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A Simple Way to Strengthen Your Faith in the Lord

If you, like so many others, are longing to strengthen your faith in God, I believe this will help you and give you hope in the truth of His forever promises. #God'sPromises #StrongerFaith #Hope #NewBook #BookReview #Journal #Women'sJournal #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Jesus and His inner circle had just descended from the mountain of Transfiguration.

And talk about a mountain top experience!

Can you imagine witnessing Jesus in His GLORY standing and talking with Moses and Elijah? It’s hard to envision, isn’t it?

The next verses are easier to for me to get my brain around as many of us have experienced that feeling of crashing into life’s realities after a great spiritual high.

Really, can’t we all relate to arguing and feeling overwhelmed and desperately needing healing and falling short?

AND can’t we relate to the pleading father’s words:

“Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him . . . I asked your disciples but they couldn’t do it. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”

Mark 9:17–18, 22b (paraphrase mine)

I picture Jesus with a twinkle in His eye as He said:

“What do you mean, ‘If I can’? Anything is possible if a person believes.”

Mark 9:23

But it’s the father’s next words that have been indelibly imprinted on my heart:

“I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

Mark 9:24

Haven’t we all had times when life is overwhelming—when our circumstances are painful and we filled with fear? Times when we, like the father, cry out, “I do believe…”

♥ Help me when I doubt!
♥ Help me when I’m anxious and afraid!
♥ Help me when I’m overwhelmed!
♥ Help me when I need to simply trust You!
♥ Help me and strengthen my faith!

The Life Application Bible Notes for the father’s plea say:

No matter how much faith we have, we never reach the point of being self-sufficient. Faith is not stored away like money in the bank. Growing in faith is a constant process of daily renewing our trust in Jesus.

A friend and I spent some time talking this past week about what an exceptionally hard year 2020 has as been for everyone. The kind of year when many of us are crying out for more faith and hope . . . for a stronger relationship with the Lord.

Like the father, we’re pleading…

“Lord, I believe. Help me overcome my unbelief!”

And that’s my prayer! Lord, help me stand strong on the firm foundation of faith found in Jesus.

So, I’d really like to tell you about something that has helped me and I believe will help to strengthen your faith.

A Simple Way to Strengthen Your Faith in the Lord

If you, like so many others, are longing to strengthen your faith in God, I believe this will help you and give you hope in the truth of His forever promises. #God'sPromises #StrongerFaith #Hope #NewBook #BookReview #Journal #Women'sJournal #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

I started reading through the Bible at a time when life’s circumstances knocked me into a pit of despair and I desparately needed God’s help.

Over the past 15 years, God has gently and lovingly pulled me out of that pit and proven to me that:

The word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Hebrews 4:12

The more I sought the Lord through His living and active Word and the more time I spent with Him in prayer His Spirit slowly and steadily strengthened my faith.

If you, like so many others, are longing to strengthen your faith in God, I believe this will help you and give you hope in the truth of His forever promises. #God'sPromises #StrongerFaith #Hope #NewBook #BookReview #Journal #Women'sJournal #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

One of my favorite promises became:

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

Asaph, a musical leader in David’s courts, wrote those words thousands of years ago; and yet, they sound like they were written for 2020, don’t they?

This year it seems we all know someone or several someones with failing health and weak spirits.

My constant prayer has been that it’s the next words . . . the “but God” part of the verse that will become the focus of our hearts and minds.

But God…

  • is the strength of my heart (Psalm 73:26)
  • will be with you. (Genesis 48:21)
  • is my helper. (Psalms 54:4)
  • is strong. (Jeremiah 50:34)
  • showed His great love and faithfulness. (Romans 5:8)
  • encourages those who are discouraged. (2 Corinthians 7:6)
  • is so rich in mercy. (Ephesians 2:4)

Because it is the “but God” promises that are our faith strengtheners.

We are so blessed to have God’s promises to uplift our hearts and strengthen our faith every time we read them.

That’s why I started journaling my thoughts and prayers a couple of years ago. I wanted to have a place where I could write the promises God used to touch me and inspire my faith. I wanted to keep a record of the thoughts that God imprinted on my heart. And I wanted to use those promises and thoughts as prompts to write my prayers and talk with the Lord about the things He was teaching me.

So, when I was invited to write a Women’s Devotional Journal . . . I have to tell you, I was thrilled! You see, there is nothing I love more than telling people about the way God has patiently worked in my life. How He transformed my fear into faith and gave me hope. And I love helping and encouraging everyone and reminding them that they can trust Him to work beautiful blessings in their lives as well.

So, I am beyond excited to tell you about my new book.

I believe it will help to inspire you and strengthen your faith in the Lord!

52-Week Devotional Journal for Women!

PROMPTS AND PRAYERS TO REFLECT AND CONNECT WITH GOD

If you, like so many others, are longing to strengthen your faith in God, I believe this will help you and give you hope in the truth of His forever promises. #God'sPromises #StrongerFaith #Hope #NewBook #BookReview #Journal #Women'sJournal #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

A little bit about this book:

No matter what your busy week may throw your way, God is with you every moment. So, allow yourself to take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional with scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts written just for women. You will strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith throughout the coming year.

Every weekly devotion begins with a scripture passage and an original reflection, followed by four succinct but stirring prompts to give you an opportunity to journal on your life, faith, and relationship with God.

The last prompt in each devotion inspires you to connect with the Lord through prayer surrendering your burdens . . . opening yourself to His wisdom and grace.

Together we will look at topics like – creating balance in daily life, learning to live guilt-free, help for finding peace in moments of pain, ways to seek Him and experience joy, and so much more.

I am so thrilled to be able to take this faith strengthening journey with you!

Please let me know how I can pray for you throughout the year ahead. What are your greatest hopes and prayers as you ask God to strengthen your faith?

May God bless you and your journey of faith.

Grab your copy of the
52-WEEK DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL FOR WOMEN
here!

Thanks so much for the ways you bless
and encourage me! God bless you!

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

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

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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!

Praise God – Jesus is the Great I AM of the World

Thanking and praising God for giving us the truth we need in and through Jesus, the Good Shepherd, the Alpha and Omega, the Messiah, the Great I AM. #greatIAM #Jesus #Faith #Prayer #BibleStudy #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

I hate chaos and confusion. So, I have to admit this has been a hard year for me. It’s been a time when mixed messages have been used to mislead and manipulate . . . and I have found myself feeling discouraged and disheartened.

The source of chaos and confusion is the enemy of our souls.

Jesus said…

When he [the devil] lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.

John 8:44

Jesus referred to Himself as “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”

When Pilate asked Jesus if He was a king. He replied…

“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

And He prayed…

Make them holy by Your truth; teach them Your word, which is truth.

John 17:17

And Paul wrote to Timothy…

Remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true…

2 Timothy 3:14–16a

That’s why I love reading Scripture. It teaches me what is true. And from beginning to end the truth of Scripture points to Jesus, the Messiah – our Lord and Savior.

I’m praying the TRUTH about Jesus . . . the One who sets us free and gives us the strength to follow anywhere He leads. The One who has always been and will be forever. The Great “I AM” Lord of all creation.

Will you join me as I offer a prayer of thanks and praise?

Praise God – Jesus is
the Great I AM of the World

Thanking and praising God for giving us the truth we need in and through Jesus, the Good Shepherd, the Alpha and Omega, the Messiah, the Great I AM. #greatIAM #Jesus #Faith #Prayer #BibleStudy #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

The One Who Sets Us Free

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.

John 8:34–36

Father, thank you for Jesus, the One who set me free by breaking the power of sin, death, and the influence of the enemy’s lies. You said through the prophet Isaiah, “I, the Lord, made you, and I will not forget you. I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.” (Isaiah 44:22b–23) Jesus suffered my punishment and paid the price to set me free so I might become the person You created me to be.

Please help me keep my heart and mind focused on Jesus, whose life, death, and resurrection makes it possible for me to be a forever member of Your family. I am overwhelmed by Your love, Jesus’ love, and the Holy Spirit’s loving presence, guidance, and help. Thank you!

The Good Shepherd

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

Psalm 23:1–3

Lord, thank you for being my Shepherd . . . for supplying everything I need. Thank you for giving me peace and strength when life feels overwhelming. Thank you for guiding me along a life path that You have planned for my good and Your glory. Please help me focus on You and follow You wherever You lead me with a joy-filled grateful heart.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices His life for the sheep. 

John 10:11

Lord Jesus, how awesome Your love is. You willingly gave Your life to save mine. You watch over me. You would even “leave the ninety-nine others on the hills [to] go out to search for the one that is lost?” (Matthew 18:12) You searched for me! Thank you! By Your grace, may I trust and obey You in all I do and say. May I focus my heart and mind on Your truth, trusting You to give me everything I need each day.

The Alpha and Omega

Grace and peace to you from the One who is and was and is coming, and from the seven spirits before His throne, and from Jesus Christ. Jesus is the faithful witness, the first among those raised from the dead. He is the ruler of the kings of the earth.

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

Revelations 1:4–5,8

Lord, You are the Alpha and Omega. I have always loved this promise. Each time I read it or the Spirit brings it to mind I am flooded with peace. What a beautiful thing it is to know You have always been and You always will be. You were El Shaddai before creation, You have been Almighty God throughout all of history, You are all-powerful in every present situation, and You will reign as God Almighty forever and always.

“Listen! I am coming soon! 

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

Revelation 22:12a,13

Lord Jesus, please give me everything I need each day to be fully prepared for Your return. My heart’s desire is to “seek first” You and Your Kingdom, to trust and obey You in all things, and to love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

It overwhelms me that through faith, by grace, I am promised a glorious future with You that lasts for all eternity. You are my Lord and Savior. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

The Great “I AM”

The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When He comes, He will explain everything to us.”

Then Jesus told her, “I AM the Messiah!”

John 4:25–26

Father, thank you for sending Jesus, the Messiah, to save us. He is my Savior who left the glory of heaven to live the perfect life I am unable to live, to suffer the punishment I deserve and give me an eternal future I don’t. Jesus came to save me . . . like the woman here, He meets me at my well of failures and offers me grace and mercy. I thank and praise You for loving me and giving me what my soul needs most.

Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I AM!” 

John 8:58

Father, thank you for Jesus, the Word made flesh who came to make His home among us. (John 1:1, 14) Jesus made it possible for us to see You, Father. (John 14:9) He showed us Your care and compassion. He proclaimed the future full of purpose and hope You want for us. He showed us Your love.

Today, I surrender my life to You. Please help me be a living witness of Your grace, mercy, and love. Please help me love like Jesus and live every moment of my life for Your glory. Amen.

Thanking and praising God for giving us the truth we need in and through Jesus, the Good Shepherd, the Alpha and Omega, the Messiah, the Great I AM. #greatIAM #Jesus #Faith #Prayer #BibleStudy #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

If, like me, you’re struggling with the world’s message that feels both chaotic and confusing . . . join me in turning your focus from the noise of mixed messages to the Word of Truth, the Word made flesh, the Great I AM.

Because of His great love for you and me, He came to set us free from sin and its consequences. He came to show us God, the Father, and tell us that He is the Messiah, the Great I AM, to make it possible for us to have an eternal future with Him in heaven.

He is our source of peace today and hope for the future. So, pause often today to thank God for His gracious and awesome gift of love.

God be with you and bless you!

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

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

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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 Gratitude a Part of Every Day

You and I are faced with choices to either grumble or live with gratitude every day. One brings frustration and the other brings joy. How we can choose joy. #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #livewithjoy #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Okay, I’ll admit it, I wasn’t feeling very thankful.

In my defense, I was pregnant and my raging hormones were definitely affecting my attitude. It seems silly in retrospect, but there I was standing in our closet grumbling to myself as I moved Rev’s suit jackets and dress pants from wire hangers back to the more appropriate suit hangers.

It’s kind of funny when I think about it now, especially considering all the parenting tasks that were ahead but…

That day, all I could think about was having to do something I’d reminded him about multiple times before. Doesn’t everyone know a suit loses its shape and wrinkles if it’s not hanging on a suit hanger?

But then, right there in the middle of my grumbling, I heard the still quiet voice of the Lord whisper…

“Would you prefer he wasn’t here?”

Wait! What?

NO!

God has blessed me with an amazing man. I have so many reasons to be thankful for him.

I don’t believe God’s words were a threat. They were a reminder to love first. And those six words have remained in my heart and mind forever. God gently helped me realize that . . . I could celebrate who Rev is and all the blessings he brings to my life or I can grumble about little things like hangers. I could build him up or tear him down. Choosing to “Love First” is a decision we make every day.

Because, the truth is…

LOVING FIRST by SHOWING GRATITUDE is a CHOICE YOU MAKE EVERY DAY

You and I are faced with gratitude choices every day. We can choose to focus on ourselves and grumble when the people around us aren’t meeting our expectations or we can focus on ways we are blessed by and through them and show them gratitude.

So, I’ve compiled a list of 50 ways to make gratitude part of every day. Ways to bless our families, our communities, and the world around us. There are even a few ways you and I can thank God Himself. The Lord placed us where we are for a reason and the best way to show gratitude to Him is to live boldly with gratitude right where we are!

One of my favorite verses on living with gratitude is…

Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Colossians 3:16b–17

And a favorite gratitude quote…

“Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” ~Henri Frederic Amiel

So let’s check out that list:

You and I are faced with choices to either grumble or live with gratitude every day. One brings frustration and the other brings joy. How we can choose joy. #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #livewithjoy #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

50 Ways to Make Gratitude a Part of Every Day

Start with Gratitude at Home:

  1. Make a Gratitude Jar or Board – Have your family fill the jar or make notes on the board of all the reasons they are thankful for each other.
  2. Have a “Do Something for Someone Challenge” – It doesn’t have to be a big deal. Just encourage everyone in your family to look for ways to do something nice each day without having to be asked.
  3. Write a thank-you note to a family member telling them why you appreciate them.
  4. Go around the table at dinner and have each person name a way someone in the family blessed them that day.
  5. Make an “Our Family Thank You” Song or Saying – Have fun with this. Make up a “thank you” song to sing or sentence to repeat that’s unique to your family. (We simply tell each other . . . “I thank the Lord for you!”
  6. Do little things you know speaks a loved one’s Love Language . . . something you know will make them feel loved and appreciated.
  7. Take time to listen to understand not just to reply.
  8. Do your best to be patient even when life is crazy or chaotic.
  9. Forgive each other quickly.
  10. Take an interest in a family member’s hobby or passion.
  11. Make saying “thank you” a priority before a gift can be used. Send a snail mail note or make a video and send it to the gift giver.
  12. Set aside a time to enjoy a date night with your spouse as often as possible. Even if you just set aside time for the two of you at home after the kids have gone to bed.
  13. Have one on one time with each child at least once a month.
  14. Find the humor in life and LAUGH OFTEN!
  15. PRAY for family members at home and away.
  16. Talk about what they learned from a bad situation and how they might end up being thankful for it.
  17. Make a small handmade gift or card.
  18. When you’re angry – stop, breathe, and pray before you speak.
  19. Make home a no insult zone – not even in humor.
  20. Compliment each other more than you complain.
You and I are faced with choices to either grumble or live with gratitude every day. One brings frustration and the other brings joy. How we can choose joy. #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #livewithjoy #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Thank Your Friends and People in Your Community

  1. Call or send a note to thank a friend just for being there for you.
  2. Donate food, unused clothes, toys, and household items to help those in need.
  3.  Serve at a shelter or senior center.
  4. Carry “Homeless Care Kits” to give to someone in need. (Include toothpaste, a toothbrush, tissues, lip balm, hand wipes, a bottle of water, and a granola bar.)
  5. Let your children see you show gratitude to those who help you. – Servers, trash collectors, checkers, receptionists, etc.
  6. Take a prayer walk in your neighborhood.
  7. Donate blood to save a life.
  8. Teach a skill, language, or hobby at your community center.
  9. Help a neighbor – babysit, cut the grass, shovel the walk, cook a meal, etc.
  10. Invite someone to join your holiday celebration. – I have a friend who does this and says that an added benefit is it puts everyone on their best behavior.
  11. Help your children write a thank you note to babysitters, teachers, and pastors and pray for them.
  12. Smile at strangers -“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” ~Mother Teresa (Even with masks . . . Smile! It makes your eyes sparkle.)

Offer Gratitude and Kindness Around the World

  1. Sponsor a child through World Vision or Compassion Int.
  2. Pack a Shoe Box for Operation Christmas Child.
  3. Write a thank you note to a someone serving in the military – get ideas here.
  4. Pray for those serving in missions.
  5. Help a missionary with financial support.
  6. Join Samaritan’s Purse Prayer Network.
  7. Recycle and conserve energy . . . take care of the earth.
  8.  Go on a mission trip.

Thank and Praise God

  1. Make a list of family blessings and thank and praise God together.
  2. Read a Psalm and give thanks. (Try Psalm 34, 100, 111, or 150)
  3. Live thankful today – let go of the past and don’t worry about tomorrow.
  4. Love and serve the people God has placed in your life.
  5. Find 10 more ways to thank God here.

Be Someone Who Shows Gratitude Everywhere Every Day

  1. Always be honest and kind.
  2. Be complimentary and encouraging.
  3. Offer grace – don’t expect perfection.
  4. Notice people – make eye contact.
  5. See everyone you meet as someone dearly loved and precious to God.

And just for fun!

♥ Tell someone, “You bless me!

I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts He has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. 

1 Corinthians 1:4

Finally…

Another reason to count our blessings and live with gratitude.

You and I are faced with choices to either grumble or live with gratitude every day. One brings frustration and the other brings joy. How we can choose joy. #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #livewithjoy #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

If the World were 100 People

If we looked at the earth’s population as if it were a small community of 100 people, it would look something like this…

Gender

  • 50 Male
  • 50 Female

RELIGION:

  • 32 are Christian
  • 53 are Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, or Other Religion
  • 15 Identify as Not Religious

FOOD:

  • 24 Always have enough food to eat
  • 16 Go hungry some of the time
  • 34 Always hungry
  • 26 Severely undernourished

FREEDOMS:

  • 60 can’t speak, act according to their faith and conscience due to harassment, imprisonment, torture or death
  • 40 live in a country designated as “free”
  • 12 live in a war zone

EDUCATION & TECHNOLOGY:

  • 83 can read 17 cannot
  • 7 have a college degree
  • 22 own or share a computer

LIVING STANDARDS

  • 10 live on less than $2 a day
  • 50 live on about $6 a day
  • 1 of 2 children live in poverty
  • 33 live without basic sanitation
  • 75 easily have access to safe water, 25 do not or spend much of the day walking to get it

Friend…

If you keep your food in a refrigerator and your clothes in a closet…
If you have a bed to sleep in and have a roof over your head…
If you have people who care about you…

You are abundantly blessed. I am too! May we faithfully thank and praise God by showing our gratitude and love every day . . . to Him and to the people He has placed around us.

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

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

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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!

Praising God for Jesus the Hope of the World

Whatever is going on in your life right now, no matter how difficult because of Jesus, the Hope of the World, you can face the day with confidence. #Hope #Jesus #Prayer #PeaceofMind #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Do you need hope?

It can be hard to feel hopeful when we’re exhausted from carrying life’s burdens. Then we look around and the world is overwhelmed by problems and confusion.

I don’t know about you, but I have times when it’s hard for me to look past my momentary feelings and view the future with hope.

Truth is . . . I need hope! Everyone needs hope!

Because hope believes that things will ultimately get better. Hopelessness believes that nothing will improve that what is wrong will at best remain and likely get worse.

Synonyms for hopeless are: impossible, pointless, useless, despondent, downhearted, irreparable, and more.

It’s depressing isn’t it? Maybe we shouldn’t be surprised that so many people suffer from depression. The enemy of our souls wants us to focus on at life with a “what if, ain’t it awful” attitude.

That’s why I’m so thankful that this is not where our journey ends. You and I don’t have to live without hope. No matter how AWFUL things appear or how hopeless the enemy wants us to believe things are, you and I can live full of hope. We can surrender our hopelessness at the foot of the cross and give it to the One who is our hope. The One who said…

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

I like the way The Message says it as well…

“Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Because of Jesus, you and I can have a hope that makes it possible for us to live freely and lightly covered by grace!

Praise God, it is possible to have a present and future filled with hope when we place our trust in Jesus – the Hope of the world.

Today, I’m surrendering my hopelessness to Jesus – the Hope of the World, trusting Him to give me peace today and a hopeful future. I’d love for you to pray with me.

Praising God for Jesus the Hope of the World

Whatever is going on in your life right now, no matter how difficult because of Jesus, the Hope of the World, you can face the day with confidence. #Hope #Jesus #Prayer #PeaceofMind #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Hope of the World

“And His name will be the hope of all the world.”

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In God’s great mercy He has caused us to be born again into a living hope, because Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

Matthew 12:21 and 1 Peter 1:3 (NCV)

Father, Please forgive us. We have distorted and twisted Your Word of promise. We cling to the fragile changing and temporary things of this world and fail to fully place our trust in Your Son, our Messiah. We foolishly try to define who we want Jesus to be and what we want to define as Your will. Please transform us. You have given us everything we need for this life and for eternity. Thank you!

Thank you Jesus, for being my Hope and the Hope for the whole world. Because of Your death and resurrection I have the hope of salvation. Because of Your victory over the enemy . . . all of creation is full of promise. You are the hope of the world. You are the hope of my heart and because of You, it is well with my soul.

Our Advocate

My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.

1 John 2:1–2

Father, thank you for Jesus, our Advocate. I so badly want to honor and obey You with my life but like Paul, I fail to do the good things I want and I do sinful things that I don’t. (Romans 7:18–19) But because of Your mercy, grace and love, Jesus pleads on my behalf. Because of Your love and His sacrifice, I am forgiven. And by His Spirit, I am being transformed.

Jesus, how can I begin to thank you for all You have done and continue to do for me. Thank you for being my Savior and my Defender. Because of You, my sin is not only forgiven . . . it is erased. By Your blood, I am washed clean. I surrender my life to You. Please use me for Your glory!

The Living Cornerstone

You are members of God’s family. Together, we are His house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus Himself. We are carefully joined together in Him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord.

Ephesians 2:19b–21

Father, thank you for Jesus, our Cornerstone. Our faith as a community of believers is not based on new or “progressive” ideas, it is built on the firm foundation of Christ Jesus Himself. Please unite us as a loving and caring family. The world is watching us. People look to Your children to understand who You are, what You are like, and what You want for the world You created. Please help us show them Your love. Help us show them the sacrificial love of Jesus. Make us forgiving and kind, caring and compassionate. Make us one and grant us Your peace.

Rock of Our Salvation

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

Psalm 62:5–6

Father, through Your grace, mercy, and love demonstrated in and through Christ Jesus, my faith is built on the Rock of My Salvation. Because He is my safe place, I can live free of worry and anxiety. I can let go of resentment and forgive as I have been forgiven. I can rest on the hope I have in Him and wait quietly for Your perfect timing to be revealed. Thank you, Father. Because of You, I can trust that I have a hope-filled future planned for me. (Jeremiah 29:11) I can seek Your Kingdom above all else and trust You to give me everything I need to live each day by Your grace and for Your glory.

The King Eternal

God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of His great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in Him and receive eternal life. All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; He alone is God. Amen.

1 Timothy 1:16–17

Lord, You love me! You really love me! You claimed me when I was a sinner and began a life-changing work in my heart, my mind, and my soul. Oh, how I want everyone to know, love, and trust You for every moment of their lives . . . now and for eternity. I pray for all those I hold dear to my heart and for those I’ve never met around the world. Each soul is Your creation. Each one is dearly loved and precious to You.

By Your grace, help me live this prayer of faith now and forever…

All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; He alone is God. Amen.

Whatever is going on in your life right now, no matter how difficult because of Jesus, the Hope of the World, you can face the day with confidence. #Hope #Jesus #Prayer #PeaceofMind #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Thank you so much for praying with me!

Whatever is going on in your life right now, remember . . . Jesus, the Hope of the World is your Advocate, the Cornerstone of your faith and the Rock of your Salvation. He is the Eternal King forever and ever. He is the One who redeems you and promised to give you everything you need today, tomorrow, and forever.

God bless you!

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

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

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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…

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How to Have the Relationship You Want with Your Adult Children

My favorite tips for having the best possible relationship with your adult children - ways to enjoy the holidays and actually want to spend time together. #Parenting #AdultChildren #Holidays #Family #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

It’s almost that time of year again when families will gather together for the holidays. The time when personality clashes, opinions, behaviors, and attitudes put a strain on the relationship between parents and their adult children.

We all want to have ongoing great relationships with our adult children but they don’t always happen easily. But before I share some of my favorite advice . . . I want to tell you something important—I’m not a perfect parent. Not even close!

I’ve always known that but for a long time, I wanted to believe that I was at the least, perfect for my children. However, I’ve given up all my pride and understand that even when it comes to my children . . . it’s not about me.

Whether I’m perfect or the complete opposite of perfect…

One thing I do know is perfectly true.

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

Not flawlessly, but completely. I always have and I always will.

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

Considering that our children have been grown for some time, I do have several tips and a bit of advice on the best ways to show mutual love and respect to your adult children . . . ways that everyone can do their part to have the best possible relationship.

How to Have the Relationship You Want with Your Adult Children

My favorite tips for having the best possible relationship with your adult children - ways to enjoy the holidays and actually want to spend time together. #Parenting #AdultChildren #Holidays #Family #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

♥ Pray for your adult children and their children.

I’ve always asked God to bless and protect my children. As they’ve grown I’ve gotten much more specific when I go to the Lord on their behalf. I want to intentionally be in the battle for my children and grandchildren. Life is hard but God is good and I trust Him completely to care those He has entrusted to me and, if possible, He loves them even more than I do.

I pray faithfully that they might…

“grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

2 Peter 3:18

♥ Tell your adult children you love them. 

Often! Your children never outgrow the need to hear the words, “I love you.” Think about your own experiences and your relationship with your parents. You know it’s true. Say “I love you!”

♥ Forgive the past. 

Sure they messed up. They may have messed up BIG, but forgive and believe God is able to work His will in them. Trust that God is working on them and in them and believe with hope for His plans for their future.

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

Jeremiah 29:11

♥ Don’t ask questions you don’t want the answer to. –

Your adult children are on their own. Deeply personal questions can come with answers that make you uncomfortable. Do you really want to know about your child’s sex life? Finances? Or the details from last Saturday night? If they want to talk about something—count it a blessing!

♥ Give your adult children room to grow and grow up.

Everyone changes. Admit it. You’re still growing and learning. You don’t have everything figured out. Neither do your children. But they’re learning and growing . . . that’s what’s important.

Be patient. You’re not who you were at 25 or 30 and they aren’t who they will be when they reach the age you are now.

♥ Remember, it’s okay to say ‘no.’

This is important! You didn’t say yes to everything when they were little and you don’t have to say yes to everything now. They’re adults. You don’t have to say yes to every request for money or childcare or….

Then return the blessing and give them grace. Don’t make them feel guilty if they don’t say “yes” to every request you make.

♥ Refuse to manipulate your adult children with guilt.

And speaking of guilt . . . you don’t like being manipulated by it and neither do they. So – They didn’t call. It’s okay. Maybe they’re busy. Maybe they’re REALLY busy. Give them grace, then remember phones go both ways. Call them. Better yet, text them. It only takes a minute to type, “I love you” or “have a great day.”

♥ Give your adult children the freedom to make life choices.

Career? Where they’ll live? Who they date or marry? You know you have opinions, but it’s their life. Don’t pressure them or make them feel you’ll be disappointed in them or that you won’t be there for them if they choose “poorly.”

Then remind them that you’re praying for them!

♥ Offer a listening ear with a tender heart.

And they don’t always need your advice. Most of the time they just need to know you care and that you’re listening. You don’t have to have all the answers. Just be available.

♥ Give your adult children freedom over the holidays.

Balancing relationships is challenging. Remember what it was like when you were trying to please your parents and your in-laws? Maybe you still are. It’s okay to celebrate on a day other than the holiday itself. The important thing is enjoying time together not when you do it.

You can make any day a celebration and sometimes that’s more fun than forcing a gathering just because of a date on the calendar.

♥ Give your adult children a verbal pat on the back. 

They still want to know you’re proud of them and think they’re doing a good job. Tell them. 

My favorite tips for having the best possible relationship with your adult children - ways to enjoy the holidays and actually want to spend time together. #Parenting #AdultChildren #Holidays #Family #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

♥ Respect their parenting decisions.

If they say no sugar don’t try to sneak your grandchild a cookie. If their boundaries are too rigid or not rigid enough for you . . . remember that they are the parents. You had your turn. And NEVER disagree with their parenting approach in front of your grandchild!

♥ Toughen up. Avoid giving in to hurt feelings.

They probably hurt your feelings occasionally when they lived at home and it’s possible they’ll say or do something that hurts now that they’re grown. They’re not perfect. Neither are you. Forgive them and let it go!

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

Ephesians 4:32

♥ Respect their boundaries and expect them to respect yours.

Boundaries are good for all relationships. It’s not only okay, it’s important that parents and their adult children have boundaries. Treat them like you treat your friends. Call before you drop in. Ask don’t expect. Define off-limits topics. And expect respectful conversations.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

1 Corinthians 13:4–7

♥ And finally . . . Pray again.

Life is moving at an amazing speed for your children. They need your prayers more than ever and more often than you think.

Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:17–18

I need to share one more thing with you…

I didn’t learn and put these things into practice quickly and you won’t either. I don’t always follow the list perfectly even now. But it is my goal.

I was completely invested during the years we were raising our children. I gave it my all, and in all honesty, I really didn’t want to let go.

But… it wasn’t about me. It wasn’t just about them either . . . it’s about letting God work on them and in them. It’s about allowing them to become and be the people He created them to be and sometimes the best way to do that is to simply get out of the way and let Him do what’s needed. It’s about focusing on having a friendly relationship with your adult children and letting God be the One who is their perfect parent.

So give yourself grace and give your children grace, too.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

2 Corinthians 12:9

God’s grace is all-sufficient. He is able and will give you all you need to be the parents they need. And He will give you what you need to have the relationship you want with your adult children.

I’d love to know what you do to have a great relationship with your adult children . . . let us know by leaving a comment below.

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!Shortcode

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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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!

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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!

Praising God for Jesus Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life

Jesus is God's greatest gift - I'm pausing to thank and praise God for Jesus - the Great "I AM" the Way, the Truth that sets us free, & the Everlasting Life. #Thanksgiving #Hope #Faith #ForeverLife #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Jesus is the greatest gift God has ever given to His creation. Through Jesus the lost are found, the broken are made whole, and the bound are set free. He is able to transform lives, heal broken hearts, and give people a purpose full of hope and promise.

The Scripture from Genesis through Revelation gives us a written account of God’s love for us and every verse points to Jesus, the Word made flesh.

He is God’s grace, mercy, and love in human form given to sinful people to save them from the eternal consequences of their rebellion.

From the Genesis promise:

I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike His heel.”

Genesis 3:15

To John 1:1–3:

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.

John 3:16:

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

And Revelations 22:7:

“Look, I [Jesus] am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book.”

And those are just the beginning.

That’s why for the rest of the year, I’m going to pause and pray prayers of praise to God for the gift of Jesus and for His grace of revealing the truth about Him in His Word.

Each Friday as we lead up to our celebration of Jesus’ birth at Christmas, I will select several verses that share the identifying names the Bible uses to describe Jesus and I will thank and praise Him for being all our souls need in this crazy mixed up world and for all eternity.

Will you pray with me? Will you join me as I praise God for Jesus…

Praising God for Jesus Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life

Jesus is God's greatest gift - I'm pausing to thank and praise God for Jesus - the Great "I AM" the Way, the Truth that sets us free, & the Everlasting Life. #Thanksgiving #Hope #Faith #ForeverLife #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

The Resurrection and the Life

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.

John 11:25–26

Father God, You are the giver of life, the creator of heaven and earth. Thank you for Jesus, the One who is able to restore life to fallen and condemned people. Because of Jesus, You promise that death has no power over Your children. You promise that through Him, I will live with You forever and always.

Father, I believe! With Your help and by the power of Your Spirit I will live in Him as He lives in me. I will trust and love Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Father, thank you for making it possible for me to be claimed as Your own forever and ever.

The Truth that Sets us Free

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

John 8:31–32

Lord Jesus, thank you for making it possible for me to know You and those things You taught Your disciples when You walked upon the earth You created. Thank you for teaching the truth. Thank you for being the Truth.

The enemy is the father of lies who constantly works to keep Your creation bound in the consequences of sin. He continuously attempts to steal the beautiful future You fought to give us.

By Your grace and mercy, keep me focused on and faithful to Your truth and grant me the forever freedom that only You can give. Your grace is sufficient. I place my hope in You alone.

The One who is Holy and True

This is the message from the One who is holy and true, the One who has the key of David.
What He opens, no one can close;
    and what He closes, no one can open.

Revelations 3:7

Father, I thank and praise You for Jesus, the One who is holy and true. He is perfect in every way and set apart as the One You appointed to save a fallen world. He is the Messiah the Word of truth in the flesh. He holds the key of salvation and He alone is able to open the door to Your kingdom.

Please hold me close, Lord. I want to grow closer to You every day. I pray to remain faithful to not only reading Your Word but to holding it close to my heart and applying it to my life. May I never stop praying and remain thankful in all circumstances. (1 Thessalonians 5:17–18) By Your grace and for Your glory.

The Great, “I AM”

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

Father God, I praise You for Jesus, the “Mashiach.” The One appointed to save people broken by sin and its consequences. Jesus showed us You Father, as You really are . . . the “Great I AM.” Jesus, the One who sits at Your right hand and who will come again to bring Your children home to heaven.

Thank you for allowing us to know You, Father, through the words of those who physically walked with Jesus. Thank you for allowing us to see Your compassion and love, and for showing us Your heart to forgive all who come to You in repentance. Thank you that we can have a hopeful perspective on all life’s problems as we anticipate the fulfillment of Your eternal promises.

The Way, the Truth, and the Life

Jesus told Him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. 

John 14:6

Jesus, I thank and praise You for who You are and for all You have done for me. Thank you for showing me the WAY to the Father. Thank you for revealing the TRUTH that I might fully trust the reality of all God’s promises. Thank you for giving me a LIFE today that will last eternally. When I have You, I have everything I need for every moment of life. I have strength, courage, peace, and joy. I have a future filled with hope. I have love! I have the fullness of life.

Lord, I am so overwhelmed with gratitude. By the power and with the help of Your Spirit, I give myself completely to You. Help me live fully surrendered to You that I might live every moment of my life for Your glory. Amen.

Jesus is God's greatest gift - I'm pausing to thank and praise God for Jesus - the Great "I AM" the Way, the Truth that sets us free, & the Everlasting Life. #Thanksgiving #Hope #Faith #ForeverLife #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Praise God for Jesus!

Are you lost? Jesus is the WAY.
Are you confused and uncertain? Jesus is the TRUTH.
Are you weary and broken? Jesus is LIFE.

Do you feel trapped because of a broken past? Jesus wants to set you free.

Jesus is God’s gift. He has shown us God because He is God.

After Jesus told the disciples, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” John 14:6

He said, “No one can come to the Father [God] except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him!” John 14:7

Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” John 14:8

Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father!” John 14:9a, 10a

When you and I know Jesus . . . we know God Himself. And by His grace, we have His Spirit…

“The Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth . . . you know Him because He lives with you now and later will be in you. He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” John 14:17, 26

Friend, praise God! We have everything we need because of the Lord’s grace, mercy, and love . . . because of Jesus.

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

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

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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!

Simple Things You Can Do that will Make Thanksgiving Special

It's easy to hurry through the day's festivities but what if we could make thanksgiving special and fresh by adding some memorable new traditions? #Thanksgiving #GiveThanks #HolidayTraditions #FamilyMemories #CountingMyBlessings

For many of us in America, our Thanksgiving celebration is rich with traditions we enjoy with family and friends.

We gather together and dine on must-have recipes that get gobbled up (pun not intended) way too quickly. What if we’re missing some of the best and most important parts of celebrating Thanksgiving out of hurried habits that get repeated year after year.

What if just a few small adjustments in our Thanksgiving Day gatherings could help us enjoy our days more as we experience a deeper sense of gratitude for the blessings God has given us.

Especially this year, when so much has felt unusual and unsettling . . . I want to make our holiday celebrations special. So, I did a little digging to find ways to make our day more memorable and meaningful.

Simple Things You Can Do that will
Make Thanksgiving Special

1. START THE MEAL WITH A SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER.

Write a Thanksgiving verse on cards and place one at each place setting.
Some possibilities are:

  • Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34
  • Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm, 106:1
  • Give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20
  • We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:3
  • Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
  • “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! Amen.” Revelations 7:12
  • Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Each day proclaim the good news that He saves. 1 Chronicles 16:23
  • Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4
  • Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17
  • I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things You have done. Psalm 9:1

Make Thanksgiving Special – A Prayer to Share with Your Family

Father:
Thank You for the food we ate. Please help us remember those who are hungry.
Thank You for the gift of health. Please heal those who are suffering with illness.
Thank You our family and friends. Please be with and comfort those who are lonely.
Thank You for the blessing of freedom. Please deliver those who are held captive.
Thank you for Jesus and for the forgiveness we have through Him. Please help us to forgive as we have been forgiven.
Help us to love as we have been loved.
Help us to serve others as we follow in the footsteps of our Savior.
Help us use every blessing You give in ways that will help and bless those around us. Amen.

It's easy to hurry through the day's festivities but what if we could make thanksgiving special and fresh by adding some memorable new traditions? #Thanksgiving #GiveThanks #HolidayTraditions #FamilyMemories #CountingMyBlessings

2. INVITE YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO LEAVE THEIR DIFFERENCES AT THE DOOR.

For this one day, wouldn’t it be lovely if we all left the past in the past … if everyone remembered that no matter how it looks everyone struggles with something?

Tell everyone the following in advance:

I would love to make this a day we all focus on the blessings we enjoy. So, let’s be ready to go around the table and share “one thing I appreciate about” each person there.

e.g. I appreciate your sense of humor. I like the ways you are helpful. I love your hugs. I like the way you sing. Your laugh makes me smile. No snarkiness allowed!

3. MAKE A GRATITUDE BANNER

Set a basket and scraps of paper out with pens, pencils, and stickers and invite your family and friends to write one or two things for which they are especially thankful this year.

You can even set up an arts and crafts table where each person can decorate their “blessings” . . . connect them all with a cord and hang them for everyone to enjoy.

4. INVITE SOMEONE WHO DOESN’T HAVE A PLACE TO GO.

You might be surprised to know how many people spend Thanksgiving alone. Many families who are involved in church work are unable to travel and be away from their church responsibilities, so they celebrate on their own while their loved ones are gathered elsewhere. You can bless them like crazy by making them part of your family for the day.

And a bonus, I’ve had a friend tell me she invites a non-family member to holiday gatherings because it always puts her family on their best behavior!

5. SET UP AN AREA WITH A JIGSAW PUZZLE OR BOARD GAMES.

Erma Bombeck once said,“Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not a coincidence.”

It doesn’t have to be the rule for the day, but it may be fun to at least offer an area where the conversation continues without technology or electronic entertainment.

6. KEEP CHILDREN BUSY WITH GRATITUDE ART PROJECTS

It's easy to hurry through the day's festivities but what if we could make thanksgiving special and fresh by adding some memorable new traditions? #Thanksgiving #GiveThanks #HolidayTraditions #FamilyMemories #CountingMyBlessings

You can find a helpful list of ideas at Bren Did – 15 EASY THANKSGIVING CRAFTS THAT TEACH KIDS GRATITUDE, FROM PRESCHOOL TO TEENS

7. CELEBRATE WITH THE LEGEND OF FIVE KERNELS

The legend goes as follows:

The first winter the Pilgrims spent in their new home was very cold and bitter. Food was in short supply. Some days they only had enough for each person to have five kernels of corn for the day. When spring came they planted seeds and they grew and grew. The harvest was good the following year and they celebrated Thanksgiving with their Indian friends.

It's easy to hurry through the day's festivities but what if we could make thanksgiving special and fresh by adding some memorable new traditions? #Thanksgiving #GiveThanks #HolidayTraditions #FamilyMemories #CountingMyBlessings

From then on when they celebrated Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims laid out five kernels of corn on each plate to remind themselves of their blessings.

♥ The 1st kernel reminds us that God loves us.

♥ The 2nd kernel reminds us that God provides for our needs.

♥ The 3rd kernel reminds us of the family and friends God has given who love us.

♥ The 4th kernel reminds us that God hears and answers our prayers.

♥ The 5th kernel reminds us of the blessed freedom we enjoy.

This helps everyone remember the history of the day and why it’s about so much more than an abundance of food.

Make Thanksgiving Special!

It's easy to hurry through the day's festivities but what if we could make thanksgiving special and fresh by adding some memorable new traditions? #Thanksgiving #GiveThanks #HolidayTraditions #FamilyMemories #CountingMyBlessings

FINALLY – 20 CONVERSATION STARTERS FOR YOUR THANKSGIVING TABLE

  1. What challenging experience changed your life for the better?
  2. What is something you use every day that makes you thankful?
  3. Who is the funniest person at the table and why?
  4. What act of kindness made the biggest difference in your life?
  5. If you had a million dollars, what is the first thing you would do?
  6. What is your favorite food?
  7. What is the hardest thing about being a kid?
  8. What is the hardest thing about being an adult?
  9. What event from the past year makes you thankful?
  10. What was your favorite book or movie from this year?
  11. What is something you are thankful you have learned?
  12. What famous person would want to be your friend?
  13. If you could spend Thanksgiving with anyone who would you choose?
  14. What is the most important thing you’ve learned so far?
  15. What is your favorite family tradition?
  16. What three words would you use to describe yourself?
  17. What was the happiest day of your life so far?
  18. If you could have any animal for a pet, which would you choose?
  19. My favorite thing about Thanksgiving is..?
  20. I’m most thankful for..?

For a printable version of these questions click – here.

May your Thanksgiving celebration be blessed and may you remember that thanksgiving is so much more than family and friends gathering together on the fourth Thursday in November to eat! May you make Thanksgiving special with fun new traditions and beautiful memories.

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 3:15

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

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

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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 Pray Psalms with Thanks and Praise

Praying the Psalms is one of the best ways to experience the peace of God by being full of gratitude, continually giving Him an offering of thanks and praise. #Thanksgiving #PrayersofGratitude #PrayScripture #BibleStudy #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

I began praying the P.R.A.Y. – Prayer Model years ago.

P – Praise and Thanks

Begin each prayer thanking God for who He is and for all He has done and that He continues to do in you and in the world around you.

R – Repent

Pause and intentionally confess your flaws and failures and tell Him you know His ways are best and ask Him for help to obey.

A – Ask

Lift up any needs and requests you have for yourself, your family, the church and the world at large.

Y – Yield

“Thy will be done.” (Matthew 26:39) Surrender your prayer to God – telling Him you trust His love and perfect will for you.

I have a confession to make.

Although I’ve known and followed this prayer model for as long as I can remember, it’s easy for me to hurry through the Pray, Repent, and Yield parts while lingering on my Asks. I can too often focus on what I need or want next rather than praising and thanking God for what He has already done for me.

Honestly, I can be like the child who is in a hurry to open the next gift on Christmas morning as I forget to pause and appreciate the one I’ve just opened. Or like the wilderness wanderers in Exodus who grumbled about the food they left behind rather than remembering that God had delivered them from suffering and slavery.

So, I’m pausing today and turning to the words of David in the Psalms . . . verses filled with thanks and praise. David that knew God’s grace that covers a multitude of sins, God’s protection and presence in the toughest of times, God’s unfailing love that endures forever.

You and I often ask God to give us peace. We want freedom from conflict and chaos, hassles and hardships. I read recently that shalom, the Hebrew word for peace, means more than simply absence of problems . . . it means wholeness and happiness!

God’s peace is able to make us whole and happy even when life is hard . . . not because of circumstances but because of His grace, mercy, and love.

Will you join me in praying words of David from the Psalms and thank Him for faithfully giving us shalom through His grace, mercy, and love.

How to Pray Psalms with Thanks and Praise

Praying the Psalms is one of the best ways to experience the peace of God by being full of gratitude, continually giving Him an offering of thanks and praise. #Thanksgiving #PrayersofGratitude #PrayScripture #BibleStudy #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

We thank You, O God!
    We give thanks because You are near.
    People everywhere tell of Your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 75:1

Father, I thank you! You are always with me whatever is going on in my life. You promised that Your Spirit will never leave nor forsake Your children. (John 14:16) You strengthen me and cover me with a peace that goes beyond my ability to understand. (Philippians 4:7)

I want everyone to know You and experience Your love. I will tell of all You have done for me. Please fill me with Your truth, give me the message You want me to share, and open the hearts and minds of those who receive it. May I live every moment of life with gratitude that all I do and say might be for Your glory!

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
    to sing praises to the Most High.
It is good to proclaim Your unfailing love in
the morning, Your faithfulness in the evening.

Psalm 92:1–2

Father, You are good and it is good for me to give You thanks and praise. Thank you for the music of creation and for those who turn it into beautiful songs of praise. Thank you for Your perfect unfailing love. Thank you for the gift of Jesus who suffered the pain of my punishment and set me free. Please help me live under Your gift of freedom with obedience. Help me know, trust, and follow Your perfect will for me. I love You, Lord. With Your Spirit’s help, I will proclaim Your goodness, faithfulness, and love with every breath I take.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving;
    go into His courts with praise.
    Give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the Lord is good.
    His unfailing love continues forever, and
His faithfulness continues to each generation.

Psalm 100:4–5

Father God, I will forever praise Your name with thanksgiving. Through Jesus, You have made it possible for me to enter Your Kingdom through the “narrow gate” of faith. (Matthew 7:13) Jesus has made me righteous and holy in Your sight, not because of anything I have done but because of Your goodness and grace. Because of Your overwhelming love! You are the forever and always the same . . . yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Thank you for showing me repeatedly that I can count on You and Your Word. I can trust You with all my heart. I can surrender to Your love because of who You are. You are worthy of my thanks and praise. You are worthy of my all!

Praying the Psalms is one of the best ways to experience the peace of God by being full of gratitude, continually giving Him an offering of thanks and praise. #Thanksgiving #PrayersofGratitude #PrayScripture #BibleStudy #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim
His greatness. Let the whole world
know what He has done.
Sing to Him; yes, sing His praises.
    Tell everyone about His wonderful deeds.
Exult in His holy name;
    rejoice, you who worship the Lord.
Search for the Lord and for His strength;
    continually seek Him.

Psalm 105:1–4

Father, I thank you! I will proclaim Your greatness again and again. You have shown me Your grace and mercy. You invite me to come to You in repentance and cover me with forgiveness because of Jesus. You pour out Your love on me every single day. You provide for me and protect me. You cover me with peace and words of encouragement. You give me all I need to fight every battle I face. You welcome my prayers and hear me when I come to You with my needs.

Thank you for giving me the Helper, to lead me in truth and fill me with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (John 14:26, Galatians 5:22–23a) So, I will seek You, Lord. I will come to You when I need strength trusting that You always keep Your promises. You are all my soul needs! I will thank and praise you today and forever.

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of
mourning and clothed me with joy,
that I might sing praises to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give You thanks forever!

Psalm 30:11–12

Father, when I remember all the things You have carried me through in the past, when I think of the times you have lifted me out of the pit and replaced my mourning with joy . . . I have everything I need to trust You with all of me for all my life. When I ponder all that You have done for me in and through Jesus and all that You continue to do for me every day through the Helper, the Spirit, and Your loving provision, I know I must give myself to You as an offering of thanks and praise.

I surrender myself to You, Lord God. I will SEEK You through Your Word and prayer. I will sit with You in stillness and learn Your will. I will forever praise Your name. With Your help and by Your grace, I will live for Your glory. Amen.

Praying the Psalms is one of the best ways to experience the peace of God by being full of gratitude, continually giving Him an offering of thanks and praise. #Thanksgiving #PrayersofGratitude #PrayScripture #BibleStudy #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Live with Thanks and Praise

I have come to realize that one of the best ways to experience the shalom of God is to live with an attitude of thanks and praise. When my heart is full of gratitude the Spirit blesses me with wholeness and happiness.

So, grab your prayer journal and write a prayer of thanks every day and if you’re having a particularly hard day and you can’t find the words . . . just write these words from the Psalms:

You are my God, and I will praise you!
    You are my God, and I will exalt you!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
    His faithful love endures forever.

Psalm 118:28–29

May God bless you and give you SHALOM!

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

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

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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 Enjoy the Benefits of Blessing Counting

Intentional Blessing Counting is good for your health mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 20 questions on a printable guide to help you think of blessings to count. #Blessings #Hope #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #countingMyBlessings #WWGGG

I began intentionally blessing counting more than a dozen years ago. Not because I was overwhelmed with gratitude and joy but because I was overwhelmed by sadness. I realized that if I didn’t start intentionally noticing the good things God was doing in my life I might drown in sorrow.

Living each day miserable and despondent was not only bad for my emotional health . . . it was hurting me mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Many articles have been written over the years about the ways gratitude can improve a person’s health, bless their relationships at home and at work, and generally improve their lives.

But even though we tell ourselves it’s what we want, it’s still easier to focus on what’s wrong than on what’s right. It’s easier to complain than to thank.

Simply put . . . many of us still aren’t very good at living with intentional gratitude.

We fail to consistently communicate our gratitude to God for all He has done and is doing nor do we faithfully thank the people He has placed around us.

Yep! Even though we know grateful people are more satisfied, have stronger relationships, and are generally happier, we listen to and then fixate on negatives more than we do the positives.

That ain’t no way to live. I want to not only notice the blessings in my life, I want to genuinely be thankful for them. I want to reap the benefits of blessing counting.

Don’t you want that too? Not only for yourself but for your children.

If you’d like to make living with intentional gratitude part of your life join me in taking the gratitude challenge and enjoy the benefits of blessing counting.

How to Enjoy the Benefits of Blessing Counting

♥ Grab a journal, colorful pens, and some fun stickers . . . get ready to list at least 3 blessings for which you are thankful each day.

You may even want to make this a family project and have everyone share their daily blessings so you can add them to the list. I think it would be a great New Year’s Eve tradition to read through our blessings journals and thank God for all He has done.

Intentional Blessing Counting is good for your health mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 20 questions on a printable guide to help you think of blessings to count. #Blessings #Hope #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #countingMyBlessings #WWGGG

And if you’d like a little help…

Here are 20 blessing counting questions with verses and quotes that will get you started.

1. WHO WAS KIND TO YOU TODAY?

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

2. WHAT DID YOU ENJOY DOING TODAY?

Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind. Ecclesiastes 6:9

3. WHO HELPED YOU TODAY?

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

4. WHO DID YOU HELP TODAY?

Don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. Hebrews 13:16

5. WHAT IS THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED TODAY?

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8

6. WHAT SIMPLE THING MADE TODAY A GOOD DAY?

That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Matthew 6:25–26

7. WHAT DID YOU LEARN TODAY?

My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Proverbs 2:1–3

Intentional Blessing Counting is good for your health mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 20 questions on a printable guide to help you think of blessings to count. #Blessings #Hope #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #countingMyBlessings #WWGGG

8. WHO MADE YOU SMILE TODAY? WHAT DID THEY DO?

How happy I was with the world he created; how I rejoiced with the human family! And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful. Proverbs 8:31:32

9. WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM A BAD EXPERIENCE?

When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. James 1:2–3

10. HOW DID TECHNOLOGY MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER?

May [God] equip you with all you need for doing His will. May He produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to Him. All glory to Him forever and ever! Amen. Hebrews 13:21

11. WHO MADE YOU FEEL IMPORTANT TODAY?

7 Effective Ways to Make Others Feel Important

1. Use their name.
2. Express sincere gratitude.
3. Do more listening than talking.
4. Talk more about them than about you.
5. Be authentically interested.
6. Be sincere in your praise.
7. Show you care. ~Roy T. Bennett

12. WHAT GAVE YOU JOY TODAY?

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7

13. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TASTE, SMELL, TOUCH, SIGHT, OR SOUND FROM THE DAY?

Ears to hear and eyes to see—both are gifts from the Lord. Proverbs 20:12

14. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! Psalm 133:1

Intentional Blessing Counting is good for your health mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 20 questions on a printable guide to help you think of blessings to count. #Blessings #Hope #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #countingMyBlessings #WWGGG
Click here for a printable copy!

15. WHO FORGAVE YOU? WHO DID YOU FORGIVE?

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. Proverbs 17:9

16. WHAT DID YOU DO TODAY YOU COULDN’T DO YESTERDAY?

Pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel.
Then you will show discernment, and your lips will express what you’ve learned. Proverbs 5:1–2

17. WHO THANKED YOU TODAY? HOW DID IT MAKE YOU FEEL?

We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:2–3

18. WHO LOVES YOU? WHO DO YOU LOVE?

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4–7

19. WHERE DID YOU SEE GOD AT WORK TODAY?

You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done. O Lord, what great works you do! Psalm 92:4–5a

20. WHAT ARE YOU MOST THANKFUL FOR TODAY?

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Intentional Blessing Counting is good for your health mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 20 questions on a printable guide to help you think of blessings to count. #Blessings #Hope #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #countingMyBlessings #WWGGG

THE BENEFIT OF BLESSING COUNTING!

Like worship, gratitude is not something to do occasionally. Gratitude is an attitude . . . a way of life and thankfulness is an offering given in response to all God has given us through His grace, mercy, and love.

So, keep a record by making a list of blessings and then don’t forget to add one more thing…

Pause and intentionally say thank you to someone every day. Send a note, card, or email. Make a phone call. Bake a batch of cookies. Be appreciative. I promise it will bless them and it will bless you more than you can imagine.

So, that’s it!

We can do this! I believe blessing counting will change our lives and lives of the people around us.

Tell us what you’re thankful for . . . share something you’re listing in your journal in the comments below. We’d even love a tip or two of the ways you say “thank you” to others. We are stronger when we stand together and hold each other accountable; so, let’s cheer each other on.

Follow me on social media where I’ll be sharing some of the things I’m writing in my Blessings Journal and some of the ways I’m saying thank you to the people in my life!

My favorite blessing today is a husband who always makes me laugh. I think I’ll make his favorite dinner as a thank you.

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

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

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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 to Be United by the Truth

Imagine the difference followers of Jesus could make if they were all united in their beliefs and lived like they believed the Bible is God's Word of Truth. #BibleStudy #Truth #God'sWord #Faith #Prayer #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Not long ago as I was scrolling through Pinterest notifications, I noticed a comment critical of the 35,000 Christian sects and denominations.

I don’t know if the commenter had the facts right or not but I do know there are plenty of things about which self-proclaimed Christians disagree. You and I can see evidence of that all over social media. . . and unfortunately, so can everyone else.

Can you imagine the difference believers could make and the influence we could have if we were united and lived like we truly believed….

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 

2 Timothy 3:!6

And…

Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.

2 Peter 1:20–21

What if we truly believed that the Bible is God’s Word intentionally written that we might personally know Him?

What if we lived our lives and made our decisions based on the truth of our relationship with the Triune God as He has revealed Himself through the pages of Scripture?

What if we believed..?

God is not a man, so He does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change His mind.
Has He ever spoken and failed to act? Has He ever promised and not carried it through?

Numbers 23:19

And…

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Hebrews 13:8

The Word of God is not evolving. It applies to all generations.

God commanded His people to be united to one another and faithful to Him. Can you imagine the difference His children could make if we all united around the truth of God’s Word?

We are about to vote in one of the most important elections of our time and sadly we often appear more divided than ever.

But although we seem to be divided by politics and perspectives, I’m pausing today to ask God to unite us through His truth “that the world will know.”


Make them holy by Your truth; teach them Your word, which is truth. 

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

John 17:17, 23

You and I will never change hearts and minds with our platitudes and pontifications but we can love one another and we can point people to the One who is offering them a way that is greater than any government can ever promise them.

I believe if we are willing to humble ourselves, repent of our sins, and ask God to fill us with His Spirit and to unite through His truth amazing things will happen.

Will you pray with me?

A Prayer to Be United by the Truth

Imagine the difference followers of Jesus could make if they were all united in their beliefs and lived like they believed the Bible is God's Word of Truth. #BibleStudy #Truth #God'sWord #Faith #Prayer #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.

Psalm 19:7–8

Father, Jesus prayed, “Make them holy by Your truth; teach them Your word, which is truth.” (John 17:17) Please help us!

Forgive us for listening to the lies of the world. Messages that twist and distort the words of Scripture to push a selfish agenda. Forgive us for picking and choosing the commandments we deem important while undermining and ignoring the ones we don’t.

Your Word is truth! Your commands are right and bring joy because they are intended to protect us and keep us safe.

Please unite us through Your Word and by the power of Your Spirit. May our church leaders prayerfully lead us without personal or political intentions. Heal us. Guide us. Unite us in Jesus.

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. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Colossians 3:15–17

Father, we need Jesus to rule in our hearts! Please unite us through His love and help us live in peace with one another. Please keep us free of distractions that make us prideful and divide us. Please give us the wisdom we need to know and follow the paths of truth. Please help us discern Your will for us in every area of our lives.

By Your grace, help us love You completely with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength. Help us love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Give us thankful hearts and strengthen us to live as Your representatives that the world may know Your truth and follow Jesus.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:31–32

Father, please help us to be consistently forgiving and kind one another. Thank you for forgiving us through Christ Jesus. We can be selfish and prideful, bitter and judgmental. Yet, You promise when we come to You in faith with repentance, You are faithful to forive. Please help us to be tenderhearted and compassionate with one another . . . even those with whom we disagree.

Please unite us through Your love that the world might see You in us and want the blessing of Your transforming mercy and grace.

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

John 13:34–35

Father, I want to make a difference. I want to love people the way You command. I want to extend forgiveness to others the way You have so graciously forgiven me. I want people to see the difference Jesus’ love makes in my life. I pray that the world will want to know and love You because of the “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23a) they see in Your followers.

“I pray that they will all be one, just as You and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in You. And may they be in us so that the world will believe You sent me. I have given them the glory You gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and You are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent me and that You love them as much as You love me.”John 17:21–23

John 17:21–23

Father, I love Jesus’ prayer. It always blesses me to read these words from His heart.

Please help us focus on the truth of Your Word. Help us love You completely. Help us surrender our lives to Your will and faithfully follow Your commands. Help us “be still” and rest with You in prayer.

Please keep us from arguing over foolish divisive things of this world and help us focus on the things that are precious and important to You. Please unite us and help us show the “world” that You love them so much You sacrificed Your Son to give them LIFE FOREVER. I pray this in the name of Your Son and our Savior, Jesus. Amen.

Imagine the difference followers of Jesus could make if they were all united in their beliefs and lived like they believed the Bible is God's Word of Truth. #BibleStudy #Truth #God'sWord #Faith #Prayer #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Friend, can you imagine the difference we could make if we built our lives on God’s Word as it is found in the Bible and together celebrated the unity and hope we have in Jesus?

Will you join me in praying for God’s people to turn their hearts and minds to the Lord and that by His grace they will all be united by the truth of His Word for His glory and the benefit of those who don’t yet know and love Him?

God bless you!

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

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

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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!

The Best Way to Avoid the Comparison Trap

It's easy to fall into the comparison trap focusing on what's lacking in our lives while envying what seems perfect in someone else's. These tips will help... #ComparisonTrap #Envy #JoyStealer #socialmedia #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

I don’t know about you but I have days when my less than ideal attitude can cause me to fall into the comparison trap. I start focusing on what’s wrong in me and around me and before I know it I’m measuring my life against an impossible “ideal.”

I know that’s not God’s plan for me. I know He wants better for me. I know He wants me to focus on the truth . . . what He says about me.

If you can relate to my struggle, I want you to know that God wants that for you too! He wants us to focus on the words of David…

I will offer You my grateful heart, for I am Your unique creation, filled with wonder and awe. You have approached even the smallest details with excellence; Your works are wonderful; I carry this knowledge deep within my soul.

Psalm 139:14 (VOICE)

God made each of us as unique and wonderful parts of His creation made for His plans and purposes to live for His glory.

With that in mind, maybe God wants me (and you too) to think less about who I am and more about whose I am!

We belong to God. We are unique, one of kind, wonderfully complex created for this time and place for a reason.

I was not designed for your life and you were not designed for mine.

I don’t believe God wants us to sit around dwelling on our flaws and faults. He wants us to confess them to Him and repent. He wants us to surrender our lives to Him in faith and invite Him to work in us and through us for His glory.

If you struggle too. If, like me, you need a regular reminder . . . remember you are not alone. He has given us someone to help. We have the Holy Spirit.

But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.

John 14:26 (AMP)

Think about that . . . you and I have the Spirit of the God of the universe with us to teach us and remind us of God’s TRUTH.

Are you ready to quit pushing the Spirit’s voice to the background while you waste time listening to the enemy’s lies that defeat and discourage you? Me too!

It’s time for us to consistently listen to the TRUTH. So, I’m making a list of God’s promises to help us.

Personal promises to help us remember who we are in Christ Jesus and help us avoid the comparison trap.

The Best Way to Avoid the Comparison Trap

It's easy to fall into the comparison trap focusing on what's lacking in our lives while envying what seems perfect in someone else's. These tips will help... #ComparisonTrap #Envy #JoyStealer #socialmedia #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Avoid the Comparison Trap – Remember Who You are in Jesus!

♥ You are Known – God Thinks about You

How precious are Your thoughts about ________, O God. They cannot be numbered!

Psalm 139:17

♥ You are Loved

I am writing to ________, who has been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ.

Jude 1:1

♥ You are a Child of God

But to _________, who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become a child of God. You are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

John 1:12-13

♥ You are a Friend of Jesus

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command … Now ________ is my friend, since I have told you everything the Father told me.

John 15:13–15

♥ You are a New Creation

If _________ belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new!

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NCV)

Because Christ Lives in You

__________ has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

♥ You are Chosen and Holy

Even before He made the world, God loved ________ and chose _________ in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes.

Ephesians 1:4

♥ You are Chosen and Loved

God loves _________ and has chosen you to be His own… 1 Thessalonians 1:4

1 Thessalonians 1:4

♥ You are Dead to Sin and Alive in Christ

When He died, He died once to break the power of sin. But now that He lives, He lives for the glory of God. So ________ also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.

Romans 6:10–11

♥ You are a Citizen of Heaven

________ is a citizen of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like His own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under His control.

Philippians 3:20–21

♥ You are God’s Masterpiece

For ________ is God’s masterpiece. He has created ________ anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.

Ephesians 2:10

♥ You have God’s Peace to Guard Your Heart and Mind

Then ________ will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7

♥ You have Strength for Life

________ can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

♥ You are Victorious

Can anything ever separate ________ from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ________ through Christ, who loved us. Romans 8:35, 37

Romans 8:35, 37

♥ You are Forever Safe in God’s Love

I am convinced that nothing can ever separate ________ from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither ________ fears for today nor _______ worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate ________ 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 _________ from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38–39

You know it’s kind of funny…

When you and I focus on ourselves, on our faults and failures, we get lost in the negatives and we spend precious time caught in a cycle of discouragement and disappointment. But when we take those disheartening comparison trap thoughts captive and surrender them to the Holy Spirit . . . He reminds us of the important truths of God’s promises.

Promises that remind us of who we are in Jesus.

And that truth gives us everything we need to face whatever God allows.

Remember these words today…

It's easy to fall into the comparison trap focusing on what's lacking in our lives while envying what seems perfect in someone else's. These tips will help... #ComparisonTrap #Envy #JoyStealer #socialmedia #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Read that again and again until it is firmly planted in your heart and mind.

I know I need to keep it close at hand. With the Spirit’s help, I will remember the truth that—it is well with my soul. And it’s well with my heart and mind, too!

May God bless unique and wonderful you today and always!

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

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

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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!

Pray When You Need to be Confident You Know the Truth

Taking our questions and confusion to God in prayer asking Him to help us be confident we know the truth, that we can trust His promises and rest in His love. #BibleStudy #Hope #Prayer #BibleQuotes #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

How is it possible for a group of people to attend the very same event or hear the very same message and share completely different accounts of what they saw or heard?

How can something be the truth one day but the exact opposite be cited as truth the next?

I have absolutely no patience with twisting the truth for the purpose of controlling or manipulating others.

So, as you might imagine, this year of mixed messages hasn’t been easy for me and I’m guessing that some of you are finding it more than a little challenging as well.

That’s why I’ve found it important to take my questions and confusion to God in prayer. You see, years ago I experienced a situation where I was getting many varied and contradictory information that left me feeling confused, frustrated, and painfully aware that I had no idea who or what to believe.

But I was certain of one very important truth.

I knew the One who always knows the truth.

You and I can turn our confusion over to Him.

So, when we don’t understand and we’re getting mixed messages, we can take our feelings and frustrations to God in prayer. We can honestly tell Him we’re confused and confess our frustrations and doubts. And then we can humbly express our desire to know the truth.

When I’ve found myself lifting these prayers, I’ve also expressed my faith to the Father that I believe His Spirit is able to give me what I need to handle the truth whatever it is but I also understand that if He chooses to never reveal the truth to me . . . He will give me the strength and peace I need to handle that as well. Finally, I ask Him to give me everything I need to simply live with faith and rely on Him.

And you and I can simply live with faith relying on Him because the Good News is our Heavenly Father has given us access to the only absolute TRUTH we really need.

He has given us the truth in Jesus…

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. 

John 14:6

And He has given us the truth through the Holy Spirit…

When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own but will tell you what He has heard. He will tell you about the future. 

John 16:13

You and I have what we need to be confident we know the most important truth of our lives . . . God has spoken to us in and through the Word made flesh and He has given us His Spirit to help us understand the words of Scripture.

So today, in the midst of all of life’s mixed messages, chaos, and confusion, I’m turning to God in prayer and I’m asking Him to help me focus my heart and mind on the only truth that really matters. The truth that holds the power of life and death. The truth that is unchanging and lasts forever.

Pray When You Need to be Confident You Know the Truth

Taking our questions and confusion to God in prayer asking Him to help us be confident we know the truth, that we can trust His promises and rest in His love. #BibleStudy #Hope #Prayer #BibleQuotes #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

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

John 8:31–32

Lord, I believe. Please help me when I doubt. Help me when the world confuses me with messages I don’t understand. May I remember that I can always turn to You. I have Your inspired Word and Spirit to guide me with Your truth and promises.

Thank you for freeing me from the enemy’s power. Thank you for freeing me to love and trust You and for giving me the strength I need to love others even when it’s hard.

By Your grace, please strengthen me by the power of Your Spirit to be confident of Your truth . . . to hold fast to Your promises, follow where You lead, and obey Your commands. I love You, Lord. Amen.

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

Luke 12:31

Father God, You are Lord of all, I pray that I might give you control of all I think, do, and say. I pray, with Your help, to surrender every part of myself to Your truth and Your will.

I trust Your promise to give me everything I need. You are loving and faithful to forgive. (1 John 1:9) You give me courage and strength when life is hard. (Psalm 29:11) You are the peace that passes understanding. (Philippians 4:7) And You are my hope and my eternal promise. (Romans 15:4)

Thank you, Lord. My heart’s desire is to SEEK You and Your kingdom above all else every day for the rest of my life. You are the TRUTH I need now and forever.

Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:7

Father, may every part of my life be rooted in Jesus. Your Word says when I am rooted in Christ, my faith will grow strong in the truth and I will overflow with gratitude. I want that! More than anything else in life . . . I want that!

I commit my life to You. I surrender myself to Your will. Teach me. Guide me. And help me keep my focus on Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life who is the source and sustainer of my faith. (Hebrews 12:2)

Lead me by Your truth and teach me, for You are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in You. Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past.

Psalm 25:5–6

Father, my heart’s desire is to make Your truth the foundation of not only my faith but of every area of my life. Through Jesus, You have forgiven me and healed my heart. Your compassion and perfect forever love fully surround me.

Please remind me through Your Spirit to daily put on the full armor I need to fight any battle that comes my way. Help me stand firm wrapped in the belt of truth. The enemy tempts and taunts me with lies but by Your grace, You have given me the Truth I need to resist and fight back. Thank you, Lord, for giving me the truth I need to live with strength today and with hope for tomorrow.

The Lord is righteous in everything He does; He is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on Him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cries for help and rescues them.

Psalm 145:17–19

I worship You, Lord. You are the Savior of my soul and King of my life. I praise You for You reign over all creation and yet, You care intimately about me. It is too wonderful to understand but I believe because You are who You say You are and do what You say You will do.

You are perfect and kind, merciful and loving. You provide for my needs and You hear the cries of my heart. You are the source of wisdom, knowledge, and truth and I trust You with every area of my life. By the power and with the help of Your Spirit, I can be confident that You are TRUTH!

I give myself to You today. Guide me according to Your will and help me live for Your glory. Amen.

Taking our questions and confusion to God in prayer asking Him to help us be confident we know the truth, that we can trust His promises and rest in His love. #BibleStudy #Hope #Prayer #BibleQuotes #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Where do you go when you want to be confident you know the truth?

Do you search the internet?
Ask the experts?
Look for the best book on the topic?

You and I are so very blessed!

We have the best Book . . . the written words of the source of all wisdom, knowledge, and truth. We have the perfect expert in the Holy Spirit to guide us and help us understand the words of Scripture.

And we have the blessing of prayer to ask every and any question without ridicule or rejection.

Isaiah wrote the following words of the Lord…

“Let all the world look to me for salvation!
    For I am God; there is no other.
I have sworn by my own name;
    I have spoken the truth,
    and I will never go back on my word:
Every knee will bend to me,
    and every tongue will declare allegiance to me.” The people will declare, “The Lord is the source of all my righteousness and strength.”

Isaiah 45:22–23

The Lord is my source of TRUTH!

I’m praying for you today and asking God to be your source of TRUTH as well!

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

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

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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!

Why You Need to Know What You Really Believe

A new survey says that 58% of Christians in America say they find their truth in something or someone other than God. Who or what do you really believe? #Truth #Faith #BibleStudy #Christianity #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

The American Worldview Inventory 2020 (AWVI) is an annual survey that estimates how many adults have a biblical worldview. (AWVI 2020 was undertaken in January 2020 among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 adults.)

In the latest findings from the American Worldview Inventory 2020 is that a majority of people who describe themselves as Christian (52%) accept a “works-oriented” means to God’s acceptance.

This salvation-can-be-earned perspective fits well with other widely held views identified in the American Worldview Inventory 2020 that are at odds with biblical teaching. That includes the popular beliefs that:
• there is no absolute moral truth (58%);
• basis of truth are factors or sources other than God (58%);
• right and wrong is determined by factors other than the Bible (77%);
• the Bible is not the authoritative and true word of God (59%);
• people are basically good (69%);
• and the personal definition of success is not based on consistent obedience to God (79%

American Worldview Inventory 2020

John the Baptist said the following about Jesus…

For He is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit. The Father loves His Son and has put everything into His hands. And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.”

John 3:34–36

And Jesus said…

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 14:6

When I compare the above statistics and beliefs with the words of Scripture my heart aches.

And it prompts me to ask life’s most critical question…

Do I, do you, do we really believe that Jesus is the one and only source of God’s saving grace and mercy?

Do we really believe that He is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God?

Do we really believe He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life?

Because . . . if we really believe, why would we add, change, or doubt any word of Scripture?

Why would we ever think that we need – Jesus plus:

  • Good Works
  • Church Attendance
  • Charity
  • Obedience
  • Witnessing

Or Jesus plus:

  • Humanism
  • Tolerance
  • Humanitarianism
  • Universalism
  • Historical Criticism

I’m not trying to point judgmental fingers here. I’m guilty too. I understand that rules seem clearer and good works righteousness makes sense to people who want self-control and the success of personal achievement.

We also want popularity and approval, so we have many teachers of faith who are validating worldly views rather than expressing the truths of God’s Word.

And even that is understandable as we all have a desire to fit in, to please the people around us. But God called us to “be holy” or set apart for Him.

Now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.

1 Peter 1:15

He calls us to KNOW, LOVE, TRUST and OBEY HIM.

I grew up in church and Sunday school. I learned early about the problem we all have with sin and I knew Jesus was and is the only answer.

And yet, when life was hard and worries kept me up at night . . . I would sit quietly in prayer and Bible Study looking for all the things I needed to do . . . things that needed to change. When morning arrived, I would greet my family with a list of ways we needed to adjust our lives to become more obedient and fix what was lacking.

In reality, what I was saying was – Jesus plus me, plus doing it right, plus fixing my family would fix our problems. (I’ve since apologized to Rev and our children.) Because the truth the Lord has finally shown me is that I can surrender my flaws and failures at the foot of the cross of Christ Jesus and trust that He is faithful to forgive me.

If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that His word has no place in our hearts.

1 John 1:8–10

That’s pretty clear, isn’t it?

A new survey says that 58% of Christians in America say they find their truth in something or someone other than God. Who or what do you really believe? #Truth #Faith #BibleStudy #Christianity #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

And then there are the verses that affirm that salvation is through Christ Jesus alone, by grace alone and faith alone.

CHRIST JESUS ALONE

Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but He died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but He was raised to life in the Spirit.

1 Peter 3:18

GRACE ALONE

God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 

Ephesians 2:8–9

FAITH ALONE

Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake, I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with Him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law [or doing good works]; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 

Philippians 3:8–9

Why You Need to Know What You Really Believe

So, let’s ask the question again…

Do you really believe Jesus is enough?

Paul wrote…

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.

Romans 5:1

Every page of the Bible points to one central truth.

God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

Romans 5:8

From Genesis through Revelation—from the promise God made in the Garden of Eden, accomplished on the cross and the resurrection, and that He will ultimately culminate when Jesus returns to take us home to celebrate for all eternity . . . JESUS ALONE IS GOD’S ANSWER FOR SIN. JESUS IS GOD’S GIFT TO A SINFUL WORLD.

That’s the message of the Bible. And if we throw away one little thing, if we deny one small part of its truth, how can we trust any of it. How can we know where to start and where to stop.

Either Jesus is the Way to the Father or He’s not. He is either the Truth spoken of throughout Scripture or He’s not. He is either the source of life or He’s not.

I believe Christ alone is the Way to joy, peace, contentment, and true happiness . . . because He has been that and more in my life.

Because of Jesus, I’ve received a life that:

Loves when it would hate.
Forgives when it would condemn.
Gives when it would keep.
Shares when it would withhold.
Prays when it would fear.
Trusts when it would doubt.
Worships when it would dishonor.
Praises when it would be prideful.
Surrenders when it would fix.
______ when it would ________.

Not Jesus plus good works, church, charity, or anything else. Those are just the things that are the natural outpouring of a life changed by His grace, mercy, and love. They are not the way to God’s saving grace; they are the result of His saving grace.

Will you pray with me?

Lord, forgive us. We have made You too small in our hearts and minds. We have worshipped the idol of self. We’ve fallen for the lie that we are good enough and that we can “earn” a place in heaven. Forgive us. We are sinful. No matter how hard we try we cannot free ourselves of sin. We need Your grace and mercy. We need Your forgiveness.

Please help us. Turn our hearts and minds to the truth of Your Word. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Grant us wisdom and discernment to not only know but apply Your will to our lives.

And by Your grace, overwhelm us with the love of Christ Jesus. Increase our faith. Help us love You with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength . . . and help us love each other in ways that give You glory. Lord, we believe . . . please help us overcome our unbelief. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

May you and I and the whole world that our Father loves come to really believe that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

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

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

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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 Strength and Courage

Asking God to pour out His Spirit and give us strength and courage to stand on His truths and face the world when it's easier to run away and hide. #Prayer #WarRoom #BibleQuotes CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

You’ve probably seen the quote before.

“Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” ~Ian MacLaren

Everyone carries the burden of emotional baggage. Baggage that can so easily turn into fear, anxiety, frustration, anger, or overwhelming sadness.

Everyone gets out of bed each morning with a need for enough strength and courage to face the day. And I don’t know about you, but I know I’m unable to get there on my own. If it were up to me, most days, I would pull the covers over my head and hide in bed. Too often the baggage feels overwhelming and the strength and courage I want feels just out of reach.

But there is Good News! By God’s grace, You and I are not alone to deal with our emotional burdens and we don’t have to conjure up strength and courage on our own.

Isaiah wrote:

God has come to save me. I will trust in Him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; He has given me victory.”

Isaiah 12:2

God wants to give us victory over all the junk filled burdens we carry around. He invites us to run to Him rather than foolishly looking for worldly answers and solutions to our spiritual problems.

I’m running to God in prayer today, asking Him to pour out His Spirit and give us the courage and strength we need to stand on His truths and face the world when it seems easier to gather up our baggage and hide.

I’d love for you to join me in praying…

5 Verses to Pray When You Need Strength and Courage

Asking God to pour out His Spirit and give us strength and courage to stand on His truths and face the world when it's easier to run away and hide. #Prayer #WarRoom #BibleQuotes CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

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

Matthew 11:28

Jesus, I’m bringing all my emotional junk to you today. All my fears, worries, anxieties, frustrations, anger, pain, confusion, and so much more. It’s so easy for me to pick up my painful past any time difficult memories flash to mind. It’s even easier for me to worry about the future when I watch the news or listen to the fretful.

Please help me. I need Your Spirit’s help to remind that my past is forgiven and given completely to Your loving mercy and grace. And the future is in Your loving hands. I can rest in Your love and live each day as You direct me and give me the strength and courage I need.

“Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!” As he spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, “Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me.”

Daniel 10:19 (NCV)

Father, I love reading Your Word. You used many different ways to bless your children with strength and courage. You sent angels, prophets, judges, and kings. You used warriors and everyday people. And You even sent Your Son to save us.

Your unfailing love and provision overwhelms me. You promise that when I “seek You first”, You will give me everything I need. I believe that even means strength when I am weak and courage when I am afraid.

By Your grace, I am learning day by day that when You are with me . . . I will always have everything I need. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

For I hold you by your right hand—
    I, the Lord your God.
And I say to you,
    ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.

Isaiah 41:13

Father, thank you for faithfully holding me. Thank you for Your Word to remind me that You are here with me, willing to help me no matter what I am facing.

You give me peace to protect my heart and mind (Philippians 4:7). You are for me (Romans 8:31) You help me endure (1 Corinthians 10:13) You forgive me (Psalm 65:3) And You give me strength and courage.

Please give me child-like faith to keep my eyes on You. May I rest my hand in Yours, trust You to give me everything I need, and help me keep my eyes on You and trust that You are able to handle whatever we face together.

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

Isaiah 41:10

Oh Father, I read Your words spoken through Isaiah and I am ashamed. How could I have lived with fear for so very long? I was so foolish. You were always with me. I had reason to be discouraged or afraid. Please forgive me.

With the help of Your Spirit, please help me keep my focus on You and Your promises of victory. When the enemy tries to tempt me with worldly lies and terrors, help me remember that Jesus has already defeated him and by Your grace, I have Your Word, the Sword of the Spirit, to fight any battle he wages against me.

Please help me face each day clothed in armor, protected and strengthened by Your grace, mercy, and love.

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?  No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

Romans 8:35,37

Lord, I pray that You will help me hold these words close to my heart. Jesus said, “In this world, you will have trials and sorrows but take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) When I am afraid of trouble, calamity, persecution, or danger . . . even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4), You are with me. Nothing can separate me from Your love. You have won my victory. No evil can defeat or overpower me. Your grace is sufficient. It is all I need.

And with Your Spirit’s help, I can have strength and courage for no weapon formed against me will succeed (Isaiah 54:17) Thank you! I pray that with Your help, I will boldly live each day for Your glory. I love You, Lord. You are all I need today, tomorrow, and forever. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Asking God to pour out His Spirit and give us strength and courage to stand on His truths and face the world when it's easier to run away and hide. #Prayer #WarRoom #BibleQuotes CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Friend, I believe God is the One who gives us the strength and courage we need. I believe He is the One who helps us look at life through the lens of faith. He is the One who helps us trust that nothing can overwhelm us when we are in His presence. He is Love. And He helps us respond to His love and love one another.

With God’s help, you and I can have the strength and courage we need to treat each other with kindness. We can look at people and see the person God created. We can lift each other up in prayer and forgive one another for the words and actions that hurt or offend us.

God is the One who truly gives us everything we need each day. He is with us, holding us, strengthening us . . . giving us peace and making it possible for us to live victoriously.

May He bless you today with the strength and courage you need to live for His glory.

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

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

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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. 

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I’m asking God to bless you today!

God Can Help When You Want to Stop Worrying

I used to have a terrible problem with worry and fear and that's why I'd love to tell you how God gave me what I needed to stop worrying. #StopWorrying #Faith #Hope #Prayer #MentalHealth #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

I began my cycle of fear and worry as a very young child and I worked hard to perfect my skills for way too many years.

Rather than bore you with the ugly details, I hope to bless you with a truth I wish I’d learned and applied years ago.

You see, I had a terrible problem with chronic worry. I understand it now, worry is the natural byproduct of fear and if you’ve visited here often you know I’ve been honest about my ongoing struggle with fear.

So yes, I was a practically perfect chronic worrier.

I worried about…

  • Our Children
  • Rev
  • Illness/Injury
  • Death
  • Rejection
  • Life

I worried about the things that happened yesterday . . . things I should have handled differently. I worried about things that could potentially happen tomorrow. And I worried about everything in between. I worried about things I couldn’t change or control because seriously, what’s the point of worrying about the things you can do something about?

I was a worry addict and like many addicts, I had to hit bottom before I could accept that living worried—ain’t no way to live!

The Apostle Paul gave us all great advice when it comes to worrying. Well, not advice about worrying but about not worrying.

He said:

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. 

Philippians 4:6

 It sounds simple, doesn’t it?

Don’t worry … go to God, thank Him, and…

Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. 

Philippians 4:7

I’d known those verses forever. So, why did I continue to worry even though I prayed? Why didn’t I experience the peace I wanted?

Because my prayers were short on faith.

Even though I prayed, “Father, please help me.” I continued to worry because deep down, I believed the enemy’s lies. I allowed myself to believe that…

  • My problem was too trivial for God to get involved.
  • My fear was too real, my “what ifs” were too great to let go of them.
  • If the things I worried about could happen to someone else, they could certainly happen to me.
  • And if God allowed one of those things in my life, I’d be unable to go on.
  • God couldn’t give me what I needed if my greatest fears came to pass.

But then…

Some of the things I’d worried about most often did happen.

All my worrying had not prevented my fears from becoming my reality.

So, I finally realized I had to answer a very important question…

Was I going to trust God completely, not just with my eternal future but with my temporary today and my unknown tomorrow?

I am so thankful the Spirit prompted me to run to the Lord in prayer. I cried out, “Lord, I believe. Help me overcome my unbelief,” (Mark 9:24) and I searched the Bible to find promises that would give me hope and strengthen my faith.

I’d love to share a some of them with you…

Have you never heard?
    Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
    No one can measure the depths of His understanding.

Isaiah 40:28

His understanding is immeasurable!

The New Century version says – No one can understand how great His wisdom is.
The Message says – He knows everything, inside and out.
The Holman Christian Study Bible says – There is no limit to His understanding.

The Lord is our Creator. He knows us inside and out. He understands us. He cares about even the tiniest details of our lives. Nothing is too trivial for Him to care and nothing is too big for Him to handle.

The enemy loves to tell us lies. But they are LIES!

The truth is … God is love. He loves you and He loves me. He cares. And if He allows something; well, He has a promise for that, too.

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

Isaiah 41:10

He promises that He will never leave His children alone. He promises to give us the strength we need.

I lived through something I had worried about for a very long time. Something I truly believed would break me forever and it didn’t. Oh, I was devastated. Yes, even broken at first . . . but God was with me. I felt His love and care as I began to feel His strength and help. He gave me victory and helped me stop worrying.

I used to have a terrible problem with worry and fear and that's why I'd love to tell you how God gave me what I needed to stop worrying. #StopWorrying #Faith #Hope #Prayer #MentalHealth #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

God Can Help When You Want to Stop Worrying

God helped me learn two important truths about worry and fear…

1. I CAN AND SHOULD TAKE My FEAR AND WORRY TO GOD IMMEDIATELY.

As soon as I start to worry, I go to God.  When “what ifs” start spinning around in my head, I remember all the times God has helped me in the past.

The enemy loves it when you and I worry because when we’re worried and afraid we’re not focused on God and we forget all that He is able to do to give us everything we need.

The enemy loves to murmur, “God can’t. God won’t. God’s holding out on you. You’re on your own. You’re not worthy”

But we’re not alone in this spiritual battle. The battle is real but you and I don’t have to fight it alone … ever!

The Holy Spirit is with us and within us willing and able to provide us with all we need to fight and win every spiritual battle, even our battle with worry and fear.

John wrote:

The Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.

1 John 4:4

God is greater. Through Jesus, He has won the ultimate victory for us and will equip us to fight every battle.

And Paul wrote:

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

Romans 8:32

And one of the things He gives us is the ability to resist the enemy when he taunts us with fear and worry.

So humble yourselves before God. 
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:7

With God’s help, you and I can resist the devil. We don’t have to listen to his murmuring. And with His help, I will continue to get better at using the Sword of the Spirit (God’s Word) to defeat the enemy’s lies and make him flee.

And that means I need to…

2. KEEP GROWING CLOSER TO GOD THROUGH HIS WORD.

Peter wrote:

May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. 

2 Peter 1:2

And Paul wrote:

Just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him. Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. 

Colossians 2:6–7

You and I need to be in the Word every day. It’s one of the things God uses to help our roots grow. It’s where lies are replaced with truth and we get what we need to resist the devil when he tempts us with doubts.

I’ve realized I can’t just will myself to not worry. I have to replace my worrying with something else.

AND THAT SOMETHING ELSE IS…

Hope!

Hope in Jesus!

Through Jesus, God met our greatest need. He conquered sin, death, and the power of the devil.

Sin can no longer defeat us. Death is not the end. And by His grace, the devil has no power over us.

We have God’s promise…

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. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.

Hebrews 6:18–19a

Read that again … slowly!

God has given us His promise. His oath. When we run to Him for refuge He will shelter us. We are secure in Him because He is trustworthy and true. He will give us everything we need to get through today and that means you and I have nothing to worry about. Absolutely nothing!

I used to have a terrible problem with worry and fear and that's why I'd love to tell you how God gave me what I needed to stop worrying. #StopWorrying #Faith #Hope #Prayer #MentalHealth #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

If you want to stop worrying, too.

I would love to tell you it’s like flipping a switch … one holy moment where you can embrace God’s truth and never worry again.

I can’t.

So, please be patient with yourself. It takes time to break free of habitual worry.

But stop for a minute and imagine your life worry-free. Imagine doing what you can and trusting God to help you with everything else.

Imagine running to God in prayer, holding onto His promises, trusting His love, and knowing without a doubt that God is always working in your life for your good and for His glory.

Friend, you can do this.

Believe me, if God can deliver me and help me stop worrying, He can and will deliver and help you!

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

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

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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!