How to Have the Courage You Need to Boldly Tell Your Story

We live at a time when Christians are kept from sharing their faith but maybe it's as easy as boldly telling our stories. Simply sharing what God has done. #shareyourfaith #HolySpirit #Godlovesyou #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

“A sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm filled the room.”

“Flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.”

“Everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:2–4)

And the disciples were changed…

Just weeks earlier Jesus was arrested and…

All the disciples deserted him and fled.
Matthew 26:56

But flash forward and Peter stood in the Temple boldly proclaiming the Resurrected Christ to the very people who had crucified Him! Peter fearlessly said to a crowd that included religious leaders…

You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. And we are witnesses of this fact!
Acts 3:15

And this astonishing change in Peter and the other apostles has prompted many doubters and unbelievers to take a more careful look at the truth about Jesus.

Does it scare you some (or a lot) to even think about sharing your faith in Christ with others? Me too.

But you don’t have to preach like Peter or Paul or Billy Graham or anyone else. There’s an old hymn that says:

If you cannot speak like angels,
If you cannot preach like Paul,
You can tell the love of Jesus,
You can say He died for all.
Hark the Voice of Jesus Calling

I know with absolute certainty I’m not in the “speak like angels” or “preach like Paul” category. But, I can share the love of Jesus by telling others how He has worked in my life.

No one else anywhere on earth has the unique story you have.

Boldly tell your story and leave the rest to the Holy Spirit.

Tell people how loving and trusting Jesus has changed your life. Tell them your “before and after” story. Tell them about hard-to-understand peace when life is hard and how you have had the strength to do the impossible when you knew it was, well, impossible. Tell them about the ways His presence calmed you when you were afraid and how His Word and prayer have given you direction when you didn’t know what to do.

A Prayer Asking for the Spirit to Help You Boldly Tell Your Story

Lord, I need You. It feels like there are so many forces trying to silence Your children. Just proclaiming the name of Jesus can be called “hate speech.” But Jesus told us to “go and tell.” He told those whose lives He had touched to, “tell them everything God has done for you.” Please fill me with Your Spirit and give me the courage I need to boldly tell my story. Please help me follow Your will and trust You to write my future story.

Most of all, I ask that You would help me be a living example of Your “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness” and give me self-control. (Galatians 5:22–23a) Use my story to bring glory to Your name and lives to Your Kingdom. Help me remember that when You are with me and fill me with Your Spirit . . . when I SEEK You and trust You, You will give me everything I need to boldly tell my story. Thank you for Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

One way to boldly tell your story…

I picked up my old Bible the other day. The one I used when our children were growing up.

I’ve always kept it in a cute fabric case so the cover still looks clean and undamaged. But the pages are a different story. They’re covered with notes and stickers. A few have scribbles from my little artists and many include finger smudges.

I can be like that old Bible . . . keeping my outside protected so it looks clean and undamaged. But inside my story is full of scribbles and smudges.

Maybe it’s time to open ourselves up and share what Jesus has done and what He is doing in our lives. One simple way to do this is by sharing our Joy, Junk, and Jesus with three short questions:

Where did you experience joy this week?
What was your junk? (How can I pray for you?)
Where did you see Jesus?

On today’s note write:

With the Holy Spirit’s help, I will boldly tell my story.

May God bless you with Holy Spirit courage and boldness, joy, and lots of Jesus!

Click here to read the rest of Acts 3.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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!

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 Spirit will Give You What You Need to Transform Your Life

5 / 10 / 215 / 10 / 21

God gave the Holy Spirit and lives were changed. And by God's grace, that same Spirit is available to you through faith and promises to transform your life. Find out more here... #HolySpirit #Faith #BibleStudy #CountingMyBlessings

Before Jesus ascended to Heaven, He promised…

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.
Acts 1:8

Just 10 days later, in stunning fashion, God delivered on that promise:

Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting.Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.

They were completely amazed.
Acts 2:2–4, 7a

And the fearful, denying, “run for your life” disciples (defined as followers or learners) were instantly transformed into bold, courageous apostles (meaning messengers or missionaries).

That day, the Spirit “came upon them” and the world was changed forever!

Do you want to know something super wonderful and exciting?

That same Holy Spirit is given to you and me. His POWER to transform lives is still promised.

POWER to have what we need to face life’s worst losses and difficulties. (Isaiah 40:31)
POWER that is able to give peace beyond what we can understand. (Philippians 4:7)
POWER to believe through any and all circumstances. (1 Corinthians 13:7)
POWER to remain strong and courageous until the Lord returns to take us Home. (Joshua 1:9)
POWER that provides what we need spiritually every single day. (Matthew 6:33)

Can you imagine—3,000 people were baptized and added to the community of believers that day as people heard Peter boldlly proclaim…

So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”

Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.”
Acts 2:36–39

A Prayer Asking God to Transform Your Life

Father, I am so sorry. I know I am a sinner. Please help me turn from selfishness and disobedience. I want to know, trust, and obey Your will. I believe Jesus died for my sins. I believe He rose again and I turn to Him “depending on Him for forgiveness, mercy, guidance, and purpose.” (LABNotes) You alone Lord, have the power to save me. You alone have the power to transform me.

I give myself to You. Please fill me with Your Spirit and help me live with faith, courage, strength, and peace through all of life’s circumstances. Transform me by Your grace and give me what I need to live for You and share the message of Your love. You are my Lord. I thank and praise you. I love you. Amen.

I can relate to the fearful fleeing disciples and by God’s grace, I can tell you about the Holy Spirit’s power to transform our lives.

I love these words written by the Apostle Paul:

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

For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Romans 15:13, Romans 5:5

Your life and mine transformed by . . . Joy. Peace. Faith. Hope. Love.

I want that, don’t you?

If you’re tired of being overwhelmed by guilt, shame, fear, frustration, and disappointment. Pray the prayer above once again from your heart and trust the Holy Spirit to transform your life.

On today’s note write:

The Holy Spirit is God’s power to transform my life.

May God bless you today with the power of His Spirit and fill you with faith, hope, and love.

Click here to read the rest of Acts 2.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

How You Can Live Every Day with Faith and Hope

5 / 7 / 215 / 7 / 21

Life is full of highs and lows and we need faith and hope to manage it all. Jesus promised to give His followers the Spirit who will give what they need. #Faith #Hope #BibleStudy #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Can you imagine the emotional “roller coaster” the disciples were on?

They believed they’d lost Jesus on the cross and had been plunged into grief and fear. But three days later they were overjoyed by news of His resurrection. For the next 40 days…

He appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.
Acts 1:3b

And then, they watched Him ascend to heaven.

He was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him.
Acts 1:9

Jesus was gone and they were left astonished while staring at the sky.

Life is full of highs and lows. The roller coaster of your life and mine can leave us frozen in place with our mouths hanging open wondering what will happen next.

I’m a fan of smooth sailing on calm waters. But life is full of uncertainty, fear, loss, and bitter disappointment. We can be left frozen by anxiety, afraid of the unknown or we can LIVE.

Before He ascended, Jesus said…

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.
Acts 1:8a

The power of the Holy Spirit makes it possible for followers of Jesus to live with courage, confidence, hope, and anything else they need to LIVE on life’s roller coaster . . . to ride the highs and lows and anything in-between with faith that He is who He says He is and that His grace is sufficient for all their needs.

Paul pleaded with God to remove a low in his life and the Lord told him…

“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
2 Corinthians 12:8

Praise God, He will give us what we need to throw our hands up and ride the highs and lows with faith and hope covered by His love.

A Prayer to Live with Faith and Hope

Father, thank you for the time Jesus spent with His disciples between His resurrection and ascension for allowing them to see Him, touch Him, walk with Him, and hear Him again. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to stand on the mountain and watch Him ascend, to hear the angel warriors say, “someday He will return from heaven in the same way you saw Him go,” (Acts 1:11), and then to return down the mountain with the instructions to wait and witness to people everywhere (Acts 1:7).

Every moment spent with Him changed them. They went from being disciples who merely followed to apostles on a mission. My life is full of highs and lows, Lord. One moment, I can be standing on a mountain top and the next facing an uncertain future in the valley.

You have promised to give the Spirit to all who surrender themselves to You in faith . . . to SEEKers whose desire it is to trust You and follow Your will. Please increase my faith on the uncertain days and keep me humble on the mountaintop. Please by Your grace, give me the faith and hope I need every day to trust You and follow You wherever You lead. Guide me by Your grace and bless me with Your Spirit’s presence. In the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

The Life Application Bible Notes say the following about the disciples actions after they returned from the mountain top.

Jesus said [the disciples] would be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days, so they waited and prayed. When you face a difficult task, an important decision, or a baffling dilemma, don’t rush into the work and just hope it comes out the way it should. Instead, make your first step prayer for the Holy Spirit’s power and guidance.
LAB Notes Acts 1:12–13

Patience and prayer are often the answer to receiving the faith and hope we need.

On today’s note write:

Jesus gives me the faith and hope I need to live through life’s highs and lows.

God bless you today and fill you with faith and hope for whatever lies ahead.

Click here to read the rest of Acts 1.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

How God Showed Me My Need for His Grace, Mercy, and Love

5 / 6 / 214 / 15 / 21

Sometimes people are so busy being church-going moral and "good" that they miss their need for God's grace, mercy, and love. Learn how God showed me the truth. #God'sLove #BibleStudy #Faith #CountingMyBlessings #Truth

I’ll never forget the moment I realized that I wasn’t an observer of Eve picking and taking a bite out of that piece of fruit that brought sin upon us all . . . I was guilty. I was Eve.

You see, I’d remembered a specific moment when the enemy had tempted me to doubt God’s goodness and act outside of His will for me. At the time, it didn’t seem like a big deal. In fact, most everyone thought my choices were good and honorable. But God wanted me to wait . . . and I didn’t trust His timing.

Years later, the Lord revealed the truth to me through a dream.

A dream where like Peter, I walked along the shore with Jesus.

And He asked me…

“Do you love me more than these?”
John 21:15b

I replied…

“Yes, Lord, you know I love you.”
John 21:16

Twice more He asked me and twice more I replied. And then I woke up with His words on my heart…

“Feed my sheep.”
John 21:17b

And as I lay there in bed that morning pondering and praying about my dream . . . the Lord brought to mind the truth of my sins. I was a doubter—like Thomas, I’d gone along with the crowd and denied Him—like Peter, and I was prone to give in to temptation—like Eve.

I was not the “good little church girl” I thought I was. I needed and continue to need forgiveness. I need God’s grace, mercy, and love. I need Jesus.

The Lord is faithful.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8–9

By God’s grace, I’ve experienced the blessing of God’s forgiveness and that’s the reason I tell my story. I will tell you of my flaws and failures, my weaknesses and worries, my foolishness and frailties . . . so I can tell you about His amazing grace, tender mercy, and unfailing love.

A Prayer Thanking God for His Grace, Mercy, and Love

Lord, thank you for showing me the truth about my sin. I am so ashamed that I ever thought I was “good.” Please forgive me. Just thinking that I could obey Your will or that I could have excused faults makes me now realize that I was guilty of the sin of pride. You allowed me to KNOW the TRUTH of who I am that I might enjoy the blessing and freedom found in Your love and forgiveness.

I know everything is a gift of Your grace. Thank you for patiently leading me through Your Spirit. I prayerfully ask that You will give me the courage and strength I need each day to follow wherever You lead me. I ask that You will help me love and care for others as You want me to. And I pray that with Your help, I will boldly proclaim the truth about Jesus. Thank You for Your grace, mercy, and love. I praise You. I worship You. I love you. Amen.

It can be hard to boldly proclaim our love of Jesus. In the current “cancel culture” it takes courage to tell people about the blessings of knowing and loving Jesus.

John wrote because he wanted everyone to know that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, the Son of God.

He began with…

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

In the last chapter, he wrote…

The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.
John 20:30–31

And he closed with…

This disciple is the one who testifies to these events and has recorded them here. And we know that his account of these things is accurate. Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.
John 21:24–25

He loved the Lord and he testified that you and I might know and love Him too.

When we humbly know our need for forgiveness and we know the blessing of God’s grace, mercy, and love . . . we want to share the Good News.

On today’s note write:

I need God’s grace, mercy, and love today and every day.

God bless you today as you celebrate and share His Good News!

Click here to read the rest of John 21.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

How to Overcome Doubt and Have the Confident Faith You Want

5 / 5 / 215 / 5 / 21

With God's help, it is possible to have confident faith in Jesus, to take our doubts and questions to Him, and trust that He will guide us to the truth. #BibleStudy #Prayer #Faith #TrustGod #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

I’m thankful to have grown up under a pastor who told us it was okay to doubt and ask questions.

When life is hard the enemy will tempt us to doubt God’s goodness. When we are lacking he’ll tempt us to doubt God’s supply. When we’re ashamed he wants us to doubt God’s forgiveness. And when we’re waiting on God’s timing he wants us to doubt God’s love.

The enemy wants us to doubt our faith. He wants to keep us from confident faith.

Our pastor would say,

The problem is not that you have doubts the problem can only be what you do with your doubts if your doubts lead you to ASK questions, SEEK answers, and KNOCK on the throne room door through prayer.

Jesus said:

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

Ask for knowledge and understanding, wisdom and God will give them to you.

Thomas doubted.

“I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.”
John 20:25b

But he didn’t walk away. He knew that if Jesus’ resurrection was true . . . it changed everything! So he asked and he sought answers. And eight days later Jesus once again stood among the disciples and…

He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”
John 20:27

Thomas replied…

My Lord and my God!
John 20:28

Jesus didn’t judge Thomas. He didn’t berate or rebuke him. He came to him and showed him the TRUTH!

I AM ALIVE! You can BELIEVE!

Then He promised.

“Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”
John 20:29b

You and I have the eye-witness testimony, of those who had confident faith because they saw Him, to answer our questions and show us the TRUTH!

A Prayer to Overcome Doubt with Confident Faith

Lord, thank you for loving me . . . even when I have doubts and questions. Thank you for willingly coming to show us the truth. Your Word says that the enemy of my soul is the “Father of Lies.” (John 8:44) He is the source of so much of the world’s suffering and the one who wants us to doubt You to question Your love. Please forgive me.

I bring my doubts to You and ask You to give me confident faith. Please strengthen me and make me a SEEKer of Your TRUTH. I give myself to You and I ask You to empower me with Your Spirit to search the Scriptures that I might KNOW, LOVE, TRUST, and OBEY Your will. Open my eyes that I might see Your nail-scarred hands and overcome my doubts. Your love is evident in everything You do and by Your gift of grace . . . I BELIEVE! Amen.

John concluded his account of Thomas’ doubt with these words:

The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book.But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.
John 20:30–31

I love that . . . these were written so you and I might believe. These were written that we might have confident faith that Jesus is the Son of God and source of LIFE. We can take our doubts and questions to Him. He will never reject us when we ASK, SEEK, and KNOCK—when we turn to His Word and go to Him in prayer.

On today’s note write:

For Confident Faith – ASK, SEEK, and KNOCK!

God bless you today as you surrender your doubts to the Lord in prayer and turn to His Word with faith and hope.

Click here to read the rest of John 20.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

How to Know If This Is the Time To Be Bold with Faith

5 / 4 / 215 / 4 / 21

Throughout history, there have been times when Christians have had reasons to be afraid but what if this is the time to be bold with faith and stand on truth. #faithinJesus #sharefaith #standstrong #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

I have to admit that for most of my life I haven’t had to think much about being persecuted for my faith.

Oh sure, when I was in Bible Studies as a teen, I was asked to think about whether or not I would be strong enough to stand firm and bold in my faith if I was faced with death. We read verses like:

Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers.
Matthew 24:9

Jesus said that His followers would be persecuted before His glorious return but for most of my life in the United States – it was not something we had to think about much. Sure we read about it happening in other countries and we prayed for Christians around the world . . . but it wasn’t happening here.

It feels different today, doesn’t it?

Around the world, more people are being persecuted and dying for their faith . . . in our own country churches are closed, Christians are being sued, and their voices are being silenced. The social pressure to hide our faith is prevalent and powerful.

Not unlike the atmosphere that Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemas faced at the time of Christ.

Joseph was a leader and honored member of the Jewish high council of which Nicodemus was also a member. Had their faith been made known they would have faced the loss of their positions, their influence, and possibly their prosperity.

But Jesus’ death changed them . . . Joseph provided a new unused tomb and together he and Nicodemus cared for Jesus’ body and laid Him there.

Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body . . . With him came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night.
John 19:38a,39

The Life Application Notes add:

When confronted with Jesus and His death, we [like Joseph and Nicodemus] should be changed—to believe, proclaim, and act.

A Prayer to Be Bold in Faith

Father, please give me the courage to be bold in my faith. It’s so easy to be frightened by the opinions of people and swayed by the power of those who seem to be in control. But Your Word tells me to be “strong and courageous.” It promises that You are with me and that you will never fail nor abandon Your children. (Deuteronomy 31:6) Thank you for making me Your child. Thank you for showing me the love of Jesus.

Please prompt my heart to SEEK Your will. Help me honor a commitment to read and study Your Word that I might know what You say not just what others say about what You say. Please give me everything I need to stand strong and be bold in faith. Give me the courage to speak Your truth with gentleness and respect when appropriate and the strength to boldly confront sin when You ask.

I pray that people will see Your love in me and that when they do, they will want the blessing of Your living loving presence as well. I love You, Lord. Bless me and use me for Your glory. Amen.

Friend, I’m not suggesting that we are all called to get involved in all the political battles that are taking place right now.

What I am inviting you to consider is that we have all been called to be bold and to stand strong in Jesus as we shine the light of His love.

[Jesus] told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.”
Mark 16:15

And Paul gave us an example…

I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.
1 Corinthians 2:3–5

On today’s note write:

God give me the courage to be bold in my faith.

May God be with you today and give you everything you need to be bold and courageous in your faith.

Click here to read the rest of John 19.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Why It’s Important to Know the Voice that Controls Every Living Thing

5 / 3 / 215 / 3 / 21

There is a voice before whom every knee will bow and every tongue confess. It's essential for you and me to know the voice and listen to His truth. #Creation #VoiceofTruth #Hope #EternalLife #CountingmyBlessings #WWGGG

In the Garden, Jesus prayed:

“Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Matthew 26:39

And Luke wrote:

He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.
Luke 22:44

Then it was time…

Judas arrived with a “contingent of Roman soldiers and Temple guards” to arrest “Jesus the Nazarene.”

And when the voice that spoke creation into existence said…

“I AM He!”
John 18:5

All who were there to arrest Him…

drew back and fell to the ground!
John 18:6

Whatever you are going through today, Your Creator . . . Your Redeemer reigns! His is the voice that is in control.

His is the Voice that controls the wind and waves.

Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.
Matthew 8:26

The Voice to which demons must submit.

Jesus reprimanded him. “Be quiet! Come out of the man,” he ordered. At that, the demon threw the man to the floor as the crowd watched; then it came out of him without hurting him further.
Luke 4:35

The Voice that defeated death.

He also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End.
Revelation 21:6

The Voice of the One before whom EVERYONE will bow down.

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
    and gave him the name above all other names,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:9–11

The One who created and commands the Universe willingly gave Himself as a sacrifice for you and me invites us to KNOW, TRUST, AND LOVE HIM. His is the voice that says, “Come to me…”

A Prayer to Know and Listen to the Voice of Jesus

Lord Jesus, I can only imagine what it will be like when I can look in Your face and hear Your voice. I know that every single person who has seen You in Your glory has been flattened before You. Pride is gone in Your presence. The is no arrogance or narcissism. When we see Your face and hear Your voice no one will question who is in control.

You left the glories of heaven that You might use Your voice to change lives . . . to change my life. You spoke miracles and taught truths. You forgave sin, defeated death, and vanquished the enemy. You came to give me a life lived in victory when I know and listen to Your voice.

Thank you for allowing me to KNOW and TRUST You. Please help me LISTEN! The Father spoke from heaven and said, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.” (Mark 9:7) And You said, “those who listen will live.” (John 5:25) Please help me listen to and obey Your truth. Help me humbly follow where You lead and help me faithfully listen for the sound that will proclaim Your glorious return.

I love You, Lord. By Your grace, I pray to know and listen to Your voice that I might live every day for Your glory. Amen.

Pause today and turn off the noise in your life. Take a break from electronics and go for a walk or simply sit in the silence. Praise God! He has made it possible for you to know the voice of Jesus.

At His trial before Pilate, Jesus said, “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)

We can trust Him . . . every word He says is true! And by His voice there is life!

On today’s note write:

With God’s help, I will know and listen to the Voice of Jesus . . . the Voice of LIFE!

God bless you today as you know and listen to the voice that is always and forever in control.

Click here to read the rest of John 18.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

How Jesus Prayed for Believers to Be One in Faith and Love

4 / 30 / 214 / 30 / 21

The night before His death, Jesus prayed. He prayed to glorify the Father, He prayed for His disciples, and He prayed for you and me. All because of His love. #JesusPrayed #BibleStudy #Faith #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Do you have a favorite chapter of the Bible?

Original manuscripts of the Bible were not written with section breaks but over time, chapters were added and then in 1560, the Geneva Bible included both chapters and verses.

There are 1,189 chapters in the Bible and 23,145 verses. Although, I have a long list of favorite verses . . . one chapter speaks to my heart in a way that sets it apart from all the others.

John chapter 17.

Rev. Warren Wiersbe wrote:

Jesus prayer “is the greatest prayer recorded anywhere in Scripture. John 17 is certainly the “Holy of Holies” of the Gospel record, and we approach this chapter in a spirit of humility and worship . . . we are privileged to listen in as God the Son converses with His Father just as He is about to give His life as a ransom for sinners!“

I believed this would be one of the easiest posts to write but I’ve been sitting here this afternoon struggling to even know where to begin. You see Jesus’ love pours out through every word.

Love for God, the Father.

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you.
John 17:1

Love for His Disciples.

I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word.

I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world . . . protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are.

Keep them safe from the evil one.

Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.
John 17:6, 11, 14b, 17

Love for You and Me.

I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 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.
John 17:20–21

Jesus prayed with love for strength to glorify the Father, with love for His disciples to KNOW and BELIEVE under the Father’s protection, and with love for you and me to be united in FAITH by His LOVE.

Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.
John 17:25

Through His death, Jesus made it possible for you and me to enter the Holy of Holies in prayer. Will you pause with me to humbly worship Him with gratitude and praise.

A Humble Prayer of Thanks for Jesus Gift of Faith and Love

Jesus, I am so very humbled by Your prayer. It brings tears to my eyes to think of the way You suffered and died willingly taking my punishment upon yourself. The Father asked and You acted for His glory and our good. I am filled with gratitude.

You prayed for me to KNOW Your TRUTH, to be protected from the enemy, to be united in FAITH through Your LOVE. Please help us (help me) by the power of Your Spirit to be filled with all we need to live according to Your will. Please help me follow Your example and humbly live for the Father’s glory.

Your Word says You continue to pray for me and that nothing in all of creation can separate me from Your love. (Romans 8:34–35) I pray that You will keep me strong in faith and united in love. Give me everything I need to trust and obey You. I thank and praise You, Lord. You are the King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the Great I AM for whom nothing is impossible. And You have made me Your own. Thanks and praise forever and ever and always. Amen.

Take a few moments to read all the words Jesus prayed in John 17.

How does knowing Jesus prays for you help you with all that you are dealing with today?

On today’s note write:

Praise God! Jesus prays for me!

God bless you as you rest in His faith and love today.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Jesus’ One Important Truth to Know When Life Overwhelms You

4 / 29 / 214 / 29 / 21

Life can be overwhelming but Jesus shared one important truth with His disciples that would help them handle the challenges He knew they would face. #BiblicalTruth #Jesus #Hope #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

It’s been an overwhelming year, hasn’t it?

Even if you have only dealt with government health restrictions and regulations . . . it’s been a challenging season. Almost everyone I know is dealing with additional pain and problems that have left them feeling drained and discouraged.

In addition, the constant messages of gloom and doom found in every headline we read or news source we watch . . . well, it’s easy to see why most of us are feeling burdened and overwhelmed.

Jesus experienced life with all of its challenges enduring hatred and tears and loss and rejection.

As God and Man – He fully KNOWS and fully understands everything.

How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension!
Psalm 147:5

Jesus had the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to prepare His disciples (and you and me) for the future even when it overwhelms us.

I have told you all this so that you won’t lose your faith when you face troubles.
John 16:1

He also told them that they would be rejected, thrown out of the synagogue, and some would even be killed. (John 16:2)

In addition, Jesus said…

I did not tell you these things at the beginning, because I was with you then.Now I am going back to the one who sent me.
John 16:4–5a

Can you imagine how overwhelmed the disciples must have felt?

But then, He also promised two important things that together make up one important truth you and I need to know to face life’s challenge…

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will lead you into all truth.

I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!
John 16:13, John 16:33

Jesus understands and His Spirit is with you to give you everything you need to help you be brave and live in victory.

The one important truth you and I need to know is this…

We have the Spirit to help us . . . to give us strength, courage, peace, hope, and joy knowing that Jesus has already defeated the things that overwhelm us.

Will you pray with me?

A Prayer to Remember Jesus’ One Important Truth
When I’m Overwhelmed

Lord Jesus, Life is hard and yes, I’m overwhelmed. This world contains so much pain and frustration. And in some ways, it seems like we’re losing sight of the importance of kindness and compassion. The power struggle between good and evil is hurting everyone.

“When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:2) “I love you, Lord; you are my strength.” (Psalm 18:1) Please give me the “peace, which exceeds anything [I] can understand.” (Philippians 4:7)

Thank you for coming and living among us, for knowing and understanding the things that overwhelm us. Nothing that happens in my life comes as a surprise to You and nothing is beyond your ability to help by giving me the courage and strength I need. I know You are with me and You have already won the battle over all the things that try to defeat and discourage me. I praise and worship You. I trust Your One Important Truth. Amen.

I keep reminding myself to turn off the things that are making me feel overwhelmed and to prayerfully keep my heart focused on Jesus’ One Important Truth.

I have His Spirit with and within me to help me live in victory.

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

With the Spirit’s help, we have everything we need to live with peace and courage . . . the enemy of our souls has been defeated.

On today’s note write:

Jesus’ one important truth gives me what I need to LIVE!

God bless you today as you defeat your troubles with Jesus’ truth!

Click here to read the all of John 16.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

You Can Remain Strong When People Hate You Because of Your Faith

4 / 28 / 214 / 28 / 21

Jesus told His followers that people would hate them because they love Him and this continues to be true 2000 years later. But Jesus promises to help us. #Persecution #TrustJesus #StrongFaith #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

The following are quotes from the recent edition of Decision Magazine from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Assoc. They speak about the current atmosphere in our country and around the world . . . one that Jesus addressed more than 2000 years ago.

“Christian, churches and faith-based ministries will be in the crosshairs for believing in the authoritative Word of God as He asserts His uncompromising truth on . . . whatever He calls sin.” ~ Rev. Franklin Graham

“The church today desperately needs a spiritual awakening. We’re in danger of trying to do the work of the Kingdom of God in our own strength. We’re often using the wrong kind of weapons.” ~ Rev. Billy Graham

“What we are witnessing is not political or social, it’s spiritual. Satan is simply doing his routine acts of stealing, killing and destroying.” ~ Dr. Haywood Robinson

Jesus told His disciples:

“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.
John 15:18–19

Do you ever wonder what you’re supposed to do with this information? All you and I have to do is look around to see that things are becoming more and more unsettling for those who consider themselves Bible-believing followers of Jesus. The more openly people express their hate for Jesus followers the more tempting it can be to quit talking about our faith.

Before Jesus cautioned His disciples with this warning about the way people would hate them, He said…

Remain in me. (John 15:4)
Produce much fruit to show you are my true disciples. (John 15:8)
Remain in my love. (John 15:9)
Obey my commandments. (John 15:10)
Love each other. (John 15:17)

Because when followers of do these things, Jesus said…

You will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
John 15:11

And why did He inform them? Because…

You are my friends since I have told you everything the Father told me.
John 15:15

The Good News is that by God’s grace, we aren’t alone in this battle against the world’s hatred…

I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.
John 15:26

Will you pray with me?

A Prayer to Remain Strong When People Hate You

Lord Jesus, thank you for wanting to replace my fear of the attitudes and opinions of others with Your love . . . love that calls me Your friend and fills me with joy! You suffered hatred and rejection to give me Your healing peace. You endured the cross to give me a full and abundant life. Your grace covers my weakness. Your love covers my shame.

You told Your followers the importance of remaining connected to You, the true Vine and source of life. When people are cut off from You . . . hatred is able to win. But when we are attached to You we have what we need to trust and obey Your because You infuse us with Your love.

Please give me the strength I need to endure when people hate me. Please help me continue to trust and obey Your will even when everyone around me stands in opposition. Please fill me with the power of Your Spirit and help me live each day for Your glory. I praise You. I worship You. I love You. Amen.

It’s challenging when people hate us. It’s hard to see regulations made that deny our freedom of speech and worship. It’s painful to see good being called evil and evil being proclaimed good.

But we are not alone.

Thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57

The Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!
Deuteronomy 20:4

“Don’t be afraid! Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
2 Kings 6:16

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

On today’s note write:

Even when people hate me, Jesus will make me strong!

May God bless you today with strength, hope, joy, and love to endure as you remain in Him.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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 Ways You Can Replace Fear with Strength and Peace

4 / 27 / 214 / 27 / 21

Being afraid makes life miserable but by God's grace, there are ways to replace fear and live with peace and strength when we trust His promises. #Jesuspromises #Faith #Hope #God'speace #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

The night before His crucifixion, Jesus told His disciples…

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.”
John 14:1

I don’t know about you but lately the list of reasons we have for troubled hearts seems incredibly long.

Even when we believe in Jesus and want to trust God with our fears and anxiety . . . it’s hard.

I’ve believed in Jesus for as long as I can remember but I still let fear control me for way too long.

That’s why I love that Jesus taught His disciples a way to overcome fear…

5 Ways You Can Replace Fear with Strength and Peace

Focus on and Trust Jesus Promises for the Future

He is Preparing a Place for You in Heaven.

There are many rooms in my Father’s house; I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you.
John 14:2 (NCV)

2. He will Come for You When Everything Is Ready.

When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.
John 14:3

3. He has Given You the Holy Spirit to Encourage You NOW.

I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth.
John 14:16b–17a

4. He will Be With You to Give You All You Need to Trust and Obey His Will.

“All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.
John 14:23

5. He will Give You Peace and Strength to Overcome Fear and LIVE.

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

Jesus also told His disciples another important truth and promise that night…

You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!
John 14:13

When you and I pray in His name, we must remember that we are asking according to His character and will. When we ask Him to help us trust and obey . . . He will.

A Prayer to Trust Jesus and Replace Fear with Strength and Peace

Father, it feels like the enemy of our souls is working overtime to overwhelm us with fear. Yet, again and again You have said, “Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid.” You tell us to look beyond our current circumstances to the blessings of eternity through the hope we have in Jesus and the promises He has given us.

Lord, I believe. Please help me overcome fear with Your Truth. Jesus said He is the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6) Fill me with Your Spirit and help me follow Jesus’ ways, trust His truth, and find strength and peace in the rich and satisfying life You want me to have. (John 10:10) By Your grace, please help me focus on and trust Jesus’ promises for my forever future in heaven, the Spirit’s power to give me everything I need today, and Your ability to help me live with courage and strength when I live by Your will.

Thank you for hearing my prayer and for blessing me with Your grace, mercy, and love. Amen.

God has told us and proven it again and again . . . the Holy Spirit is greater than the enemy.

The Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.
1 John 4:4

We don’t have to give in when our circumstances tempt us to live in fear. We have the Spirit of God in and within us to replace our fear with His strength and peace.

On today’s note write:

The Lord is able to replace my fear with His promises.

Click here to read the rest of John 14.

God bless you today as you lay every fear at the foot of the cross of Jesus and rest in His strength and peace.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

God Will Give Us Everything We Need to Love Like Jesus

4 / 26 / 214 / 2 / 21

It's hard to love like Jesus but that is what He commanded, to help when it's not easy and give when it hurts, to forgive, and live with compassion and care. #Jesus #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

As I sit down to write, it’s Thursday of Holy Week and John 13 is the next chapter on my writing schedule. There are no coincidences in God’s perfect timing.

I’ve often wondered what it was like for Jesus that night before His arrest, trial, crucifixion, and death? But today, I’m pausing to think about HIs inner circle . . . those closest to Him. The ones He addressed in John 13 – 17.

In August of 2007, Rev and I were told that he needed heart surgery . . . one that most cardiologists didn’t want to perform because the mortality rate was high and the morbidity rate was higher. We were given the news that it was his only hope but it was very likely he wouldn’t survive. During the days leading up to surgery, Rev and I had one conversation after another to help me know how to manage the parts of our lives that he had always managed.

I tried to pay attention but honestly, I didn’t want to think about it and I didn’t want to hear it.

Jesus had been telling His disciples for weeks that His suffering and death was nearing.

John 13 begins with the words…

Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end.
John 13:1

Jesus spent that evening instructing His disciples and preparing them for a weekend that would change their lives forever.

He washed their feet and taught them about humble service. (13:4–17)
He pointed out His betrayer. (13:18–30)
He predicted Peter’s denial. (13:31–38)
He taught them about the Father. (14:1–13)
He promised the Holy Spirit. (14:14–30)
He encouraged them to remain focused on Him and His love. (15:1–17)
He told them about the world’s opposition and hatred. (15:18–16:4)
He taught them about the Holy Spirit. (16:5–15)
He taught them prayer and promised His presence. (16:16–33)
He prayed for Himself, for them, and for all of us. (17:1–25)

Love was the theme that night. Jesus love and theirs.

He showed them that true love is more than warm fuzzy feelings and flowery words. True love is revealed in actions.

Jesus said…

“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

The Life Application Bible Notes explain that to love like Jesus we must help when it’s not convenient, give when it’s hard, actively care for the welfare of others, and absorb the hurts inflicted by others with grace and mercy.

Loving like Jesus is hard. No . . . it’s impossible without God’s help.

Let’s pray…

A Prayer to Love Like Jesus

Father, thank you for Jesus. I can’t imagine how difficult those days leading up to His death must have been. He knew that He would be rejected, betrayed, tortured, and abandoned. And yet, He continued to walk forward with love and humble service.

It’s so easy for me to focus on myself. To let my own concerns and fears distract from the needs of those around me. To quickly speak about love but neglect to act with love. Please forgive me.

Please help me. I want to love like Jesus. I want to act with compassion and kindness. I want to give generously. And I want to consistently offer grace and mercy to the people who hurt me. On my own, I can’t. I won’t. But with Your help, I believe I am able to surrender myself so You can love people through me. I love You, Lord and I want to willingly love sacrificially . . . like Jesus. In whose name, I pray. Amen.

May you and I join the disciples these next few days and humbly listen and learn as Jesus teaches us and shows us how to love.

On today’s note write:

God, please help me love like Jesus.

God bless you today as you celebrate and share the extent to which you are loved by Jesus.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

How to Know the Best and Right Way to Glorify God with Love

4 / 23 / 214 / 11 / 21

What does it mean to glorify God? Jesus lived and loved people in a way that showed us God's love and pointed a spotlight on God's glory. #GlorifyGod #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #God'sLove

We often talk about the importance of living for God’s glory but…

What does it really mean to glorify God?
And what are the best and right ways to do it?

Giving God glory has been defined as:

praising and worshipping Him.
highlighting His attributes and characteristics.
lifting Him up in honor.

In John 12, Jesus said:

“Father, save me from this hour? But this is the very reason I came! Father, bring glory to your name.”
John 12:27–28

Jesus said that His death would glorify God. But how?

The Greek root word [for glory] is doxa, which refers to brightness, beauty, and even fame. One helpful way to think of the word is to substitute the word spotlight. Jesus was consciously giving God, the Father, permission to spotlight himself through what would happen to Christ, God’s Son.
Barton, B. B., Life Application Bible Commentary

What if the best way to glorify God is to simply trust and follow Him in obedience by following Jesus’ example.

Whatever He asks, commands, or allows . . . simply obeying Him for for His glory because we love Him.

Isaiah wrote:

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

And the law we are to obey…

This is my command: Love each other.
John 15:17

The best and right way to glorify God is to shine the light of His love because we trust Him.

What does it mean to glorify God? Jesus lived and loved people in a way that showed us God's love and pointed a spotlight on God's glory.

A Prayer to Trust and Glorify God with Love

Father, thank you! Jesus showed us Your love and He showed us how to love and glorify You. I love you. I want to trust You with all that I am but I fall short so often. I am prone to self-focus and selfishness. I am easily annoyed and short on patience. I fret about the future and fail to notice the needs of my neighbors. Please forgive me.

Jesus said that Your commandments can be summed up in the word LOVE. Your commandments speak of loving You and loving others. Please help me live with humility. Give me the strength and courage to walk in faithfulness through whatever You allow. Help me praise and worship You in good times and bad. Help me shine the light of Your love into a world full of lies and confusion. Help me LOVE for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

We often see the image of a burning candle representing the light of God’s love. But what if His love shines more like a spotlight!

A spotlight brilliantly illuminates a person, object, or group on a stage. A spotlight draws attention to someone or something.

Jesus shines a spotlight on God’s love…

I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.
John 12:46

And when you and I follow His example . . . we focus on Jesus and shine the light of love. It’s something we can’t possibly do on our own but with His help . . . all things are possible.

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.
1 John 4:16

Jesus allowed His life to spotlight God’s glory, so you and I can live in and reflect the LIGHT of His love!

On today’s note write…

I will glorify God by shining the light of His love.

May God bless you and shine His love on you and through you today and always.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

How You Can Rise Up and Come Alive with Hope Today

4 / 22 / 214 / 22 / 21

It is so easy to get caught in a cycle of despair and discouragement. But I believe it's time to hear the call to come alive and rise up and LIVE with hope. #Alive #Hope #Godspromises #Faith #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

I have to admit that I have moments of discouragement . . . times when I look around and the darkness of sin is gaining a louder voice and the efforts to silence the voices of TRUTH are increasing as well. But in the midst of it all Jesus is calling.

One of my favorite songs right now is Rise Up Lazarus by Cain.

I love its message.

You and I don’t have to be caught in a cave of fear and discouragement. We don’t have to listen to the enemy’s lies. We don’t have to give in to grief and despair. It’s time to Come Alive and Rise Up!

It’s time to hear the voice of Jesus calling us to LIVE!

Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”
John 11:43

Now take Lazarus out . . . and replace it with your own name.

__________ come out!

Listen to Jesus voice! Trust His love! Obey His commands! Follow His will. LIVE!

Read these words from the song…

When He said your name, the thing that filled your veins
Was more than blood, it’s the kind of love that washes sin away
Now the door is open wide and the stones been rolled aside
The old is gone, the Light has come, so
Come on and rise up, take a breath, you’re alive now…

He’s calling us to walk out of the dark
He’s giving us new resurrected hearts.
RISE UP – CAIN

And Lazarus’ sister, Mary, showed us how…

Mary is mentioned three times in Scripture and all three times, she is humbly at the feet of the Lord fully focused on Him.

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.
Luke 10:38–39

When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet…
John 11:32

Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair.
John 12:3

Whether we are sitting with Him to learn, falling before Him with our needs, or worshipping Him in gratitude . . . the way to COME ALIVE is to humbly focus our hearts and minds and lives on Jesus.

A Prayer to Come Alive and Rise Up with Hope

Father, I want to “come alive.” I want to live the life You want for me. I want to live Your plans and enjoy the future of hope You have prepared. I am tired of living in fear. I’m tired of allowing the noisy crowd to keep me hidden in silence. Please forgive me for taking my focus off Jesus. Forgive me for failing to faithfully read and study Your Word . . . for failing to hold Your promises close to my heart. Forgive me for failing to make spending time with You in prayer a priority.

Today I hear You calling me to “rise up.” I believe that with the help of Your Spirit, when I focus on Jesus . . . I can have everything I need each day to live with hope! I believe I can, by Your grace, be fully ALIVE. I believe I can walk out of the darkness of this world and live with the resurrected heart You have given me. I can live with hope for. today, tomorrow, and all eternity because Your grace is more than sufficient for all my needs. In Jesus’ name I praise and pray. Amen.

With God’s help it is possible to hear the voice of Jesus over the sounds of fear and discouragement. It’s possible to live with resurrection power and faith and hope and love. It is possible to LIVE!

On today’s note write:

COME ALIVE and RISE UP in JESUS!

God bless you today as you live with faith focused on resurrection power you have been given in Christ Jesus.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

How You Can Experience the Leading and Love of the Good Shepherd

4 / 21 / 214 / 21 / 21

Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd. His leading and love gently guide, guard, and protect us to live in a world that is full of dangers and temptations. #Faith #Jesus #GoodShepherd #BibleStudy #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

I grew up at a church called Our Shepherd. I even attended a school that was affiliated with the church.

So, both pastors and teachers taught us often about the loving care of Jesus, our Good Shepherd.

We were taught that sheep are generally docile and that they would definitely not be on the list of most intelligent or clever in the animal kingdom. We learned they are fearful crowd-followers who need to be constantly guided and cared for.

We also learned from Isaiah that:

All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
the sins of us all.
Isaiah 53:6

Yes, you and I are foolish sheep who have gone our own way and sinned. God knew we needed the leading and love of the Good Shepherd.

In John 10, Jesus said…

I tell you the truth. I am the gate for the sheep.
John 10:1 and 7

I am the Good Shepherd.
John 10:11

The Father and I are one.
John 10:30

You and I need the leading and love of the Good Shepherd to guide us.

We need Him to accompany us to and through the narrow gate.

Because He IS the gate, Jesus is the One who makes it possible for you and me to approach the Father . . . today in prayer and ultimately in the glories of Heaven.

We need the love of the Good Shepherd.

Jesus’ doesn’t just watch over the sheep, He loves and cares for them with a love so great He willingly suffered and died for them.

We need the grace of God.

No matter how hard you and I try, we cannot find our way or earn the right to go to or through the gate that leads to God’s presence. But Jesus made it possible! As God in human flesh, He lived a perfect life and voluntarily sacrificed it so we could experience God’s grace and love eternally. He gave His life that you and I might have LIFE.

“The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep . . . No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.”
John 10:11 and 18

The leading and love of the Good Shepherd guides, guards, and protects us in a world full of dangers and temptations.

A Prayer to Know the Leading and Love of the Good Shepherd

Father, forgive me for being a follower of foolishness. I am so sorry. I want to live with wisdom and obedience but I fall short of even my own goals so often. Please help me.

You have graciously given Jesus, who called Himself the Good Shepherd, to lead Your children with love and grace. He said in advance that He came to “sacrifice His life” because it is what You commanded. His sacrifice was Your plan of salvation for us . . . undeserved mercy and grace.

Father, I pray to completely trust and follow the voice of my Savior. He said that His sheep KNOW Him and follow His voice. That is my desire . . . to listen to and obey Jesus. I pray to believe the “evidence of the miraculous works” (v.38) He has done for me. I pray to search the “Scriptures [that] cannot be altered” (v. 35) and ask that you might guide me by Your Spirit and fill me with the wisdom I need to live each day in Your love. And I ask all this in the name of my Good Shepherd, Jesus. Amen.

It’s hard for us to be humble enough to admit we need the leading and protection of a Shepherd. But the truth is we are vulnerable to foolishness and the dangers of this sinful world. We need Jesus!

On today’s note write:

Today I will follow the leading and love of Jesus, my Good Shepherd.

God bless you today as you surrender to His leading and love.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!