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How to Replace Fear with Strength and Courage

When we take our fear to God, He does not give us a magical infusion of strength and courage that lasts forever ... but He does give enough for this moment and that's all we need. #Courageous #Strong #LivewithHope #CountingMyBlessings #FaithOverFear #WWGGG

It only took one terrifyingly turbulent flight to convince me that staying on the ground was better than being in the air. So much better that it took years before I was willing to go anywhere that required air travel.

But flying was just one of my many fears.

As a child, I was afraid of the dark, bugs, heights, and rejection. Then I grew up and realized that although bugs and the dark weren’t that scary there were plenty of other things that were … eventually, I was diagnosed with agitated anxiety.

There are more than a dozen verses in Scripture that speak to God’s children being strong and courageous.

Me … strong and courageous. Not even close!

That was a little over a decade ago when…

  • Someone I deeply loved rejected me.
  • Rev suffered from an undiagnosed illness for over a year. Although, the doctors determined that heart surgery was the only thing that could save him … we were told not to expect it to be successful.
  • My mom went home to heaven.
  • And our first grandchild was born at 24 weeks, weighing 1lb. 9oz.

Our friends started calling us – the “high maintenance” prayer family.

My worst fears were coming to pass and I had to a choice to make … either run to God or pull the covers over my head and give up.

Giving up didn’t seem like an option. So, I grabbed my Bible and I prayed. Again and again and again.

Each time I gave a problem to God, He gave me enough strength for that moment. Not a magical infusion of strength and courage that made me fearless, but enough to make it through one moment at a time.

That’s really all we need, isn’t it? Enough strength and courage for this moment?

If you struggle with fear, I’d love to share some things God has taught me to do that help me when I’m tempted to fall back into that place of fear and anxiety.

How to Replace Fear with Strength and Courage

When we take our fear to God, He does not give us a magical infusion of strength and courage that lasts forever ... but He does give enough for this moment and that's all we need. #Courageous #Strong #LivewithHope #CountingMyBlessings #FaithOverFear #WWGGG

1. Decide that You Want to be Strong and Courageous – Living with fear became a bad habit for me. I had to make up my mind that I no longer wanted to live that way … that I wanted to have strength and courage.

“Fear is 100% dependent on you for its survival.” ~ Steve Maraboli

2. Admit You’re Afraid – There will always be something to be fear. It’s the nature of the world in which you and I live. Everyone is afraid sometimes. In fact, it’s not always a bad thing. It can keep us from putting ourselves in harm’s way. So, it’s important for me to admit and identify my fear, refuse to spin on it, and face it head-on.

“The first step forward is to admit your fear, then you can take the next step to conquer it.” ~ Ken Poirot

3. Analyze Your Fear – Once you’ve identified your fear, remember…

Fear is an emotional response to a perceived threat.

So, I’m asking myself if my “perceived threat” is real and true or if it is simply something I feel. Is it based on facts and information or rumor and speculation? Is it something I can change or control? How is it affecting my life and my relationships? Have a talked to God about it?

You have received the Holy Spirit, and He lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what istrue. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what He teaches is true—it is not a lie.

1 John 2:27

4. Pray and Ask – Paul wrote, “Never stop praying.” I Thessalonians 5:17 In all circumstances, whatever is going on in the world or in my head … I want to take it to Jesus and ask Him to give me His peace. You and I can trust His promises.

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

 5. Talk to a Strong and Courageous Mentor – I’ve had several times in my life when I’ve gone to a Christian counselor because I needed someone to help me look at my circumstances with fresh eyes and help me see it from a different perspective. I’ve also asked friends to talk with me about the ways God has gotten them through times of fear.

Talk to a counselor. Or ask a friend to tell you how they were able to get through a fearful time.

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

Proverbs 27:17

6. Don’t Borrow Fear from Others – If the news and your friend’s posts on Facebook bring your fears to the surface. Take a break. I’ve learned to turn off my television and take breaks from social media so I can avoid the “ain’t it awful” out there.
My head is always spinning with thoughts. I want to remember that I get to choose what those thoughts are about. You can even call it taking every thought captive…

We break down every thought and proud thing that puts itself up against the wisdom of God. We take hold of every thought and make it obey Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NLV)

7. Stay Focused on the Present – Why do “what if” thoughts rarely have happy endings? Worry and fear are close cousins. I don’t want to give in to worry or allow fear to rob me of what God wants for me right now. So, with His help, I want to focus on today, change what I can, and entrust tomorrow to His mercy and grace.

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

8. Keep a Prayer Journal and Gratitude List – When I remember the countless times and ways I know God has helped me in the past in addition to those I can only imagine … I am more likely to count on Him to help me and give me what I need when I’m afraid today.

So, I keep journals and lists and memories close to remind me of His unfailing love and bountiful blessings.

Don’t be afraid of them! Just remember what the Lord your God did…

Deuteronomy 7:18
When we take our fear to God, He does not give us a magical infusion of strength and courage that lasts forever ... but He does give enough for this moment and that's all we need. #Courageous #Strong #LivewithHope #CountingMyBlessings #FaithOverFear #WWGGG

9. Live Your Life – Even if we have to do it afraid, it’s important to get up and live, trusting that God will provide for every need.

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

10. Hold On to His Promises – Carry note cards with quotes and verses that remind you to have courage.

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

When my worry is great within me, Your comfort brings joy to my soul.

Psalm 94:19 (NLV)

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” He said. “Take courage. I am here!”

Matthew 14:27

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So [I] will not fear…

Psalm 46:1–2a

I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears.

Psalm 34:4

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

John 14:27

I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate [me] from God’s love.

Romans 8:38

I praise God for what He has promised.
I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?

Psalm 56:4

(Click here or on the graphic for a free
printable of verses to keep close to you.)

You and I can trust God to replace our fear with strength and courage.

All of the fear I talked about at the beginning of this post … God has redeemed it. He has given me freedom.

Oh sure, I have fearful thoughts occasionally … but I’ve learned where to take them. I trust God to replace my fear-filled thoughts with His promises.

I believe…

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise.

Hebrews 10:23

So, I will continue to faithfully work through this list of ways to replace my fear with strength and courage … not because of anything I will think, do, or say but because I have placed my faith in the One who has promised to give me everything I need—even when I’m afraid.

I’m praying for you today and asking God to give you whatever you need to replace your fear with His perfect love. Love that drives out fear. (1 John 4:18)

Let’s talk: What fears has God helped you past? How has He helped you by giving you the strength you needed to do something you feared?

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

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

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Leave your prayer requests…

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

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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When You Want Stronger Faith – Pray Jesus’ Truth

It's easy to relate to the father who said, Lord, "I believe, help me overcome my unbelief." When we want stronger faith, we need to pray Jesus' truth and ask for His help. #Faith #Jesus #PrayScripture #Hope #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

What do you do when life is uncertain and you are struggling with feelings of vulnerability?

It’s interesting to be living at a time of collective uncertainty.

But the truth is … everyone experiences that vulnerable feeling from time to time.

I can’t tell you how often I’ve thought about the words spoken by the father of the “demon-possessed” boy … a desperate man who just wanted his son to be healed.

Talk about feeling vulnerable.

This father brought his desperation to the disciples but they couldn’t help. So, as Jesus came down from the Mountain of Transfiguration He was met with a group of arguers trying to figure out what to do next.

Jesus surveyed the crowd and asked a few questions, and after answering a few details about his son, the father pleads…

“Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”

Mark 9:22

Jesus replied…

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

Mark 9:23

The father’s response always grabs my attention and my heart…

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

Mark 9:24

Can you relate to these words, too? When you are desperate for answers and solutions? When life feels shaky?

But that’s the point. The father didn’t take his son and leave. He didn’t give up in despair. He took the faith he had and trusted Jesus.

So, that’s what I’m doing today. I’m going to Jesus and asking Him for His mercy and help. I’m honestly admitting that I feel vulnerable.

I’m praying the words of Jesus, asking Him to give me peace and hope because when I feel vulnerable, I need stronger faith. Faith that truly believes the promise that … “Anything is possible if a person believes.”

I’d love for you to pray with me…

When You Want Stronger Faith – Pray Jesus’ Truth

It's easy to relate to the father who said, Lord, "I believe, help me overcome my unbelief." When we want stronger faith, we need to pray Jesus' truth and ask for His help. #Faith #Jesus #PrayScripture #Hope #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

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

Mark 9

Lord, thank you for the gift of faith. I can’t imagine trying to do even a moment of my life without the hope You give.

It’s why I love this father’s hopeful prayer. Like him…

I do believe, but when I’m overwhelmed by problems and everywhere I turn people are fearful and worried … doubt creeps in and challenges me. I need Your help, Lord. Please fill me with Your Spirit, help me remember the countless ways You have been with me in the past, and flood my heart and mind with the truths of Your unfailing promises.

Jesus said, “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.

Matthew 7:24–25

Lord Jesus, I want to be wise. I want to listen to and follow Your teaching. I want “solid rock” faith. Your Word tells me to “be still and know” You. (Psalm 46:10) Please fill me with a desire to spend time with You by reading and studying Your Word … by sitting with You in prayer. Please quiet my spirit and help me fix my thoughts on Your truth.

Help me “keep my eyes on” You, the author and perfecter of my faith. (Hebrews 12:2) Help me fix my “thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. And think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians 4:8) With Your Spirit’s help, I believe those things will help me through life’s storms.

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And 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 14:15–17a

Lord, I do love You … yet, I know I fall short of perfectly obeying your commandments. Please forgive me. I’ve prayed to know Your truth. I’ve asked You to help me love You with all that I am. I’ve called out for Your help to be able to trust and obey Your perfect will.

Because I know that I am unable to do any of those things on my own. I need Your Spirit’s help. I surrender myself to You, Lord. Guide me. Fill me. Teach me Your truth. Keep me so focused on You that the world’s lies and temptations have no power over me.

Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:31–32

Lord, You are the TRUTH that sets me free.

By Your grace, I am no longer a slave to sin and I am free from the eternal consequences of my sin.

You free me from the lies I tell myself and the lies satan uses to tempt me. You make me free to live each day with hope and joy because I am forgiven and redeemed for all eternity. You give me freedom to love as I have been loved.

Lord Jesus, I don’t want to just know Your truth … I want to live Your truth. Please help me follow where You lead. Help me faithfully obey You … without doubts or questions but trusting that every Word is true. May I say like the Psalmist: “Every word of God holds true and we can trust everything He does.” (Psalm 33:4)  Amen.

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:20

Lord, I pray that You will help me be an encourager. I want everyone to know and love You. I want them to live with the freedom You give. I want them to know the blessings of loving You and obeying Your commands. I want them to experience peace, joy, patience, and hope. And most of all, I want them to enjoy the blessing of Your presence … to rest in the truth that no matter what happens in this life, they will never have to face it alone. You will be with them.

Your grace is sufficient. When I am weak, You give me the strength I need. (2 Corinthians 12:9) You guide by Your truth and help my faith to grow. Thank you! I worship and praise You and ask that by Your grace, I might live for Your glory today, tomorrow, and always. Amen.

It's easy to relate to the father who said, Lord, "I believe, help me overcome my unbelief." When we want stronger faith, we need to pray Jesus' truth and ask for His help. #Faith #Jesus #PrayScripture #Hope #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

You know, I’ve learned something important in recent months…

I’ve learned I have to be careful about what I consume—what I listen to, watch, and read. I have to think carefully about the discussions I have.

If I want to have stronger faith and know and pray Jesus’ truths … I have to focus on who He is and all He’s done.

You have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:1–2

When I feel vulnerable and my heart cries…

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

The promise I have … the promise you have, is that we are not on our own when we want to have stronger faith.

When you and I want to have a rock-solid foundation built on the truths of Jesus. We have the promise that we have been hidden with Christ in God. We have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us know and…

Pray Jesus’ truth.

And that’s awesome news!

Because of Jesus, you and I can surrender each day, even when that day feels vulnerable and uncertain. We can be confident that we will be given everything we need to live in faith with hope and joy.

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

What is Jesus’ Truth? 5 Important Things You Need to Know

Jesus' truth is still followed more than 2000 years later. So, I wanted to take a closer look at some of the things His truths continue to give His followers #Hope #Truth #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

How would you define the word “truth?”

I always hate when the dictionary defines a word by using a variation of the word.

Truth is:

  • the quality or state of being true.
  • that which is true or in accordance with fact or reality.
  • a fact or belief that is accepted as truth.

Of course, that last one may or may not be “truth” at all.

I suppose the Dictionary definition I’m most comfortable with is…

  • a verified or indisputable fact, proposition, or principle.

Have you ever stopped to ask … what is truth?
Not … what is the truth? But simply … what is truth?

Pontius Pilate did. In the middle of His trial, Pilate asked Jesus:

“What is truth?”

John 18:38

The Life Application Bible Notes add the following:

Pilate was cynical; he thought that all truth was relative. To many government officials, truth was whatever the majority of people agreed with or whatever helped advance their own personal power and political goals.

It sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

Maybe we need to ask a deeper question about “truth.”

Is truth simply what the majority believes and agrees with or is there a standard, an absolute truth?

The LAB notes continue…

When there is no standard or acknowledgement of truth, there is no basis for moral right and wrong. Justice becomes whatever works or whatever helps those in power.

And we might include … those who want to be in power.

I’ll admit, this unsettles me … because “relative truth” that can be used to manipulate and exploit people in order to gain power may not be “truth” at all.

And maybe that’s one of the reasons our world continues to struggle. Maybe too many are chasing after “truth” that isn’t really true at all.

Jesus responded to Pilate’s question with the following:

Jesus said, “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 Jesus’ truth still stands more than 2000 years later. His promises have not and will not fail. So, I thought it might be helpful to take a closer look at some of the things Jesus said are true.

Things that will encourage and bless us when the relative truth of the world is leaving us unsettled and concerned.

Jesus' truth is still followed more than 2000 years later. So, I wanted to take a closer look at some of the things His truths continue to give His followers #Hope #Truth #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

5 Important Things to Know About Jesus’ Truth

1. Jesus’ Truth will Give You Life

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. God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him.

John 3:16–17

Some people look at the Bible as a book Christians use so they hyper-critical of others but the truth is that the Bible is a book of life-giving forgiving love.

Adrian Rogers wrote…

Cut the Bible and it will bleed. The blood of Jesus is on every page.

That’s the greatness of God’s love for those of us who fail Him every day.

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

John 14:6

And John wrote the following about Jesus…

We know that the Son of God has come, and He has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and He is eternal life.

1 John 5:120

2. Jesus’ Truth will Give You Freedom

Jesus’ truth frees us of our broken sinful pasts.
Jesus’ truth frees us to live fully alive today.
Jesus’ truth frees us to live without fear of the future.

Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:31–32

Whatever is holding you back today … fear, worry, anxiety, a broken past or an uncertain future … Jesus is able to set you free so you can LIVE with peace, hope, and joy.

3. Jesus’ Truth will Give You a Moral Standard

Jesus’ truth gives a consistent moral standard that is lasting … not a set of rules that move and change along with society’s views and opinions.

Views and opinions that tell us:

  • Lies are just a part of life. Everyone lies.
  • Abortion is a woman’s “choice.” It’s just a fetus … a clump of cells.
  • Sex with anyone anywhere anytime is harmless. If it’s what both people want.
  • A little gossip is okay if you follow it with … “we need to pray for them.”
  • I need to take care of ME. I don’t have time to help my neighbor.
  • Grace is not necessary. It’s all about what you do.
  • My sins aren’t nearly as bad as his/her sins.

Have you read this verse recently…

There are six things the Lord hates—
    no, seven things He detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.

Proverbs 6:16–19

Do we really think God hates these things any less today than when Solomon wrote them years ago?

But there is good news! God didn’t give us this moral standard to spoil our fun or make us miserable. He knew that following His truth and obeying His will would bless us and make our lives better.

He knew it was and is the wise thing to do.

4. Jesus’ Truth will Give You Wisdom.

Jesus said, “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.

Matthew 7:24–25

I want that, don’t you?!

I want a truth that will make me rock solid. One that will give me strength when the messiness of life starts to feel overwhelming and those who are following relative truth start to throw their hands up in despair.

For the Lord grants wisdom! From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go.

Proverbs 2:6,9

I want truthful wisdom that will guide me and give me hope.

5. Jesus’ Truth will Give You Hope for the Future.

Jesus said, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19–20

And…

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

John 14:2–3

These two promises are ones I hold close to my heart every day.

Jesus' truth is still followed more than 2000 years later. So, I wanted to take a closer look at some of the things His truths continue to give His followers #Hope #Truth #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

That is seriously GOOD NEWS!

Whatever is going on in your life and mine … Jesus is always with us. We never have to face anything on our own.

I can tell you, with Jesus’ help, Rev and I have gotten through things I promise you we could never have endured on our own. He gave us peace, and hope, and strength to endure. I still don’t understand it but oh my, I am so very thankful for it.

And then … the ultimate fear — death.

Look again at what Jesus said. He is preparing a place for you and He will personally come to take you home.

People fear having to face death alone … but when you and I have faith in Jesus, we don’t have to face it alone because He promises to be with us.

I’d like to encourage you to learn more about Jesus’ truth. Not what people say about it … not just what I say about it. Please go and seek His truth yourself.

I have a couple of resources I believe will help:

I’m asking God to bless you today as He gives you hope and peace in and through Jesus’ truth!

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

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

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 are Afraid of the Unknown

No one knows the future and sometimes things happen that make us afraid of the unknown; so, I'm praying to the One who reigns over whatever lies ahead. #Prayer #Hope #Faith #FearoftheFuture #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

It’s hard, isn’t it?

Delving into the unknown. Waiting and wondering.

At the moment, it’s hitting us all. People all over the world are watching and listening … uncertain about what the future will bring.

It’s really no different than usual. It’s just that this time we have a common subject.

But every day, all over the world people are uncertain and afraid of the unknown … questioning:

  • the results of a medical test.
  • the job layoff.
  • the teen whose attitude and behavior changed suddenly.
  • the spouse who has become more distant and detached.
  • why the person they love began ghosting them.
  • how they’ll pay their rent or feed their family.

And at one time, you didn’t even know that someday you might be afraid of a global pandemic.

Paul wrote the following in his second letter to Timothy…

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

2 Timothy 1:7

And we know it’s true.

Fear of the unknown is not from God!

Because it’s really not unknown.

Jesus said,

“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.”

John 16:33b

Those words themselves used to terrify me. I didn’t want to face trials and sorrows. Although, I knew they were “here on earth,” I knew I didn’t want them to touch me.

But they did touch me and that’s when the rest of Jesus’ words became necessary and real for me.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me … but take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33a,c

Jesus has won the victory over our trials and sorrows. He has given us His eternal promises that are absolute and unchanging to give us His peace.

Paul wrote this about the kind of peace Jesus gives.

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

Philippians 4:7

Other translations call it the peace that:

  • reassures the heart.
  • is the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ.
  • will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings.
  • transcends comprehension.
  • goes beyond anything we can imagine.
  • is beyond human understanding.
  • is too wonderful to understand.

I want that when I’m afraid of the unknown, don’t you?

Paul told us how … in the verse before the one which says, “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love, and self-discipline.“

He wrote:

This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.

2 Timothy 1:6

That gift … is the gift of faith. Paul had just reminded Timothy of the great faith he saw in his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. A faith he said … “now lives in you also.”

So, now that we know 1) we want that kind of sincere strong faith and 2) it’s what we need when we are afraid of the unknown—what do we do?

How do you and I get that kind of faith?

I believe we do what Paul told Timothy to do. We “fan into flames the gift of faith God has given us. We pray that He will help us turn to and trust His promises and give us the peace that is too wonderful to understand.

So, I’m praying today … and I’d love for you to pray with me.

5 Verses to Pray When You are Afraid of the Unknown

No one knows the future and sometimes things happen that make us afraid of the unknown; so, I'm praying to the One who reigns over whatever lies ahead. #Prayer #Hope #Faith #FearoftheFuture #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

“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, You promised to leave Your followers the gift of peace of mind and heart. You also said that it is a peace the world can never give us. And yet, we foolishly look for our peace in countless things the world offers us. But the truth is … everything the world has to offer, the good and the bad, is temporary.

Lord, please help me focus my heart and mind on the truth of Your Word. I pray Your Spirit will prompt me to bring every unknown fear to You in prayer; and that He will imprint Your forever promises on my soul.

God is our refuge and strength,
    always ready to help in times of trouble.
“Be still, and know that I am God!
    I will be honored by every nation.
    I will be honored throughout the world.”
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
    the God of Israel is our fortress.

Psalm 46:1, 10–11

Father, I love this promise. You are my safe place. You are the One who gives me strength when my own is depleted. And when I doubt or wonder how You will give me what I need this time. When I feel this time my fear is too great … You say, Be still and know! Look around. See what I’m doing. See what I’ve done. I am the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Nothing is impossible for Me. Be still and know that I AM God!

Please give me everything I need to rest in You.

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

Philippians 4:6–7

Lord, guard my heart and mind. I admit that I am worried about __________. I come to You … asking You to meet this need today.

Thank you for all the times You have helped and protected me in the past. Some of which I’m aware and some known only to You.

Please help me to trust Your perfect timing and give me what I need to experience Your peace each day. Fill me with faith, hope, and love as I entrust my cares and concerns to You.

You will keep in perfect peace
    all who trust in You,
    all whose thoughts are fixed on You!

Isaiah 26:3

Perfect peace! I want that Lord. I want to be kept in Your perfect peace. So, I ask You to fill me with Your Spirit. Help me fix my thoughts on You. Help me remember all You have done for me in the past. Help me think about all the times you have given me peace and strength. Help me keep in mind the truth that many of the things I’ve worried about have never happened.

Help me focus on who You are! You are the God who saves me and gives me everything I need. Your grace is sufficient. You are Lord of my life, the One in whom I place my trust today, tomorrow, and forever.

No one knows the future and sometimes things happen that make us afraid of the unknown; so, I'm praying to the One who reigns over whatever lies ahead. #Prayer #Hope #Faith #FearoftheFuture #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

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 power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:35,39

Oh, Father, I love this promise!

Nothing can separate me from Jesus’ love! No trouble. No problem. No crisis. Even if I’m being persecuted, lied about, rejected, or betrayed. When it feels like I don’t have enough or I’m afraid of the unknown. You are always with me.

Nothing in the known or unknown world can stop Your love for me. Isaiah wrote, “This is what the Lord said, ‘From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done.'” (Isaiah 43:13) I am Yours forever.

When I am afraid … hold me in the palm of Your hand and remind me that I am always safe when I rest in Your love.

And finally, one more thing I’m praying for you and for me…

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

Romans 15:13

Because whatever He allows, the Lord Himself is able to give us everything we need to live with joy, peace, and hope … fully trusting in His all-sufficient love, grace, and mercy.

May God bless you abundantly as you trust Him with the unknown.

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

God has What You Need to Change Your Life

So many people are living with the fear of illness or their financial future but the miracle is God has the power to remove fear and change your life today. #ChangeYourLife #ChangeYourLifeInspiration #Faith #Hope #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Recently, someone asked me what my blog is about and after saying, “It’s about living at the intersection of faith and life,” Then I hesitated. I didn’t know what to say next.

What is my blog about and why do I write day after day?

I decided that’s a question I should be able to answer quickly and easily … for that reason I’m answering three questions so I’ll be prepared in the future. And I thought you might be interested in the answers as well.

My Backstory

Did you believe you knew the answers when something happened and you realized you didn’t even know the questions? That’s me!

I would have made a great Pharisee. You know—a rule follower and proud of it. I didn’t think of myself as being proud because fear was my rule-following motivator.

I wanted a blessed life and believed God “rewarded” obedient rule followers.

But I had it turned around.

I wasn’t responding to God’s love. I wanted God to respond to my ‘good girl” obedience.

But most Pharisees, if they’re like me, don’t know they’re well, Pharisees. They’re too busy doing it right trying to please God and earn His favor.

So, don’t be too hard on your fellow Pharisees. Believe me, they are sadly mistaken but God is working on them.

He definitely worked on me until He got my attention by allowing me to crash and burn. And all I can say is … thank you! I am so grateful! Not for the crash and burn part but for the way the Lord used it in my life.

You see, He knew that’s what it would take for me to learn that it’s impossible to “do it right.”

There is no one who does anything good, not even one.

Psalm 14:3

That’s why I needed to be free of my inner Pharisee! I needed to simply receive and trust God’s grace and mercy.

You see, I finally realized that no matter how hard I tried, I was not now nor would I ever “do it right.” My life felt like a mess and I was emotionally wrecked. So, I turned to God’s Word because I wanted to know what else I had misunderstood and mistakenly applied.

As I humbly poured over the pages of Scripture, the Holy Spirit began to heal and change my broken repentant heart. And the Bible went from being a rule book that told me the right way to live, to becoming a love letter that showed me how to LIVE fully alive under God’s grace.

That’s why I write.

Once God has transformed your heart and changed your life through His patient love and amazing grace it is just too good to keep it to yourself.

It’s a story you have to share.

So many people are living with the fear of illness or their financial future but the miracle is God has the power to remove fear and change your life today. #ChangeYourLife #ChangeYourLifeInspiration #Faith #Hope #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

God has What You Need to Change Your Life

Changing lives is what He does.

He is able to remove fear, give hope, heal broken hearts, infuse courage, provide peace and so much more. I know. Those are just some of the things He has changed in me.

Too many people spend every day stuck in discouraged fear-filled chaotic lives.

Even as I type this, many are struggling with fear and uncertainty because of the Coronavirus and falling Stock Market.

But as God’s children, you and I can have God’s peace even when everyone else is distressed. His Spirit is with us to remind us of God’s sovereignty … absolutely nothing is beyond His power and ability.

Our Heavenly Father is able and willing to give us everything we need each day.

So while people are frantically searching for answers to life’s problems, you and I can KNOW the answer we need most is found in Jesus … the One who is God’s gift of grace, mercy, and love.

May God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. Jesus gave His life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.

Galatians 1:3–5

I want to invite you to SEEK and KNOW.

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

Luke 12:31

Jesus didn’t just mean an eternity in heaven when He said, “everything you need.” (Although, an eternal future in God’s loving presence is definitely something we all need.) Jesus was telling His followers that God would faithfully give them what they needed each day.

The One who transforms hearts and minds … changes lives by giving SEEKers His love, joy, peace, patience, hope, courage, strength, and growing faith.

I love this truth from Bishop N. T. Wright…

Jesus’ resurrection matters not only for the hope of life after death; it matters for life before life after death.

God has what you need to change your life.

He gave Jesus as His gift of love … presently and eternally.

“For 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. God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him.”

John 3:!6–17

And from the beginning to the end God’s plan for us is love.

God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

When you’re afraid and life feels uncertain, God wants you to know…

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

Philippians 4:6–7

And when the His appointed time comes…

My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

John 14:2–3

That powerful truth of God’s love will change your life!

And once God changes your life, you never have to do a single moment on your own again. The One who created and sustains everything in the universe will be with you. He promises to hear every prayer and meet every need.

So many people are living with the fear of illness or their financial future but the miracle is God has the power to remove fear and change your life today. #ChangeYourLife #ChangeYourLifeInspiration #Faith #Hope #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

One question people often ask is … How does God change your life?

It’s hard to explain but He is able to transform our hearts and minds with His love—giving us faith, hope, joy, and so much more.

Now, I have one more important truth to share with you.

I am, without a doubt, a work in progress … a follower who is still learning.

I don’t have all the answers but I am abundantly thankful that the One who does the answers invites us to SEEK and KNOW Him.

That’s called “living at the intersection of faith and life.”

So, the next time someone asks me what my blog is about … I’ll be prepared.

What is my blog about?

It’s about the God who loves them so much He gave His own life that they might have life … a changed life today, tomorrow, and forever.

I want everyone who visits Counting My Blessings to know that God invites them to SEEK Him and KNOW Him. He wants them to trust Him to give them everything they need.

And friend, I’m praying for you and asking God to bless you in Jesus today and every day as you live in Him at the intersection of faith and life.

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Powerful Verses You Need to Pray Over Your Spouse

Praying Scripture is powerful and positive. These 5 powerful verses to pray over your spouse ask God to do what only He can do to give them all they need. #PrayforHusband #PrayforWife #PrayScripture #Hope #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

I’m a good student … someone who has always believed that information helps me achieve my goals and helps my relationships.

So, whenever we faced a challenge in our marriage or family, I went searching for information that would “fix” the problem.

I’ve read countless self-help books … books on personality types and love languages in addition to marriage and parenting guides because I wanted to gather as much information as possible to better understand the people in my life and strengthen our connections.

Although I probably gained some helpful insights, in retrospect, I wish I had spent more time and energy turning to a better source.

I wish I’d spent more time searching the Scripture and on my knees in intentional prayer.

If you’re a regular visitor here at CMB, you know I’ve learned to love praying Scripture. One of the reasons is that it helps me focus on praying what God wants more than what I want or think I need.

In the past, I spent years asking God to…

  • change a loved one’s attitude.
  • fix a problem.
  • alter their behavior.
  • transform their thoughts.

And what I’ve learned is that I was praying from a negative they “need to change” perspective.

Praying Scripture has taught me to pray from a positive perspective. One that looks to the future and prays for my spouse to have what God has already said He wants for them. It stops looking at what isn’t and prays for what should be.

To put it bluntly … it’s praying according to God’s will not mine! And that’s just better for my heart and my attitudes.

So today, I’m writing prayers for Rev but I’m leaving a blank for His name so you can join me and pray over your spouse as well.

Powerful Verses You Need to Pray Over Your Spouse

Praying Scripture is powerful and positive. These 5 powerful verses to pray over your spouse ask God to do what only He can do to give them all they need. #PrayforHusband #PrayforWife #PrayScripture #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

“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

Lord, the problems of this world can feel overwhelming at times. The news can be terrifying and sometimes seems like there are countless reasons to be anxious and afraid. But You are on the throne. You reign today as You have since before the beginning of time and You will reign for all eternity.

Thank you for this awesome promise! You have won the victory over sin, death, and power of the enemy. You have already defeated the powers that try to upset our minds and unsettle our hearts.

Lord, I ask you to pour Your Spirit over __________ and give him Your perfect peace. Help him release troubling thoughts to You as He focuses on Your Truth.

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

Father, please give __________ everything he needs when he feels discouraged. By Your grace, You give us everything we need to live without fear and despair.

You have promised to be with us. You have made it possible for us to have a relationship with You, the God of the universe. You assure us that You are strong enough to meet every need. You are our help and our encouragement. Be with __________. Strengthen and encourage him as You remind him of all he has as Your chosen child.

Let all who take refuge in You rejoice;
    let them sing joyful praises forever.
Spread Your protection over them, that all who love Your name may be filled with joy.
For You bless the godly, O Lord;
    You surround them with Your shield of love.

Psalm 5:11–12

Lord, protect __________ physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Please surround him with a covering of Your loving care. Give him a sense of Your presence and the knowledge that You are always with him through each experience and every challenge.

May he remember that he can always come to You with every need. He tries so hard to be strong for everyone in our family. Please remind him that You want to be his strength and place of safety.

Lord, I pray that __________ will always love You with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength. Fill him with spirit-filled joy and an attitude of praise for who You are and all You’ve done.

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

Proverbs 3:5–6

Father, I pray for __________ will trust You with all his heart … that he will fully depend on the truth of Your Word and seek Your will in all he does. You invite us to ask You to give us the wisdom we need. Please help __________ know that he doesn’t have to be strong on his own. He doesn’t need to figure things out or prepare for the future alone. You promise to lead the way when we trust Your promises, obey Your commands, and seek Your will.

May we both follow You as we live each day by Your grace and for Your glory.

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.

Romanns 15:13

Lord, I ask that You will be __________’s source of hope … that he will trust the power of Your love completely.

You invite us to place our trust in You. (John 14:1) And You promise that as we do, we can bring You our burdens and You will help us carry them. (Matthew 11:28)

Thank you for Your Spirit who lives with and within us giving us everything we need to surrender our lives to You in faith. On our own, we can’t but with You, everything is possible (Matthew 19:26) A promise that is a hope that gives peace and joy.

Please give __________ the confidence that You are who You say You are and that You can and will do all that You have promised.

Your grace is sufficient, Lord. Thanks and praise now and forever. Amen.

Praying Scripture is powerful and positive. These 5 powerful verses to pray over your spouse ask God to do what only He can do to give them all they need. #PrayforHusband #PrayforWife #PrayScripture #Hope #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Pray Over Your Spouse

With God’s help, I’ve learned something very important … praying positively for my husband and family gives me peace.

All of those years I busily tried to learn ways to “fix” whatever I thought was going poorly. With God’s help, I’m doing my best to remember to surrender my loves to the Lord … to pray Scripture over them and trust that God is able.

Friends, there is peace and hope when you pray over your spouse and entrust them to the Holy Spirit to do the work He is far more equipped than either you or I.

So, love big, trust the Lord and pray. As Rev might say, “that’s downright Biblical!”

For a printable copy of today’s prayers click here.

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Things to Avoid When You Want a Strong Marriage

We get asked often to share our best marriage advice ... so, here are 2 things to do and 10 things to avoid if you really want a build a strong marriage. #StrongMarriage #MarriageAdvice #MarriageTips #ChristianMarriage #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

I believe every couple believes their wedding day is just the first day of decades of marital bliss. They’ve found their soulmate … the person who “completes” them and they just know this is the start of their happily ever after.

Then the honeymoon ends and reality hits.

Paul wrote the following about marriage…

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:21 (NLT)

Since “submit” is such a trigger word, I like the New Life Version best…

Be willing to help and care for each other because of Christ. By doing this, you honor Christ.

And we want to, don’t we?
We go into marriage believing we will help and care for each other.

But then life happens and building a strong marriage is harder than we thought it would be.

Rev and I will be celebrating our anniversary in a couple of days and even after all these years, he continues to be my favorite person in the whole world.

We get asked often to share our marriage advice because … well, we’ve been happily together for a long time!

So, I’ve come up with a really short list for those times when I’m sitting with a friend or acquaintance and they’re looking for one or two things we’ve done that have blessed our relationship.

2 of My Favorite Tips for a Strong Marriage

1. Never Stop Flirting

Not with other people. Never with other people! Just with each other. Remember all those playful little things you said and did while you were dating to get each other’s attention and keep things fun.

Don’t stop! Flirting says, “You’re still the one for me! I choose you!”

2. Stay Close to God as a Couple and Individually

Flirting may be my favorite advice but I believe the true secret that will help your marriage last is to SEEK God First together and individually. 

We all need God’s help to remind us when we forget – how to listen, how to serve, how to work together, how to be patient and kind, how to forgive, how to keep a promise … how to love like Jesus.

  • Read the Bible
  • Pray
  • Count your blessings
  • Remember what God has done in the past
  • Worship
  • Do your best to apply God’s Word and forgive each other quickly when you fall short.

If you’d like my longer answer to the best marriage advice question, you check out some of my thoughts and I even asked some friends for their thoughts as well. Check them out here…

The Best Secrets and Advice that Will Help Your Marriage Last

12 Helpful Posts that will Make Your Marriage Stronger

10 Terrific Tips for a Lasting and Happy Marriage

How to Bless Your Marriage by Being Grateful

31+ “What If” Questions that will Bless Your Marriage

And if you’re looking for ways to pray for your marriage, you can get ideas here…

7 Verses and Prayers that will Bless Your Marriage

5 Simple Prayers that will Bless Your Marriage

As you can see, I love to write about the things I believe we can do to bless our marriages and make them better. I always prefer to approach life from the positive … from a “get to” perspective.

But a number of years ago, Rev and I also made a list of things to avoid in your relationships if you want a strong marriage that lasts. So, as promised…

Things to Avoid When You Want a Strong Marriage

We get asked often to share our best marriage advice ... so, here are 2 things to do and 10 things to avoid if you really want a build a strong marriage. #StrongMarriage #MarriageAdvice #MarriageTips #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

1. Don’t assume you know what the other person is thinking.

Sure you think you know them better than anyone but even as close as you are … you each look at life through the lens of your own personal perspective. A perspective that comes from your personality, abilities, background, and years of experience.

So … ask questions and LISTEN patiently and kindly to the answers. You might be surprised and learn something you never knew before.

2. Don’t withdraw with a passive/aggressive silent treatment.

If you need to take a break in the midst of a disagreement … say so. It’s okay to pause to pray and think but make it clear that this disagreement doesn’t define your relationship.

Shutting down gives the message that winning the argument is more important to you than nurturing and improving your closeness.

3. NEVER use the words never or always in an argument.

It’s probably not true anyway. Even if your spouse does something way more often than you’d like … making it sound like that’s all they do is distracting and defeating if you’re trying to resolve a problem.

4. Don’t hold a grudge or rehash the past.

When couples continually bring up past hurts it can seem like that’s all they remember. So, work to forgive each other quickly, let go of the hurt, and stick to the issue at hand when you don’t agree.

5. Don’t pout, whine, nag or fight with sarcasm.

Use your words! It’s almost impossible to understand each other if we don’t calmly and clearly explain where we’re coming from. Pouting, whining, and nagging are completely self-defeating. And sarcasm … well, when was the last time you wanted to do anything for someone who tried to manipulate you with snarky comments.

6. Don’t accumulate small problems and turn them into a big one.

When Rev and I were first married, I’d hold on to the little things he said that hurt my feelings … one would add to another and then another until I’d finally erupt in a meltdown of tears and accusations.

My patient husband would then say, “I don’t want to hurt your feelings. If you tell me I’ve done right away … I will do my best not to do it again. I love you.”

His reaction gave me the courage to trust him and not turn little off-handed comments into bigger problems.

7. Don’t complain about your spouse to others.

It may make you feel better for a moment or two when your friends agree with you about what a jerk your spouse has been but it will always hurt your relationship in the long run because…

  • You can’t control what your friends will share and how far your “story” will go. 
  • You are damaging your spouse’s reputation and how other’s view him/her. 
  • You are weakening the trust you ultimately want to maintain.

8. Don’t blame your partner for your “bad” day.

Life is stressful. Jobs are demanding. Children are exhausting. And that’s just normal everyday stuff.

It’s fine to vent and even complain to each other … just don’t communicate that your bad day was your spouse’s fault. Strive to work together to strengthen your family and achieve your goals.

9. Don’t try to “fix” your spouse.

I learned a very long time ago that you can’t change someone else; you can only change yourself.

So, I try to ask myself if I might be the one who needs “fixing”!

Then I pray, and I turn to God’s Word, and I ask Him to give me wisdom … so I can choose to focus on the things that are true, honorable, and lovely while I leave the rest to God.

Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. 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 4:6–8

10. Don’t expect perfection.

Your spouse is not going to be perfect this side of heaven and you’re not going to be either. Don’t expect it! Give the grace you want to receive.

You’re a team … not a perfect team but a team who’s goal is to grow in love, faith, grace, and wisdom.

We get asked often to share our best marriage advice ... so, here are 2 things to do and 10 things to avoid if you really want a build a strong marriage. #StrongMarriage #MarriageAdvice #MarriageTips #ChristianMarriage #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Finally, after all those don’ts I have one last do…

Love one another.

Show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.

1 Peter 4:8

And the kind of love God wants for us looks like this…

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

I’ve read recently that before you marry someone you should replace the word “love” with the person’s name. And it’s a good guideline.

But once we are married, I believe the best thing we can do is replace the word “love” with our own name. Because if we wait to give “1 Corinthians 13” love until our husband or wife gives it first … we will never have it.

So remember, don’t expect perfection … give the kind of grace you want to receive. Stay close to God as a couple and individually. AND do your best to add a little laughter and fun to every day.

I’m asking God to bless you and give you a strong marriage today and for years to come!

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

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

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You can also…

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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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Psalms to Pray When You Need to Be Hopeful

The Bible says that it's okay to pray with honest emotions as we trust God to give us everything we need. That's a beautiful reason we can be hopeful always. #HopefulinGod #HopeintheBible #Faith #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Is it hard for you to be honest with God?

Do you struggle to pour out feelings of impatience or frustration?

Are you able to tell Him when you’re losing hope because your problem persists and you wonder if things will ever change even though you’ve prayed and prayed and prayed?

I love that God loves us so much, He included the honest struggles of those who followed Him throughout Scripture.

One of my favorite examples is David, who openly cried out to God when he was afraid, worried, lonely, angry, disappointed, uncertain, restless, outraged, or heartbroken.

And yet, he never stayed there…

He also praised, adored, worshipped, exalted, and received what he needed to be hopeful.

Maybe like me, you have several things for which you’ve prayed again and again … things that are important to your heart but you’re starting to wonder if God’s is responding with a “no” rather than a “not yet.”

Yes, I too have days when I feel disappointed and discouraged.

And it used to be hard for me to share those feelings with the Lord.

But the more I read and pray Scripture, the more I’m learning that God wants me to honestly tell Him when…

  • I’m discouraged.
  • I’m frustrated.
  • I’m anxious.
  • I’m afraid.
  • I’m worried.
  • I’m impatient.

Why?

Because He already knows anyway and when I’m open and honest before Him, I’m reminded that He loves me just the way I am.

And because of His compassion and love, God wants us … you and me, to trust that He will answer our prayers in His way and His time. He wants us to trust that He will give us everything we need while we wait … including hope.

So today, I’m writing honest prayers based on the words of the Psalmists asking the Lord to help me remain hopeful as I wait … trusting His unfailing love and perfect care. I’m excited to have you join me.

Psalms to Pray When You Need to Be Hopeful

The Bible says that it's okay to pray with honest emotions as we trust God to give us everything we need. That's a beautiful reason we can be hopeful always. #HopefulinGod #HopeintheBible #Faith #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

I cried out, “I am slipping!”
    but Your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me.
When doubts filled my mind,
    Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

Psalm 94:18–19

Father, at this moment when hope seems like it is fading into the distance. I feel like I’m sliding into despondency. Lord, I so desperately want to keep my focus on You but the longing in my heart beats so loudly it’s hard for me to think about anything else.

I know the enemy is at work, speaking words of hopelessness and doubt. So, I’m running to You. I’m trusting Your unfailing love and asking You to encourage me and hold me. I need You, Lord. Please restore my hope, strengthen me and give me everything I need to live through this trying time.

Why am I discouraged?
    Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
    I will praise Him again—
    my Savior and my God!

Psalm 43:5

Thank you for this reminder, Lord. Sometimes I can focus on the fact that I’ve prayed and prayed for what seems like forever … and still I wait. And yes, when I do, I feel sad and discouraged.

Your Word tells me to trust You to know and do what is best in my life. It tells me to look at the ways You have protected and helped me in the past as I look to the future in faith with hope.

So, I will praise You in this storm. I will wait in faith today and if I must continue to wait another day, week, or longer … I will count on You to give me whatever I need to put my hope in Your wisdom and love.

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
    and He turned to me and heard my cry.

Psalm 40:1

Father, It feels like I’ve been waiting forever. I confess that I don’t feel very patient right now. I want my faith to be greater than my doubt but right now I feel weak and vulnerable.

I believe You are greater than my feelings. I need You. This season of waiting has gone on for so long. Please help me keep my eyes on You. Help me trust that You are working in my life on this situation even when I cannot see.

Hear my prayer. Restore my hope as I place my trust in Your unfailing love.

The Lord hears His people
when they call to Him for help.
    He rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
    He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

Psalm 34:17–18

Father, I am overwhelmed and I need You.

These words of Dave, comfort me and give me hope. Even in this moment, You hear the cries of my heart. You hold me close when I’m crushed and brokenhearted … You forgive me and lift me up.

You are my rescuer and the source of my hope. Thank you! I will trust Your promise to give me everything I need when I SEEK You and follow You with all my heart. (Luke 12:31)

So, I will faithfully ask, seek, and knock. I will continue to run to You with honest emotions and trust Your love to comfort and strengthen me today, tomorrow, and forever.

But I trust in Your unfailing love.
    I will rejoice because You have rescued me.
I will sing to the Lord
    because He is good to me.

Psalm 13:5–6

Thank you, Lord! By Your grace, You have given me everything I need to trust Your perfect love that never fails and never ends. Your Word says that You are LOVE. (1 John 4:8) And LOVE is patient and kind. It forgives, endures, and never gives up.

Thank you for Your patient love. Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for Your goodness and grace.

Today, I will praise Your holy name. I will surrender to Your will. I will trust Your love. And I will live with hope … by Your grace and for Your glory. And I will count on Your promise to give me everything I need to live with hope again tomorrow. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

The Bible says that it's okay to pray with honest emotions as we trust God to give us everything we need. That's a beautiful reason we can be hopeful always. #HopefulinGod #HopeintheBible #Faith #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Friend, I know what it’s like to pray and pray and wait and wait and feel like I’m losing hope.

Something has changed for me in recent years.

You see, I’ve been asking God to answer a very specific prayer for a very very long time. One day, as I was crying and explaining to Him that the wait and the hurt were just too great … I felt Him gently whisper, “You have no idea how I’ve spared you.”

And it changed everything.

You and I can only see what’s right in front of us. God sees the whole picture … past, present, and future.

I will always hope and pray that one day I will receive a heavenly “YES” to my heart’s desire, but I’m learning that the focus of my hope is not the thing for which I hope but in the One who gives me hope.

God is showing me that I can be hopeful because of who He is and because even if He asks me to wait or if His answer to my prayer is “no” … He will give me everything I need to endure in faith.

You and I can endure whatever He allows because…

Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever.

Psalm 106:1

He will not leave us to endure alone and although He may not always answer our prayers the way we want, we can be hopeful because He will always answer them out of His goodness and love.

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Psalms that will Help When You Need to Pray

When you need to pray but emotions overwhelm you - it's helpful to pray the words of Scripture. That's why I love praying the honest emotions in Psalms. #Prayer #EmotionalHealth #Psalms #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

If you watch the news … the world is a mess and it’s only getting worse.

Maybe you are doing okay personally or maybe you’re not. But even when you and I are fed, housed, and healthy … we always seem to have concerns to lay before the Lord in prayer. Some big, some small, and some that feel overwhelming.

I remember a morning when Rev had already gone to work when I called him upset saying, “I need you to come and pray with me! I need to pray and I just can’t find the words.”

Have you ever found yourself in a similar place?

When your need has overwhelmed your emotions and the only prayer you can raise is … “Lord, please help!”?

I think that’s why I love praying Scripture. It soothes my heart and settles my mind to know God’s children have gone there before me. My emotions aren’t new or unusual … people have been experiencing feelings just like mine forever.

So, when my emotions have cluttered my mind and I need help finding the words to pray, I now turn to Scripture. My favorite prayers are in the Book of Psalms because David and the other Psalmists were open and honest in expressing their feelings and frustrations.

I made a list of verses and prayers from the Book of Psalms to help me pray when my emotions overwhelm me.

Psalms that will Help When You Need to Pray

When you need to pray but emotions overwhelm you - it's helpful to pray the words of Scripture. That's why I love praying the honest emotions in Psalms. #Prayer #EmotionalHealth #Psalms #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

When You Feel Afraid

Psalm 27

The Lord is my light and my salvation—
so why should I be afraid?

My heart has heard You say,
“Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”

Psalm 27:1, 8

Father, thank you for inviting me to come to You whenever I feel afraid. You tell me to honestly share my feelings with You trusting Your unfailing love to calm my heart and give me peace.

Psalm 23

He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
    bringing honor to His name.
Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
    for You are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.

Psalm 23:3–4

Lord, whatever path You allow me to walk, I pray that You will give me everything I need to obey You and give You glory. I will not be afraid because I trust You to protect and comfort my heart, mind, and soul.

Psalm 56

When I am afraid,
    I will put my trust in you.
I praise God for what He has promised.
    I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
    What can mere mortals do to me?

Psalm 56:3–4

Father God, You have always been faithful to keep Your promises. I trust You to give me everything I need today, tomorrow, and always.

When You are Confused and Overwhelmed

Psalm 73

I belong to You;
    You hold my right hand.
You guide me with Your counsel,
    leading me to a glorious destiny.
Whom have I in heaven but You?
    I desire You more than anything on earth.
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
    but God remains the strength of my heart;
    He is mine forever.

Psalm 73:23–26

What an amazing promise … I belong to You, Father. You hold me, guide me, and protect my soul. I love You with all my heart. Even when I don’t understand what You are doing … You are with me holding me close, giving me strength and guiding my steps.

Psalm 34

The Lord hears His people
when they call to Him for help.
    He rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
    He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

Psalm 34:17–18

Father, thank you for hearing the cries of my heart. Thank you for helping me, holding me, forgiving me, and saving me. Your grace is sufficient for every circumstance. By Your grace, please help me focus my heart and mind on You … the One who is greater than my problems and my pain.

Psalm 143

Let me hear of Your unfailing love each morning,
    for I am trusting You.
Show me where to walk,
    for I give myself to You.

Psalm 143:8

Lord, Your Word tells me again and again of Your unfailing love. In a world where love so often seems self-absorbed and self-serving, Your perfect love never disappoints me. I surrender every day of my life to You. I love You. Please help me live for the glory of Your name.

When You Feel Small and Unimportant

Psalm 139

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

Psalm 139:17–18

Father, You know me and love me. You tell me I am precious to You. You know my thoughts and care about my struggles. Wherever I am and whatever I do … You are with me. I love You and worship You now and forever.

Psalm 42

Each day the Lord pours
His unfailing love upon me,
    and through each night I sing His songs,
    praying to God who gives me life.

Psalm 42:8

Father, Your unfailing love surrounds me. In the middle of the night when I feel small and my worries feel huge help me focus on Your sovereign power, wisdom, mercy, and grace.

When You Feel Exhausted and Worn Out

Psalm 77

I cry out to God;
    I call to God, and He will hear me.
I look for the Lord on the day of trouble.
    All night long I reach out my hands,
    but I cannot be comforted.

Psalm 77:1–2

Father, It’s been a long hard day. I feel like a toddler who is so close to pitching an exhausted tantrum. I need You to hold me. Please give me the strength I need today, the peace I need to rest, and the courage to do it all again tomorrow.

Psalm 62

I find rest in God;
    only He can save me.
He is my rock and my salvation.
    He is my defender;
    I will not be defeated.

Psalm 62:1–2 (NCV)

I will not be defeated today, Father. You are my Rock. You give me the courage and strength I need. With Your help … I can do this!

Know the Lord Hears Your Prayers

Psalm 6

The Lord has heard my plea;
    the Lord will answer my prayer.

Psalm 6:9

I cling to Your promises, Lord. You hear and answer those who cry out to You for help. Thank you! Your love is greater than life!

Psalm 143

Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea.
Answer me because
You are faithful and righteous.

Psalm 143:1

Father, You hear my prayer … not because of who I am or what I’ve done but because of who You are. You are:

  • loving.
  • compassionate.
  • holy.
  • infinite.
  • unchanging.
  • all-knowing.
  • all-powerful.
  • wise.
  • just.
  • merciful.
  • gracious.
  • and altogether perfect in every way.

Thanks and praise!

Psalm 28

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

Psalm 28:6–7

Oh, Father, I thank you!

Thank you for Your Word that tells us of real people with real emotions … people we can relate to as we see our own flaws and weaknesses, struggles and needs. Thank you for encouraging us to come to You honestly with feelings that are already known to You. And thank you most of all for giving us everything we need through Jesus and the power of Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus precious name, we pray. Amen.

When you need to pray but emotions overwhelm you - it's helpful to pray the words of Scripture. That's why I love praying the honest emotions in Psalms. #Prayer #EmotionalHealth #Psalms #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Friend, I want you to know something important.

I have loved God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – for as long as I can remember. But 15 years ago, I fell in love with His Word as the Lord used it to fill me with hope and peace.

The Spirit showed me that even when life is confusing and I don’t understand God’s plan, I can always trust His love.

As I read the accounts of people, places, and events, I can relate. I can see myself…

  • taking a bite of the apple in the Garden.
  • depressed like Sarah.
  • grumbling like the wilderness wanderers.
  • broken like Job.
  • running like Jonah.
  • hiding and afraid like the disciples.

I’d love to see myself in the heroes of faith … but I identify more with the broken and needy. Because in their accounts, I see God’s constant and unwavering love.

And because He loved them, I trust His love for me.

When I read the Bible, I don’t see a bunch of stories or a list of rules; I see the greatest love letter that has ever been written.

I’m reading through my favorite books, John and Romans, during the season of Lent and I’d love for you to join me. It’s not too late! We just started a few days ago. You can download the schedule here.

I’m asking God to bless you today as you go to His Word and turn to Him in prayer with honest feelings in faith … trusting His perfect unfailing love.

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

When You Need to Be Bold with Wisdom – Pray

When you and I want to boldly speak the truth and live with faith we God's help and wisdom. Here are verses to pray, asking God to help you be bold and wise. #Wisdom #BeBold #Faith #Prayer #Hope #PrayforWisdom #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Our grandson loves math.

I get it! I love math, too.

We were talking about his love for math the other night and he told me it’s his favorite because it is logical and consistent.

Then he said, “Words are harder … with language you have to figure out things like there, their, and they’re. It’s confusing.”

I then told him about working on this post about being bold and how I was learning that there are different definitions for the word and that boldness can be both a good thing and a foolish thing.

And then he said, “And in writing, bold is thick. So people could basically think you’re telling them to get thick … or fatter.”

Is it any wonder we struggle to understand each other?

Boldness is defined as having the courage to act or speak fearlessly, despite real or imagined dangers.

And that’s why being bold can be good but it can also be foolish. Without wisdom, you and I can speak or act too quickly and bring about disaster for ourselves and the people around us.

I want to be bold with wisdom!

I want the courage to boldly speak the truth and live my faith but I can’t do either wisely without God’s help.

I need the Holy Spirit…

  1. To help me know the truth.
  2. To give me the wisdom to know what to say and do.
  3. To guide me and help me know when and how to speak or act.

Those things take the faithful study of God’s Word to know His truth and prayer to ask Him to give me wisdom and guidance.

So once again, I’m going to the Word and I’m praying … I’d love for you to join me.

When You Need to Be Bold with Wisdom – Pray

When you and I want to boldly speak the truth and live with faith we God's help and wisdom. Here are verses to pray, asking God to help you be bold and wise. #Wisdom #BeBold #Faith #Prayer #Hope #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. 

Ephesians 3:11

Lord, how can I begin to thank you? You know everything about me … inside and out. You know that I’m a foolish mess who desperately needs Your help and counsel. And lovingly invite me to boldly and confidently come to You in prayer with any concern and every need.

Thank you! Your gracious love overwhelms me. When I am weak; make me bold. When I am confused; give me wisdom. When I lack confidence; remind me of Your unfailing love.

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.

1 Corinthians 16:13–14 (NLT)

Father, I want to be bold for You … but before I can be bold for You and for Your truth, I need to need to know You. I need Your truth imprinted on my heart and in my mind. And I need to be lead by Your love.

Please guard my heart and watch over my thoughts. Help me focus on all that is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Help me think about things that excellent and praiseworthy. (Philippians 4:8) Help me focus on the truth that makes me bold and by Your grace, help me boldly and lovingly share Your truth in all I say and do.

And please pray for me. Pray that truth will be with me before I even open my mouth. Ask the Spirit to guide me while I boldly defend the mystery that is the good news—for which I am an ambassador in chains—so pray that I can bravely pronounce the truth, as I should do.

Ephesians 6:19–20 (VOICE)

Lord, I pray that You will move in me and create an overwhelming desire to SEEK You first in my life … that Your truth may be with and within me. I want to always be ready to boldly act and speak in ways that will inspire and encourage everyone I meet to want what I have. I want them all to know and love You … to know how much You know and love them.

Lord, I ask that You will pour Your love into my life and fill me up to overflowing that I might courageously pour Your love out to others. Open my eyes, my heart, my mind … that I might love like Jesus.

When I called, You answered me. You made me bold by strengthening my soul.

Psalm 138:3 (GW)

Oh, Father, I love that I can come to You at any time from any place. And wherever I am, whatever my need … when I cry out to You, You hear and answer me.

Today, I’m asking You to strengthen me and make me bold. Place a hedge of Your protection around my soul. Be my hope and my encouragement. When the days are long and the journey is hard, please give me all I need to boldly live in faith one moment at a time.

This is why I have never stopped praying for you since I heard about you. I ask God that you may know what He wants you to do. I ask God to fill you with the wisdom and understanding the Holy Spirit gives.

Colossians 1:9

Lord, this is my prayer … that You will help Your children know what You want them to do. Give us all a passion for Your Word and work in us a desire to humbly surrender our stubborn wills to You.

Your Word says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (James 1:5) We need Your wisdom. I need Your wisdom.

I need the wisdom to know when to be bold for You and when to be still and let You do what only You can do. I love You, Lord. I surrender this day to You. By Your grace, help me and use me for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

When you and I want to boldly speak the truth and live with faith we God's help and wisdom. Here are verses to pray, asking God to help you be bold and wise. #Wisdom #BeBold #Faith #Prayer #Hope #PrayforWisdom #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

It can be hard to be bold.

It’s even harder to be bold with wisdom.

It’s often easier to either sit on the sidelines or boldly share the popular opinions of the world.

But you and I are called by God to be bold with wisdom.

Paul said it this way…

God has chosen what the world calls foolish to shame the wise. He has chosen what the world calls weak to shame what is strong. God has chosen what is weak and foolish of the world, what is hated and not known, to destroy the things the world trusts in. In that way, no man can be proud as he stands before God. God Himself made the way so you can have new life through Christ Jesus. God gave us Christ to be our wisdom. Christ made us right with God and set us apart for God and made us holy. Christ bought us with His blood and made us free from our sins.

1 Corinthians 1:27–30 (NLV)

And my friend, through Christ Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit, you and I can trust God to give us everything we need to be bold with wisdom.

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Reasons You Need to Know and Live the Purpose of Lent

Lent is not mentioned in the Bible. What is the reason and purpose of Lent? What is the best way to observe Lent? A few answers and a Bible Reading Plan. #Lent #Easter #BibleReadingPlan #Jesus #LivewithPurpose #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

It seems fewer churches are observing or even talking about the season of Lent anymore and I’ve read several posts and articles by people who talk about the reasons it is unnecessary.

And although I don’t know that I’d use the word “necessary” to describe the Lenten season and I’m definitely not here to give you a pitch about the reasons you should abstain from chocolate for the next six weeks…

I do think there are some benefits to knowing and living the purpose of Lent.

What is Lent?

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and extends through Easter Sunday.

The word is not used in the Bible and the Dictionary simply defines it this way…

The 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter observed by the Roman Catholic, Eastern, and some Protestant churches as a period of penitence and fasting.

Why were 40 days chosen?

Because God used that exact number of days for seasons of significance.

  • After Noah entered the Ark it rained for 40 days and 40 nights. (Genesis 7:120
  • Moses was on Mt. Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights. (Exodus 24:18
  • Men explored the Promised Land for 40 days. (Numbers 13:25)
  • Goliath taunted Saul’s army for 40 days. (1 Samuel 17)
  • Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness for 40 days. (Luke 4:2)
  • There were 40 days between Jesus’ resurrection and His ascension. (Acts 1:3)

God used 40 days as times of waiting, testing, preparation, and endurance.

A time for spiritual growth.

I’ve been praying and asking God to show me the reason and the purpose of Lent because I’ve read a mixture of thoughts and ideas on the subject.

There are denominational churches that still follow the traditions of adding an additional Wednesday night service and fasting or “giving up” something as a form of penance. There are many churches that don’t recognize it at all.

There are people who believe it’s important to focus on Jesus’ sacrificial suffering and death on the cross. And others who believe we should only center our attention on Christ’s victorious resurrection.

Because Lent itself isn’t mentioned in the Bible, I’ve been praying and asking God for wisdom and guidance.

These are the verses He used to clarify my thinking…

Living the Reason and Purpose of Lent

Lent is not mentioned in the Bible. What is the reason and purpose of Lent? What is the best way to observe Lent? A few answers and a Bible Reading Plan. #Lent #Easter #BibleReadingPlan #Jesus #LivewithPurpose #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Remember – God so loved the world.

“For 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. God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him.

John 3:16–17

Lent gives us a time to pause and focus on the truth that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection were all gifts of God’s grace.

It’s not about what we do or don’t do … it’s about what has been done for us.

I want to spend time each day thanking God for Jesus, His gift of love.

Respond to God’s gift of love with love.

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.

Mark 12:30

I want to not only think about God’s love but I want to spend the next 40+ days focusing on ways I can love Him with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength.

Be humble and repentant before God.

My hands have made both heaven and earth;
    they and everything in them are mine.
    I, the Lord, have spoken!
“I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word.”

Isaiah 66:2

If I’m going to have a humble and contrite heart … I have to trust God’s Word as His truth.

Another translation of that verse invites us to live in awe of God’s Word.

If you were sitting across the table from me, I would look you in the eyes and say … please read and study your Bible. Don’t rely on what other people say about it but prayerfully read it for yourself. I promise it will change your life.

Rather than giving something up for Lent, make a commitment to prayerfully read one chapter of God’s Word every day.

I’m adding the following Reading Plan…

2/26
John 1		2/27
John 2		2/28
John 3		2/29
John 4
3/2
John 5		3/3
John 6		3/4
John 7		3/5
John 8		3/6
John 9		3/7
John 10
3/16
John 17		3/17
John 18		3/18
John 19		3/19
John 20		3/20
John 21		3/21
Rom. 1
3/23
Rom. 2		3/24
Rom. 3		3/25
Rom. 4		3/26
Rom. 5		3/27
Rom. 6		3/28
Rom. 7
3/30
Rom. 8		3/31
Rom. 9		4/1
Rom. 10		4/2
Rom. 11		4/3
Rom. 12		4/4
Rom. 13
4/6
Rom. 14		4/7
Rom. 15		4/8
Rom. 16		4/9
Matt. 26		4/10
Matt. 27		4/11
Matt. 28

Click here for a printable version.

Worship God in Spirit and Truth

True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship Him that way. 

John 4:23

When you and I worship God in spirit and truth we’re saying,  “with all my heart for all my life all I need is You, Lord. Spirit and truth worship is intimate and personal.” 

Spirit and truth worship also wants to know God and worship Him for who He says He is . . . not who we think He is or what other people say about Him but really searching the Scripture to know what He says about Himself.

SEEK First the Kingdom of God.

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

Matthew 6:33

The LAB Notes say the following about Matthew 6:33…

To “seek the Kingdom of God above all else” means to put God first in your life, to fill your thoughts with His desires, to take His character for your pattern, and to serve and obey Him in everything.

When I set that as my goal, I quickly and consistently realize how far I fall short of God’s will for me.

Which is exactly the reason I need to fall at the foot of the cross of Christ and repent. It is the reason and purpose for Lent in my life.

Surrender each day to God and live it for His glory.

I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:1–2

I believe one of the best things about the message of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection is that it is a message of perfect love.

The Lord didn’t wait for us to get our acts together and “live” right before He gave up everything for us. He began with an overwhelming self-sacrificing act of love. And in response to His love, He invites us to surrender our selfish stubborn will to Him and allow the Holy Spirit to “renew, reeducate, and redirect” our minds to make us more like Jesus.

Lent is not mentioned in the Bible. What is the reason and purpose of Lent? What is the best way to observe Lent? A few answers and a Bible Reading Plan. #Lent #Easter #BibleReadingPlan #Jesus #LivewithPurpose #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

I can’t imagine a greater reason or purpose for Lent.

Jesus said…

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

John 14:6

The world tries to tell us there are many ways to God and that Jesus is only one of the ways. The enemy has distorted and twisted the truth of God’s Word and lies are being taught in the name of Christianity.

I sometimes wonder if our focus on the Gospel of Jesus has caused us to forget that Jesus didn’t throw out the Law, He fulfilled it and encouraged obedience in His followers.

Now, I’m going to say this really loudly…

The Law cannot and does not save us!

But if we no longer talk about obedience to following God’s perfect will then we can’t know where we’ve sinned and fallen short and if we haven’t sinned we don’t recognize our need for Jesus.

And friend, the Gospel message of God’s love given in and through Jesus is the reason for Lent.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Him.

Lent is the perfect time to pause and focus on the reasons we need Jesus and to thank Him for being the TRUTH who gives us the WAY to LIFE!

We know that the Son of God has come, and He has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and He is eternal life.

1 John 5:20

I don’t want to give up anything for Lent except my selfish stubborn will.

What I want to do is to add the purpose of Lent.

I want to make this time a period of spiritual growth … to focus on adding things that will help me SEEK Him First and live for His GLORY.

And I’d love for you to join me.

Last year during Lent, I shared Mountain Moving Prayers on my Facebook Page. I’ll be linking to those posts again. So, click on the link and head over to follow me on my Counting My Blessings Facebook Page where you can join me in praying Mountain Moving Prayers for the next 40+ days. But don’t wait … we’re starting tomorrow. I can’t wait to see you there. You might want to tell a friend, too!

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Prayers that will Help You Live Free of Anxiety and Worry

It's a blessing God has given us that we can take our worries and cares to Him in prayer and live free of anxiety ... He even gives us the words in Scripture. #Prayer #VersestoPray #DoNotFear #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #GodisLove #Hope

I think we’ve all had times when the notes on tomorrow’s planner page have resulted in a restless night of worry and anxiety.

  • A Doctor’s Appointment – for Yourself or Someone You Love.
  • A Meeting with Difficult Person.
  • A Huge Project Deadline.
  • A Major Grade-deciding Exam.
  • A Shortage of Money for a Major Need.
  • A Job Interview.
  • Too Much to Do in Too Little Time.

Jesus said…

So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries.

Matthew 6:34a

And we know it’s true. We know He’s right.

But it’s hard, isn’t it?

I love that Jesus doesn’t just give us platitudes that fall outside of His human experiences and emotions.

He understands.

In a conversation with His disciples, shortly after He entered Jerusalem for Holy Week, Jesus predicted His suffering and death.

And then He said…

“Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! Father, bring glory to your name.”

John 12:27–28a

“My soul is deeply troubled.” I don’t believe He said that lightly.

He’d always known that He would come to earth to give His life for yours and mine. And yet, as the hour approached … the process of this sacrifice made Him anxious.

He wanted to glorify the Father through His self-sacrificing love and obedience … yet, He still cried out and asked the Father for a different way to accomplish His mission.

“My 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

I don’t believe He ever wavered in His decision because His love was and is so huge but in that moment of emotion, He set an example for us.

Take your emotions, all your emotions, to the Father in prayer.

I love that Jesus willingly experienced worry, anxiety, and fear as part of His human experience to show us what to do when we are worried, anxious, and afraid.

Pray and give it to God!

Which is what we are doing today. We’re taking our worries and anxieties to the Lord … laying them all at His feet.

Whatever is worrying you today … will you join me and together we will take it to the throne of grace…

Prayers that will Help You Live Free of Anxiety and Worry

It's a blessing God has given us that we can take our worries and cares to Him in prayer and live free of anxiety ... He even gives us the words in Scripture. #Prayer #VersestoPray #DoNotFear #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon Him, for you are His personal concern.

1 Peter 5:7 (Phillips)

Father, I humbly come to You admitting that I need Your help. This weight of concern feels heavy. I feel alone. Thank you for reminding me today that You are with me.

Your Word says You know the tiny details of my life. You even know the number of hairs there on my head. (Matthew 10:30) I am Your personal concern and it’s okay that I can’t handle it on my own. Please help me. Give me Your peace. Strengthen me.

I pray to release my worries to You that I might live free of anxiety today.

When my worry is great within me, Your comfort brings joy to my soul.

Psalm 94:19 (NLV)

Father, I love Your Word! Thank you for telling me about people who walked and talked with You and still experienced the worries of life. You understand life and You know and understand me. None of my feelings shock or surprise You. You know when I’m worried. I don’t have to hide my feelings and concerns with You … in fact, You invite me to bring them to You in prayer so that You might bring comfort and joy to me. Thank you!

 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 

John 14:1

Jesus, Thank you for becoming one of us and for showing us how to live through life’s pain and problems in ways that glorify the Father. I want to trust You and live free of anxiety and worry. So, I’m coming to You and asking You to help me carry this burden (Matthew 11:28)

I’m asking You to give me the courage and strength I need each day and the rest I need each night. I believe You will help me again today, Lord. Thank you for the countless times You have helped me in the past.

“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

Lord, You give me hard to understand peace. (Philippians 4:7) A peace that covers and protects my heart and mind as I focus on Your promises that never fail. Thank you, for giving me the gift of Your Spirit. He is faithful to remind me of all You have done for me and help me focus on Your eternal promises that will not fail.

Nothing can separate me from Your love. (Romans 8:38) Not one thing on my list of worries. Nothing that makes me anxious. Absolutely nothing can remove me from Your loving care and provision. You said that when I SEEK the Father’s Kingdom above all else … He will give me everything I need.

Lord, I believe. Please help me overcome my unbelief. (Mark 9:24)

So here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Leave all your cares and anxieties at the feet of the Lord, and measureless grace will strengthen you.

Psalm 55:22 (TPT)

Yes Lord, here’s what I’ve learned … well, at least it is what I’m learning. I can bring everything to You. Every care and concern. All of my worries and anxieties. I can lay them at Your throne of grace and receive grace and strength.

Measureless grace! It never runs out. It never ends. It is a continuous undeserved blessing that assures me of Your promises to give me Your strength and peace.

So, I’m bringing this problem to You trusting Your grace, mercy, and love, assured that whatever tomorrow brings You will give me everything I need. Thank you, Lord.

It's a blessing God has given us that we can take our worries and cares to Him in prayer and live free of anxiety ... He even gives us the words in Scripture. #Prayer #VersestoPray #DoNotFear #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #GodisLove #Hope

Live Free of Anxiety

I think one of the hardest things for me to do … is to pray about my worries and then actually let go of them.

Maybe you can relate.

It seems like it’s always the same pattern…

  1. My mind spin with anxiety.
  2. I get frustrated with myself and want to let it go.
  3. I pause and pray.
  4. And then before I’m even fully aware of it … I start spinning again.

Especially in the middle of the night when I’m overly tired and the day ahead feels overwhelming.

The thing I’m writing to help me remember and wonder if you need to remember, too … is that the Lord welcomes us every single time we come to Him with our prayers. Even our repeated prayers to surrender our anxieties and concerns.

The important truth I believe with all my heart is that God wants us to repeat the following as often as necessary…

God loves you. He wants to help you. And He wants you to live free of anxiety and worry.

So, take whatever is hanging heavy on your heart today, give it to God, and focus your thoughts on His love and all the times He has given you exactly what You needed to get through all those things that caused your anxiety in the past.

He is with you and because He is with you, you never have to carry your worries alone.

Jesus promised…

“Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:20

And by His grace, He will give you everything you need to live free of anxiety today.

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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 Live Free of Worry and Anxiety at Last

Worry and anxiety are not part of God's plan for us. I'm taking a closer look at the things He says to do that will help us live with peace and contentment. #MentalHealth #NoMoreWorry #InnerPeace #AnxietyFree #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers

Sometimes I think I was born worrying.

I perfected the art of asking “what if” questions as I was learning to read, write, and get along with others. Now I’ll be the first to admit that anticipating negative “what ifs” when it comes to trying to avoid the negative consequences of problematic words and actions is a good thing.

But for some of us … it goes way beyond that to a place where we’re wired with worry most of the time.

My doctor called it high anxiety agitated depression. And I was good at it!

Oh, sure … I knew the Bible verses:

Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.

1 Peter 5:7

Don’t worry, because I am with you.

Isaiah 41:10a (NCV)

And

Tell those who worry, the anxious and fearful, “Take strength; have courage! There’s nothing to fear. Look, here—your God! Right here is your God!

Isaiah 35:4 (Voice)

I knew the words in my head but I had trouble applying them to my heart and an even harder time convincing my insides to believe them.

I decided I must have a melancholy personality because anxiety over my own or someone else’s problems consumed most of my thoughts. Even though God’s Word was clear…

Worry and anxiety were not God’s plan for me.

Look at these words of Jesus from The Sermon on the Mount from The Message paraphrase:

“What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way He works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how He works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions … Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

Matthew 6:31–32,34 (MSG)

Maybe like me, you know the words but you’ve had trouble letting them a difference in your life.

Paul wrote…

We break down every thought and proud thing that puts itself up against the wisdom of God. We take hold of every thought and make it obey Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NLV)

I think this was my problem. I wasn’t actively doing what needed to be done to be free of my anxious worried thoughts.

Read those words again…

… Break down every thought and proud thing that puts itself up against the wisdom of God. We take hold of every thought and make it obey Christ.

It takes the power of the Holy Spirit and intentional proactive change to live worry and anxiety free.

Here’s what I’ve learned…

How to Live Free of Worry and Anxiety at Last

Worry and anxiety are not part of God's plan for us. I'm taking a closer look at the things He says to do that will help us live with peace and contentment. #MentalHealth #NoMoreWorry #InnerPeace #AnxietyFree #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers

It’s funny … I sometimes wonder if Paul struggled with worry and anxiety himself … because he wrote about it so often. The words the Holy Spirit gave him to write and then used to finally help me take action and fight my own struggle head-on are found in Paul’s letter to the Philippians.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. 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 4:6–8

But I needed to pull the words apart and actively learn how to apply them!

1. Admit that God Doesn’t Want You to Worry!

Don’t worry about anything!

I had to finally stop excusing my worry and anxiety as just being part of who I am and admit that it is wrong – because it is not God’s will for me. And the truth is … it’s not God’s will for you either.

So, join me in confessing worry and anxiety and stand in agreement with the truth of God’s Word. He wants so much more us.

Write the Word on post-it notes and stick them on your bathroom mirror, your dashboard, and inside your planner. Read the Bible every day to begin and end each day implanting God’s promises in your heart and mind.

2. Pray and Ask God to Help You.

Pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.

When God asks something of us . . . He will help to make it possible. 

So, when you and I start to worry, He wants us to stop, identify it as a problem and pray.

My Prayer Plan…

  • I admit that God doesn’t want me to worry about this problem.
  • I tell God why I’m worried.
  • I surrender the problem to Him and ask Him to help me carry it.
  • And then I express that I know the Lord is able to help me face this situation, that I trust His love and know that He is with me. I ask Him to guide me to do what He wants me to do and help me to wait on Him.

3. Thank God for His Past Provision.  

Thank Him for all He has done.

When I remember all that God has done in the past and thank Him for His help and provision, I can usually stop and say … “God, You have gotten us through more difficult situations than this one. I know I can trust You to help us live through this one as well.”

I can trust Him to keep His promises today because He has always kept them in the past.

Promises like this one…

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

4. Change Your Thoughts

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.

When I want to change my thinking, I have to change what I’m doing.

I call a friend, take a walk, get a snack, play with our puppy, read a book, turn on some music or a classic movie, or exercise. I do something that will help me focus my thoughts on what God says is true, honorable, right, pure, etc. Things that will help me remember that I am a loved child of the God of the universe who has promised to never leave me or forsake. Whatever He allows … He will help me endure.

That has always been true in the past and I believe it will always be true in the future!

Worry and anxiety are not part of God's plan for us. I'm taking a closer look at the things He says to do that will help us live with peace and contentment. #MentalHealth #NoMoreWorry #InnerPeace #AnxietyFree #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers

5. Bring Your Worry and Anxiety into the Light.

Talk to a friend, a counselor, or your doctor.

Too often our worries and anxieties reveal themselves in the middle of the night. We toss and turn fretting over things we can do nothing about.

I’m learning to take those dark hour thoughts and replace them with God’s truth. I praise God from A to Z. I repeat verses I’ve memorized. And I turn to Him in prayer.

The problem was that once I’d gotten through the night, I’d get busy and rush around trying to ignore my feelings until sleep evaded me again.

Nighttime anxiety loses some of its power after it’s been brought into the light through a helpful hopeful conversation. So, talk with someone who has previously experienced what you’re going through or with a professional who has been trained to help those who are emotionally drained from worry and anxiety. Don’t try to do this alone.

God is with you and He has put people around you to help.

I love this verse. I’m writing it down and keeping it close…

The Lord is the One Who goes before you. He will be with you. He will be faithful to you and will not leave you alone. Do not be afraid or troubled.

Deuteronomy 31:8 (NCV)

One of our greatest blessings is God’s promise to never leave His children alone and afraid!

He will give us everything we need to live one day at a time free of worry and anxiety and that’s a great reason to give Him glory!

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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 Scripture Over the People You Love

The perfect way to pray Scripture for someone you love, especially when you don't have the words you need to lift them up to the God of grace, mercy, & love. #PrayScripture #PrayforHusband #PrayforChildren #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #PowerfulPrayers #PraytheBible

Let everything you do be done in love… 1 Corinthians 16:14

It’s hard to do everything in love, isn’t it?

Today is the day we focus on love … romantic love, family love, and friend love.

  • Eros — Romanic Love.
  • Storge — Familial Love.
  • Philia — Affectionate (Friend) Love.

But that’s not the love Paul was talking about in his letter to the Corinthians. The word he used is ἀγάπῃ.

  • Agape — Unconditional Love.

Agape love is unconcerned with the self and concerned with the greatest good of another. Agape isn’t born just out of emotions, feelings, familiarity, or attraction, but from the will and as a choice. Agape requires faithfulness, commitment, and sacrifice without expecting anything in return.

Christianity.com

Based on that definition … is it any wonder that agape love is hard?!

Jesus told His followers to…

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength and love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.

Mark 12:30–31 (edited)

And…

Love as I have loved you.

John 13:34

Jesus loved with perfect knowledge and wisdom and no matter how much I want that … my imperfect self falls short. But there is something Jesus did with agape love that you and I can always know is right and the perfect thing to do in any situation and for every relationship.

One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is John 17. It’s a beautiful example of Jesus praying for those He loves … His disciples, His followers, you and me.

And we can pray, too! We can take our people to the One who always knows what they need … to the One who loves them perfectly.

Today, I’m taking the people I love to the Lord in prayer and I’d love for you to join me as I pray Scripture for those you love.

Pray Scripture Over the People You Love

The perfect way to pray Scripture for someone you love, especially when you don't have the words you need to lift them up to the God of grace, mercy, & love. #PrayScripture #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #PowerfulPrayers #PraytheBible

Pray Scripture for Your Husband

I pray that from Your glorious, unlimited resources You will empower __________with inner strength through Your Holy Spirit. Ephesians 3:16

I pray that You will be __________’s the source of hope. Fill him completely with joy and peace because he trusts You. Be an overflowing source of confident hope in his life through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Help __________ to be strong and courageous. Please remove all fear and help him know that You are with him wherever he goes. Joshua 1:9

Please give __________ the humility and willingness to ask You for wisdom and direction. James 1:5

Lord, please help __________ to trust Your love and give all worries and cares to You. 1 Peter 5:7

Pray Scripture for Your Wife

I pray that when her heart hurts and she’s worn out, __________ will know that You, Lord, will always be with her … that You are the source of her strength. Psalm 73:26

Father, please help ___________ know that she is an amazing and wonderful miracle made by Your grace and for Your glory. Psalm 139:14

Spirit, remove __________’s fear and give her everything she needs to live with power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

Please help ________ remember and thank You for all you have done in the past, coming to You in prayer each time she is anxious and concerned. Philippians 4:6

Lord, I pray __________ will trust You completely as You remind her each morning of Your unfailing love. Guide and direct her as she entrusts this day to You. Psalm 143:8

Pray Scripture for Your Children

I pray __________ roots will grow down into Your grace, mercy, and love … and that __________’s life will be built on You, Lord. Colossians 2:7

Please enable __________ to stand strong firm in faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthians 1:21

Lord, when __________ is afraid, please help him/her put their trust in You. Psalm 56:3

Lord, keep __________ from copying the behavior of this world. Transform him/her into a new person who knows Your good and pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Please help __________ to trust Your plans to give them a future and a hope that lasts forever. Jeremiah 29:11

Pray Scripture for Everyone You Love

Lord keep watch over __________’s coming and going wherever they go today, tomorrow, and always. Psalm 121:8

Please help __________ follow You with integrity and godliness …. obeying all Your commands and trusting Your will. 1 Kings 9:4

I pray that __________ will wholeheartedly trust in You, follow Your path, and seek Your will in everything. Proverbs 3:5–6

Lord, let the peace that passes understanding guard __________’s heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

May __________ experience Your love and be made complete in all the fullness of life and power that comes from You alone. Ephesians 3:19

Lord, may __________ pray about everything, telling You about each need and thanking you for all You’ve done. May __________ experience Your hard to understand peace filled with the love of Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6–7

Lord, I pray __________ will be strong in Your power boldly putting on the protective armor You give to fight against all the strategies of the enemy. Ephesians 6:10–11

I pray __________ will be rooted deeply in Your love to understand how wide, how long, how high, and how deep Your love truly is. Ephesians 3:17–18

May __________ know the three things that will last forever—faith, hope, and love—secure in the truth that the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

The perfect way to pray Scripture for someone you love, especially when you don't have the words you need to lift them up to the God of grace, mercy, & love. #PrayScripture #PrayforHusband #PrayforChildren #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #PowerfulPrayers #PraytheBible

A Prayer for the People You Love

Father, please fill the people I love with the love of Christ Jesus. My heart’s desire is for them to seek You and to know and love You with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Please give them everything they need each day to live in peace and give them the courage and strength needed to live for Your glory. In Jesus name. Amen.

One more thing…

I’ve often said, that the one thing I wish I’d done more of when our children were growing up is … pray for them.

I read countless parenting books as I worried of this stage and that change and sure I shot up countless prayers for the Lord to guide and direct me to be the best mom I could be … but oh, how I wish I had prayed more specifically for my family’s needs.

I sometimes think it’s because I didn’t know how to put my prayers into words. Sure I prayed, “please help, please guide, please bless” often but too often I was so overwhelmed with the emotion of the moment that I struggled to focus and pour our needs out the way I truly wanted.

That’s why I love praying Scripture. God gives us the words to pray for our loved ones.

How cool is that?!

He loves us and the people we love so much that He not only wants and welcomes our prayers but He gives us the words to pray as well.

And if we miss something, He says…

The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.

Romans 8:26

That is overwhelming love.

Love that is perfect, unconditional, and unfailing.

And on a day when we are focused on love – that is Good News!

So pray for the people you love and trust God’s perfect, unconditional, and unfailing love.

Before you go … share a verse you turn to when you want to pray Scripture for someone you love.

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

How to “Do to Others” in Ways that will Give God Glory

Jesus promised if we chose to "do to others" what we want them to do to and for us, we would not regret it! Can you imagine what a difference we could make? #TheGoldenRule #WWGGG #BetterRelationships #CountingMyBlessings #Family #Marriage #Parenting #LoveOneAnother

What’s the Golden Rule?

The Dictionary defines it as:

  • a basic principle that should always be followed to ensure success in general or in a particular activity.

The Bible says it this way:

“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.”

Matthew 7:12

Jesus said, “This is the essence of what is taught in the law and the prophets.”

So, I’m asking a couple of questions today…

  1. How would my life be different if I committed to faithfully “do to others” what I would like them to do for me>
  2. How would our families and communities be different if everyone committed to living by The Golden Rule?

It sounds like it should be easy, doesn’t it? Just treat people the way you want them to treat you. No problem, right?!

The Message says it this way…

“Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God’s Law and Prophets and this is what you get.”

Matthew 7:12

I giggled a little when I read…

“A simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior.”

Because it’s not simple, is it?

  • It’s not simple when we’re angry, upset, or frustrated.
  • It’s hard when we’re hurt because we’ve been insulted or we’ve been the subject of gossip.
  • It’s definitely not effortless when rude and insensitive people confront us.
  • It’s difficult when it feels like everyone else is self-centered and selfish.
  • It’s not easy to do when we’re overworked and exhausted.

Let’s face it … it may be a simple thing to want to do but it’s definitely not a simple thing TO DO!

It’s not easy for me to do … how about for you?

Together, we could probably come up with dozens of ways we fail to “do unto others” well.

But we have an excuse, right?

Honestly, it would be a lot easier to treat them well if they weren’t so rude, insensitive, self-centered, and annoying.

But maybe it’s time to stop making excuses and come up with some intentional practical #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory ideas to do a better job of living the Golden Rule one “do to others what you would have them do to you” interaction at a time.

Here’s a list of some of those ideas…

Jesus promised if we chose to "do to others" what we want them to do to and for us, we would not regret it! Can you imagine what a difference we could make? #TheGoldenRule #WWGGG #BetterRelationships #CountingMyBlessings

How to “Do to Others” in Ways that will Give God Glory

1. Be Aware

See people! It’s so easy for me to get caught up in my own busyness that I fail to notice what’s going on in the lives of the people around me. Everyone is struggling with something … a broken relationship, a shortage, an illness. We all have pain and problems.

So, I’m challenging myself to slow down and see … to really see the people around me. Because I can’t “do to others” the good I would want them to do for me if I’m not aware of their needs.

“Once we recognize the fact that every individual is a treasury of hidden and unsuspected qualities, our lives become richer, our judgment better, and our world is more right. It is not love that is blind, it is only the unnoticed eye that cannot see the real qualities of people.”

Charles Percy

2. Be Authentic

We can’t expect people to help if they don’t know what we need and it’s hard for us to know their needs if we don’t ask. I think it’s hard for all of us to admit our flaws, failures, and weaknesses.

So, I’m challenging myself to be real and honest about my flaws and failures because I want to do a better job of understanding and connecting with the less than perfect people around me.

“Live authentically. Why would you continue to compromise something that’s beautiful to create something that is fake?” ~Steve Maraboli

3. Be Present

Sometimes the best way to love someone is to simply give them the gift of time spent together. With so many of us living behind screens and monitors … the gift of face to face presence is one of the best ways we can show we care.

I’m challenging myself to regularly set aside time and “in real life” attention to the people around me.

“Just being there for someone can sometimes bring hope when all seems hopeless.” ~Dave G. Llewelyn

4. Be Appreciative

Say “please” and thank you.” Be grateful. It takes so little effort to let someone know you are thankful for them and for the kindness they show. The best part is … it’s been proven that being grateful is good for you!

And be honest, don’t you want people to tell you they appreciate you? I know, I do!

Clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Colossians 3:14–15

5. Be Kind

It’s easy to be kind to people who are kind … it’s harder to be kind when they are being unkind. But don’t we all have moments when we are not as kind as we’d like to be?

I’m challenging myself to respond to rudeness with kindness even when it’s hard. And … it’s always hard to respond with love to the person who is unloving.

Isn’t it great that God promises to give us His strength and help do His will even when it’s hard?

That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:10

6. Be a Listener

The best way to learn about someone is to listen to them even when we don’t agree and to hear their stories even when they’re hard. Social media makes it easy for us to block people with differing opinions. But maybe we could make a real difference if we listened to them before we judged and silenced them.

I’m challenging myself to listen with kindness and compassion because, in all honesty, that’s what I would want someone to do for me.

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2
Jesus promised if we chose to "do to others" what we want them to do to and for us, we would not regret it! Can you imagine what a difference we could make? #TheGoldenRule #WWGGG #BetterRelationships #CountingMyBlessings #Family #Marriage #Parenting #LoveOneAnother

7. Be Patient

I get it. We’re all in a hurry. There’s so much to do and so little time. I wonder if we’d be less annoyed with each other if we weren’t all trying to do too much in too little time.

I making it a goal to pause, breathe, say “no” when I should, and offer patience when I have to wait. Because … I really like it when people are patient with me.

“Some of your greatest blessings come with patience.” ~Warren Wiersbe

8. Be Encouraging

I love a good pat on the back or a heartfelt compliment? I’m guessing you do too! So, I want to find something good in everyone and tell them.

I have a rule for myself … if I think something complimentary or encouraging, I want to say it out loud.

Maybe we’d all be happier if we kept more of our negative thoughts to ourselves and sprinkled more kindness, support, and enthusiasm.

“A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success.” ~Author Unknown

9. Be Compassionate

I think the word compassion could be used to define the Golden Rule. Compassion is caring, forgiving, sympathetic, and tender. It is sharing someone’s pain and helping them carry their burden. I want that!

“To keep the Golden Rule we must put ourselves in other people’s places, but to do that consists in and depends upon picturing ourselves in their places.” ~Harry Emerson Fosdick

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Colossians 3:!2

10. Be Loving

You and I have a God-given need to be loved.

God created us to love Him and each other.
And the best way for us to love each other is to…

“Do to others what you would have them do to you.”

But it’s hard, isn’t it?!

It’s hard when the people around us are failing to treat us the way we want them to. It’s hard when they’re annoying and we are irritable.

And those are the people we say we love! What about all of the “others.”

Sometimes it feels impossible to treat others the way we WANT them to treat us.

Our world is full of division and anger, justification and vindication, and a host of reasons why we need to apply The Golden Rule again.

But I’m not pointing fingers and moving on, it’s important for me to do a little self-assessment.

I’m asking myself…

What would it mean to my closest relationships if I made every effort to treat the people I say I love and care for the way I want them to love and care for me?

Or to make it really personal…

What if I spoke to __________ the way I want him/her to speak to me?
What if I did for __________ the things I would like them to do for me?

Would a change in my words and actions make a difference in my relationship with my spouse, my children, my siblings, parents, friends, neighbors, and coworkers? (What if I added the people who hurt or betrayed me? Or the ones who consistently get on my last nerve?)

Would it change the way I treat salespeople, servers, teachers, pastors, visitors to my church, or the person driving the car in front of me?

Would it change the way I talk about politicians and the people who support those political leaders with whom I don’t agree?

Would it affect the way I react to someone who is homeless, lost, hurting, broken, or dirty?

What if I decided to stop waiting for the other person to change?

(I do need to pause here and add that there are times for our health and well-being we have to set boundaries with someone. But even when we have to step back … we can still make a commitment to do nothing that will hurt that individual or add to the problem. And we can pray for God’s help and wisdom.)

So, finally…

What if you and I made a covenant to ask ourselves #WWGGG – What would give God glory? What if we committed to initiating the kindness, compassion, forgiveness, encouragement, patience, and love we want. To “do to others what we would have them do” to and for us. To treat them the way we want to be treated. To speak about them the way we would like them to speak about us.

Did you know, Jesus’ simple Golden Rule “guide for behavior” came with a promise…

“I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never regret it—I promise.

Luke 6:35 (MSG)

So, what do you think? Are you willing to give it a try?

Are you willing to ask…

What can I do for __________ that I would like them to do for me? And how can I do it in a way that will give God glory?

You and I may not change the world … but if we believe the promise, we will change, bless, and strengthen our relationships.

I believe that is one way we can begin to change the world for God’s glory!

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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!