Our Pain and Suffering for His Purpose, Horace Williams Jr. tackles this challenging topic. Based on the Word of God, insights from other leaders, and his studies, he addresses several key points, including:

How pain develops our faith
How pain determines our path
How pain delivers comfort, joy, and peace
And how pain deepens our commitment to God.

Packed with personal stories and scripture to support his points, Horace shares his insights on the problem of pain. His candid and straightforward communication style engages the reader as he addresses this critical topic for the body of Christ today.

I really loved this book. I’ve known Horace for a number of years but there was so much of his story I didn’t know. God has allowed pain and problems in his life and Horace is turning it into an opportunity to give God glory. This book is both powerful and inspiring. It even offers study questions at the end of each chapter to help you personalize your own journey.

Finally, leave a comment and tell us how you are learning to trust God’s love even when you’re suffering.

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Pray When You Need More of Jesus

9 / 11 / 209 / 10 / 20

When I’m tired. When is out of control. When everyone and everything has gotten on my last nerve. When I discouraged . . . I need more of Jesus. #Jesus #Hope #Faith #Prayer #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Stop with me for a moment and think about the following two quotes:

You’re a soul made by God, made for God, and made to need God—you were not made to be self-sufficient. ~Dallas Willard

“[Jesus] is a portion that exactly and directly suits the condition of the soul. The desires of the soul, and the necessities of the soul, and the wants of the soul, and the longings of the soul, and the prayers of the soul.

The soul can crave nothing, nor wish for nothing, but what is to be found in Christ. He is light to enlighten the soul, wisdom to counsel the soul, power to support the soul, goodness to supply the soul, mercy to pardon the soul, beauty to delight the soul, glory to ravish the soul, and fullness to fill the soul.” ~ Thomas Brooks (17th Century Preacher)

What is your soul?

The soul is the key to our lives . . . it unites your heart, your mind, and your spirit together. Your soul is who you are—who God created you to be.

And your soul and mine craves more of Jesus.

There is nothing or no one we need more!

Nothing you and I can desire or crave can satisfy our souls more than a close relationship with Jesus.

Yet, even though you know that to be true, if you’re like me, you are still so easily distracted and discouraged by life.

Right now, I know many of us are fighting feelings of discouragement. We long for life to go back to normal. We’re fatigued, frustrated and frightened.

And when I’m tired. When my life is out of control. When everyone and everything has gotten on my last nerve. When I’m focused on “what ifs” and “what could be’s,” when I’m discouraged . . . I need more of Jesus.

I need the One “who exactly and directly suits the condition of my soul!”

So, I’m praying and if you need more of Jesus too – I’d love for you to join me.

Pray When You Need More of Jesus

O Lord, You are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for Your help.
Psalm 86:5

Lord Jesus, there are moments when the reality of my sin overwhelms me and I come to You with a humble heart asking for Your forgiveness. Then You wrap me in Your love and forgiveness and I have everything I need.

Your love is greater than life. Please help me keep my eyes on You. When the enemy tries to distract me, when I am distressed and discouraged remind me of Your love and forgiveness. Because of Your grace and unfailing love, help me Lord as I put my trust in You.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.
Romans 4:3–5

Lord, I admit I don’t want problems or trials. If I could choose, I would pick blue skies and peaceful water. But I know You are able to help me endure with strength. I know You are the source of my hope. You are love and You fill my heart.

Please fill me with Your love. By the power of Your Spirit, please help me want You more than anything this life has to offer me. Help me want what You want for me trusting that You want what is best.

Lord, I surrender myself to You in faith and love.

Whom have I in heaven but you?
I desire you more than anything on earth.
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
but God remains the strength of my heart;
He is mine forever.
Psalm 73:25–26

Lord, this is my prayer . . . that nothing in my life would be more important than You.

You gave me this verse at one of the worst times of my life. I have and will always hold it in my heart. It reminds me every day that whatever happens, whatever You allow . . . You will always be with me giving me what I need. Knowing You are mine forever, Lord, keep me focused on Your love. Fill me with Your Spirit. Give me all I need to trust and obey. By Your grace and for Your glory.

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
John 15:9–11

Lord Jesus, Your love overwhelms me. You sacrificed everything. You walked along-side sinful people yet never sinned. You taught us what pure love looks like. You experienced pain, suffering, and death to give us life. And out of love, You gave Your Spirit to guide and help us.

This life can be hard, but You know that. The enemy is constantly working to prevent us from trusting and obeying You. But Your Word says that You will give us the courage and strength we need. Please keep me faithful to reading and knowing Your Word. Help me Seek You above all else that I might remain in Your love and live with overflowing joy.

Despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:37–39

Thank you, Lord Jesus. I am forever and ever secure in Your love. Nothing can ever change Your love because nothing can change You. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever.

I want to love, trust, and obey You perfectly. I need Your help. Please grant the desire of my heart that I might decrease so You might increase in me and through me. Please give me everything I need . . . give me more of your Spirit, give me more or You, Jesus.

Help me want You Jesus, more than anything. Amen.

When you and I have more of Jesus in our lives we also have”

less drama.
less selfishness.
less complaining.
less bitterness.
less gossip.
less pride.
less anger.
less self-righteousness.
less fear and anxiety.
less of the things that steal our joy.

And I want that . . . don’t you?

Finally, I’d like to share a quote from Louie Giglio…

Jesus doesn’t just give you what you need; Jesus is what you need. Your heart was created by Him, for Him. You can fight and claw to gain the world, but without Jesus, you will never be completely satisfied.
If there is a growing discontent deep inside your heart—a hunger that hasn’t been completely satisfied by the people, pleasures, parties, material things, or accomplishments—today is the day to open your heart to the idea that it is Jesus that you were made for. But you have to walk away from “less,” and ask Him to become your “more.” Jesus is enough for you, and He is here.

May you be abundantly blessed with overflowing joy and more of Jesus!

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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Leave your prayer requests…

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

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10 Things You Can Do that will Make You a Great Friend

9 / 7 / 209 / 6 / 20

God made us to live in community, He created us for friendship and with His help, you and I can do what it takes to be a great friend and love well. #Friendship #FriendshipQuotes #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

It’s been a weird season for friendships, hasn’t it?

We’ve spent much less time with each other in person and our online relationships seem to be burdened by the overshadowing of divisive views and opinions being tossed in the air like confetti.

It’s funny! Some friendships seem effortless and last a lifetime and others crash and burn even though we give them everything we’ve got to give.

We learn about ourselves and others through our friendships, don’t we?

I have to admit, that I’ve wondered lately if social media doesn’t give us a distorted view of means to be a great friend.

Online, friendships come and go with a click of a button.

And they’re easy, right? Where else can you and I keep up with hundreds of friendships without ever leaving the house?

But unfortunately, it can seem like online quantity is more highly rated than quality and appearances are more important than authenticity. And I wonder if deep down we don’t long for greater real honest friendships.

God made us to live in community. He created us to share a closeness … and with His help, we can be great friends in person and online.

So I want to take a couple of minutes take a closer look at friendship. Maybe we can be encouraged toward having the great friendships we all need and want.

What exactly is a friend anyway?

A friend is defined as:

A person attached to another by feelings of affection.
A person whom you know, like, and trust.
A person with whom you enjoy spending time.

A great friend is someone who:

Wants what is best for you.
Shows empathy and sympathy, compassion, and understanding.
Allows individuality without fear of judgment.
Understands balance and the importance of give-and-take.

Important characteristics of a great friend:

They take time to develop.
Are based on honesty and trust.
Reflect kindness, compassion, and caring.
Are not selfish.
Protects the privacy of your story.
Encourages your goals and dreams.
_______________ (What would you add?)

Bible Verses that Define Friendship:

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. Proverbs 17:17

Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 1 John 4:11

Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon is someone who lies to a friend and then says, “I was only joking.” Proverbs 26:18-19 (honest)

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Colossians 3:13

Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Romans 12:15–16

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. Proverbs 27:17

Wow, wouldn’t it be amazing if all our friendships looked like that!

The truth is…

A great friend values we over me.

I want to know how well I’m doing, so here are some questions I’m asking myself:

Am I always gently and respectfully honest with my friends? Are they honest with me?
Do I quickly forgive a friend’s flaws? Do they forgive me?
Do I talk about my friend’s problems to others? Do they talk about me?
Am I quick to help and encourage a friend? Are they helpful and encouraging?
Have we invited God into our friendship?
Am I willing to make some necessary changes to enjoy the blessing of great friendship? What will that mean?

To help, I’ve come up with 10 important qualities needed in every friendship.

10 Things You Can Do that will Make You a Great Friend

1. Do Be an Encourager, not a Flatterer

Flattery is just sugar-coated manipulation and no matter how sweetly it’s presented manipulation is selfish and unloving. Encouragement is love in words and action. Go ahead … give compliments generously – but do it for them and be sincere!

So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

2. Do Be Understanding and Helpful

Sometimes all it takes is a listening ear or a caring note. Other times it may be providing a meal or sitting in a hospital waiting room. Whatever it is . . . as much as it is possible, friends help each other.

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. Galatians 6:2–3 (MSG)

3. Do Be Honest

Trust is an important and essential part of any close relationship. Lies destroy trust. So tell the truth but do it respectfully and kindly.

An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship. Proverbs 24:26

4. Do Be Compassionate

Show that you care about your friend and their problems without being judgmental. Listen without judgment

You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. Luke 6:36

5. Do Be Respectful of Boundaries

Healthy friendships aren’t clingy. Each person values the other’s personal space and preferences. Boundaries are a healthy and important part of great friendships.

“Good boundaries prevent resentment.” ~ Dr. Henry Cloud

6. Do not Gossip

Friends shouldn’t gossip with you or about you. Because the unfortunate truth is … If they will do it with you, they will do it to you.

A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. Proverbs 16:28

7. Do not Judge

The simple facts are you never have all the information. You haven’t lived their experiences and you probably don’t know the whole story.

Remember…

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.” Luke 6:37

8. Do not Pry

If your friend doesn’t want to talk about it—let it go. They’ll talk when they’re ready.

“True friendship comes when the silence between two people is comfortable.” ~ David Tyson Gentry

9. Do not Envy

You may wish you could enjoy their blessings, but I promise you don’t want their problems. Every life has a blend of good and bad.

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt

10. Do not Make Promises You Can’t or Won’t Keep

To the best of your ability be reliable. Being trustworthy is one of the most important parts of all relationships.

“May the Lord make us keep our promises to each other, for He has witnessed them.” 1 Samuel 20:23

And that’s my list of the 10 Most Important Things to Do if You Want to Be a Great Friend.

Now, let me also add that I’m a huge fan of simply having fun and laughing together as often as possible. God made us to live life together. To share our laughter and our tears. And He has given us everything we need to encourage each other with love.

Today, if you have one or more great friends . . . stop for a moment and thank God, then reach out and thank them.

Finally, tell us . . . what’s on your list of “important” important things to do to be a great friend?

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Simple Prayers that will Help You Praise and Worship Every Day

9 / 4 / 209 / 4 / 20

What is "praise and worship"? Is it something to do on weekends or part of your daily life? These prayers will help you praise and worship God every day. #PraiseandWorship #WorshipVerses #Prayer #BibleQuotes #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

What do you think of when you hear the words “praise and worship”?

Is it something you do on the weekend or the music you sing along to at home or in the car.

What if it’s more basic than that? What if praise is simply the expression of worship and worship is…

Well, let’s take a closer look at the definition of worship.

In 1828, Webster’s Dictionary defined worship as:

Worship is 1.to adore; to pay divine honors to; to reverence with supreme respect and veneration 2. to honor with extravagant love and extreme submission.

And the most recent version of Webster’s Dictionary defines it as:

Worship is 1. to honor or show reverence for as a divine being or supernatural power 2. to regard with great or extravagant respect, honor, or devotion.

Although the definitions are similar, I think the worship God wants from us is part two of the 1828 version . . . to honor with extravagant love and extreme submission.

It seems that Brother Lawrence could best relate to that explanation as well. He once wrote:

“To worship God is to admit that we are entirely contrary to Him and that He is willing to make us like Himself.”

You see, God knows you and I are contrary. He knows we’re not going to do life “right” not any part of it—not even worship.

Jesus told us how God wants us to worship Him.

Jesus said,

“The time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”
John 4:23–24

The Life Application Bible Notes say this about Jesus’ words…

It is not where we worship that counts, but how we worship. Is your worship genuine and true? Do you have the Holy Spirit’s help? How does the Holy Spirit help us worship? [He] prays for us (Romans 8:26), teaches us the words of Christ (John 14:26), and tells us we are loved (Romans 5:5).

Knowing we are loved . . . having Jesus’ example and the Spirit’s help gives us what we need to worship in Spirit and Truth!

So, today, with the Spirit’s help, we are going to lift up prayers of praise and worship.

Because…

“Worship is our response to the overtures of love from the heart of the Father.” ~Richard J. Foster

Will you join me in responding to the Father’s love by praying this prayers of praise and worship.

Simple Prayers that will Help You Praise and Worship Every Day

Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for He is our God. We are the people He watches over, the flock under His care.
Psalm 95:6–7

Father, I come to You with quiet awe and humble adoration. Your loving and watchful care surrounds me. I have nothing to fear and no need to worry because You are with me. You go before me on the paths You have prepared for me and You follow me and protect me from behind. By Your grace, I have everything I need to live this day without the baggage of yesterday or the burdens of tomorrow.

You created me for this time and place. Please use me for Your glory that everything I do and say might be a testimony of who You are and that I belong to You. By Your grace and with Your help, may my life be an act of praise and worship to You!

Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise His holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
Psalm 103:1–4

Father, You are so gracious and good. You gave Your only Son, Jesus, to save me from sin, death, and satan’s power. And through all Jesus has done for me, You allow me to come to You and receive complete forgiveness and the ultimate healing of heaven.

You surround me with love and compassion, righteousness and justice. No matter what I am experiencing, You are always worthy of my praise and worship. I thank you, Lord! Please help me live each day in ways that show You, and everyone I come in contact with, how very much I love You.

O Lord, I will honor and praise Your name, for You are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them.
Isaiah 25:1

Lord God, I praise You. You are Lord of All. You are my Creator, Savior, and Spirit. You are the God who keeps every promise. You are the One who gives me strength and peace. You are my hope, the One who lifts me out of the pit and plants me on a solid foundation. You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You are my everything and I praise You.

Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise You! I will praise You as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.
Psalm 63:3–5

Oh Father, Yes . . . this is the truth! Your love is better than life. In the wilderness, David cried out to You and then paused by Your grace to remember who You are. He knew You . . . his Shepherd, his Provider, and his Peace. (Psalm 23) You are faithful! Like David, I cling to You trusting that You are the One who holds me securely. (Psalm 63:7)

You are the God who satisfies my heart, mind, and soul and I praise You with songs of worship and joy! Great are You, Lord.

So, 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.Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:1–2

Father, I give You my all. You have done so much for me. You gave me life. You sustain my life. And You promise me life eternal.

Please empower me by Your Spirit that my life might be a sacrifice of praise to You. I ask that You would help me know, trust, and obey Your will for me. Please continue to transform me into the person You want me to be, someone who is more like Jesus. Forgive for those times when I fight Your hand of change because of my foolish stubborn selfishness. I don’t want to follow the ways of the world . . . I want to follow You. Because I love You Lord. And by Your grace and with Your Spirit’s help and power . . . I pray to love You every day forever with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Because You are my Lord and Savior. You are worthy of all my praise and worship. You are the Great I AM. Amen.

Friends, I am asking God to give you everything you need to live your life as a living sacrifice . . . a life that is filled with praise and worship, and one that overflows with joy.

I want to close today with words from Chris Tomlin’s Song,
Who You Are to Me…

You’re forever Holy
You’re the Lamb who is worthy
My forgiveness (My forgiveness), my healer (My healer)
The Messiah, my Redeemer

You’re amazing, faithful, love’s open door
When I’m empty You fill me with hunger for more
Of Your mercy, Your goodness
Lord, You’re the air that I breathe
(Lord, You’re the air I breathe)
That’s who You are

You are greater, higher over it all
In Your presence, Jesus, I stand in awe
Of Your mercy, Your goodness
Lord, You’re the air that I breathe
That’s who You are to me

source: https://lyricsondemand.com/c/christomlinlyrics/whoyouaretomelyrics.html

God bless you!

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

How to Know and Trust God’s Will for You

8 / 31 / 208 / 31 / 20

Do you worry about the future? Have you ever struggled to trust God's will? These 5 Steps will help you know and trust His plans for your future. #Faith #Trust #God'sWill #Hope #Fearless #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG #BlessingBloggers

One of the hardest sentences in my life has been…

“Lord, not my will but Yours be done.”

I’ve had more than a few times when I’ve gone into and through things kicking and screaming that seemed to be God’s will, or at the least, they were things He allowed!

Honestly, the idea of completely surrendering my life to the Lord terrified me.

Jesus said…

Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. (John 16:33)
You will be hated because you are my followers. (Matthew 24:9)
I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. (John 15:19)
If you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:28)

I also looked around and witnessed the ways the enemy attacked God’s children.

Because of my weak and immature faith, I didn’t fully believe that I could…

Trust that God is who He says He is.
Believe He is able to do what He says He will do.
Live in peace knowing His love is greater than any circumstances.

I doubted His willingness to give me everything I need.

You’d probably admit that it’s easier to surrender to God’s will when life is easy and He’s working in ways that please you. It’s harder when you can’t understand your current situation or when the road ahead looks hard.

Maybe, like me, you want stronger faith. You want to face each day with obedient surrendered faith without an attitude that says, “MY will be done.”

So, I’ve challenged myself to read and repeat the following until I believe the truth . . . that living completely surrendered to God’s will is by far the best way to live. Until this truth becomes the only way I want to live.

How to Know and Trust God’s Will

1. Know and Trust God’s Love for You

It’s hard to follow someone who doesn’t want what’s best for us and since the Garden of Eden, Satan has used whatever he can to tempt people to doubt God’s love.

Have you ever heard a child say “you don’t love me” to a parent’s “no?” Yet the job of a loving parent isn’t to make their children happy, it’s to do what is best to keep them safe and help them grow and mature.

I’m learning that as our loving Heavenly Father, God is at work in my life and yours guiding us, protecting us, and helping us grow and mature in faith and love.

And if you need a reminder of just how much God loves you…

God showed how much He loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
1 John 4:9–10

That is HUGE love you and I can trust!

2. Know and Trust God’s Ability to Care for You

If fear and anxiety were Olympic sports, I’d have a trophy case full of medals. The list of things I’ve worried about is too long for this space. Even though I memorized the verse “don’t worry about tomorrow” as a child—applying it seemed beyond my anxiety overwhelm.

But you and I are not doing tomorrow yet. We are living today! It took several major crises before I learned that I just needed to let God help me through this present moment and trust Him to give me what I need in the next. That’s living through faith…

Believing God will meet each need one moment at a time!

Your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need.
Luke 12:30b–31

3. Know and Trust God’s Mercy and Healing Grace

Dwelling on the past overwhelmed by guilt is as much of a problem as worrying about the future.

Through Christ Jesus, God completely forgives those who come to Him in repentance. With His help, we can trust Him and rest in His grace and mercy.

Part of surrendering means going to God in prayer asking Him to forgive our past and to help us by giving us everything we need to forgive others. When you and I focus on regret and revenge it’s impossible to surrender to God’s will. Lack of forgiveness will always rob us of God’s perfect peace and joy.

If we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
1 John 1:9

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

4. Know and Trust God’s Timing

I’m not good at waiting … lines, doctors offices, etc. I have a schedule to follow. You too?!

But the truth is, there is no peace when I’m tapping my foot and staring at my watch. And there’s no peace when I try to put God on my prayer-answering timetable.

With the Spirit’s help, I’m surrendering my impatience to God, asking Him to help me trust His timing. And while I wait . . . I’m also asking Him to give me His peace and strength.

But they who wait upon the Lord will get new strength. They will rise up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weak.
Isaiah 40:31

5. Know, Trust, and Obey God’s Will

I’m a creature of habits and truthfully, not all of them are good. It’s easy to make light of my sins, after all they’re not THAT bad. But all sins are a big deal. They rob me of peace, cause unpleasant consequences, and fail to glorify God.

Lately, I’ve been asking God to reveal to me the things culture and the church excuse that I have come to think of as acceptable to Him. I want to know, trust, and obey His will.

So, I’m asking God to help me know and trust His truth and commands. I’m asking Him to help me believe that His perfect will is best and that He will give me a heart for obedience … not to earn His favor but to glorify Him and testify to His love.

Lord, we show our trust in You by obeying Your laws; our heart’s desire is to glorify Your name.
Isaiah 26:8

I’ll admit that I’m still a work in progress. I have so much to learn about completely surrendering to God’s will.

My sinful self wants to have total control over all that happens in my life. Most of the time, I want what I want and I want it now.

But experience has taught and is teaching me that fighting God’s plan for me will never offer me lasting happiness or peace. It hasn’t happened in the past and I doubt it will in the future.

I believe God wants to help us know and trust His perfect love and surrender to His will because He wants what is best for us today, tomorrow, and always.

Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me.
Isaiah 46:9

So with the Spirit’s help, I will surrender my will to God today.

Not on my own.

But…

I can do all things through Christ because He gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13

And that is everything we need!

Here are a few quotes that inspire me.

♥ “If my life is surrendered to God, all is well. Let me not grab it back, as though it were in peril in His hand but would be safer in mine!”~Elisabeth Elliot

♥ “It is wonderful what miracles God works in wills that are utterly surrendered to Him” ~Hannah Whitall Smith

♥ “Real contentment must come from within. You and I cannot change or control the world around us, but we can change and control the world within us.” ~Warren Wiersbe

♥ “Peace is the deliberate adjustment of my life to the will of God.” ~Author Unknown

Daily Prayers of Surrender to God’s Will

Years ago, a dear friend shared this morning prayer with me.

Father God, I surrender this day to You. I will follow where You lead me and do Your will as You reveal it to me. Please help me live this promise – that my life might glorify You alone. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Hannah Whithall Smith also wrote the following prayer:

Lord, I am Yours, I do yield and leave myself entirely to You and I believe You accept me. Work in me all the good pleasure of Your will and I will only lie still in Your hands and trust You. Amen.

I hope these prayers bless and encourage you as you make it your heart’s desire to know and trust God’s will for you.

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Verses to Pray When You Need to Be Encouraged

8 / 28 / 208 / 27 / 20

Prayers based on Bible verses for anyone who is worn out and frustrated. Anyone who feels they need to be encouraged and given hope. #Blessings #Prayer #Hope #Faith #NeedEncouragement #InspiringQuotes #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

I don’t know about you, but I’m over this!

I’m tired of social distancing and wearing masks. I miss seeing faces and sharing smiles with random strangers. I’m saddened by civil unrest and riots. The truth is, I can be patient for a long time . . . but I’m ready to be done!

I’m weary of storms and fires and viruses and people arguing over the definitions of “good” and “evil.”

I’m discouraged.

So, I went to the Word . . . to the words of prophets who understood feeling discouraged and disappointed as they lived through God’s “wake-up call” to His people in Jerusalem.

Jeremiah wept over the fall of Jerusalem and Isaiah mourned the nation’s captivity in Babylon. They understood feelings of discouragement—even more than me.

Courage is the root of the words discouraged and encouraged.

Discouraged means to lose courage and encouraged means to build courage.

And that’s what I want. I need to be encouraged. The Lord tells His children to be “strong and courageous” and I want that. I want to remember…

Be strong and courageous!

For the Lord, your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord, your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9

Be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!
Psalm 31:24

We are not alone. God is with us! He gives us courage when we place our faith and hope in Him. He is sovereign and nothing is outside of His care or control.

So, I’m praying verses I need to repeat today because I need my courage built up. I need to remember that God has this and every situation under control and He has you and me in the palm of His hand.

If you need to be encouraged, I’d love for you to pray with me. I believe God will build our courage as we place our faith and hope in Him.

Verses to Pray When You Need to Be Encouraged

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my
victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:!0

Father, I’ll admit I’m discouraged. It makes me sad to see so many people at odds with each other. Good is being called evil and evil called good. People accuse one another of lying and “the facts” change so often, it’s hard to know what to believe.

Please surround with a sense of Your presence. Help me remember that You are with me. Through Jesus, You have made it possible for me to have a relationship with You. And You promise to give me the strength I need.

You have already won the victory. This season is temporary. I can trust Your unfailing promises. I can be encouraged!

Have you never heard?
    Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
    No one can measure the depths of His understanding.
He gives power to the weak
    and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
    and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
    They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
    They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:28–31

Father, I’m weak, tired, and exhausted. I’m guilty of gazing at my problems and failing to focus my heart and mind on You. I need You, the One who never grows weak or weary. I need You to help me understand. I need Your power and strength.

Please forgive me for losing focus. Help me attach my heart and my mind to the truth that You are the great I AM. You spoke and creation appeared. You are always present and always willing to help. Please give me all I need to keep moving forward in faith . . . to keep walking, to run when I can, and sometimes even soar above it all. By Your grace, help me encourage others with the encouragement You give me . . . that the world may know the blessing of Your love.

When you go through deep waters,
    I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
    you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
    you will not be burned up;
    the flames will not consume you.
For I am the Lord, your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Isaiah 43:2–3a

Father, I can be guilty of trying to live my life relying on my own strength and that always leads to fear and being overwhelmed by my circumstances. But when I cling to You, when I remember that You are the Lord, my God and my Savior . . . I have everything I need.

When You are with me I am able to go “through” life’s troubles. Deep waters will not overcome and oppression will not consume me. Please forgive me. “Lord, I do believe. Help me overcome my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24) In Jesus name, I pray.

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
    His mercies never cease.
Great is His faithfulness;
    His mercies begin afresh each morning.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
    therefore, I will hope in Him!”
Lamentations 3:22–24

Father, please help me pause and simply rest in Your unending unfailing mercy and love. Your Word says, “God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son.” (John 3:16 NCV) Jesus, the living testimony of Your grace, mercy, and love.

Your mercy is greater than my sin. You allow us to live the consequences of our sin but You promise to forgive and give restoration and healing. We need You! We need Your healing touch that leads to renewal.

You said, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, if they will pray and seek me and stop their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven. I will forgive their sin, and I will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NCV) Please forgive us, help, and heal us as we place our hope in You.

For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
2 Corinthians 4:17–18

Yes, Father, our present troubles are temporary. That Apostle Paul knew troubles. He experienced being whipped, stoned, time imprisoned, and so much more, and yet he could focus on the good that You produced in him and You walked through each trouble with him.

By Your grace, help me fix my hopes and dreams on You . . . on who You are and all You have done and continue to do. This will pass. But Your love and the beautiful future “You have prepared for those who love You.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

I love You, Lord. I surrender my life to You. By Your grace, please encourage me and help me live each day with strength and power for Your glory. I thank and praise You. Amen.

If you need to be encouraged, check out the following quote…

“Snuggle in God’s arms. When you are hurting, when you feel lonely, left out. let Him cradle you, comfort you, reassure you of His all-sufficient power and love.”
~ Kay Arthur

If you feel like this season is draining your of your strength and joy. If you feel like you need to be encouraged . . . snuggle into God’s arms today. Trust that He is with you and that He will faithfully keep His promises to “be with you” (Matthew 28:20) and “give you everything you need.” (Luke 12:31)

May God bless you and give you the courage you need to live for Him today.

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

You Need to Do This if You Want to Be Fearless

8 / 24 / 208 / 24 / 20

After spending too many years controlled by fear and anxiety I have learned there are some important things necessary for me to be fearless and enjoy freedom. #FearlessQuotes #FaithOverFear #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

“Be afraid. Be very afraid.” (The Movie – The Fly, 1986)

Those words have been repeated again and again. And even if the actual quote isn’t being reiterated . . . it can seem like there is an intentional effort by the enemy to overwhelm us all with anxiety and fear.

If you’re a frequent visitor here at CMB, you know that I’ve spent much of my life under a cloud of fear and apprenhension.

I’ve talked with many of you and know I’m not unique . . . nor is this something that is new to our generation.

The first emotion Adam and Eve experienced after eating the forbidden fruit was fear, and because of sin and the tauntings of the enemy, we’re still struggling thousands of years later.

But, if it’s a given, if it’s inevitable, if it’s something we just have to live with . . . why did Jesus say, “Don’t be afraid,” so often?

He never just tossed around pie in the sky platitudes; He spoke the truth and He gave reasons. And these reasons are just some of the promises He told His followers to hold close to their hearts . . . assurances to give them and all of us courage and hope.

Don’t be afraid – you are valuable to the Father. Matthew 10:31
Don’t be afraid – but take courage, I am with you. Mark 6:50
Don’t be afraid – just have faith. Mark 5:36
Don’t be afraid – it makes your Father happy to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32
Don’t be afraid – or troubled, I’m leaving you the gift of peace. John 14:27

My Life with Fear and Anxiety

Years ago, my doctor diagnosed me with high anxiety depression. I was afraid of almost everything. Everything except the number one thing on the list of common fears. I’ve never been afraid of public speaking.

But my list of other things was long. I was afraid of:

Heights
Flying
Rejection
Abandonment
Failure
Death
Death of a Loved One
the Dark
Illness
Disapproval

Yeah, I was just a bundle of joy to be around!

Here are a few examples my family still talks about:

As a teen, I once had to get off a glass elevator because my fear of heights kicked in. Another time, Rev and I hiked for hours on one of our romantic getaways because I was afraid to get back on a gondola for the 15-minute ride down a mountain. (Yes, we walked down a mountain. Thankfully there was a path and it was a beautiful day. Just not the day we planned.)

And I didn’t get on an airplane for years after a flight where the pilot shouted, “Take your seats now,” just before the plane rocked with the worst turbulence I’d ever experienced.

The other things on my list of fears were frequent visitors. Thankfully, I’m much better. I can get on an airplane and ride in elevators. I’m no longer afraid of rejection or abandonment. And the others don’t linger like they once did, but I’m still not consistently where I want to be.

If I could live my life over, I’d spend less time afraid and worried. Though I may not be able to undo my past years of fear; with God’s help, I’m changing my future and I believe you can change yours too.

How?

Well, It all begins with the fear of the Lord!

I know that seems like a contradiction. It sounds like I’m just replacing one fear with another.

But the fear of the Lord leads to freedom. It trusts that He is sovereign. It has faith that His Word is Truth and His ways are best.

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.
Proverbs 9:10

The Lord is a friend to those who fear Him.
He teaches them His covenant.
Psalm 25:14

Did you know the verse right Proverbs 3:5-6, the verse that tells you and me to “trust the Lord” and “seek His will” and that promises “He will show you (and me) the path to take,” says…

Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones.
Proverbs 3:7–8

I want that! I want courage and strength! I want to trust God and follow His will. Because I’ve learned that is the way to be fearless.

When I fear God—I trust Him with my day today and my future tomorrow.

I use the tools God gives me to surrender my anxious and fearful feelings to Him.

That’s the reason I’ve made a list for myself because well . . . when you’ve had a problem with fear for as long as I have, it can be easy to slip back into old patterns. But I’ve found that when I follow these steps I enjoy the freedom and peace I’ve always wanted.

And I believe they will help you too…

10 Steps to Be Fearless and Enjoy Freedom and Peace

Identify your fear – Name it. Know the source and reason you’re afraid. (Psalm 94:19)
Ask yourself if it’s true – Check the facts. Is it a reality or a possibility. (John 8:31–32)
Pray about it – Ask God to take your fear and tell Him that you trust Him with your future. (Psalm 34:4)
Imagine positive outcomes – Remember that God is able to turn even things intended to harm us into something good. (Genesis 50:20)
Change your surroundings – Do something to redirect your thoughts. (Philippians 4:8)
Accept that you can’t control everything but that the God who loves you can and does. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Limit the things that trigger your fear, like the news and social media. (Romans 12:2)
Understand the where, what, and why of your fear. (Psalm 119:34)
Memorize Bible verses to replace fearful thoughts. (See List of Verses)
Get a “freedom from fear” friend – Someone to call who encourages you with God’s love. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Verses to Hold Close When You Want to Be Fearless

I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me. When doubts [and fear] filled my mind, Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
Psalm 94:18–19

Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31–32

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4

You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.
Genesis 50:20a

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Philippians 4:8

For 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

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.
Romans 12:2a

Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;
I will put them into practice with all my heart.
Psalm 119:34

For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us.So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:9,11

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

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

If you’re tired of living with fear. If you’re tired of sacrificing your peace, contentment, and joy at the altar of anxiety. There is hope!

With God’s help you can be fearless. You can trade your fear of the world’s trouble and problems for the fear of the Lord that leads to freedom. That’s the love of God! He invites us to surrender our brokenness to Him and He replaces it with His goodness and grace. It just doesn’t get any better than that.

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Powerful Verses to Pray When You are in a Battle with Addiction

8 / 21 / 208 / 21 / 20

Too many lives are being destroyed by the overwhelming power of addiction.

Too many families are suffering because of the pain caused by addiction.

Addiction is defined as a persistent, compulsive dependence on a behavior or substance.

Researchers speak of two different types of addictions:

substance addictions (for example, alcoholism, drug abuse, and smoking);
process addictions (for example, gambling, spending, shopping eating, and sexual activity).

And an Addiction Diagnosis is based on 5 criteria:

1. loss of willpower
2. harmful consequences
3. unmanageable lifestyle
4. tolerance or escalation of use
5. withdrawal symptoms upon quitting (Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine)

Based on that definition, I believe every family is or has been touched by addiction in some way. Everyone knows someone whose life is being controlled by its addiction’s power.

Here are a few quick facts about Addiction in America from June of this year:

Almost 21 million Americans have at least one addiction, yet only 10% of them receive treatment.
Drug overdose deaths have more than tripled since 1990.
From 1999 to 2017, more than 700,000 Americans died from overdosing on a drug.
Alcohol and drug addiction cost the U.S. economy over $600 billion every year.
In 2017, 34.2 million Americans committed DUI, 21.4 million under the influence of alcohol and 12.8 million under the influence of drugs.
About 20% of Americans who have depression or an anxiety disorder also have a substance use disorder.
More than 90% of people who have an addiction started to drink alcohol or use drugs before they were 18 years old.
Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 are most likely to use addictive drugs.
Addiction Center (for more statistics, information, and help)

But although the power of addiction is great, there is a greater power … Jesus is the Power who has overcome this world’s evil. And He has invited us to come to Him in prayer with every need. Even those needs that crush our spirits and seem to be overwhelming and impossible.

So… let’s take Him at His word and go to Him on behalf of ourselves and our loved ones—those who are a battle with addiction.

Pray When You are in a Battle with Addiction

Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or terrified because of them,
for the LORD your God goes with you;
He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6

A Prayer for the Person in a Battle with Addiction

Lord, I am weak and afraid. Temptation taunts and tempts me. Some days the battle feels too great. But Jesus … I believe You are with me. You do not leave me to fight hard battles alone. You promise to to be with me and give me courage and strength when I have none of my own. You are close enough to hear my cries and hold me close. I believe that with Your help, I can be strong and courageous. I need You. Please help me Amen.

A Prayer for a Loved One in a Battle with Addiction

Lord, My loved one is hurting and fighting a terrible battle. I see them feeling helpless and alone. But Jesus … I know You are with __________. Please help them know and feel Your loving presence. Give them courage and strength. Please hold them close when they cry out to You and give them everything they need to fight this dependence. Give them victory and restore them to health. Amen.

But if we confess our sins to Him,
He is faithful and just to forgive our
sins and cleanse us from all wickedness.
1 John 1:9

A Prayer for the Person in a Battle with Addiction

Lord, I struggle with so much guilt and shame. The enemy continuously taunts me with my past failures. But Your Word says You are faithful. Faithful! That means always. Every time. You promise to forgive me every time I come to You in repentance. So once again, I ask You to wash me clean. Heal me by Your grace and mercy. I am so sorry. Forgive me. In Jesus name. Amen.

A Prayer for a Loved One in a Battle with Addiction

Lord God, I see __________ struggling to be free of the past. They continue to carry the guilt of past pain and failures and it hurts me to see them in so much pain. Your Word promises that when we ask You to forgive us . . . You do! Please help __________ come to You for forgiveness. Help him/her trust Your healing mercy and grace. Help them know the joy of being washed clean through Jesus. Amen.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ,
He is a new creature;
the old things passed away;
behold, new things have come.
2 Corinthians 5:17

A Prayer for the Person in a Battle with Addiction

Jesus, You can make all things new … even me. You can restore me. I’ve made a mess of things but You suffered and died to redeem me from my mess and give me a future filled with hope. With Your help, I can have a fresh start. I can rise above the pain and misery of my past, and live with joy. Thank you, Lord. Amen.

A Prayer for a Loved One in a Battle with Addiction

Lord, I know You love _____________ even more than I do. I believe You are able to transform him/her. Please turn them around and place them on a new path. Help me trust that You are at work in my loved one’s life. Keep me from interfering and each time I start to worry, help me to return to You in prayer. Amen.

But seek first the kingdom of God
and His righteousness, and
all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:33

A Prayer for the Person in a Battle with Addiction

Lord God, my addiction is powerful but I believe You are more powerful. So, I ask You to help me seek You first. Please help me turn to You when I need strength. Please help me surrender my all to You, trusting that You are able to make me righteous … to take my sinfulness and make me blameless. You are able to give me everything I need. Thank you for this beautiful promise of hope. I am humbled and so very thankful. Amen.

A Prayer for a Loved One in a Battle with Addiction

Jesus, please help my loved one to seek You. You alone are able to meet their needs. I pray that ___________ will begin to know how much You love him/her. Please surround them with people who will point them to You. Unsettle them, Lord, until they turn to You in humble surrender. Please help them fight and with this battle with addiciont. By Your grace and for Your glory. Amen.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5–6

A Prayer for the Person in a Battle with Addiction

Lord, I surrender my heart, my addiction, my all to You. I trust that You are able to guide me today and every day in the future. You are my Healer and my Redeemer. You are my future hope and happiness. Thank you, for Your grace, mercy, and love. I trust You with all my heart. Help me stay strong as I live each day humbly dependent on You. Amen.

A Prayer for a Loved One in a Battle with Addiction

Lord Jesus, please make __________’s path straight. Help him/her find in You the recovery they so desperately need. I believe You are greater than their circumstances. I believe You are able to do the impossible. You are the God of miracles and we need a miracle. Please help __________. Please help us all. Through Your power to heal, please deliver and transform . . . that we might lift Your name in praise and live for the glory of Your name. Amen.

Friends the battle with addiction is real and painful for everyone it touches. I am praying for every one of you touched by the feelings of helplessness and fear brought on by its influence.

Remember all of Jesus’ miracles. Remember the times He delivered people who came to Him. Remember His promise that with God “all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

You are not alone in this battle with addiction. The Lord is with you and loves you.

Today, I am asking the Lord bless and comfort you. I am asking Him to hold you close and lift you and your loved ones up with His healing love as you go through this difficult time.

God bless you!

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

How to Share Your Faith and Talk about God

8 / 17 / 208 / 17 / 20

Are you hesitant to share your faith? Here are some how-to tips to help you share your faith and talk about God in ways that will make people want to listen. #howtoshareyourfaith #howtotalkaboutGod #IAM #Faith #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Although it happened many years ago, I can still remember it like it took place yesterday.

I was involved in a rather intense Bible Study group discussion about God’s characteristics and qualities. And I was passionate about the information and faith that inspired my side of the conversation.

I remember saying, “my God is…”

And I may have even said, “I need my God to be…”

Afterward, I went home confident that I’d been a true defender of God and His character.

Until later that day…

When I felt the Lord quietly and tenderly whisper, “Deb, I’m not who you say I am…”

“I am who I say I am.”

Isn’t it amazing how God can turn our confident pride into surrendered humility with a whisper?

I remember I sat there quietly wondering how often I had misrepresented Him as I modified the infinite all-knowing, all-present, all-powerful God because of my finite and limited understanding making Him who I believed Him to be.

Isaiah wrote…

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9

I think this experience became the reasons I share so many Scripture verses here at CMB.

God’s gentle whisper humbled me and convinced me that I will never completely understand who He is or all that He does this side of heaven.

And that’s okay.

Because it’s the truth that keeps me asking, seeking and knocking.

It’s my desire to KNOW Him, not just about Him but KNOW Him, that continues to inspire me to read and study the Bible. And it’s my desire to KNOW Him urges me to prayerfully and humbly listen carefully for His Spirit’s wisdom and guidance.

Jesus said,

I tell you, 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.For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
Lluke 11:9–10

So, I will faithfully ask, seek, and knock that I might KNOW and LOVE Him!

When I think back over my experience, I wonder if that’s one of the reasons many of us are timid about sharing our faith . . . why we hesitate to talk about God. We keep quiet about our faith because we’re afraid of being wrong when we talk about who God is.

But what about Jesus’ command to “go and tell.”

What if sharing our faith has less to do with “telling” people who God is and more to do with going and telling them what He has done for us.

Look at Jesus’ words to the man He delivered from demons.

The man who had been freed from the demons begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him home, saying, “No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.” So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him.
Luke 8:38–39

And maybe it’s as simple as that . . . using every God-given opportunity to tell others what God has done for us. To tell them about the countless times He has forgiven us, held us close, given us strength, whispered His truth, and shown us His better way.

It’s the difference between being a prideful Pharisee who has an “I know God and all about Him” attitude and a humble faith-filled child who wants people to KNOW their Father.

Paul wrote…

But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them?
Romans 10:14

You and I are called to simply tell people who God says He is and what He’s done for us.

How to Share Your Faith and Talk about God

Begin with a desire to KNOW…

♥ Who God Says He is in the Bible

“I am God Almighty.” Genesis 17:1

The Lord said, “I have seen the suffering of my people . . . and I am concerned about their suffering.” Exodus 3:7

God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” Exodus 3:14

“I am the Lord, your God.” Exodus 6:7

‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” Leviticus 19:2

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

“I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.“ Isaiah 42:8

“I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God.“ Isaiah 44:6

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. Isaiah 55:8

I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 9:24

“Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?” says the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:24

“I am the Lord God of all humanity. Nothing is too hard for me.” Jeremiah 32:27

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

God is…

Almighty
Ever-Present
Holy
Lord
Caring
Righteous
All-Powerful
Eternal
All-Knowing
Gracious
Merciful
Love

Keep on Asking, Seeking, and Knocking . . . trusting that He will help you grow in faith and that you will always have more growing to do.

Then…

♥ Talk about God – Tell people how knowing, loving, and trusting God has blessed and transformed your life.

Every moment of your life has been preparing your story . . . a story that is uniquely yours!

I love telling people about my life before and after fear and how God used a personal crisis to enable me to finally surrender myself completely to Him and allow Him to free me from my people-pleasing good girl prison.

The truth is, we don’t have to talk about who God is, we just need to tell them about the blessing of knowing and trusting Him. We just need to tell them what He’s done for us and invite them to ask, seek, and knock for themselves; so they can know the One who is love, who offers grace, mercy, and gives a peace that goes beyond anything we can understand or imagine.

The One who is personal intimate love, willing to whisper into our hearts and minds to get our attention when we are misinformed and misguided.

So, tell me…

What’s your story? What beautiful things has God done for you? How has knowing and trusting Jesus changed your life?

You see, there is no better day than today to share your faith.

Think about it, there is someone out there God has been preparing to hear the story He is writing in your life. Someone who needs to hear how knowing and loving Jesus has transformed your life today and how He gives you hope for the forever future.

Someone who needs to know that because of all He has done in your life, you believe that God is who He says He is and He always does what He says He will do. Someone needs you to talk about God with them.

I’m praying for you today and asking God to write a beautiful story of faith in you that you can share for His glory!

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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!

Pray When You Need to Get Out of the Pit

8 / 14 / 208 / 13 / 20

When you find yourself overwhelmed and you need to get out of the pit of despair, it's time to pray, wait, look up, and trust God to give you what you need. #Psalms #Prayer #Depression #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG #BlessingBloggers

Have you ever found yourself deep in a pit of despair?

Yeah, me too.

Maybe you’re there now.

And the truth is, it stinks.

One of the worst parts is that when you and I find ourselves in that dank dark place with our feet stuck in the muck, it’s really hard to see our way out.

That’s the reason Psalm 40 is one of my favorites.

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
    and He turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
    out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
    and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing,
    a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what He has done and be amazed.
    They will put their trust in the Lord. v. 1–3

Okay, maybe, like me, you don’t necessarily wait patiently. Patient is not typically how I feel when I’m in a pit but stop with me for a minute and look at David’s next words…

He turned to me and heard my cry.

And in Psalm 56, David wrote…

You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in Your book. v. 8

The Lord does not just gaze down at our pit dwelling. He is not simply an observer of our pain. Like a loving parent, He cares and He lifts.

Our Heavenly Father reaches down into our pits, takes us by the hand, and lifts us up and out. That’s mercy, grace, and love.

David said he did the waiting and God did the lifting.

Out of the mud and mire to solid ground. showing him the way to go and giving him a song to sing. And He does it all for our good and 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…

For everything comes from him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.
Romans 11:36

So, I’m praying verses from Psalm 40 today. I’m asking God to lift us out of the mud and mire, plant our feet our the solid foundation of faith, and show us the way to go. I’d love for you to join me.

Pray Psalm 40 When You Need to Get Out of the Pit

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and He turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
v. 1-2a

Father, waiting patiently is hard . . . it’s especially hard to wait when I’m overwhelmed with despair. Yet, as I pause, I realize that I am never alone. You are always with me. You heard the cries of my heart and reached down in love.

That’s when your love became the thing that overwhelmed me. You, my “Abba, Father” reached down into the pit and lifted me out. That is Your love for your children. Whether it is a pit of our own making, one made by someone else, or one caused by the pain and problems of this world, Your love is greater than our circumstances. Your love is greater than anything the enemy uses to try to defeat us. Your grace and mercy lift us up.

Jesus lifts us up and sets us free. Jesus lifts me up and sets me free.

He set my feet on solid ground
    and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing,
    a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what He has done and be amazed.
    They will put their trust in the Lord.
v. 2b–3

Thank you, Jesus. You are our firm foundation. Thank you for being the same yesterday, today, and forever. Your unchanging truth is solid ground.

Your Word guides and directs our steps and Your Spirit gives us the wisdom and understanding we need to move forward in faith. Please give me everything I need to follow where You lead. Keep me on the path You have prepared for me and help me focus my heart and mind on You that I might know and do Your will as You reveal it to me each day.

Lord, I worship You! I praise You! I lift up the name of Jesus, praying that the world might know and trust Your love.

O Lord my God, You have performed
many wonders for us.
    Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
    You have no equal.
If I tried to recite all Your wonderful deeds,
    I would never come to the end of them.
v. 5

Father, Your miraculous wonders surround us. Your plans for Your children are immeasurable. Please don’t let me miss what You want for me because I am stuck in the muck of my pit . . . focused on my own wants, needs, and circumstances.

Please help me repeat again and again the accounts of all Your wonderful acts of love. May I read and reread Your Word to be reminded of Your faithful goodness to Your children. May I keep a list of all the ways You have cared for me and helped me in the past. May I faithfully thank you for Your grace, mercy, and love shown to me through Your Son, Jesus. May I have everything I need to love and trust You through the gift of Your Holy Spirit. And may I thank and praise You every day for Your promises and the hope and confidence that You will give me everything I need to live this day and every day throughout eternity.

Lord, don’t hold back your tender
mercies from me.
    Let Your unfailing love and
faithfulness always protect me.
For troubles surround me—
    too many to count!
My sins pile up so high
    I can’t see my way out.
They outnumber the hairs on my head.
    I have lost all courage.
Please, Lord, rescue me!
    Come quickly, Lord, and help me.
v. 11–13

Father, I know we will still have troubles. Sometimes my troubles may seem overwhelming and sometimes they may even knock me back into my pit. But whatever my situation, please surround me with Your unfailing love. Forgive me when the muck is of my own making. Help me forgive others when they try to put me in a pit. Help me when my courage and hope waver.

Help me look up! Help me see Your hand reaching down to lift me up. Come quickly, Lord, when I need You. This world can be hard sometimes but You have already won the victory. Through Your grace, I have everything I need.

But may all who search for You
be filled with joy and gladness in you.
May those who love your salvation
repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!”
v. 16

Father, fill us with joy and gladness. So much so, that everyone we meet will want to know the reason for our peace and contentment. I pray to be so full of joy that people will want what You have given to me.

And then, I will enthusiastically repeat, “The Lord is great!”

You are so good and gracious. Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Because of Your love and Your grace, I am able to live outside of the pit with my feet on the firm foundation of faith trusting that You will guide me and help me as I place my trust in You. Thank you, Father. Amen.

When You Need to Get Out of the Pit

Friend, the reality is . . . life can be hard and you and I might slip and fall into another pit. If I’m really being open here, I have to admit that I occasionally slip back into a familiar well-known pit of pain and sadness.

But by God’s grace, that’s when I go back David’s words in Psalm 40 . . . to that place of looking up and waiting with anticipation.

A place of trusting that the Lord will lift me out of my pit one more time, planting my feet on the firm foundation of faith in Christ Jesus, guiding my steps along His path for me, and restoring my joy with hope and promise.

And that’s why we tell our stories again and again.

So…

Many will see what He has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the Lord.
Psalm 40:3

I’m so glad you joined me today. If you’re stuck and ready to get out of a pit, look up . . . the Lord will lift you up and show you the way to go so you can tell the wonderful things He does and encourage other pit dwellers to wait, look up, and put their trust in the One who is worthy of all worship and praise!

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

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

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Leave your prayer requests…

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

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How to Stop Judging People So You Can Love Like Jesus

8 / 10 / 208 / 10 / 20

Judging people with whom we disagree seems to be a way of life but what if we could love like Jesus and actually influence hearts and minds with compassion? #socialmedia #judgingpeople #don'tjudge #compassion #countingmyblessings #WWGGG #BlessingBloggers

Self-righteousness is an attitude of moral superiority that is derived from the idea that a person’s beliefs, actions, or affiliations are of greater virtue than those held by anyone who doesn’t hold to the same beliefs and attitudes.

Or to say it more succinctly – self-righteousness says I’m right and therefore superior to anyone who disagrees with me.

But I have a question for you…

Have you ever been judged by someone because of your appearance, something you’ve done, a rumor, or a simple misunderstanding? Have you ever had someone assume things about you without ever talking to you?

Have you ever made assumptions and judgments without pausing to care?

Maybe you’ve caught yourself thinking or even saying:

Shame on them . . .
How could he . . .
I can’t believe she . . .
I would never . . .

I wish I could say I’ve always been consistently caring and compassionate with everyone but I can’t.

The thing is . . . nothing destroys our ability to love others the way Jesus commanded than our sin-labeling and finger-pointing.

Sin-labeling decides which sins are the “big ones.” The ones we need to call out and judge. And of course, those sins are the ones we don’t think we do. The ones that make us feel comfortable picking up our judgmental word stones and throwing them at one another with all our might.

But Jesus said:

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.”
Matthew 7:1–2

I don’t know about you but . . . I don’t want God to judge me the same way I’ve judged others. I want Him to cover me with His grace, mercy, compassion, and love.

And He does.

I don’t want other people to judge me either. I want them to look past the surface, the rumors, and assumptions. I want them to care enough to get to know me without sizing me up and writing me off.

But the only way I can is with God’s help. Jesus not only tells us to cover one another with grace, mercy, compassion, and love, He gives us what we need to do so through the in-dwelling of His Spirit. He pours so much love into each us that by His grace there is plenty for us to pour over the lives of others if we’ll only let Him.

So, let me ask you a question…

Are you comfortable being judged the way you judge others? Are you comfortable with the comments you make on social media about people and politicians in the news . . . people you’ve never talked with or even met personally.

I’m uncomfortable with labeling and hurtful comments that are being made about those who don’t follow Jesus, but I grieve when believers point fingers and throw word stones at each other.

Why are we happy when others fall? Why do we delight in pointing out their flaws? Why doesn’t it break our hearts and drive us to our knees? Why are we so quick to add labels like hypocrite or Pharisee to our brothers and sisters and refuse to see those same qualities in ourselves?

Somehow because Jesus publicly called out the “Pharisees” and hypocrites . . . many Christians believe it’s okay for them to do the same. But it’s not!

Jesus knew the hearts of men, and He was and is sinless. You and I are sinners who are incapable of knowing someone else’s heart and mind. We can’t know a person’s thoughts, beliefs, background, wounds, or motivations.

We have one job!

To love others for God’s glory!

That’s it!

Love is our job. Love is our calling. Love is God’s command to us.

Self-righteous judging of others comes from pride but if we’re really being honest, you and I have nothing to be proud of when it comes to sin. God does not grade us on a curve. We are all sinners saved by grace alone!

“We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.”
Acts 15:11

So, maybe it’s time for us to focus more on loving people like Jesus and stop judging them for Jesus.

Peter said…

God had chosen [us] in advance to be His witnesses. We were those who ate and drank with [Jesus] after He rose from the dead.And He ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead.
Acts 10:41–42

Jesus is the only one God has given the authority to judge people. He has commanded the rest of us to show people the blessing of trusting Jesus for forgiveness and freedom forever. I believe there are some things you and I can do…

How to Stop Judging People So You Can Love Like Jesus

1. Stop believing stereotypes – Don’t believe generalizations and groupthink. Refuse to believe that all people of any race, background, or religion all think alike. So you can really…

2. Stop and get to know people – We often judge too quickly. We judge the character of the person based on an individual word or action. If we haven’t shared their experiences it is impossible for us to understand their choices.

I’m not saying we should approve of every behavior but I believe we are called to care about the person behind the behavior.

3. Avoid the social media bandwagon – I know it’s tempting to add your opinions and rants to a post on social media . . . but please don’t do it. Just don’t! When you and I publicly condemn and shame anyone we are not loving like Jesus. He didn’t call out those who were sinners . . . He called out the self-righteous.

So, if we want to love like Jesus we need to…

4. Make kindness and compassion the goal – I have made it my goal to remember that no matter who it is—a political leader, a public figure, a friend, or even a complete stranger . . . I don’t know all the facts and details. And because I can’t know their hearts, minds, and motivations . . . I need do my best to lead with kindness and compassion.

I want to love them with the love of Jesus.

Finally, let’s take a look at what James, Jesus’ half-brother, had to say”

Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?
James 4:11–12

And the Life Application Bible Notes add the following:

Jesus summarized the law as love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37–40). When we fail to love, we are actually breaking God’s law. When you’re ready to criticize someone, remember God’s law of love…

Can you imagine the difference we could make if we stopped judging people and offered caring compassion to those with whom we disagreed? What if rather than judging them we reached out to them and pointed them to His Word of truth? What if we showed them Jesus?

May we make that our prayer and our heart’s desire.

And just a couple of quotes to consider:

“What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.” ~ Augustine

“Our culture has accepted two huge lies. The first is that if you disagree with someone’s lifestyle, you must fear or hate them. The second is that to love someone means you agree with everything they believe or do. Both are nonsense. You don’t have to compromise convictions to be compassionate.”

And…

“The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now.” ~ Rick Warren

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Helpful Verses to Pray When It’s Hard to Be Strong

8 / 7 / 208 / 7 / 20

Some days it's just hard to be strong. Those are the days we need to pray and ask the One who promises that through Christ, we can have the strength we need. #Prayer #BibleVerses #BeStronger #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG #BlessingBloggers

Occasionally, I have a day when I wake up and I feel strong enough to handle whatever the day throws at me. But then there are the other days when I open my eyes and I’m not sure I have what it takes just to get out of bed.

I’m guessing I’m not alone…

Sometimes pain and/or illness cause physical limitations that sap my strength. Often . . . it’s some life problem that is emotionally draining that leaves me feeling fragile and inadequate.

And sometimes it’s the thought of dealing with a difficult relationship that leaves me wanting to pull the covers over my head and hide.

What depletes your strength most often?

In more recent years, I’ve realized that the mornings when I can’t muster the strength to face what lies ahead, are the ones when I’ve forgotten important truths from God’s Word…

Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of
His understanding.
He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Isaiah 40:28–29

And…

I can do everything through Christ,
who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13

So, I’m taking all my “I don’t want to face the day” feelings to the Lord in prayer asking Him to help me be strong and I’d love for you to join me.

Helpful Verses to Pray When It’s Hard to Be Strong

God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
Psalm 46:1

Father, You are my hiding place, and today, if it were up to me . . . I’d stay hidden here in my room. The pain, the problems, the heaviness—it all feels like too much.

But then I hear You whisper that You are with me. You gently remind me that You love me and care about every detail in my life. Nothing I face is a surprise to You. Thank you for Your Spirit’s gentle nudge that reminds me I can always come to You when I need strength and help. Thank you!

Please forgive me for the times I jump out of bed foolishly believing I can manage the day ahead on my own. I’m sorry. Thank you for always being ready to help. Thank you for giving me another day. I surrender myself to You. Please go with me and help me, Father. Please give me the strength I need to love well and live for Your glory.

Isaiah 12:2

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation.
Isaiah 12:2 (NIV)

Father, Savior, I want Isaiah’s words to be true in my life. I want to be able to proclaim every single day, “I will trust and not be afraid.” But, I falter. I want to be confident and unafraid every day but I still have days when I’m weak and tired and yes, even a little afraid. Please help me.

Just a few sentences later, Isaiah wrote – “Thank the Lord! Praise His name!
Tell the nations what He has done. Let them know how mighty He is! Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world. (v. 4–5)

I will pause to remember all You have done for me. You are my Savior. You are all I need. You have blessed me and lovingly given me the courage I needed in the past. The times You’ve helped me be strong. So, I surrender this day to You, trusting You to go before me and stand beside me to make me strong one moment at a time.

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!

The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
Psalm 121:2, 8

Father, You are our Creator. You keep watch over all You have made and You watch over me. You are my helper. You lift my head giving me courage and strength when I’m weak and overwhelmed.

I believe there is no problem that is too great for You to intervene and none so small that You do not care. You are loving, compassionate, and kind. I need You, Lord. Please help me. Remind me throughout the day to come to You whenever I feel overwhelmed and apprehensive.

You are the LORD – the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) You call me Your own child. (Romans 8:15) You give me a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)

I believe You will give me the strength I need to live one moment at a time and that is all the strength I need.

In His kindness, God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation.All power to Him forever! Amen.
1 Peter 5:10–11

Father, Jesus said that in this world we will have trouble. (John 16:33) Trouble shouldn’t surprise us. Yet, it still doesn’t make it easy.

Suffering is hard. I’d love to avoid it altogether.

But Father, I believe You are able to and will give me the strength I need to live today whatever You allow. I believe You are with me. I also believe that the troubles I endure here are temporary . . . You are preparing a place for me in Your presence. A place where Your glory shines forever and ever. Thank you for restoring, supporting, and strengthening me to live with courage and without fear. Your strength and power are my firm foundation.

[The Lord, my Shepherd] renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me.
Psalm 23:3–4

Father, You are the One who renews my strength. You are the One who guides me according to Your will . . . may I be willing to trust, follow, and obey You in all things. Even when life is overwhelming, when I’m afraid and it’s hard to find the strength I need, You are with me. And when I focus on You . . . when I center my heart and mind on Your presence, I am not afraid.

Lord, My heart’s desire is to live for Your glory. I want people to see Your love in me but on my own, I’m not strong enough . . . I fail miserably. I need You. Please strengthen me. Lead me. And help me follow Your will that I might glorify and honor You with courage and strength. Amen.

With God’s Help You Can Be Strong

Friends, It’s time to throw those covers back and get out of bed. I believe that with God’s help you and I can be strong enough to handle whatever this day throws our way.

And tomorrow, well, God will give us enough to do that day as well. We can count on Him for the one after that and next one and the next and so on and so on.

His grace is sufficient! So, stop with me today and memorize Philippians 4:13…

I can do all things through Christ
who gives me strength!

I’m asking God to bless you with all the strength you need today!

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

The Best Way to Make the Most of Simplify Your Life Week

8 / 3 / 208 / 2 / 20

It's Simplify Your Life Week - the perfect time to eliminate the emotional just that weighs you down and keeps you from living the life God wants for you. #Simplify #EmotionalHealth #BestLife #Faith #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG #BlessingBloggers

The first week in August is Simplify Your Life Week.

Simplify Your Life Week is observed during [the first week of] August each year. This holiday encourages those who need to refocus their lives and declutter – that doesn’t just mean objects. The idea is to eliminate anything that causes stress or anxiety. Most of us have a tendency to clutter up our lives, both physically and psychologically.
National Day Calendar

Eliminate anything that causes stress and anxiety! Doesn’t that sound wonderful? In fact, you could make a case that, as Rev would say, it sounds downright Biblical.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6–7

Are you an emotional hoarder? Do you have internal junk in your life that you need to eliminate? Do you have attitudes that need to go so you can enjoy the peace and joy you want?

I know I’m taking a closer look at my attitudes to see if there are any I need to toss.

Because Simplify Your Life Week might just be the perfect time for us to toss the attitudes that are weighing our hearts down and prayerfully ask God to replace them with things that give us peace and joy!

The Best Way to Make the Most of Simplify Your Life Week

Below you will find some negative attitudes that repeatedly try to creep into my life . . . things I want to toss for good.

But first, I want to ask God to help me identify all the attitudes He wants me to get rid of so I might better trust His will and follow His plans. I would love for you to pray with me and then maybe you’d like to join me and simplify your life by tossing a few of these things as well.

Father, I want to honor You with all I think, do, and say. I want to trust and obey Your will for me. Lord, I know that too often my bad attitude can get in the way of living the life You want for me. Please help me to honestly identify the attitudes that are preventing me from loving You and others the way you want. Please fill me with Your Spirit to lead me to the truth and give me the courage to step out in faith and reject any attitude that keeps me outside of Your will. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Pride

Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.
Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.
Proverbs 11:2, Proverbs 13:!0, Proverbs 16:18

The pride that needs to go is not feeling good about our accomplishments . . . it is an attitude of conceit and a sense of superiority that looks down on others.

Jesus added pride to a list of things He called an evil that comes out of a person’s heart. (Mark 7:20–23)

So, let’s toss the pride that keeps us from loving God and loving others well. Pride that hurts our relationships.

Because getting rid of pride helps us stop comparing ourselves to others but looks at who we are as children of God. It is accepting that we fall short of God’s perfect will and need His forgiveness, help, and direction.

Guilt and Shame

If we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

For His unfailing love toward those who fear Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 John 1:9, Psalm 103:11–12, Romans 8:1

The Father does not want His children to live with ongoing feelings of guilt and shame. If you and I continue to feel guilt over a confessed sin that is not coming from God. It is coming from the enemy of our souls. The one who tempts us to sin and then forever reminds us of our failures and wants us to believe that living out the consequences means we haven’t been forgiven.

But he is a liar! God calls you and me forgiven.

When Paul wrote, “there is no condemnation” he was telling us that through our faith in Jesus’ and His loving sacrifice we are declared “NOT GUILTY.”

And that is the freedom the Lord wants for us. So, you and I can trust that through repentance and surrendered faith . . . it’s time to toss our feelings of guilt.

Anger

People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Proverbs 14:29, Ephesians 4:31–32

Anger in itself is not wrong as it is an appropriate attitude toward sin and injustice. I’ll admit that I have things that can easily push my hot buttons and elicit a less than “righteous” response because of my own poor attitudes.

That makes this the perfect week to prayerfully ask God to help me know when anger is appropriate and guide me as to the way He wants me to act on it. This is the perfect time to ask for God’s help to get rid of angry outbursts and practice using my words with patience and respect to communicate my feelings in a god-pleasing way.

Whew, this is a challenge that will need God to help me remember, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)

Fear

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears.
You have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, “Abba, Father.”
1 Timothy 1:7, Psalm 34:4, Romans 8:15

I spent too many years of my life living afraid. So, whenever I’m doing an attitude checkup, I always examine my feelings of fear.

I love Paul’s words in Romans 8 reminding us that our perfect loving Heavenly Father does not want us to suffer from fear! So much that He gives us His Holy Spirit to help us and told us 366 times in His Word not to be afraid.

The good news is that we don’t have to toss our fear and live with strength on our own. We can surrender our fears to God in prayer and trust Him to give us everything we need to live with bold faith. We can proclaim with David, “I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4

Comparisons

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.
Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.
Romans 12:2, Matthew 7:1–2, Galatians 6:4–5

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have the complete freedom to be the beautiful person God created you to be . . . without comparing yourself to anyone.

Advertisers want us to compare ourselves to airbrushed photos of models . . . to convince us to buy product X, Y, or Z. Friends expect us to dress and act in peer-approved styles and behaviors to conform and be part of their group. Leaders feed us well-planned talking points to conform us into like-minded thinkers. I probably could go on and on.

But God calls each of us uniquely and wonderfully complex (Psalm 139:14). Created with specific gifts and abilities (Romans 12:6), for this time and place (Esther 4:14), to accomplish good works He has prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10). Why in the world would we want to settle for being like someone else.

This quote really grabbed my heart…

“Comparison is not only the thief of joy, it is is a direct offense to our Creator God. When we try and measure ourselves next to the woman beside us, we are essentially declaring that God got something wrong in His unique design of our personal characteristics.“
Lauren Pinkston at Healthy Christian Home by Mary

God created you for your life and He created me for mine. We were each uniquely made to live for His glory through the highs, lows, and in-betweens that He knew we would face through all the days He has planned for us. (Psalm 139:16)

So, I’m making every effort to toss the temptation to compare who I am, what I can do, what I have, or anything else to someone else.

Are you ready to join me?

Because Jesus said there are just a few specific things we need to live the life He wants for us.

One…

Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
Mark 12:29–31

And Two…

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

That’s my list of things to eliminate during Simplify Your Life Week. What would be on your list?

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

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