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When You Need to Remember Who You Are In Jesus

I ran into a wall of discouragement this week. I needed a reminder of God's love. Maybe you need to remember who you are in Jesus, too. Read this... #GodisLove #GodLovesYou #Faith #YouareLoved #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #Hope #Blessings

I have the January blahs! I began the year with all the normal enthusiasm that comes with a fresh start.

Three weeks ago, I had a writing plan that excited me, a healthy diet and exercise plan that seemed doable, books I couldn’t wait to read, family and friends who delighted me … I was full of optimism and happiness.

This week, I ran up against a wall of discouragement for no apparent reason other than a bunch of little things piled up one on top of another and I started to feel “less than.”

Not enough! Less than I want to be! Less than I believe I should be.

I decided I need a quick reminder of who I am in Christ. Maybe you need a reminder of who you are in Jesus, too. So … here we go!

Who You Are In Jesus

You are wonderful!

Yes, you!

When I feel like I have the last few days, I can quickly think of a dozen ways I am definitely NOT wonderful.

Most of the time I go straight to the superficial . . . to appearances. And all I see are my imperfections.

I see spots, blemishes, wrinkles, and sagging skin. I have lumps and bumps in places I don’t want them and well, you get the idea.

I’m also well aware of my flaws when it comes to my thoughts, words, and actions.

I could share a long list of things that are not wonderful but I’ll spare you.

I relate to these words from Paul…

I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. 

Romans 7:18–19

It’s reassuring to know that a pillar of faith, like Paul, did not hold himself up as the ideal of Christian perfection but let us know that we are not alone in our struggle.

And when you and I recognize our “less than” perfect qualities and characteristics we can embrace the words that follow…

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

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

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 7:24–25a, 8:1–2, 8:38–39

That’s grace! That’s love!

That’s who you are in Jesus.

It’s good news!

Because of Jesus, God looks past our flaws and failures with eyes of grace and love and He sees the wonderful you and me … He created us to be!

I ran into a wall of discouragement this week. I needed a reminder of God's love. Maybe you need to remember who you are in Jesus, too. Read this... #GodisLove #GodLovesYou #Faith #YouareLoved #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #Blessings

Whether you and I feel like it or not, we need to repeat the following often…

1. GOD MADE ME WONDERFUL.

I praise you because You made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What You have done is wonderful. I know this very well.

Psalm 139:14 (NCV)

I love the way the MSG. says it…

Body and soul, I am marvelously made! 

It’s not about our feelings. Whether you and I “feel” it or not.

God says in His Word that we are made in an “amazing and wonderful way” … unique and one of a kind. Perfect for His plans and purposes. Out of all the possible DNA combinations, God chose 46 or 47 specific chromosomes just for you.

There are 8,324,608 possible combinations of chromosomes and each one contains dozens to thousands of different genes.  The total possible combination of alleles (variations) for those genes in humans is approximately 70,368,744,177,664.  This is trillions of times more combinations than the number of people who have ever lived. ~Reddit.com/AskScience

Who you are…

“You weren’t an accident. You weren’t mass-produced. You aren’t an assembly-line product. You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on the earth by the Master Craftsman.” ~Max Lucado

2. And It’s Okay to Celebrate Being Wonderfully Made

Obsessing about our flaws and faults simply robs us of our peace and happiness.

I believe that’s something high on the list of things satan wants for us because if he can steal our peace and joy, he can stifle our ability to fulfill God’s plans and purposes for us.

Jesus said…

The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness. 

John 10:10

Jesus’ purpose is to give us a full and satisfying life.

When we stay focused on all we have and who we are in Jesus, we have everything we need to live the life He wants for us.

David followed the “amazing and wonderful” verse with…

I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
You know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, You watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before You, the days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.

Psalm 139:15–16

What a creation!
Known. Loved. Planned.

And in Jesus … Forgiven. Redeemed. Child of God.

That’s you! That’s me!

We are not known for our flaws and faults.
You and I are God’s marvelous creation! God’s loved and redeemed children!

So, it’s time to look at things in a new way, to know who you are in Jesus. So…

Stop and Celebrate Who You Are

  1. Make a list of your greatest strengths and abilities. You’re kind. Smart. Funny. Musical. Artistic. Athletic. Strong. Caring. Helpful. Make a list of everything you do well.
  2. Make a list of things you like about the way you look. Just do it. Beautiful eyes. Cute nose. Strong arms. Dimples. Curly hair. Curvy figure. Find a minimum of 5-10 you can celebrate.
  3. Ask your closest friends to help you make your list.  They love you. You’ll be surprised by the blessings they see in you and the things they love about you.
  4. Spend less time focused on yourself and more time loving others. Avoid lengthy sessions in front of the mirror and ask God to forgive your failures. Then focus on loving your people. You will feel better about yourself. I promise.
  5. Refuse to compare your appearance, gifts, or abilities with anyone else’s. Comparing is the thief of joy and peace. Don’t do it!
  6. Take occasional breaks from social media. Everyone puts their ideal on social media. If you find yourself discouraged while scrolling through posts . . . walk away for a while.
  7. Do your best and be at peace about the rest. Live today with enthusiasm. Then put the day behind you and start again tomorrow.
  8. Reject negative self-talk. Stop it! If it’s sin, confess it, receive forgiveness and celebrate God’s grace.
  9. Do something positive every day to become the person you want to be. Let God work in you to grow you for His purposes. Learn something new. Exercise. Eat a healthy diet.
  10. Limit your time with toxic and negative people. You can’t avoid them all but you can lessen their ability to discourage and defeat you.
  11. Be patient with yourself – think long term. Expect progress, not perfection. One of my favorite sayings is, “Baby steps are still steps.”
  12. Cherish values like honesty, integrity, kindness, etc. Follow the Golden Rule and treat others the way you want them to treat you.
  13. Speak a minimum of five positive and encouraging things to yourself every day. Remember Stuart Smiley’s quote, “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me.”
  14. Do one nice thing for yourself every day. Take a long bath. Read a chapter of your favorite book. Light a candle. Use your good dishes. Celebrate today.
  15. Pursue a close relationship with the One who created you. Spend time in prayer and Bible study. Ask Him to help you become the best version of the person He created you to be.
  16. Ask God to help you see yourself the way He sees you. He loves you so much! The God of the universe calls you precious.
  17. Remember how very much God loves you. Memorize His promises to speak truth to your heart when you feel discouraged.
  18. Remember – God looks past the surface to the heart. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7

Verses to Memorize:
Remember How Much God Loves You

Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. Ephesians 1:4

But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8

But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. Ephesians 2:4

The Lord your God is with you; the mighty One will save you. He will rejoice over you. You will rest in His love; He will sing and be joyful about you. Zephaniah 3:17

See how very much our Father loves us, for He calls us His children, and that is what we are! 1 John 3:1

I ran into a wall of discouragement this week. I needed a reminder of God's love. Maybe you need to remember who you are in Jesus, too. Read this... #GodisLove #GodLovesYou #Faith #YouareLoved #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #Hope #Blessings

Finally, it’s important to…

HAVE AN ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE. 

All of those things that discourage and annoy you are temporary.

Your soul, the person God made you to be in Him, the person created in His image … that person will live forever. 

You are God’s beautiful creation! You are someone to celebrate!

I needed that reminder today. Maybe you needed it too.

If so, you may want to write this down…

God loves me. He made ME for His glory, for His plans and purposes, and for eternity. It’s time for me to celebrate His grace, mercy, and love by remembering who I am because of whose I am. I belong to 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!

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Leave your prayer requests…

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

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5 Psalms to Pray When You are Feeling Sad

Psalms and prayers to help you take your burdens to God when you are feeling sad. It's a blessing that He wants us to honestly take everything to Him in prayer ... trusting that He will help and strengthen us. #EmotionalHealth #Sadness #Prayer #Psalms #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #PrayerforStrength #PrayerforPeace #FeelingDown

I want to be totally honest with you today. Okay, let me rephrase that because I’m honest with you every day…

I guess what I’m going to do today is make myself a little more vulnerable because I want you to know that like you, I struggle.

I have battled fear, worry, anxiety, and general sadness off and on for much of my life. I have BIG emotions. BIG HAPPINESS and sometimes BIG SADNESS!

Maybe you’re a BIG emotions person, too.

Even if you’re not a person who wears your emotions out there for everyone to see – you still feel life and at times those feelings are going to be sad. It’s inevitable. Everyone has times when their current difficult circumstances or past painful memories are enough to bury their joy and happiness under a pile of junk!

But this is the thing…

By God’s grace, we aren’t alone. God welcomes you and me into His throne room through prayer—not only when we’re praising Him with gratitude and joy but when we’re approaching Him with heavy hearts full of sadness.

I love that David and the other writers of the Psalms consistently tell us how about the blessing of taking everything to God in prayer – even our sadness.

  • Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice. (Psalm 55:17)
  • Give your burdens to the Lord. (Psalm 55:22)
  • I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. (Psalm 61:2)
  • The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. (Psalm 9:9)
  • He has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned His back on them but has listened to their cries for help. (Psalm 22:24)

If your heart is heavy today, weighted with a burden of sadness … if you’re feeling sad, please join me as I go to God asking for His covering of comfort, strength, peace, and love…

5 Psalms to Pray When You are Feeling Sad

Psalms and prayers to help you take your burdens to God when you are feeling sad. It's a blessing that He wants us to honestly take everything to Him in prayer. #EmotionalHealth #Sadness #Prayer #Psalms #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

Psalm 34:18

Father, My heart hurts today. I’m not even sure why exactly. Past problems and pain gnaw at my heart. My worries about the future agitate and unsettle me. And today, well today has had plenty of its own problems. So, I’m run to You … clinging to the promise that You are close to the brokenhearted.

I know all sin breaks Your heart. My sin, other people’s sin, and the sin and decay that affects Your beautiful creation. Yet You promise to rescue those who come to You in repentance. Through Jesus, You rescue and heal me when I am crushed by the sadness of sin.

Thank you for Jesus. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for holding me close when I’m feeling sad.

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. He counts the stars and calls them all by name.

How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension!

Psalm 147:3–5

Father, Creator of all, You know the exact number of stars in the universe and call each one by name. Your Word says You know me, everything about me … even the number of hairs on my head. (Matthew 10:30)

You care about the condition of my heart … You know my thoughts when I’m happy and even when I’m sad. Thank you for understanding me even better than I understand myself. Thank you for caring … for loving me, holding me, and healing me by You mercy and grace.

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
    They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them;
    they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
    You are still with me!

Psalm 139:17–18

What an awesome and amazing thought, Lord. You have limitless loving thoughts about me. You call me Your precious child. And You promise to be with me. Thank you!

Please hold me close, Lord. My sadness feels like a heavy weight. You said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) I need that rest today! I need Your help to carry this sadness.

Thank you, for all the times You have helped me and given me Your peace and strength in the past. I am clinging to Your promises and bringing You my burden of sadness today.

I love you, Lord; You are my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
    my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
    and my place of safety.

Psalm 18:1–2

Father, I love You! Thank you for helping me by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Thank you for reminding me to pause and remember the ways You have faithfully been my strength, my savior, and my protector.

Thank you for reminding me that I can run to You, my place of safety, even when my emotions fall far short of happiness and joy. You know my thoughts and feelings and invite me to honestly and openly talk about them with You. Thank you for loving me the way I am and thank you for loving me so much You want Your very best for me.

I believe Your best for me today, is that I lay my sadness at Your throne of grace trusting You to give me everything I need that I might rise up with the strength and power only You can give.

You changed my sorrow into dancing.
    You took away my clothes of sadness,
    and clothed me in happiness.
I will sing to You and not be silent.
    Lord, my God, I will praise You forever.

Psalm 30:11–12

And I believe, Father, that You are changing my sadness into joy and that You are clothing me with future happiness. Because I am secure in You. Although, my happiness and even my sadness come and go … You remain the same yesterday, today, and forever.

I trust that You have collected my tears in a bottle and recorded each one in Your book. (Psalm 56:8) You know my past and You see into my glorious future. A future I am promised because of Your gift of love—because of Jesus.

So, I will thank and praise You today. I will focus on my past and current blessings. By Your grace and with Your help, I will praise You forever and always. In Jesus, name. Amen.

Psalms and prayers to help you take your burdens to God when you are feeling sad. It's a blessing that He wants us to honestly take everything to Him in prayer ... trusting that He will help and strengthen us. #EmotionalHealth #Sadness #Prayer #Psalms #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #PrayerforStrength #PrayerforPeace #FeelingDown

I can’t tell you how often I’ve had to walk through the process of surrendering my sadness at the throne of grace … how often the Lord has held me close and given me His strength when I cried out to Him in prayer.

But there is something important you need to know…

I have also had times when my sadness was deep and lasting … times when I began to question if I was going to carry its weight for the rest of my life.

That’s when…

I got help!

I didn’t try to fight the battle alone. Besides praying, I was honest with the people who love me. I talked to my doctor and I went to a Christian counselor.

God often uses other people to help us carry our burdens.

So, if you’re starting to feel a sense of hopelessness in your sadness … please seek help.

One of the things I love about our Heavenly Father is that He doesn’t waste our pain.

Your feelings. This experience. And those God uses to help you may all be the very things He will use to help you help someone else.

I’m asking God to hold you close and comfort you with His blessings of comfort, strength, peace, and joy!

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

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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!

“Be Happy” is the Worst Thing to Say to a Hurting Friend

There are some things we should never say to a hurting friend and some things we should do and say if we really want to help. #Grief #Sadness #WWGGG #BeHappy #CountingMyBlessings #Friendship #MondayMotivation

Last week, I wrote about God’s desire for us to be happy. Not simply momentary pleasure but true and lasting happiness.

Happiness that…

  • Trusts God is greater than our circumstances.
  • Knows our sins are forgiven.
  • Comes from wisdom that is able to guide us and keep us safe.
  • Gives the peace that comes from obedience.
  • Celebrates the joy experienced through praise and worship.
  • Has relationships blessed by truth and kindness.
  • Is found in spending time with the Lord.
  • Embraces the promise of a beautiful forever future.
  • Comes in knowing God will meet every need.
  • Enjoys freedom from fear.
  • Is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

I believe that’s the kind of happiness God wants for me.

And it is what I want!

But…

The truth is—life is hard and bad things happen. You and I will experience sadness, pain, and loss. And it’s hard, in fact, it can seem impossible to be happy under those circumstances.

I had a reader leave an excellent comment/question on Friday.

She said that although she agreed and understood the Biblical principles I was sharing about the happiness God wants for us, she struggled with the following:

I don’t understand how to explain it to people when they ask me. When they say, “what good is praying going to do, or being happy?” Or when they ask, “how is it going to help me now?” Will it heal them? Bring their child back?

I’m very perplexed about this … knowing what to do or say.

I’m so thankful she asked and opened up that conversation because I believe it’s a struggle common to almost everyone.

That’s why today, I want to talk about why…

“Be Happy” is the Worst Thing to Say to a Hurting Friend

I started reading the Book of Job over the weekend.

We all know Job’s friends are the perfect example of what NOT to say to a grieving or hurting friend. Although they had good intentions and they started out by simply being present which was perfect, they quickly turned to judgment and advice rather than patient compassion.

We know not to follow their bad example.

There are some things we should never say to a hurting friend and some things we should do and say if we really want to help. #Grief #Sadness #WWGGG #BeHappy #CountingMyBlessings #Friendship #MondayMotivation

We know what not to say to a hurting friend…

  • You must have sinned.
  • This too will pass.
  • I know how you feel.
  • If you’d just do “this” you’ll feel better.
  • God wants you to BE HAPPY!

It didn’t work for Job’s friends and it won’t work for us either.

I remember a time when I was struggling with a deep sadness over difficult circumstances that seemed to go on and on. When I finally shared my feelings with a couple of friends, one shook her finger at me and said, “Shame on you. You should count the blessings God has given you.” And the other told me what I needed to do to fix it because to quote her, “You’re not fun anymore.”

Although their comments may have been true neither changed my feelings but they did hurt my already hurting heart.

The truth is there are no easy answers to the questions…

“What good is praying going to do, or being happy?” Or when they ask, “how is it going to help me now?” Will it heal them? Bring their child back?

There is nothing to say that will magically flip the switch on their feelings and I don’t think there is supposed to be.

The Life Application Bible Notes say the following about Job’s feelings:

God created our emotions, and it is not sinful or inappropriate to express them as Job did. If you have experienced a deep loss, a disappointment, or a heartbreak, admit your feelings to yourself and others, and grieve.

That’s good advice and something for us to remember for our personal moments of grief and for times when we want to help a friend.

Now that we know what not to do; it’s important to take a look at what we should do by taking a closer look at how Jesus cared for people who were sad and grieving…

What Jesus Did Do For and Say to a Hurting Friend?

Jesus was present.

Verse after verse in the Gospels explain how Jesus was simply present with people.

I love this…

Then Jesus climbed a hill and sat down with His disciples around Him.

John 6:3

He was with people – the broken, flawed, sick, and hurting. Jesus spent time with hurting people … loving them and caring for them.

Jesus was compassionate.

Compassion begins when we care about what happens to people. When we make an effort to love them as Jesus loved them.

Jesus saw the huge crowd as He stepped from the boat, and He had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd.

Mark 6:34

Jesus cried.

When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within Him, and He was deeply troubled. 

Then Jesus wept. 

John 11:33,35

Jesus hates death! He hates the suffering and grief you and I experience. I am so thankful for His example to cry with those who are crying.

Paul wrote…

Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.

Romans 12:15

Most often, affirming someone’s feelings and loving them through their pain is the best thing you and I can do for them.

Jesus prayed.

I love that Jesus gave us the example of getting away to pray. I can only imagine what those conversations were like between the Father and Son.

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.

Mark 1:35

Jesus did what He could do.

Jesus fed the hungry, healed the sick, forgave sins, and helped the oppressed.

He took the seven loaves and the fish, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to the disciples, who distributed the food to the crowd.

Matthew 15:36

You and I may not be able to heal someone’s illness or remove their pain but we can forgive them, feed them, and help them.

We can do what we are able to do and surrender the rest to God in prayer … asking Him to do what only He can do.

And what He does is give the strength that is needed to get through each day. Ultimately, He is the One who is able to heal their hearts and restore their happiness.

There are some things we should never say to a hurting friend and some things we should do and say if we really want to help. #Grief #Sadness #WWGGG #BeHappy #CountingMyBlessings #Friendship #MondayMotivation

One last thing you and I can do…

At some point, we share our stories of weakness and pain. And when asked how we go through it … we talk about the way God has worked in our lives which is way different than telling people how He should be working in theirs.

Rather than explaining to someone that God wants them to be happy, to be strong, or to have hope. We live our lives in ways that demonstrate His all-sufficient grace.

And again, when asked … we share our stories of God’s strength and healing. We tell people how He restored our joy after a time when we thought we’d never be happy again. We speak of the hope we have in Him to meet our needs because of all He’s gotten us through in the past.

Jesus said…

Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.

John 16:33

He knew!

Jesus cared so much about our pain and suffering that He lived among us and experienced it Himself.

He understands our emotions. He gave them to us. He lived them alongside us. And by His example, we can learn how to not only live with our emotions but how to love others as they live with theirs.

So, although God wants us to be happy and gives us what we need to live happy … He also knows that – here on earth we will have many trials and sorrows.

We will have pain. Our friends will have pain. And “be happy” is not the message that will heal our hurting hearts.

But our presence, our compassion, our shared tears, our prayers, and our acts of kindness and service may just be the things that God will use to begin to restore hope and happiness in a hurting friend.

That’s love, isn’t it?
That’s the Golden Rule…

“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”

Matthew 7:12

That’s the love of God in us giving us everything we need to love the people around us.

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

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

5 Verses to Pray When You Need to Live Happy

It's impossible to live happy 100% of the time. With God's help, we can rest in His truth and trust His promises having everything we need to live with hope. #Faith #Hope #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #LiveHappy

I know it’s impossible to live happy 100% of the time.

Bad things happen, people are cruel, relationships end and happiness fades.

And even when you and I are trying our best to do everything “right” … a choice made by someone else has the ability to turn our happiness into pain.

Yet, I still believe God wants His children to be happy … not entitled, not indulged, not spoiled rotten, but happy. Good parents don’t give their children everything they want. They allow them to live out the consequences of their poor choices. They don’t give them cake and ice cream at every meal nor do they take them to Disneyland every day.

But that doesn’t mean they don’t want their children to be happy.

They do!

They just care more about the long-term happiness of the children than they do about their momentary pleasure.

I don’t know about you, but I can act like a pouty indulged child sometimes … moments when I focus on what I want more rather than on what I already have.

I want to be more like Sadie.

Our Cavapoo, Sadie, was sick earlier this year and due to that illness, she will have to be on prescription dog food and treats for the rest of her life. No tastes of “people” food or bites of her former favorites.

Every meal and every treat tastes exactly the same every day … and it will forever!

But Rev and I get the giggles every time we feed her. You would think she was getting a gourmet steak dinner the way she dances around the room completely delighted with life!

If only I could be more like Sadie and less like the Children of Israel…

The people grew impatient with the long journey, and they began to speak against God and Moses. “Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die here in the wilderness?” they complained. “There is nothing to eat here and nothing to drink. And we hate this horrible manna!”

Numbers 21:4–5

God had rescued them from slavery and was providing for them each day but rather than choosing to count their blessings and live contented and happy, they grumbled and complained.

So, I’m going to God today and I’m asking Him to help me count my blessings and focus on the fact that He is a generous and loving Father.

Will you pray with me?

5 Verses to Pray When You Need to Live Happy

It's impossible to live happy 100% of the time. With God's help, we can rest in His truth and trust His promises having everything we need to live with hope. #Faith #Hope #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #LiveHappy

“God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him may not be lost, but have eternal life. God did not send His Son into the world to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through Him.”

John 3:16–17 (NCV)

Father, You not only knew my greatest need but You provided Jesus to meet that need. I was lost and broken by sin, selfish and without hope. And even after You saved me from slavery to sin, I can still be like the grumbling Israelites. But still, You forgive me again and again.

Your love overwhelms me! If You never gave me another thing, the gift of Jesus would be enough! Through Him I have life. Through Him I am free.

Happy is the person
    whose sins are forgiven,
    whose wrongs are pardoned.
Happy is the person
    whom the Lord does not consider guilty
    and in whom there is nothing false.

Psalm 32:1–2 (NCV)

Father, You forgive me! You forgive my grumbling and complaining. You forgive my selfishness and foolishness. Because of Jesus, I can bring all of my guilt and shame to You and receive the blessing of unconditional love and forgiveness. You don’t see my guilt and shame. You see Your Son in me making me clean and redeemed.

Happy is the person whose sins are forgiven! Thank you!

Give me understanding and I will obey Your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of Your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.

Psalm 119:34–35

Father, by Your grace and with the help of Your Spirit, please help me SEEK to know, trust, and obey Your will. Give me wisdom and understanding to know what to do, when to do it, and when to stay out of the way and leave it to You.

I will study Your Word to know Your commands. I will follow wherever You lead me – trusting that You will always go with me, giving me whatever I need one day at a time. And having what I need each day … that is where true happiness is found. Please help me remember and appreciate all I have in You that I might live happy for Your glory.

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 8:38–39

Father, Your love is my source of joy and happiness. That is Your will for me. And this promise, that nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate me from Your love gives me peace and everything I need to live with hope.

I am Yours no matter what I’m worried about or what frightens me. I am Yours no matter what happens. Thank you, Father. In You, I am secure today, tomorrow, and always and that is the perfect reason for me to live happy. By Your grace, help me keep my eyes on You.

Be happy in your faith at all times. Never stop praying. Be thankful, whatever the circumstances may be. If you follow this advice you will be working out the will of God expressed to you in Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (Phillips)

Father, forgive me for failing to celebrate my faith each day. It’s so easy for me to get distracted by stuff and people and circumstances. Once again, I come to You in prayer, thanking You for Your grace, mercy, and love. You have walked with me through painful and difficult times. You have forgiven me and given me strength and indescribable peace. Thank you!

Please help me live happy in ways that give You glory. Help me be so happy in You that others want to know You … my source of peace and joy! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

It's impossible to live happy 100% of the time. With God's help, we can rest in His truth and trust His promises having everything we need to live with hope. #Faith #Hope #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #LiveHappy

Something I’ve realized lately is that many of my attitude issues have to do with my perspective.

Before you get the wrong idea … you need to know that my life is far from perfect. I have relationships that are not even close to what I’d like them to be. I have family members struggling with difficult health issues. I have aches and pains that gnaw at me. And plenty of additional things that nip at me trying to get me to settle in to worry and anxiety.

But God…

Two of my favorite words … words that speak a life-changing truth for people of faith.

But God:

  • loves.
  • forgives.
  • delivers.
  • strengthens.
  • comforts.
  • cares.
  • provides.
  • guides.
  • helps.
  • renews.
  • transforms.

God gives us hope.

And the hope He gives changes everything!

When you and I have hope, we can count on the truth that whatever is happening in our lives today, whatever is not perfect, whatever is painful, whatever is missing … God is able to give us everything we need because He is faithful to keep His promises.

Promises like…

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.

Psalm 73:26

And…

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

Luke 12:31

Everything includes all we need to live happy!

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

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

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

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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!

Does God Want Me to Be Happy?

Does God Want Me to Be Happy? If you've ever wondered if God wants you to be happy, you may be surprised by what the Bible has to say about it. Taking a look at what the Bible says about happiness. #BeHappy #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #TheEmotionProject #Faith #Hope

Everyone wants to be happy!

Yes, everyone longs for happiness.

But maybe like me, you’ve seen quotes that say…

“God doesn’t care if you’re happy. He wants you to be holy.”

Rick Warren said something similar…

“God is more interested in your character than your comfort. God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.”

Although I agree that God’s primary goal for us is to know, love, and trust Him … I also believe that God would not have repeatedly told us how to be happy in the words of Scripture if He didn’t care whether or not we are happy!

So, I thought it might be a blessing for us to take a closer look at what God says in the Bible about happiness.

Does God Want Me to Be Happy?

The definition of happiness is:

  • the feeling of experiencing pleasure, contentment, or joy.

And we all want that – right?!

For many, being happy seems to be their goal in life. So, they chase after experiences, relationships, and things that claim to offer happiness but fall short in the long run. They try, test, and indulge in things the world says will make them happy only to learn that their momentary rush of “bliss” has either passed or lost its luster … leaving only sadness, dissatisfaction, and consequences in its place.

The Good News is there are ways the Bible tells us we can enjoy happiness … ways that will not leave us discouraged or disappointed but that we can count on to last and satisfy.

Did you know several translations of the Bible – substitute the word happy for the word blessed?

Which makes sense because one of the definitions of blessed is … blissfully happy or content. Another definition is holy and sanctified.

I love that!

There seems to be a connection between living under the blessings of God’s will and enjoying happiness.

Which is exactly what God’s Word has been telling us all along.

We shouldn’t be surprised, however, that satan has been twisting God’s truth and tempting people to believe God is holding out on them. He started in the Garden…

“Did God really say?”

“You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman.  “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”

Genesis 3:1, 4–5

The clear message is … if you want to be “happy” don’t listen to God, listen to me.

So the enemy of our souls goes after our natural desire to be happy, a desire given to us by God, and he slyly smiles and tells us what we really want is to live without God and do what we want.

But as I look around at the world’s idea of”freedom,” I can’t help but notice how miserable the people who have bought into satan’s lies seem to be.

I want true happiness, don’t you?

I’m not as interested in a quick moment of something the world wants me to believe will make me happy … especially when I look around and see the lasting consequences of their choices.

I want happiness that is lasting, blessed, and filled with contentment.

Let’s take a couple of minutes and look at what God’s Word says will give us the kind of happiness we really want … the kind that lasts.

Does God Want Me to Be Happy? If you've ever wondered if God wants you to be happy, you may be surprised by what the Bible has to say about it. Taking a look at what the Bible says about happiness. #BeHappy #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #TheEmotionProject #Faith #Hope

10 Things the Bible Says Will Make You Happy

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.

Jeremiah 17:7

“Blessed are those
    whose transgressions are forgiven,
    whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one
    whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”

Romans 4:7–8

Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.

Proverbs 3:18

Give me understanding and I will obey Your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of Your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.

Psalm 119:34–35

Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord.

Psalm 89:15

“If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.

1 Peter 3:10

Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”

Luke 11:28

What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven.

Luke 6:22–23a

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

 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.

Luke 12:31–32

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Galatians 5:22–23

I’m not sure what you think but to me … that sounds like happiness.

True happiness.

The kind of happiness that lasts.

  • Trust that God is greater than my circumstances.
  • Knowing my sins are forgiven.
  • Wisdom to guide me and keep me safe.
  • Happiness and peace that comes from obedience.
  • Joy experienced through praise and worship.
  • Relationships blessed by truth and kindness.
  • Contentment found in spending time with the Lord.
  • The promise of a beautiful forever future.
  • The peace that comes in knowing God will meet every need.
  • Freedom from fear.
  • Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Isn’t that the kind of happiness you want?
Isn’t it the kind of happiness you need?

To answer the original question…

Does God Want Me to Be Happy?

I believe the answer is YES! God, absolutely wants us to be happy!

In fact, He wants it so very much that He sent Jesus to make it possible for us to be forgiven and to be called His children forever.

What parent doesn’t want their children to be happy?

The thing is, every good parent cares more about their children’s long term happiness. So, they counsel, guide, discipline, and instruct them, even if it doesn’t make them “happy” at the moment because they know what is best for them in the long run.

They care more about their future happiness than their momentary pleasure.

Our perfect heavenly Father cares most of all about our eternal future. So, He guides, disciplines, and instructs us with a perspective that sees our lives from beginning to eternal.

For the Lord corrects those He loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

Proverbs 3:12

And…

For I alone am God!
    I am God, and there is none like me.
Only I can tell you the future
    before it even happens.

Isaiah 46:9b–10a

I believe if you and I want to be truly happy … we need to look to God’s will and plan for making us happy. Even in moments of grief and sadness, we can be sure of Jesus’ eternal promise…

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”

John 14:1–3

The bad and the even the good the world offers is temporary. But there is a happiness found in Jesus … a happiness we can enjoy today, tomorrow, and forever.

A happiness that God wants for us.

Does God Want Me to Be Happy? If you've ever wondered if God wants you to be happy, you may be surprised by what the Bible has to say about it. Taking a look at what the Bible says about happiness. #BeHappy #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #TheEmotionProject #Faith #Hope

I think the following quote sums it up perfectly…

“If you hope for happiness in the world, hope for it from God, and not from the world.” ~David Brainerd

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

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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 Make 2020 the Year of The Emotion Project

Looking at the best ways to manage our feelings and emotions and those expressed by others ... making 2020 the Year of The Emotion Project #TheEmotionProject #WWGGG #SeekGod'sWill #CountingMyBlessings #EmotionalHealth #Well-being #MentalHealth

I love the idea of choosing a focus word each year. So many of my friends testify to the ways God has used a specific word to help them grow in faith and change them in ways they never imagined.

Although I loved the idea, I always tended to take on topics that included multiple words and simply see where the Lord lead me.

Until 2018, when the Lord placed a word on my heart and mind. A word I knew would be my focus for the rest of my life.

SEEK

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

Luke 12:31

You may wonder why this word, out of all of the words in the English language … hit me the way it did?

Because 15 years ago, life circumstances shattered me and I needed help. Help I knew the world couldn’t give me because I’d already read and tried every self-help book I could find.

I truly believe it’s the Holy Spirit who prompted me to cry out in prayer, to grab my Bible, and to begin SEEKing God with all my heart.

And slowly, page after page and verse after verse God proved to me the promise part of Jesus’ words, the “He will give you everything you need” part … was absolutely true!

God has and does give me everything I need.

You see, I think it’s become easy for us to celebrate and thank God for the secure and eternal future we have through faith in Jesus, while at the same time ignoring the fact that “everything” we need includes the things necessary to apply His will to our every day lives.

So, for the past two years, I’ve gone to God’s Word and asked Him to help me know His will each day. It’s why the tagline here at Counting My Blessings is “At the intersection of faith and life.”

I believe SEEKing, knowing, trusting, and following God’s will is the best way to live a rich and satisfying life.

Which invites us to ask the question…

What is God’s will for everyday life?

Jesus summed up God’s will this way…

“‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

Matthew 22:38–40

God’s will for us is … love Him and love others!

Sounds so simple, doesn’t it?!

Yeah, not so much!

There are so many things vying for our love and attention. Things that can easily become idols and keep us from loving God completely, let alone as well as we’d like to love Him.

And we all know it would be much easier to love our neighbors if our neighbors were easier to love. Right?!

That is how I decided it might be a good idea to work on The Emotion Project.

Although we know…

Love is more than a feeling … love is the way we act on our feelings.

Most of us focus on love the emotion rather than love the action.

Truthfully, I’m all about feelings and emotions! I sometimes think my feelings have feelings!

And … I believe our emotions are given to us by God.

He wants us to experience joy, peace, gratitude, kindness, compassion, and love. But sadly because of sin, we also experience grief, sadness, fear, loneliness, and anger.

So every day we live with positive and negative highs and lows … things the dictionary calls “states of mind” or “attitudes.” Things most of us call feelings or emotions.

The Emotion Project

Looking at the best ways to manage our feelings and emotions and those expressed by others ... making 2020 the Year of The Emotion Project #TheEmotionProject #WWGGG #SeekGod'sWill #CountingMyBlessings #EmotionalHealth #Well-being #MentalHealth

In an effort to SEEK God’s will … I want to take a closer look at what the Bible says about living with emotions.

To take a closer look at verses like:

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. 

I Corinthians 13:4–5

You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 

James 1:19

“Don’t sin by letting anger control you.”

Ephesians 4:26

“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

But there’s more … I don’t want to simply know God’s will for living with my emotions, I want to know how to manage my emotions in ways that will give God glory. I want to take my feelings, pause, and ask myself #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory?

Paul wrote in his letter to the Colossians:

Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Colossians 3:12–17

Based on these verses, God wants us to do the following when it comes to our emotions…

  1. Be merciful, kind, humble, gentle, and patient.
  2. Remember that we are sinners dependent on God’s forgiveness.
  3. Fill our hearts and minds with the truth of His Word.
  4. Prayerfully and humbly surrender to the power of the Holy Spirit.
  5. Make it our heart’s desire to love like Jesus.
  6. Let the peace we have in Christ rule over negative emotions.
  7. Live each day with gratitude for all God!

Because He promises that…

Even when it comes to our emotions, when you and I seek Him first, when we want to glorify Him with attitudes, words, and actions, and when we make loving Him and others our highest priority—He will give us everything we need.

Maybe not everything we want.

But definitely, everything we need.

It’s a promise we can count on!

His Word says…

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

Matthew 11:28

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.

Romans 8:38

 “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”

2 Corinthians 12:9

“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Deuteronomy 13:6
Looking at the best ways to manage our feelings and emotions and those expressed by others ... making 2020 the Year of The Emotion Project #TheEmotionProject #WWGGG #SeekGod'sWill #CountingMyBlessings #EmotionalHealth #Well-being #MentalHealth

Whether our need is physical, mental, spiritual, or emotional … I believe God is true to His eternal promises.

When you and I seek Him first, He will give us what we need each day to draw us closer to Himself, to make us more like Jesus, and to help us live for His glory!

I hope you’ll join me each Monday and Thursday as I take a closer look at The Emotion Project. We’ll take a look at what the world has to say and compare it to what God’s Word says … and we’ll pray and ask God to help us know His will that might manage our emotions for His glory.

In the comments, let me know about the emotions you’d like to talk about this year because the truth is…

We all have to deal with emotions! Our own and those demonstrated by the people around us.

But by God’s grace and with His help, I believe we can learn to act and react in ways that will give Him glory. Maybe not perfectly … but better.

So, don’t forget to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update of The Emotion Project – Seeking God’s Will and Living for God’s Glory with our Emotions.

You don’t want to miss next week when we ask the question … Does God Want Me to Be Happy?

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

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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!

A Prayer Full of Hope for the New Year

Verses to pray ... asking God to give you all you need to be full of hope today and throughout the new year. One resolution. One grace. One Savior. #NewYearPrayer #LivewithHope #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #NewYear

I love the beginning of a new year.

A clean calendar. A fresh start in Genesis.

It always feels like a do-over for…

Resolutions. Goals. Hopes. Promises.

That’s typically how I feel on December 30th and 31st. Sometimes the feeling lingers a little and I can carry in through January 1st, 2nd, and maybe even the 3rd. But inevitably, I always come to that moment of realization that no matter how hard I’m trying to maintain that “clean fresh” start … I fail. I mess up. As I bring the junk of the past year into the new one.

And maybe that’s the problem.

Did you catch that one phrase … “no matter how hard I’m trying?”

Maybe it’s not so much about “trying” as it is about surrendering.

John wrote the following words in Revelation 21:

“Behold, I am making all things new.”

verse 5

Our ascended Lord and Savior gives us the hope we need … not only for our eternal future but for our today and tomorrow as well—for the new year ahead.

David wrote:

Praise the Lord!
    For He has heard my cry for mercy.
The Lord is my strength and shield.
    I trust Him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.

Psalm 28:6–7

That’s exceptional news on December 30th and on January 3rd.

The Lord hears our repentant cries for mercy, forgives us of our flaws and failures, and gives us the strength we need. You and I can trust Him to help us when we surrender each day to Him.

So, today I’m praying and asking the Lord to give me all I need to faithfully follow trust and follow Him in the new year. I’m asking Him to be my hope for the New Year. I’d love for you to join me.

A Prayer Full of Hope for the New Year

Verses to pray ... asking God to give you all you need to be full of hope today and throughout the new year. One resolution. One grace. One Savior. #NewYearPrayer #LivewithHope #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #NewYear

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek His will in all you do,
    and He will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:5–6

Father, Please help me. I want to trust You with all my heart and I believe that with Your Spirit at work within me I will have all I need to surrender my heart, mind, and soul completely to You.

I believe You will help me SEEK Your will and give me everything I need to follow the path You set before me. My faith is in You, Lord. I lay my life before You as an offering to be used by Your grace for Your glory.

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, Thank you! Because of Jesus, I can begin the new year trusting that Your mercy covers my sin. I can leave the struggles and failures of the past in the past and I can go into the future knowing I have been made new. I can go into the year ahead with hope trusting that You will give me whatever I need to face whatever You allow. I can get up every morning confident that I am secure in Your faithful never-ending love. By Your grace, I am healed and whole. By Your grace, I am full of hope.

Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

2 Corinthians 5:17

Father, Please imprint these words on my heart and mind. I have been made new in Christ Jesus. My old sinful selfish life is gone as I surrender myself to Your Spirit’s transforming work in my life.

Because of Jesus, I can run to You with my concerns, problems, failures, and emotions. I trust Your grace, mercy, and love. I believe in and with You, my new life can be full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I believe I can live each day full of hope and joy. Thanks and praise now and forever.

[Jabez] was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request.

1 Chronicles 4:10

Father, thank you for wanting me to know this simple humble prayer. And thank you for allowing me to know that it is a request You granted.

So, I join with Jabez and pray…

Father God, please bless me and increase my opportunities to serve You. Some days it can be hard to live in this broken and fallen world. Please be with me in all that I say and do; protect me from evil and keep me safe as I face life’s challenges. Please guard my heart and mind and bless me this day, in Jesus’ name.

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.
Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
    My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love
will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Psalm 23:1–6

Father, Thank you that I can come to You completely dependent on Your direction, protection, and provision. May I be a faith-filled obedient follower of Your will … confident that You will always lead me to the best place in the right ways.

I believe whatever You allow in the year ahead, I will not have to face it alone … You will go with me giving me everything I need. I have nothing to fear for Your grace is sufficient for anything I am permitted to endure.

Father, I trust Your grace, mercy, and love are with me every day of my life and I believe Your promise that I will spend an endless beautiful forever in Your presence. Thanks and praise now and forever. I am gifted this day by Your grace, may I live it full of hope and for Your glory. Amen.

Happy New Year!

Verses to pray ... asking God to give you all you need to be full of hope today and throughout the new year. One resolution. One grace. One Savior. #NewYearPrayer #LivewithHope #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #NewYear

I love this quote…

“Let’s make one resolution this year: to anchor ourselves to God’s grace.”

Churck Swindoll

Of all the resolutions you and I make for a new year, there is really only one we need.

To be attached securely to God’s grace found in Jesus.

One resolution. One grace. One Savior.

May your year be filled with the love of Christ Jesus … the One in whom we have everything we need to live full of hope.

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

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

5 of the Most Popular Posts at Counting My Blessings this Year

A countdown of the most popular posts in 2019. Those most often visited and shared and #1 has been viewed more than 600,000 times this year alone. #PopularPosts #CountingMyBlessings #Blogging #ChristianBloggers #NewYear

It’s been a blessed year here at Counting My Blessings!

I feel so very blessed to be able to do something I love each day.

And I’m blessed by all of you who faithfully visit this space and take the time to encourage me with your comments, shares, and prayers.

I thought it might be fun here at the end of the year to share with you a countdown of this year’s most popular posts. The ones that grabbed your hearts and minds … the ones you passed along to your friends and families, the ones that caused conversations and encouraged prayers.

Maybe you’ve read them recently. Maybe it’s been a while. Either way … I pray they bless you today.

5 of the Most Popular Posts at Counting My Blessings this Year

A countdown of the most popular posts in 2019. Those most often visited and shared and #1 has been viewed more than 600,000 times this year alone. #PopularPosts #CountingMyBlessings #Blogging #ChristianBloggers #NewYear

#5 Verses that will Help When You Need to Know God’s Will

Do you ever just want to know God’s will?

Do you lie awake at night thinking, if I just knew what God wants me to do?

You have a decision to make, a problem to solve, or a path to pursue … you’ve prayed, oh how you’ve prayed but you don’t feel like God is giving you the clear direction you need.

So, you stare at the ceiling, weigh your options, plan to do more research in the morning, and pray some more…

Father, I love you and I want to glorify you with my life. This choice is hard. There are so many possibilities and I have no idea what Your will for me is in this. Please help me. Guide me by Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

And you roll over and try yet again, to get some rest.

I’ve been there. I’m guessing you’ve been there, too.

Although, it may not be easy to know God’s will in some specific situations … there are verses that will help you and me know God’s “always” will. Verses we can turn to when choices are hard and life is confusing.

#4 35 Powerful “I AM” Verses – God Is Who He Says He Is

I know it takes strong faith to have big peace . . . especially when life is hard.

But strong faith in anything that isn’t true or able to keep promises might make us feel better but it won’t give you and me real and lasting peace.

What have you believed that turned out to be untrue?

  • It’s easier to avoid my problems than to face them?
  • Life should be fair?
  • If I feel it, it must be true?
  • I can’t help it. It’s just who I am?
  • I can’t be happy until..?

I know I have. And there was no peace in avoidance, shoulds, and feelings.

To know “the peace that goes beyond understanding,” you and I have to know and trust the Giver of true peace.

So, I went digging.

Digging to know the Giver better.

Who Does God Say He Is?

#3 5 Ways to Know if Something is From God

Do you ever wonder whether you are following God’s will or plan for you?

Do you worry that you might be headed in the wrong direction?

Do you wish God would write His will for your day on your to-do list?

Yep, me too!

Since his ordination, Rev has received calls to serve at various ministries and I’ve had to decide whether I should go back to teaching full-time, part-time or if I should stay at home.

And work is just the beginning, isn’t it?

How many children should we have? Where should our children go to school or should we homeschool? Where should we live? Is that the right house for us? The right church family? When should I retire?

What should I do?

The questions go on and on.

Sometimes it’s easy to tell where God wants us, other times are harder.

Life decisions can cause some of the greatest stress in our lives.

So the question we all want to know is…

“How can you and I know if something is from God?”

#2 5 Verses to Pray When You Need God to Do the Impossible

Do you ever have times when your life’s circumstances seem impossible?

Times when … your relationship is broken, or you can’t find a job, or your child is rebellious, or you can’t break a long-held bad habit, or your pain or illness is worsening, and life is just plain hard?

Times when you wonder if the outcome you’re praying for is even possible?

I’ll be honest with you. I do, too!

I’ve had times when my heart was heavy and I felt like I’d prayed the same prayer request a thousand times. Even now, I have a few big prayers that I continue to pray even though nothing seems to change.

And in my sadness, I start to wonder if I should give up and stop hoping.

But Jesus said…

“What is impossible for people is possible with God.”

Luke 18:27

And He also told people to…

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

Matthew 7:7

So, I’m praying today but I’m not only asking God to do the impossible … I’m believing that He CAN DO the IMPOSSIBLE!

#1 How to Love Your Adult Children Really Well

(This post went viral a few weeks ago, getting more than 600,000 views in one week. If you haven’t read it, you may want to check it out. If you have, you may want to read it again or send it to a friend.)

I’m not a perfect parent.

I’ve always known that, but for a long time, I thought, at least, I was perfect for my children. I don’t know if that’s true either.

But…

One thing I know to be true.

I love them. With all my heart … I love them.

Not perfectly, but completely. Always have. Always will.

I don’t give much parenting advice because well . . . I don’t have much to give. Each child is unique and what worked for me may not work for you and what didn’t work for me might be the answer for you.

Since our children have been grown for some time, I do however have some advice on loving your adult children well…

A countdown of the most popular posts in 2019. Those most often visited and shared and #1 has been viewed more than 600,000 times this year alone. #PopularPosts #CountingMyBlessings #Blogging #ChristianBloggers #NewYear

Well, that’s it! The 2019 Countdown of Popular Posts.

Thank you again – for your prayers and for inspiring me with your faith and prayers. You bless me more than you know!

I thank God for each and every one of you!

Blessings and HUGS! Deb

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

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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!

Praying for God to Bless You this Christmas

Wishing you a Merry Christmas ... praying and asking God to bless you today and in the days, weeks, and months ahead. #ChristmasPrayer #BlessYou #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Merry Christmas, my friends!

I am so thankful for you! You all bless me in countless ways.

So, I’m stopping today to pray for you, I’m asking God to bless you. I’m asking Him to give you a beautiful Christmas celebration and be with you throughout the year ahead.

And I’m asking Him to fill your heart today and always with the faith, hope, and His love.

The Christmas message is that there is hope for a ruined humanity–hope of pardon, hope of peace with God, hope of glory–because at the Father’s will Jesus became poor, and was born in a stable so that thirty years later He might hang on a cross.

J. L. Packer

Praying for God to Bless You this Christmas

Wishing you a Merry Christmas ... praying and asking God to bless you today and in the days, weeks, and months ahead. #ChristmasPrayer #BlessYou #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

With Faith

We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in His grace, freely makes us right in His sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when He freed us from the penalty for our sins.

Romans 3:22–24

Father, Thank you for the gift of Jesus. Thank you for the gift of faith. I pray that you will help us grow … that You will give us each child-like trust to fully submit and rely on Your love.

We all fall short of Your perfect will every day but You sent Jesus to be our example, to suffer our punishment, and to free us to live in Your love. Help us, by the power of Your Spirit.

Hold my friend close on difficult days. Remind them that You will never leave or forsake them. (Hebrews 13:5) Assure them that nothing can snatch them out of Your hand. (John 10:29) Make them secure in Your eternal promise that they have through faith in Jesus.

With Hope

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.

2 Thessalonians 2:16–17

Father, thank you for the gift of Jesus, the Word made flesh … the One who showed us Your huge love and wonderful grace.

I pray that You will fill my friend with the comfort and strength they need today and every day in the year ahead. By the power of Your Spirit, give them all they need to glorify You in all they do and say … not to earn Your favor but in response to Your love that has the power to change lives.

With Love

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.

Lamentations 3:22

Father, You have demonstrated Your love and mercy throughout history. But You never demonstrated it more clearly than that night in Bethlehem when You entered time and space. The angels rejoiced and creation celebrated as Your plan was put into action – from the manger to the cross, from the cross to the grave, and from the grave to resurrection and ascension because Your love never ends and Your mercies never cease.

I pray my friend is able to pause this Christmas and simply rest in the assurance of Your mercy that forgives ever sin and Your love that is able to meet every need.

With Courage and Strength

May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father encourage you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. God loved us, and through His grace He gave us a good hope and encouragement that continues forever.

2 Thessalonians 2:16–17

Father, I ask You to bless my friend with the courage and strength they need today. Your promises are absolute. Your plans are guaranteed. Your forgiveness is complete. Your salvation is everlasting. And Your love is enough for every need.

Thank you for giving us what we need to be strong and courageous in Jesus, through the power of Your Spirit. Thank you for giving us hope and encouragement that lasts forever.

With His Grace, Mercy, Truth, and Love

Grace, mercy, and peace which come from God the Father, and from Jesus Christ—the Son of the Father—will continue to be with us who live in truth and love.

2 John 1:3

Father, please bless my friend’s family with your grace, mercy, and peace. Fill their home with the light of Your love. Bless their celebration of Jesus’ birth and meet every need today and throughout the year ahead. Give them a love for Your Word and bless them with Your presence. Amen.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas ... praying and asking God to bless you today and in the days, weeks, and months ahead. #ChristmasPrayer #BlessYou #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

May God bless you!

My friends, I am so very thankful for you. I love your comments and emails. I love having the opportunity to pray with you and for you. I love living in community with you.

You have no idea how much you encourage me to lean into Jesus and remind me that when we have Him we have everything we need.

I thank God for you and count you among my most precious blessings. Thank you for pouring yourselves into this space through your comments and your prayers.

May your days overflow with blessings … especially the blessings faith, hope, and love. May your life be blessed by the Savior, Jesus – the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life!

Blessings and Hugs! Deb

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

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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!

Praying for Hope in the One Who Really is Christmas

Scripture verses and prayers to help in praying for hope especially when you are facing life's concerns over finances and relationships. #PrayerforHope #ChristmasHope #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Christmas is just days away and as I read through and lift up the prayer requests left on the Blessing Counters Prayer Page, I can’t help but notice how families seem to have two areas of pain and concern that rise to the top … especially at this time of the year.

Finances and relationships.

It’s funny how we get it into our heads that this year we need to do everything we can to make our memories perfect. And for many of us, that means all of our loved ones blissfully gathered together around an amply piled Christmas tree.

Now, I’ll be one of the first to admit – that loving relationships are important and part of God’s desire for us. And I’ll also admit that this time of year makes our broken relationships even more painful. And I know that giving gifts at Christmas is one of the ways we express that love.

I’m also aware that many of the problems people are praying about are greater than gifts and gatherings. It’s just that the Christmas season tends to make us even more aware of what’s lacking in those areas of our lives.

And I wonder if we aren’t all tempted to put a bit of our Christmas focus on what’s less important. I wonder if we expect people and things to fill a hole in us that only God Himself is able to satisfy?

What if we’re hoping God will fix our circumstances … forgetting that He has already given us everything we need in and through Jesus to fix everything in our lives forever.

So, I’m pausing from all the planning and preparations and praying for HOPE. I’m praying to let go of the less important to focus on the One who is the hope of Christmas … Jesus!

Praying for Hope in the One Who Really is Christmas

Scripture verses and prayers to help in praying for hope especially when you are facing life's concerns over finances and relationships. #PrayerforHope #ChristmasHope #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in You alone.

Psalm 33:22

Father, my prayer is that You alone might be my source of hope. The hope You give is the confidence that I can trust Your promises. Jesus is the fulfillment of every promise You have ever made. He is the Living realization of Your love and through Your Spirit … Your unfailing love surrounds me.

You show me through Your Word and the details of my life that I am secure when I place my trust in Jesus, the promise and source of my salvation.

“Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.  The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!

Luke 2:10–11

Father, I try to imagine what that night must have been like. The night the Word in flesh took His first breath of earthly air. The night Your Garden promise was fulfilled.

As I celebrate Jesus’ birth in a few days, please settle my heart and mind on Your grace, mercy, and love. Help me focus on the Savior, the Messiah, the Lord … the One who gave up everything to give me hope I can count on. Hope that is the assurance of Your grace, mercy, and love.

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

Matthew 11:28

Oh Father, how I love these words of Jesus. It’s so tempting to worry about our finances and relationships. This world is broken and too often it robs me of my peace and contentment … things You want for me. Things You invite me to bring to You. Things You want me to bring to You. Things You offer to help me carry.

Thank you! I bring You every concern and burden and ask You to replace it with hope … by Your grace and for Your glory.

God also bound Himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that He would never change His mind. So God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.

Hebrews 6:17–18

Father, Your promises are sure and unchanging. I can count on You and trust Your Word. I can rest secure in Jesus … the Way, Truth, and Life. So, I run to the safety of Your embrace confident that I can place my hope in You … not just for today, but for the New Year, and for the rest of forever.

Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this:

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
    His mercies never cease.
Great is His faithfulness;
    His mercies begin afresh each morning.

Lamentations 3:21–23

Father, I will hold this promise close to my heart whenever I am tempted by doubt and fear. I will remember with hope…

Your unfailing love is perfect and lasting. Your mercy covers every part and every moment of my life. Your grace makes it possible for me to know with certainty that my problems are temporary … that Your grace is sufficient to give me hope when life overwhelms me.

I will hold on to the hope I have in Jesus, the promised One who is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End … the One who came to earth to live the perfect life I am unable to live and suffered the death I deserve that He might rise again to give me life forever with You.

That is grace and mercy. That is Jesus. That is HOPE in the One who is Christmas! My thanks and worship and praise are Yours forever and always. Amen.

Scripture verses and prayers to help in praying for hope especially when you are facing life's concerns over finances and relationships. #PrayerforHope #ChristmasHope #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

I’m Praying for Hope for You

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed by expectations you are putting on yourself or disappointed by your circumstances or the choices of others, know that this is my prayer for you today…

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

Romans 15:13

May your celebration be blessed by the One who is Christmas.

You see the meaning of the word Christmas is Christ’s Mass. He is the reason we celebrate. He is the gift that will last forever. He is the source of our hope!

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

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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!

When You Need to Know You are Precious to the Kingdom

Jesus said the Kingdom of God was like a merchant who sold everything to get a precious pearl. You are that priceless precious pearl! #KingdomofGod #YouarePrecious #GodLovesYou #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Jesus said…

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

Matthew 6:33

He taught His followers to pray…

May Your Kingdom come!

Matthew 6:10

And I realized, I wasn’t sure I knew what to say if someone asked me to explain the Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of Heaven.

So, I decided to do a little research and thought you might be interested to know what I learned.

The term the Kingdom of God or Kingdom of Heaven are used more than 80 times in the New Testament, most often by Jesus Himself. One of Jesus’ earliest proclamations was…

“The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”

Mark 1:15
  1. The Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven are synonyms.
  2. The Kingdom of God is the Spiritual realm over which God reigns supreme.
  3. The Kingdom of God is the fulfillment of God’s will on earth.

The basic meaning of the word kingdom in the Bible is God’s kingly rule — His reign, His action, His lordship, His sovereign governance.

Jesus specifically taught a couple of things about the Kingdom through parables … and although I’ve read these verses countless times, I learned something new this week.

In Matthew 13, Jesus is quoted as saying the following about the Kingdom…

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.

Matthew 13:44

And…

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!”

Matthew 13:45–46

Did you notice the difference in these verses?

In the first one, the Kingdom is the treasure but in the second, the Kingdom is the merchant.

In the first verse, Jesus is telling His followers that the Kingdom of God/Heaven is the most valuable thing they could have.

The Life Application Bible Notes say…

The man who discovered the treasure hidden in the field stumbled upon it by accident but knew its value when he found it. And although the transaction cost him everything, he paid nothing for the priceless treasure itself. It came free, with the field. Nothing is more precious than the Kingdom of Heaven, yet God gives it to us as a gift.

As you and I receive God’s gift of Jesus and surrender our all to Him in faith, God gives us everything we need. EVERYTHING!

How can we KNOW? How can we trust that promise?

Because of Jesus’ second description of the Kingdom.

There Jesus said the Kingdom is like the merchant.

The Life Application Bible Notes say here…

Jesus is displaying another aspect of the Kingdom. [Here] the Kingdom pays the ultimate price to possess the pearl, the price God was willing to pay to redeem us.

YOU ARE THE PRECIOUS PEARL OF GREAT VALUE!

I always thought the pearl of great value was faith … like the great treasure in the field I thought it was what I should seek. And this week I realized that Jesus was saying that I am the pearl of great value and so are you.

God saw you and He gave up everything to save you!

You are so precious to Him!

Jesus said the Kingdom of God was like a merchant who sold everything to get a precious pearl. You are that priceless precious pearl! #KingdomofGod #YouarePrecious #GodLovesYou #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Verses to Remind You How Precious You are to God

Need a reminder? Stop and put your name in the blanks in the verses that follow:

This is how God loved __________: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

God created __________ in His own image. In the image of God He created __________.

Genesis 1:27

__________ is God’s masterpiece. He has created __________ anew in Christ Jesus, to do the good things He planned for us long ago.

God showed His great love for __________ by sending Christ to die for __________ while still a sinner.

Romans 5:8

I know the plans I have for __________,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give __________ a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

Not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; __________ you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

Matthew 10:30–31

“My grace is all __________ needs. My power works best in weakness.” 

2 Corinthians 12:9

Since God did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for __________, won’t He also give everything else?

Romans 8:32

See what great love the Father has lavished on __________, that __________ should be called a child of God!

1 John 3:1

If you’re not feeling precious and abundantly loved by the Father, the Lord of all, go back and read these verses one more time.

Because you are the precious pearl of great value. You are precious to the God of the Universe … Creator, Redeemer, and Comforting Holy Spirit. You are so precious to Him that He gave up the glories of heaven to become like you … a human being in every way except sin, so He could suffer your punishment and mine.

That’s how precious we are to Him.

Jesus said the Kingdom of God was like a merchant who sold everything to get a precious pearl. You are that priceless precious pearl! #KingdomofGod #YouarePrecious #GodLovesYou #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

And that’s the message of Christmas, isn’t it?

In the beginning the Word already existed.
    The Word was with God,
    and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
God created everything through Him,
    and nothing was created except through Him.
The Word gave life to everything that was created,
    and His life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
    and the darkness can never extinguish it.

So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

John 1:1–5, 14

Celebrate Jesus! The One who calls you precious. The One who loves you so much He gave up everything so He could give you everything.

And so … He invites you, and me, to SEEK the Kingdom of God above all else.

Because it is life’s greatest treasure.

We are invited by God Himself to surrender all of the things we think we want or need and to make it our heart’s desire to KNOW and TRUST FATHER GOD through HIS SON, JESUS.

And I think that makes Christmas the perfect time of year to offer ourselves at the manger and make a commitment to SEEK the KINGDOM of GOD today and every day for the rest of our lives.

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

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

5 Verses to Pray that will Help You Stop and Behold

It's such a busy time of year that we don't take the time to stop and behold much of anything but maybe it's time to pray and ask God to help us slow down and behold all He has given us in Jesus. #Christmas #Faith #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #Hope

There’s a word we don’t use very often anymore.

Behold!

Even in the more recent translations of the Bible, the word behold has been replaced with words like … look, see, and watch.

But I think beholding something is so much more than simply looking or seeing. We hurry past things we see every day and I can watch an entire show while texting, online shopping, or perusing social media.

Because like everyone else, I’m typically multi-tasking in a rush to get things done.

So, this simple word grabbed my attention. Because to really “behold” something means to stop and gaze … to fix my eyes and my attention on something.

Beholding is so much more than just glancing as I hurry by, it’s actually pausing long enough to allow the object or idea to touch me.

You and I are so accustomed to life happening fast – especially at Christmastime … that I’ve decided I need a pause. So, I’m challenging myself to take some time to Stop and BEHOLD GOD’S BLESSINGS!

I’m praying and asking God to help me fix my attention on the things He wants me to behold … beautiful blessings of His grace, mercy, and love that change everything at Christmas and every other day of the year. Oh, and on and on into forever, too!

5 Verses to Pray that will Help You Stop and Behold

It's such a busy time of year that we don't take the time to stop and behold much of anything but maybe it's time to pray and ask God to help us slow down and behold all He has given us in Jesus. #Christmas #Faith #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #Hope

Behold, the eye of the Lord 
is on those who fear Him,
On those who hope in His mercy.

Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us,
Just as we hope in You.

Psalm 33:18,22 (NKJV)

Father, thank you!

In this crazy busy time of the year, it’s so easy for me to get distracted by the activities and my long list of self-imposed things I tell myself I need to do. Please forgive me and help me behold Your blessings. Help me focus on the things that matter to You. Help me SEEK YOU FIRST in spite of life’s demands and distractions.

Because no matter what is going on in my life … I can count on the blessing that You are watching over me. I love you, Lord! I trust Your love and I put my life and my hope in Your grace and mercy.

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Matthew 1:23 (NKJV)

Father, these simple words always grab my heart. The miracle – a Son, Your Son … He could have been born anywhere to anyone. Jesus could have left the glories of heaven and entered into the luxuries of earth. He could have joined the rich and powerful. But your plan of love from the beginning chose a humble virgin from a modest family.

And by the power of Your Spirit through Mary, the Word became flesh. God became Man, taking on human limitations to do what we were unable to do for ourselves. You sacrificed yourself to give us life! The best news in the world is … “God with us.” Lived among us. Died our death. And rose to give us life forever. Thank you! Thank you!

“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Luke 2:10–11, 13–14 (NKJV)

Oh, Father, I want to pause and behold this sight. I want to picture what it must have been like to be one of the shepherds standing in that field on a typically quiet night when suddenly the angel proclamation became a massive heavenly choir praising You for Your holy gift.

May I live each day in anticipation of the day when I will personally behold Your glory filling the skies. Fill me with humble faith that I might live surrendered to You today and trust Your forever promises for the future.

[Jesus] said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”

Luke 24:38–39 (NKJV)

And Father, when life is hard and doubts arise please help me pause and behold my risen Savior, Jesus. Help me remember all He has done for me. Help me remember His promises and follow His teachings and examples. Help me behold His sacrificial love that changes everything.

Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection … I am forgiven and free. I am redeemed. I am Your child. I am treasured. I am loved. And I have an eternal future filled with hope.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

Father, Because of Jesus, You are making me a new creation. I have Your Spirit with and within me. Because of Jesus, I am blessed with “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23)

Because of Jesus … my past is behind me, my guilt is gone, and my future is secure. I am able to live each day confident that through Your all-sufficient grace I have everything I need to live with hope today, tomorrow, and forever. In Jesus’ name, I am Yours. Thank you! Amen.

It's such a busy time of year that we don't take the time to stop and behold much of anything but maybe it's time to pray and ask God to help us slow down and behold all He has given us in Jesus. #Christmas #Faith #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #Hope

Our hope, my hope rests on God’s promise of a perfect eternal future in His presence. So, I want to stop one last time today to BEHOLD His Revelation Promise!

“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.

Revelation 21:3–6

I’m stopping to pray that the thought of beholding what we have received through God’s gift of Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, blesses you today and every day for the rest of your life.

God bless you as you stop and behold!

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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Celebrate Jesus, the One Who is the Great “I AM”

Jesus told us a lot about who He is in comments that begin, "I AM." You and I can trust that Jesus was and is who He says He is - the Great I AM! #Jesus #Christmas #Faith #Hope #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

I absolutely love John’s Gospel. In fact, I read it multiple times each year.

And every time I do, I feel myself being wrapped in God’s love.

In the beginning the Word already existed.
    The Word was with God,
    and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
God created everything through Him,
    and nothing was created except through Him.
The Word gave life to everything that was created,
    and His life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
    and the darkness can never extinguish it.

John 1:1–5

Jesus

God, Creator, Giver of Life and Light
The WORD

The Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

John 1:14

Jesus

God became man that we might fully know Him … He came to save us from our sinful nature and make it possible for us to know and love Him intimately and personally.

So today, I want to stop for a few moments to simply look at Jesus’ “I AM” verses … and the things The Word in the flesh told us about Himself.

Things Jesus, the Great “I AM,” Said About Himself

Jesus told us a lot about who He is in comments that begin, "I AM." You and I can trust that Jesus was and is who He says He is - the Great I AM! #Jesus #Christmas #Faith #Hope #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29

“Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Matthew 14:27

“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:20

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

Then the high priest asked Him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus said, “I AM. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Mark 14:61-62

“Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” Luke 24:39

Then Jesus told her, “I Am the Messiah!” John 4:26

Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12

“Unless you believe that I am who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.” John 8:24

Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I Am!” John 8:58

“I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.” John 10:9

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” John 11:25

“I tell you this beforehand so that when it happens you will believe that I am the Messiah.” John 13:19

 “There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” John 14:2-3

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is.” John 14:6-7

Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do. John 14:11

“When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” John 14:20

“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

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.” John 17:20

“Who are you looking for?” He asked. “Jesus the Nazarene,” they replied. “I am He,” Jesus said. [And] they all drew back and fell to the ground! John 18:4–6

Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” John 18:37

I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’

“‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked.“ And the voice replied, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, the one you are persecuting.’” Acts 22:7-8

“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.” Revelation 1:8

“I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.” Revelation 1:18

 “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have so that no one will take away your crown.” Revelation 3:11

And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” Revelations 21:5

Jesus told us a lot about who He is in comments that begin, "I AM." You and I can trust that Jesus was and is who He says He is - the Great I AM! #Jesus #Christmas #Faith #Hope #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

The Word in flesh … Jesus!

The Life Application Notes introduce the Book of John this way…

HE SPOKE, and galaxies whirled into place, stars burned in the heavens, and planets began orbiting their suns—words of awesome, unlimited, unleashed power.

Eternal, infinite, unlimited—He was, is, and always will be the Maker and Lord of all that exists.

And Jesus, the Maker and Lord of all said…

“I loved you as the Father loved me. Now remain in my love.”

John 15:9

Whatever you or I experience today – we can know with confidence that the Lord of the Universe loves us so much He gave up everything for us. His promises are sure and lasting. He is worthy of our complete trust.

He is the source of love…

We love because He first loved us.

1 John 4:19

Just ask John … the one who sat closest to Him as He walked and taught, suffered and died, rose and ascended to show people like you and me just how very much we are loved by the Lord of all that exists.

God bless you! May you rest in the peace of His promises today and always.

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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I Want to Know MY WHY for Christmas

Why do we allow December to make us so stressful? I decided I want to know I do all that I do at this time of the year. I want to know my why for Christmas. #ChristmasTraditions #Faith #WWGGG #Jesus #CountingMyBlessings

It’s December 6th and for most of us our Christmas preparations are in full swing.

Our calendars are full and our to-do lists are long. And we’re starting to wonder…

How am I going to get everything done in less than three weeks?

THREE WEEKS! Are you kidding?

But before full-on panic sets in and I start to hyperventilate, I want to pause for a moment and ask an important question…

Why do I celebrate Christmas?

Well..?

Be honest. What was your first thought?

Just for fun, I did a quick Google search to find out what others had to say about it. And I found:

Why do we celebrate Christmas on December 25th?
What is the history of Christmas?
Should Christians Celebrate Christmas?
Is it wrong to celebrate Christmas?

I found a lot of facts, details, and history but that wasn’t what I was looking for.

I’m not curious about why December 25th was chosen or whether someone else thinks celebrating the holiday is appropriate, I want to know “why” or to be more specific … I want to know the emotional reasons people celebrate Christmas.

Because I’m a Sanguine and I want to know the emotional reason behind everything!

Picture me smiling here – but seriously, I really want to know why? Why do we invest so much in the Christmas season? Why do we shop, bake, decorate, and celebrate?

Why do we celebrate Christmas the way we do? Is it…

  • to impress our friends?
  • to make memories for our children and grandchildren?
  • to keep up with the neighbors?
  • because we love it?
  • because it’s a tradition?
  • because it’s expected?
  •  because everyone else is celebrating?

In all the years I’ve celebrated Christmas I don’t believe I’ve ever asked myself . . . my why for Christmas?

I know it’s the celebration of Jesus’ birth. But I’m stopping today to wonder if the way I celebrate … really celebrates and worships Him?

I wonder—do I celebrate Christmas this way for Him or for me?

Because in all honesty, I don’t think Jesus cares if my tree is decorated perfectly; if I attend every party or even if I host a party. I don’t think He cares if my family has the perfect outfits to wear. I don’t think He cares if I give the perfect gifts.

I even asked myself if…

I want to give the perfect presents because I want to be appreciated … more than because I love the people for whom I’m buying gifts?

I don’t know about you but I’m squirming a little. These are tough questions, aren’t they?

If I’m going to invest an entire month out of every year in something, I want to look way past the surface and know why. I want to know MY WHY. And that isn’t easy, especially when we’re so scheduled and overwhelmed that slowing down for even a minute of reflection seems unthinkable.

But that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to stop for a moment and figure out MY WHY for Christmas.

I want the way I celebrate Christmas to have value. I want quality over quantity.

Why do we allow December to make us so stressful? I decided I want to know I do all that I do at this time of the year. I want to know my why for Christmas. #ChristmasTraditions #Faith #WWGGG #Jesus #CountingMyBlessings

I Want to Know MY WHY for Christmas

My goal this year, and every year going forward is to celebrate Christmas in ways that really celebrate Jesus.

When I remember that Jesus was born to a teenage mother in a far less than a beautifully decorated setting, I don’t believe all the trappings we include are important to Him.

So what is..?

For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus… What is important is faith expressing itself in love.

Galatians 5:6

Faith. Love.

That’s it!

Everything! Yes, everything …. even and maybe especially Christmas is about living my faith as an expression of God’s love.

Everything else, all that you and I do beyond that … it’s all just stuff.

Jesus gave up the glory of heaven because of His overwhelming love for sinful and broken people.

So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

John 1:14

I don’t know about you, but that thought overwhelms me. I don’t like to spend an afternoon doing something difficult or unpleasant.

Jesus entered the restrictions of time and space, brokenness and filth, illness and pain all because of love!

Love for the broken and imperfect, for the lost and wandering, for the hopeless and helpless … for people like you and like me.

Love was and is Jesus’ why for Christmas!

I love this quote…

“So God throws open the door of this world—and enters as a baby. As the most vulnerable imaginable. Because He wants unimaginable intimacy with you. What religion ever had a god that wanted such intimacy with us that He came with such vulnerability to us? What God ever came so tender we could touch Him? So fragile that we could break Him? So vulnerable that His bare, beating heart could be hurt? Only the One who loves you to death.”

Ann Voskamp

And He invites you and me to trust His love as if our very lives depend on it … because they do. Not just our eternal lives but our every day “walking around interacting with other people” lives, even during the month of December.

So, I’m pausing and I’m grabbing my calendar and my to-do list and doing a bit of prayerful soul-searching. I want to give myself grace to not attend every event and do every traditional task. I’m giving myself permission not to plan the perfect menu or have my home impeccably decorated.

And I’m writing in time to spend as many quiet moments as possible sitting at Jesus’ feet … being still and knowing His love. I’m also slowing down enough to notice the people around me wherever I am and to make the intentional effort to show everyone God’s love and kindness.

And yes, I’ll probably do many of the things that have become family traditions but my prayer is that I’ll know why I’m doing them.

That I’ll know MY WHY for Christmas is to show the people around me how much they are loved by Jesus and by me.

I want to focus on…

Thank[ing] God for this gift too wonderful for words!

2 Corinthians 9:15
Why do we allow December to make us so stressful? I decided I want to know I do all that I do at this time of the year. I want to know my why for Christmas. #ChristmasTraditions #Faith #WWGGG #Jesus #CountingMyBlessings

Because as Frank McKibben said…

“This is Christmas: not the tinsel, not the giving and receiving, not even the carols, but the humble heart that receives anew the wondrous gift, the Christ.”

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

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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 Give God Glory with Your Flaws and Scars

How God taught me a lesson through my chipped candle holder that He is able to shine through our lives even though we have flaws and scars. #God'sStrength #BibleVerses #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Have you ever had good intentions turn into regret?

It can happen in all kinds of ways…

Your words were misunderstood.
Actions misinterpreted.
Or simply an accident you can’t undo.

I’ve experienced all of the above but most recently it was the last one that the Lord used to teach me a lesson.

It all started the morning I decided to put up our Christmas decorations. I gathered the fall stuff up and boxed it away.

But before I carried the Christmas boxes upstairs, I decided to clean some of our year-round items … things I dust often but only “clean” occasionally.

And that’s the reason why I took a close look at this large glass candle holder that sits in a featured spot on our kitchen island. I bought it specifically for this house and that space.

I love it!

How God taught me a lesson through my chipped candle holder that He is able to shine through our lives even though we have flaws and scars. #God'sStrength #BibleVerses #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

As I took a closer look, I realized it was covered with fingerprints and remnants of seasonal “dust” – so, I decided to carry it over to the sink and give it a good scrubbing.

Did I mention that it’s large?

Well, it’s heavy, too!

Once I added water and soap, it was awkward, slippery, and hard to handle.

And that’s when the rim bumped the edge of the counter. I heard a crack and a clink. The sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach was confirmed by the chip of glass that glistened up from the bottom of the sink.

After the initial “OH NO!” I ran and grabbed some super-glue hoping a little magic would make it as good as new.

But I was wrong. Although the chip fit the space perfectly and the glue held tight … the scarred edges were still unpleasantly noticeable.

As the day went on, I checked out the flaw every time I walked by the counter. All I could think about was that it was no longer unblemished. I considered replacing it with a new and “perfect” duplicate.

And I continued to do some serious self-loathing because I hadn’t been more careful.

I thought about it as I went to sleep and it was on my mind when I woke up the next morning.

But by God’s grace, He replaced the negative thoughts from the day before with something new…

“In this sinful world you will receive bumps and bruises. Some will even leave you wounded and scarred. But I want you to remember every time you see the flaw on this candle holder … that the light still shines even though it’s damaged.

And in the same way … you can shine the light of my love even with your flaws and scars.“

How God taught me a lesson through my chipped candle holder that He is able to shine through our lives even though we have flaws and scars. #God'sStrength #BibleVerses #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

How to Give God Glory with Your Flaws and Scars

Of all the miserable things that can happen in this life … my damaged decor item falls way down on the list of things that are upsetting. I’ve experienced worse in the past and I’m sure you have too.

And yet, I love how the Lord used this one to not only remind me of an important lesson for today. He gave me a lasting reminder for the future.

A reminder to shine His love for His glory even though I will never do it flawlessly…

Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Matthew 5:16

Friends, our flaws and scars do not disqualify us. In fact, it might possibly be those very things that help us shine the Lord’s light in unique and personal ways. It may be that…

  • The scar of betrayal enables us to love the person who is in pain after being betrayed.
  • The scar of repentance that led to forgiveness reminds us that the Lord wants us to forgive others.
  • The scar of former fear helps us love the person who is experiencing fear right now.
  • The scar of having walked in grief strengthens us to walk with someone who is grieving.
  • The scars of worry, guilt, shame, rejection, and loneliness … help us love hurting people in a broken world.
God can help us use our flaws and scars to love the people around us who are struggling and in pain.

Not on our own.

Well, at least not on my own…

But with God’s grace.

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

I have to admit that I struggle to stay on that “firm foundation.” I need God’s help which is why I’m so thankful He gave me this tangible reminder.

I’m also thankful for Paul’s honesty in writing about his struggle. I’m glad we don’t know the actual source of his “thorn in the flesh.”

Some think it was a physical ailment, others wonder about an ongoing disability. Some question whether it was the result of persecution and the problems he endured.

I’ve even wondered if it might not be the continuous taunting of the enemy attacking Paul’s heart and mind for persecuting Jesus’ followers before the Lord reached out to him on the road to Damascus.

Whatever it was, God wanted you and me to be able to see ourselves in Paul’s tri-fold plea for deliverance and hold tight to His loving response…

God 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 12:9

And God’s grace is enough. It’s all we need.

How God taught me a lesson through my chipped candle holder that He is able to shine through our lives even though we have flaws and scars. #God'sStrength #BibleVerses #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

God’s grace is enough for us to shine the light and love of Jesus to a broken and hurting world. Enough for us to use our scars to remember that everyone is wounded … everyone needs to know His grace, mercy, and love.

His grace is enough to give us everything we need to glorify Him … even with our flaws and scars.

After writing words of God’s promise to give him all-sufficient grace, Paul said…

Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.

2 Corinthians 12:10 (MSG)

Paul didn’t deny or ignore the flaws and scars, he invited God to use them to make him stronger … to help him. He wrote in his letter to the Ephesians…

Once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

Ephesians 5:8–9

You know, a funny thing happened as I looked closely at my flawed candle holder…

I saw light shining right through the middle of the chipped glass.

And I realized I really am thankful for this daily reminder of God’s sufficient grace, mercy, and love.

Whatever happens … the things I do that cause me pain, the things done by others or the problems I experience because the world is broken by sin, the Lord is able to give me everything I need to shine the light of His love.

And He’s able to give you everything you need too!

By His grace may we shine His light for His glory through our flaws and scars!

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

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

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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!