When You Need to Know You are Forgiven and Loved

I need God’s forgiveness!

No matter how hard I try, I mess up the obedience and love part of my life every single day!

I don’t obey God the way He wants me to. I don’t even obey Him the way I want to.

I tell Him how much I love Him but with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength … I fall short again and again.

Remember Paul’s words…

I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. Romans 7:18

Yeah, that’s me!

Maybe, like me, you ask God for His forgiveness but continue to beat yourself up over your weaknesses and failures … especially those things you keep on doing even though you know better and desperately want to stop.

If so…

Let’s take a look at God’s word of truth…

When You Need to Know You are Forgiven and Loved

The first thing you and I need to remember is God is the perfect Father…

♥ God made you and loves you so very much!

He does not hold your sins against you. He wants to forgive you … so much so, that He sent Jesus to suffer your punishment and mine. He suffered and died to pay the price that set us free!

“I, the Lord, made you, and I will not forget you. I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.” Isaiah 44:21b–22

Forgiveness is the divine miracle of grace. The cost to God was the Cross of Christ.
Oswald Chambers

♥ God wants us to surrender our failures to Him.

Why?

Because when you and I confess and repent…

We agree with God that our failures are sins that go against His will.
We take an honest assessment of our lives and realize our need for Him.
We acknowledge our sorrow for what we’ve done or what we’ve failed to do.
We ask Him to give us the desire and help we need to obey Him in the future.
We admit that we are totally dependent on God … we need Him.

Confession and repentance are the flat-out falling of the sinner before the Savior. It humbly recognizes that He is King of kings and Lord of lords, that He is God and well, we are not.

And the good news is…

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

And it’s not only a washing away the marks of sin, but it’s also … the power of the Holy Spirit to change stony, stubborn hearts into kind, responsive hearts.

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Ezekiel 36:26–27

How cool is that?!

♥ You and I are more than just forgiven; we are new creations!

Through Jesus death and resurrection and through the power of His Spirit, you and I have a new perspective and a new heart.

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
2 Corinthians 5:17

We are being made new every day. We have a new covenant … a promise, written on our hearts that gives us a personal relationship with the God of the universe.

We belong to God!

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! 1 John 3:1a

If you’re like me, though, you still have past failures/sins that haunt your thoughts and wear you down.

If so, this is the best news of all…

♥ Sins that have been confessed and repented are forgiven and gone for good!

We don’t need to wallow in self-loathing and memorialized guilt.

Even when our faith is weak, our conscience is sensitive, and memories haunt us God’s word affirms that through Jesus every confessed sin is gone for good!

I confessed all my sins to you
and stopped trying to hide my guilt.
I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.”
And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.
Psalm 32:5

His love is as high as the heavens and His forgiveness is as far as the east is from the west.

He does not punish us for all our sins;
He does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
For His unfailing love toward those who fear Him
is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
He has removed our sins as far from us
as the east is from the west.
Psalm 103:10–12

I love this quote!

“Forgiveness is the giving, and so the receiving, of life.” ~ George MacDonald

That’s it! LIFE! NEW LIFE! REDEEMED LIFE!

♥ You and I can LIVE celebrating God’s forgiveness and love.

Jesus is both willing and able to forgive us. It’s not some reward He holds in front of us trying to get us to do better.

It’s a gift of love.

Love confirmed on a cross two thousand years ago.

“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.” John 3:16

Love so complete it has one desire…

“The desire of His heart is always restoration – not condemnation. When we truly repent, God will forgive us.” Mary Southerland

When you and I struggle with guilt. When it’s hard to let go and move on … stop and remember just how much God loves you.

He is greater than your feelings.

He is your loving, forgiving, heart changing Giver of LIFE!

That my friend is a reason to celebrate with joy!

Oh, what joy for those
whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sin is put out of sight!
Psalm 32:1 and Romans 4:7

And if for just a moment you’re thinking…

You don’t understand. You don’t know what I’ve done. You don’t know how far I’ve fallen away. How I’ve ignored and neglected Him.

Read these words from Charles Stanley…

“When you stray from His presence, He longs for you to come back. He weeps that you are missing out on His love, protection and provision. He throws His arms open, runs toward you, gathers you up, and welcomes you home.” ~ Charles Stanley

One of my favorite parables is the story of the Prodigal Son.

The image of the Father watching and waiting for His son to return home. The picture of Him running to embrace the child who had rejected His love and squandered His blessings.

While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:20

That’s the Father who loves us!

May you and I keep returning home in humble repentance knowing we are forgiven and loved … the celebration of LIFE is just beginning!

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7 Prayers Inspired by Jesus Words on the Cross

3 / 25 / 183 / 26 / 18

It’s hard to think about the reality of Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross.

I’ll never forget the first time I watched The Passion of the Christ. I’d read Scripture and knew the story well but it was always easier to imagine the scene through cleaned up artwork and Sunday School drawings.

I don’t want to let myself settle for images that make me feel better. So I’m taking this week to spend more time at the foot of the cross and humbly pray to the God who suffered pure torture to endure the punishment I deserved.

I would love it if you would join me.

7 Prayers Inspired by Jesus Words on the Cross

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them,
for they don’t know what they are doing.”
Luke 23:34

Dearest Jesus, It’s hard for me to picture myself in the crowd shouting, “Crucify Him!” I want to believe I would have stood with John, your mother, and Mary Magdeleine … but I know the truth. You hung on that cross because of me. My sins condemned you and yet, through pain, You asked Your Father to forgive me. I am humbled and overwhelmed by Your gracious love. Thank you isn’t enough. Today, I give you my all as I prayerfully ponder how You gave Your all for me. Amen.

And Jesus replied, “I assure you,
today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:43

Jesus, Like those being crucified beside You, I deserve to be punished for my sins. I want to believe my sins aren’t that bad but all sin, any sin, my sin deserves to be punished. Yet, You not only suffered my punishment but You promise me a forever future with You in heaven. I can’t earn it. I don’t deserve it. You simply give it. Once again, I fall at the foot of the cross asking for Your forgiveness through tears of gratitude and a heart full of love and look forward to the day when You will come and take me home to paradise. (John 14:3) Thank you, Jesus! Amen.

When Jesus saw His mother standing there
beside the disciple He loved, He said to her,
“Dear woman, here is your son.”And He said to this disciple,
“Here is your mother.”
And from then on this disciple
took her into his home.
John 19:26–27

Jesus, Your tender words to Your mother and John touch my heart and remind me that You care about every detail of our lives. Your ministry included feeding the hungry and healing the sick both physically and spiritually. You gave sight to those who could not see and sound to those who could not hear. Nothing in my life goes beyond Your care and compassion. Lord Jesus, when my days are hard and I feel like no one understands … You do! You’ve been here. You’ve lived it. Thank you, for encouraging me to bring it all my struggles to You and for offering to help and comfort me in times of need. Amen.

Jesus called out with a loud voice,
“Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?”
which means
“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34

Oh, dearest Jesus, this must have been the most difficult thing to endure. Was this what caused You to sweat drops of blood as You asked the Father to “remove this cup of suffering?” I can’t imagine how it must have felt to anticipate all You knew You would endure.

David prophesied these words generations earlier and like every prophesy promised … You faithfully accomplished it. Jesus, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God! I give my life to You. By Your grace, may I live each day for Your glory and proclaim Your name to all who will listen. Amen.

Jesus knew that His mission was now finished,
and to fulfill Scripture He said,
“I am thirsty.”
John 19:28

Jesus, You spoke these three simple words so that Your people might know and believe You can identify completely with our humanity. You were tempted, yet You never sinned. You experienced life through Your senses just like I do. You laughed and cried. You felt anger, joy, and love. Oh, how You love. Thank you, Jesus, for allowing me to know that nothing in my life is beyond Your understanding. When I am sad and lonely, rejected and betrayed, uncomfortable and tired … You understand. I can come to You, knowing You will help me carry my burden of the day, big or small. Amen.

He said,
“It is finished!”
Then He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.
John 19:30

Was this Your victory shout! Jesus, You did everything You came to do. You testified to the truth. Proclaimed the Good News. Fulfilled the Law and the words of the Prophets. You showed people how very much God loves them. You gave Yourself as a sacrifice to save people from their sins. And You died to give God’s people eternal life. I can imagine You gathering every bit of strength You had to shout, “It is finished!” Victory! The plan promised in the Garden was accomplished and by Your grace … it is well with my soul. Thank you! Amen.

Then Jesus shouted,
“Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!”
And with those words, He breathed His last.
Luke 23:46

No one took Your life from You. You gave it willingly for sinners … like me. Perfect love! Please Jesus, help me to love like You. My heart’s desire is to “love You, my God, (Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit) with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I want to love my neighbor as I love myself.” I want to obediently follow where You lead and carry out Your will as You reveal it to me. I believe I can do whatever You ask of me when You give me strength. (Philippians 4:13)

Lord Jesus, I surrender this day to You. Help me. Strengthen me. And by Your grace, give me all I need to live this day for Your glory. Amen.

As I read and reread Jesus words on the cross, I am overwhelmed by His love.

Whatever is going on in your life today … give it to Jesus. He wants you to know that by God’s grace nothing in the world can separate you from God’s love given in and through Jesus.

Paul wrote:

I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38–39

It’s so easy for me to let busyness distract me and problems discourage me but today I’m setting everything aside to sit at the foot of the cross. I’m listening to Jesus and resting His miraculous life-giving grace.

How blessed we are to KNOW that as we focus on Jesus suffering and death – Sunday is coming. His resurrection is a reality and so is ours!

Additional Posts for Holy Week and Easter

Jesus and How to Know if You Have Righteous Anger

Important Things You Need to Know about Foot Washing

An Important Good Friday Question – How Do You See Jesus?

15 of the Best Quotes to Celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection

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

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The Important Truth You Need to Know About Guilt

3 / 5 / 183 / 4 / 18

Guilt.

Everyone has it.

We all have something, maybe multiple somethings, that makes us cringe and want to hide.

I thought about putting a list of examples here but that then I decided it would be a distraction because all that really matters is … what’s on your list.

I know what’s on my list. Some of the items on my list only haunt me occasionally. Others — well, the enemy likes to bring them to mind all the time.

My worst guilt is about something that for years I didn’t even think was a sin. But when the Holy Spirit convicted me with the truth … I was flattened.

And you know what?

The enemy immediately started taunting me with labels working to defeat me with despair.

I hate that, don’t you?

Satan tempts us, entices us to sin and then calls us by the label of the very thing he made seem so appealing earlier.

Liar. Thief. Murderer. Adulterer. Fool. Or something else.

And you and I wear our label like it’s branded on our foreheads. We hate it, but still … we wear it.

Guilt!

It’s nothing new. We’re not the first to experience it.

In fact, let’s go back to where it all started. …

The Garden of Eden. Picture yourself there with me. (Not as an observer but as a participant.)

Visualize the snake hissing and telling you, “God is holding out on you. If He really loved you, He would…”

You know you should walk away, fight him with the truth of God’s Word. You should resist him…

Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

But this time, you don’t. You listen.

He knows exactly what to say . . . every word you want to hear. He nudges you to take charge of your life and do it your way, to go after what you want even though you know God said “no” or at least “not now.”

You look at the fruit. It looks awesome and you go for it.

She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Genesis 3:6

In those first moments, it feels good. You got what you wanted. It’s sweet and it tastes great.

But then, it starts to sour in your mouth and you feel … guilty.

You try to hide as the enemy sneers and snarls shaming you from the background.

But God…

God loves you so much … He immediately comes looking for you. And when He finds you, He shows you the truth.

He’s right. He’s always been right! You should have trusted Him! You should have obeyed Him.

And you know…

You deserve His punishment. You are guilty!

The Important Truth You Need to Know About Guilt

Then in an instant . . . in a heartbeat, God changes the scene for you.

You’re transported to the foot of the cross.

Now you cry out to Jesus, “Lord, forgive me!”

And… it’s done!

All is forgiven.

Your guilt is gone.

God in His grace and mercy removed your guilt and ‘sin’ label and replaced it with words like…

Chosen. Child. Friend. Masterpiece. Treasure. Beloved.

Through Jesus, God calls you His own.

Why? Because you’re good. Because you deserve it. No!

Because He is good!

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him! Psalm 34:8

And because God is good, He wants good things for you.

Things like:

Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Hope. Contentment. And Life with Him Forever.

David wrote in Psalm 32:

Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes! What joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt. v. 1–2

Because of His amazing grace and perfect love God wants to replace your guilt with His the blessings of His better truth!

That through Jesus, you are…

Blameless.

Yet now He has reconciled you to Himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, He has brought you into His own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before Him without a single fault. Colossians 1:22

Fought for.

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Romans 8:31

Friend.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you, and you will eat with me. Revelation 3:20

Blessed.

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

Strengthened.

I begged the Lord three times to take this problem away from me. But He said to me, “My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you.” 2 Corinthians 12:8–9

His forever.

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

Through Jesus, your guilt is gone!

Why should you and I imagine ourselves in the Garden and at the Cross?

Because it’s easy to blame this sinful world for our failures. Or blame Eve and then Adam for messing things up in the first place.

The truth is … you and I don’t sin because we live in a sinful world. We sin because we are sinners who can never be free of the label of guilt and shame on our own.

But God…

God loves so much He wants to take us from the shame of the Garden to the healing of the Cross.

There we stand we are — humble, broken, and in need of forgiveness.

David also wrote in Psalm 32:

I confessed all my sins to You and stopped trying to hide my guilt … And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. v. 5

The truth about guilt is … you don’t have to carry it one minute longer. You can stand with David and countless other forgiven sinners who joyfully shout, “ALL MY GUILT IS GONE!”

And the next time Satan tries to taunt and shame you, remind him of God’s promises…

I’m forgiven. I belong to Jesus.

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Romans 8:1–2

I’m clean.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

My sin is gone . . . as far as the east is from the west!

He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. Psalm 103:12

My guilt is replaced with joy!

Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Psalm 32:1 and Romans 4:7

So, what do you think?

Are you ready to embrace the truth about guilt?

Stand in the Garden. Fall before the cross. Ask Jesus to forgive you.

Then…

Celebrate! You are guilt-free! You are forgiven.

Through the death of Christ on the cross making atonement for sin, we get a perfect standing before God. That is justification, and it puts us, in God’s sight, back in Eden before sin entered. God looks upon us and treats us as if we had never sinned. ~ A.C. Dixon

That is Good News!

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You Need to Ask the Most Important Question

2 / 19 / 182 / 19 / 18

I’ve wrestled with this post for a while. It’s so much easier to write those feel-good grace-filled posts that remind us of God’s abundant goodness and mercy.

And we’ll get to that, too … because that’s where we must land after we’ve come face to face with who we are without Him.

But after wrestling with God and asking Him again and again if I’m really the person He wants to write these words … I’m giving in and I’m writing this post to the person who finds it easy to ridicule and mock those who (like me) have surrendered their lives to God through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.

I’m writing this to:

The person who has rejected the “crutch” of Christianity.

The person who has decided Jesus is one of countless ways to God.

The person who believes there is no hell.

The person who is self-sufficient and too strong to need God.

The person who is too busy and doesn’t have time for God.

The person who puts their political views ahead of God’s Word.

The person who believes “good people” will go to heaven.

The person who believes this life is all there is.

If you know this person or you are this person, please keep reading … I have an important question for you.

A question God placed on my heart and mind a few weeks ago. One I’ve used to challenge myself and that I hope will challenge you and make you stop and think — and pray.

You Need to Ask the Most Important Question

What if you’re wrong?

What if there is life after death?

What if both heaven and hell are very real places?

What if you will have to stand before a holy and righteous God at the time of your death to give an account of the way you lived your life?

What if your good isn’t good enough?

What if Jesus really is the only way to heaven?

What if?

Before I go to the Bible and show you some of the reasons I believe these questions are more important than where you’ll go to school or who you’ll marry … and believe me those questions are really important, I want to tell you my answer to the question.

My answer to – What if I’m wrong?

If I’m wrong, and I believe there is overwhelming evidence to support my faith. I don’t believe anyone who has surrendered their life to God through faith in Jesus is wrong.

But, just for a moment, let’s go there, let’s assume there is no God. No Creator. No Resurrected Savior. No Comforting Holy Spirit.

If I’m wrong and there is no God … I wouldn’t change a thing.

My life has been full of hope, unexpected joy, impossible to understand peace, indescribable strength when I needed it most, and miraculous healing. I’m blessed. My life is good.

And if I get to the end of my life and I discover there is no life after this one … I can’t imagine having lived my life any other way. The things I chose to sacrifice out of obedience to God protected me from so many problems and potential consequences. I didn’t miss out on a thing.

Which is why I’m inviting you to ask yourself this important question.

When I listen to people who believe followers of Jesus are weak and foolish or border on “mental illness,” I can’t help but think about how miserable and angry many of them seem at the moment.

So, I’m inviting you to ask yourself the question…

What if I’m wrong?

I’d like you to think about what the Bible says about the “what if” questions I asked above.

What if there is life after death?

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

“I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Jesus to thief on the cross beside Him.) Luke 23:43

What if both heaven and hell are very real places?

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” (Jesus – Sermon on the Mount) Matthew 7:13–14

What if you will have to stand before a holy and righteous God at the time of your death to give an account of the way you lived your life?

^“God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him. There is no judgment against anyone who believes in Him. But anyone who does not believe in Him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son.” (Jesus to Nicodemus) John 3:17–18

What if your good isn’t good enough?

^“And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” (Jesus to religious leaders) Matthew 12:36–37

And…

Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them. (Jesus to His disciples) John 14:21

What if Jesus really is the only way to heaven?

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (to His disciples) John 14:6

One more word from Jesus…

Jesus told a story of The Rich Man and Poor Lazarus. You can read it here.

One of the moving parts of this story is when the rich man pleads with Abraham to allow Lazarus to return from the dead to warn His family…

“Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.” Luke 17:27–28

So, I’m inviting you to ask one more important question…

What if my loved ones – children, parents, siblings …. my relatives and friends are being influenced for eternity by my lack of faith?

So, please ask yourself the most important question.

What if I’m wrong?

And if it makes you stop and think for just moment or two, if you’re not sure about your relationship with God through Jesus, if you wonder about the future…

Please seek the truth?

Ask questions? Pray and ask God to reveal the truth to you? Talk to people who have placed their trust in Jesus. Dig for answers.

I’ve never known anyone who sought the truth, who didn’t realize the only truth that matters is that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and that God is who He says He is in the Bible and that…

This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For, there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave His life to purchase freedom for everyone. 1 Timothy 2:3–6

God loves you so much, He sent Jesus to pay the price for every wrong you have ever done, every thoughtless or cruel word you have ever spoken, every single foolish mistake you’ve made.

You can trust Him. Nothing you have ever done can make Him love you less. He wants to cover you with His grace and mercy sacrificed in and through Jesus on the cross.

There is no better place to live today than with the promise of eternal life with God through Jesus.

I promise. Because even if I’m wrong and I don’t believe I am.

I wouldn’t change a thing!

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You Need to Know This When You are Not Enough

2 / 5 / 182 / 5 / 18

I’m guessing you’re like me and that you share my struggle.

You have the voice in your head that remembers and repeats every hurt-filled accusation.

And a mirror that faithfully points out every little imperfection.

You know the whispers of lost friendships that want you to believe you’re just not worth it.

And you count every share and comment while you wonder if your story matters.

You live too many days with physical or emotional pain that reminds you of your weaknesses.

And somehow you start to listen and believe the message that you’re not enough. You’re “less than.”

So, we try to build each other up through blog posts and articles. We type our fingers raw trying to convince ourselves and each other that the message that haunts and nags just isn’t true.

But if you’re like me, it seems no matter how hard I fight them … my “not enough” thoughts persist.

And I’ve recently come to the conclusion that:

It’s true! I am not enough. I am less than.

This is not meant to discourage you nor is it a true confession about giving in to self-loathing.

The reason for this post is to tell you that although I do have an ongoing struggle with the way I view myself, by God’s grace I am confident there is a greater truth that gives me victory when those two sentences (I am not enough. I am less than.) try to defeat me.

And the greater truth is this…

God is All You Need When You are Not Enough

God is greater than my “not enough” and He’s greater than yours too!

But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 1 John 4:4

I love this verse.

Although feelings matter, let’s look past them for a moment … let’s look beyond the the things trying to defeat and discourage us to God, who is greater. He is our enough!

3 Truths from 1 John 4:4 that will Defeat Discouragement

1. You belong to God.

Through faith in Jesus, you are God’s child. You are chosen, adopted, and loved. You belong to Him.

Say it out loud until you really believe it … because of Jesus, I belong to God.

On our own, you and I are not enough but God is always and forever more than enough. He is forever and always greater than any circumstances, all imperfections, every weakness, and each bit of brokenness without exception.

Through His Holy Spirit, God is with you and in you. He has marked you as His own. You are loved and you belong to God!

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26

2. You have victory in Jesus.

However you and I feel, in Christ Jesus, we can have victory. Victory over our accusers, our former friends, discouragement, the mirror, the weaknesses of our bodies, and yes, even the voices in our heads.

Jesus has won the victory over sin, death, and the power of Satan. He defeated them all on the cross. We are not defeated because of the One who won the victory for us and given us all we need to live with victory over anything that tries to discourage us.

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

3. You have the Spirit within you.

The Holy Spirit to whom you belong, who loves you and gives you victory, lives within you.

And because weare His children, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Galatians 4:6

And the good news is the Spirit living within us fills us with all we need to defeat every message that works to discourage us. I love that He whispers victory giving truth when we need it most.

And He is more than able to give us everything we need.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22–23a

My goal, going forward, is to turn to the Lord in prayer each time I’m discouraged by the feeling that I’m “not enough.”

Trusting that the Spirit will remind me that:

I am loved. You and I are lovable. God says so! And we have everything we need to love others … even those who don’t love us. We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be His own people. 1 Thessalonians 1:4
This difficult season will end. Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5
I have all I need for today, tomorrow, and forever. Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20

We’re going to have our “not enough” thoughts and feelings. They’re a given and a favorite of the “spirit of the world.”

But you and I have all we need to be victorious over them.

We can replace them with the truth … God’s truth!

And the way to know God’s truth is by asking ourselves a couple of questions:

1. Do I feel like I’m not enough because of sin in my life?

If the answer is “yes” — you and I need to quickly go to God in repentance and ask Him to forgive us.

The good news He is always faithful to forgive and cover us with His victorious love once again.

2. Do I feel like I’m not enough because I’m believing the lies of comparison?

If your answer is “yes” — join me in a commitment to stop comparing and trust God’s specific plans and purposes for my life. May you and I faithfully seek God’s will each day and follow wherever He leads.

And replace the lies with God’s truth by…

Memorizing God’s promises, like:

I am with you always Matthew 28:20

I have loved you just as the Father has loved Me; remain in My love [and do not doubt My love for you]. John 15:9 (AMP)

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

He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Isaiah 40:29

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8

And repeat them every time you need to remember … although you are “not enough” on your own, the One who is with you and within you is more than enough.

He always has been and He always will be!

The greater truth — God is able to give you victory over your “not enough.”

What is your go-to promise when you need to remember that God is more than enough to defeat your feelings of discouragement?

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God Wants to Make You Strong and Courageous

1 / 22 / 181 / 22 / 18

If you’d known me growing up you would have seen a girl who could comfortably play the piano and organ in front of large groups of people, who could stand in front of groups and give presentations with little or no fear, and who thrived on memorizing lines and performing in plays and musicals.

If you’d only looked at those moments you would have described me as fearless.

But…

If you sat and talked with me, you would have met someone who specialized in fear and insecurity.

I did great in front of a crowd but face to face I was timid and shy. I believed people would like what I did, but didn’t believe they would like me.

I desperately wanted to be strong and courageous but fear and insecurity had become a habit. I believed God wanted me to be strong and courageous.

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

Yeah, that’s pretty straightforward.

The problem was … I was forgetting the second part of the verse.

God Wants to Make You Strong and Courageous

On my own, I’m never going to be strong or courageous.

Oh sure, maybe a moment here or there. I can fight like anything for my husband, kiddos, or grandkids.

But I don’t want to talk about those moments because well, I don’t really like talking about myself unless I’m honestly telling you about the many ways I fall short. Like my problem with procrastination or how much I hate to clean. And don’t ask me to do anything outside, I mean really . . . hasn’t anyone ever told you there are bugs and dirt out there?

It’s easier for me to talk about growing up with chronic fear or living with anxiety. I can even tell you the tough stuff like what it’s like to live with secondary infertility, be rejected by your child, or lose your best friend.

The truth is, I’m a mess.

I know what it’s like to lie curled up on my bed sobbing until it feels like every drop of moisture has been cried out. What it’s like to feel broken beyond repair.

No, I’m not strong and courageous.

But…

I know someone who is.

God is my courage and strength.

When I’ve experienced the worst God has replaced it with His best. He proved He could be my courage and strength if I let Him.

For far too long, I foolishly believed I had to do everything right. Deep down I felt like God’s unconditional love was just a little bit conditional.

So, I did everything within my ability to be a “good girl.”

It took an oversized painful brokenness for me to really receive God’s unconditional perfect love that gives strength and courage.

I hated the process. I mean, I really hated the process but it’s what God used to show me His power to change me and redeem my broken life.

I went from fear to faith, from anxiety to anticipation, from broken to blessed.

And I claimed Psalm 73:26 as my life verse:

My heart and my flesh may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

I have to admit, I still don’t think of myself as either courageous or strong but I am passionate . . . maybe even a little relentless in telling people about God’s love and His power to change lives through Jesus.

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

God’s love is not dependent upon my good behavior. His love for you doesn’t need you to conform or perform. He loves you and me because love is who He is.

Nothing can ever change that.

No power, enemy or problem will ever separate us from His love.

God doesn’t love you because of who you are or what you do; He loves you because of who He is.

God doesn’t love you because of who you are or what you do, but because of who HE is. #GodisLove…

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Powerful. Unfailing. Forever. Perfect. Gracious. Merciful. Personal Love.

Love that is able to make you strong and courageous.

I need that! I want that!

Before I experienced my brokenness, I used to believe … if this or that happens in my life I won’t be able to go on. It absolutely can not handle something like that.

Then one of those things happened.

And I was right!

I couldn’t handle it.

But God…

I love those two words. But God…

He showed up with His healing love. He held me close and quietly whispered that He was with me and I would be okay. And any time I doubted, He reminded me.

By His grace, I’m not just okay. I’m good! I’m content. I’m happy. I’m blessed!

And I’m no longer afraid.

So if, like me, you don’t feel like you’re strong and courageous … it’s okay.

God is fighting for you.
He is passionate for you.
He is relentless for you.
And He longs for you to surrender everything and trust His love.

If you’re broken . . . God knows.

And He wants to heal and restore you.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and He saves those whose spirits have been crushed. Psalm 34:18

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. Psalm 147:3

I never dreamed I could live without what ifs and I cant’s. But God has proven He will always be with me to give me all the strength I need for whatever He allows.

He is trustworthy.

My prayer for you…

Don’t wait for your world to fall apart. Give God your fear, your anxiety, your insecurity, your pain, your broken heart, your mess.

Surrender it all. Trust Him.

He will help you. He will change you if you let Him.

He will heal and restore you as He covers you with His mercy, grace, and love.

He will make you strong and courageous.

That my friend, is some seriously Good News!

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

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Why You Need to Know Jesus is the Source of Your Faith

12 / 11 / 1712 / 9 / 17

I always find it amusing when I see the word “believe” everywhere at this time of the year.

Just believe – all by itself. It begs for answers.

Believe in what? Believe in whom?

When you and I “believe in” someone or something – we have faith in it. And having faith means we have complete trust and confidence in someone or something.

So the source of your faith is way more important than the simple fact that you have faith. It’s not that you and I believe. It’s the who or what we believe in that changes everything.

Why?

Because if or when the source of our faith proves itself to be untrustworthy or unable, you and I will always end up disappointed, discouraged, and full of doubt. So yes, having faith is important but it’s even more important to know the source of your faith.

So, today, I’d like to tell you about Jesus, the source of my faith and the reasons why I believe He should be the source of your faith as well.

Why You Need to Know Jesus is the Source of Your Faith

1. The Prophecy

The Old Testament was written thousands of years before Jesus was born. In fact, following the writing of the Book of Malachi, God was silent for over 400 years. Can you imagine?

Prior to that silence though, from Genesis through Malachi, God pointed people to the Messiah who would come with over 300 prophecies about the One God would send to redeem His people.

God had a plan from the beginning.

“I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike His heel.” Genesis 3:15

2. The Fulfillment

Jesus fulfilled every single prophecy!

Mathematically speaking, the odds of anyone fulfilling this amount of prophecy are staggering. Mathematicians put it this way:

1 person fulfilling 8 prophecies: 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000 1 person fulfilling 48 prophecies: 1 chance in 10 to the 157^thpower 1 person fulfilling 300+ prophecies: Only Jesus! (from Biblical Prophesies Fulfilled by Jesus)

After his conversion and commissioning, Paul said it this way:

The people in Jerusalem and their leaders did not recognize Jesus as the one the prophets had spoken about. Instead, they condemned him, and in doing this they fulfilled the prophets’ words that are read every Sabbath. Acts 13:27

3. The Non-Biblical Historical Sources

An article by Martin Gleghorn titled, Ancient Evidence for Jesus from non-Christian Sources, written for Probe Ministries begins:

Although there is overwhelming evidence that the New Testament is an accurate and trustworthy historical document, many people are still reluctant to believe what it says unless there is also some independent, non-biblical testimony that corroborates its statements.

He goes on to reference five specific documents and concludes with these words:

There are many ancient Christian sources of information about Jesus as well. But since the historical reliability of the canonical gospels is so well established, I invite you to read those for an authoritative “life of Jesus!”

4. The Eye-witnesses

The disciples were a sorry lot before Jesus’ resurrection. Bickering, confused, and fearful! But all that changed! Followers who ran away when Jesus was arrested proclaimed the message of His crucifixion and resurrection until their deaths … most of them happening at the hands of executioners. Would you die for a lie you made up?

Look at just a few of their faith-filled words of promise:

Peter said, “God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this.” and “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” Acts 2:32,36

Paul said, “Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and He was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. After that, He was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died.” 1 Corinthians 15:3–6 (It’s hard to argue with 500 witnesses.)

John said, “Jesus Christ was revealed as God’s Son by His baptism in water and by shedding His blood on the cross—not by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit, who is truth, confirms it with His testimony. So we have these three witnesses the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and all three agree.” 1 John 5:6–8

And by God’s grace — His Spirit has continued to pour this life-giving truth into the lives of believers of every generation.

5. The Holy Spirit in the Lives Faith-filled Followers

Since Jesus entrance into the time and space of history, God has filled the hearts and minds of people with faith able to move mountains. Faith that sustained them through impossible circumstances and enabled them to proclaim the truth about God’s life-changing love.

People like Jim and Elizabeth Elliot, C. S. Lewis, Corrie ten Boom, Martin Luther, John Wesley, Brother Lawrence and the person who taught your Sunday School Class, the grandparent who prayed for you every day, and the friend who wanted you to know about the One who gives her hope. The list is endless because the Holy Spirit is faithfully and mightily at work throughout all times and in all places.

We have all these great people around us as examples. Their lives tell us what faith means. So we, too, should run the race that is before us and never quit. We should remove from our lives anything that would slow us down and the sin that so often makes us fall. We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and He is the one who makes our faith complete. He suffered death on a cross. But He accepted the shame of the cross as if it were nothing because of the joy He could see waiting for Him. And now He is sitting at the right side of God’s throne. Hebrews 12:1–2 (ERV)

I don’t know what you think about when you see a plaque with that single word, “BELIEVE” on it. But I hope that just maybe in the future, you will stop and think about…

Jesus, the Messiah, the Lover of Your Soul, the Prince of Peace, the Light of the World, the Way, the Truth, the Son of God.

There are a lot of people and things all vying for your faith but an important question to ask yourself is this – “Who or what is worthy of my confidence and trust?” Then do some soul-searching, Scripture searching and fact-finding until you know the answer. I hope and pray this will help you get started.

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5 Promises to Pray that will Bless Your Children this Christmas

12 / 8 / 1712 / 6 / 17

My email inbox overflows every day with advertisers trying to woo me with this years must have gift ideas. Kids of every age have made their list of wants and wishes they hope to find under the tree. I’ll admit I’m beginning to feel a sense of panic as I watch the days until Christmas slip away as my list of to-dos seems to grow. What’s up with that?!

If, like me, you need to find your childlike Christmas enthusiasm again, join me as I go back to God’s Word, to the real Joy of Christmas, to Jesus … the Word made flesh.

Pray these verses for yourself, then pray them with and for your children. Stop. Breathe. May we all use the days ahead to prepare our hearts and minds to receive the gift of Jesus with fresh eyes and an open heart.

5 Promises to Pray that will Bless Your Children this Christmas

Isiah 9:6

For a child is born to us,
    a son is given to us.
The government will rest on His shoulders.
    And He will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Father, thank you for the promise. You knew my overwhelming need and made a plan. A child. A son. A promise. Jesus. You saved Your lost children not with wealth or power but with mercy, grace, and love. With sacrifice. As busyness distracts and stuff entices, Father, keep my heart and mind focused on my Lord and Savior, Jesus … the Prince of Peace. Amen.

John 1:14

The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. (MSG)

Jesus, You are completely human and completely God. Please forgive me. It’s easy to take for granted all You have done for me. I so quickly focus on all that’s wrong forgetting what You have done to make them right. You are my Perfect Teacher, my Perfect Friend, my Perfect Example. The Perfect Sacrifice who heals me and makes me whole. Thank you! I love you! Amen.

Luke 2:10–12

The angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize Him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Father, Angel choirs and heavenly displays we might expect for the birth of Your Son. A poor young woman, animals, mangers, shepherds … not so much. Thank you for lighting the night sky to announce His birth. Thank you for promising His return. I’m watching and waiting, Lord. Please fill my heart with anticipation and excitement as I think about the awesome future You have prepared for Your children. I love you and trust Your promises. In Jesus name, Amen.

John 3:16

“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.

Father, I believe, help my unbelief. Grow my faith. Help me trust and obey Your will for me. Help me follow Jesus. Please help me love like He loves. Strengthen me and give me the courage I need. Fill me with Your Spirit’s power. Thank you for promising me life in and through Jesus. Amen.

1 John 5:11

This is what God told us: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

Father, You give me everything I need today … forgiveness, care, kindness, and love. You provide for me in every way. You give me hope and the promise of a future with You. Jesus said He is preparing a place for me … a home that is wonderful and happy. Jesus is my promise. How can I begin to thank you? By giving you my all. Amen.

A Gift Idea
Activity Ark

The best thing you and I can give our children and grandchildren is the gift of knowing and loving Jesus. It’s a gift that begins as a tiny planted seed and I know you join me in praying that seed will grow into strong deeply rooted faith.

I recently had the privilege of reviewing a wonderful gift you to plant seeds and help them grow throughout the year.

My seven-year-old grandson (Woo hoo! Today’s his birthday) loved it!

We had fun doing the project together, the book was at his reading level, and the other activities were engaging and faith-inspiring.

This is what the creators of Activity Ark have to say about their ministry.

Every box is developed by our team of creative designers, experts in childhood education and the Bible, and kid testers (who are not shy to give us some really tough feedback!).

Our goal is to inspire kids and create shared experiences for families to enjoy together. We hope you enjoy your Activity Ark adventure as much as our early explorers do!

Click here or on the picture above to learn more.

And don’t forget to check out their blog — it’s loaded with ideas and fun ways to nurture faith in those little ones most precious to you.

Now it’s time for…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

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I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

I’m finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith ‘n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun!

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Deb Wolf
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I’m excited to share the following posts with you this week.

5 Ways not to be the Broken Light

by Valerie Murray

@ Cord of 6

Understanding and Striving for Humble Confidence

by Melissa Gendreau

@ Humble Faith Family Wellness

Who are You Jeff Goins Asks

by and @ Susan B Mead

How to Strengthen Your Prayer Life Through Grace

by Leslie Newman

@ Journey to Imperfect

Thank you, Valerie, Melissa, Susan, and Leslie for partying with us!

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above and link back to CMB.

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May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Have you visited the Faith ‘n Friends Link Party Board on Pinterest? It’s a great place to catch up with past posts you may have missed here at the party and/or save them for a future read! If you’d like to become a contributor to my Pinterest Group Boards – email me at deb@debwolf.com with a link to your Pinterest home page.

I’m always looking for stories that will encourage and inspire readers to live in faith, stay faithful in hope, and find joy in loving Jesus and others. If you’re interested in sharing your story here at Counting My Blessings –check out my Contributor Guidelines page.

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Thank you and God bless!

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How to Focus on the Light Who Defeated Darkness

12 / 4 / 1712 / 4 / 17

Do you ever feel like the darkness is winning?

Sexuality is confused, misused, and abused.
Wars and rumors of wars lead our newscasts unless there’s a more titillating scandal to report.
Respect for those in leadership seems to be the exception, not the norm.
Addiction has filtered into every segment of society.
Babies continue to be sacrificed at the altar of self.
Terror threatens.
The cries of those in need seem to be increasing.

And it’s likely this list doesn’t include your family’s personal struggles.

I know you come here for encouragement so I’m sorry for being “Debbie Downer” here for a minute but hang with me, I promise it will get better.

You see, that’s the enemy’s goal!

His mission is to keep us anxious and frightened. Satan wants you and me to believe evil is winning.

One thing is certain … the “father of lies” is consistent in dispensing lies.

Look away!

Stop focusing on the lies!

Darkness cannot win because the Light has already won!

Read that again…

Darkness cannot win because the Light has already won!

You may want to join me — I’m choosing to reject the lies and place my focus firmly on Jesus, the victorious Lamb of God.

As we settle into this season of Advent and prepare to celebrate Jesus arrival as the Infant Messiah and anticipate His second coming as Victorious Son of God … may we keep our hearts and minds on Jesus, the Light of the world, the defeater of darkness.

How to Focus on the Light Who Defeated Darkness

Jesus – Light of the World

A wonderful way to draw close to the Light this Advent Season is to read the Book of John.

In the beginning, the Word already existed.
    The Word was with God,
    and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
God created everything through Him,
    and nothing was created except through Him.
The Word gave life to everything that was created,
    and His life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
    and the darkness can never extinguish it.
John 1:1–4

The Life Application Notes say the following:

John wrote this Gospel—to build faith and confidence in Jesus Christ so that we may believe He truly was and is the Son of God.

And…

The darkness of evil never has and never will overcome God’s light. Jesus Christ is the Creator of life, and His life brings light to humankind. In His light we see ourselves as we really are (sinners in need of a Savior).

Jesus lights the path ahead of us so we can see how to live and He removes the darkness of sin from our lives.

All reasons to celebrate His birth, learn about His life, trust His love, and anticipate His return.

How to Stay Focused on Jesus the Light

1. Begin and End the Day with Jesus

Read a chapter or two, or just a few verses from the Bible each morning. Grab a devotional book you like and read a page or two before bed. Framing the day with Scripture you start it strengthened and encouraged and end it calmed and ready to rest.

My soul cries because of sorrow. Give me strength because of Your Word. Psalm 119:28

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

2. Pray without Ceasing

Cover your day with prayer. Ask God for His direction and help. Ask Him for His forgiveness when you disobey Him. Lift of the needs of your family, friends, community, and country. The more you and I turn to God in prayer when the darkness of this life overwhelms us … we will find ourselves more hopeful and able to shine.

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

3. Avoid Darkness

Turn off the news. Avoid websites, entertainment, and social media that give a steady diet of dark “ain’t it awful” morsels. You and I have a choice as to the things consume physically, mentally, and emotionally. I want to choose more wisely.

Since, then, 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 3:1–3

4. Review God’s Past Faithfulness

Rev and I talk often about the ways God has faithfully seen us through life’s challenges and each time we do, we are filled with gratitude, strengthened in our current circumstances, and given hope for tomorrow’s possible problems. Remembering what God has done in the past, reminds us of His goodness and grace. He is greater than any temporary dark problem this world endures.

Remember the wonders He has performed, His miracles, and the rulings He has given. 1 Chronicles 16:12

5. Stay in Community

Living in faith with other believers gives you and me opportunities to share our stories of God’s faithfulness. I am focused and grateful when I talk to others about the ways God has worked in my life … about the times He has given me His peace, strength, courage, and hope. And the ways He has used difficult circumstances to draw me close, grow my faith, and shown me the blessing of surrendered trust.

I am also encouraged when I hear stories of God’s activity in the lives of other believers.

Think of clustering candles to increase the brightness. When we bring the flicker within us and add it to the light within others … the blaze grows and blesses us all.

Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Each day proclaim the good news that He saves. Publish His glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things He does. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! 1 Chronicles 16:23–25a

Friends, focus on Jesus! He is victorious. The battle has already been won.

Just look at these promises.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10–11

Thank God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. So my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Do not let anything move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your work in the Lord is never wasted. 1 Corinthians 15:57–58

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. 1 Chronicles 29:11

Jesus, the Light of the world has won the victory!

Darkness cannot win because Jesus, the Light has already won!

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

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5 Verses to Pray When You Don’t Know What to Pray

11 / 10 / 1711 / 13 / 17

I can still remember the feeling like it happened yesterday. I desperately needed to pray but the cries of my heart were making it impossible for me to put my needs into words.

I called Rev and sobbed, “I need you to come and pray with me.” And my partner in prayer as well as life came and put words to our pleas.

Whether your problems are personal, national, or global … sometimes it’s hard to know what to pray. And I have to admit, almost every time I watch the news or scroll through my social media feeds it feels like the enemy of our souls is on an evil rampage.

We shouldn’t be surprised when we feel helpless and maybe even a little hopeless at times; when it’s hard to put our prayers into words.

Maybe this is one of those times for you.

If so, join me … I’m praying God’s Word of hope and promise.

5 Verses to Pray When You Don’t Know What to Pray

Psalm 143:1

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

Father, Your Word tells me You are love. It tells me You want me to come to You with my prayers. So, I come to You offering my tears and wordless pleas. I need You! I believe You are faithful and righteous, just and true. I give this to You, Lord. Give me courage and strength. Help me. Help us. Amen.

Psalm 3:3–4

But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;
You are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
I cried out to the Lord,
and He answered me from His holy mountain.

Father, I trust You are with me. I believe You guard and protect me. Even when life feels fragile and I’m frightened, I count on You to shield me. When I cry out to You repentant of the many ways we have failed You, ways I have failed You … Lord, You gently lift my face and turn my eyes toward You. You are the Rock, who gives me courage. Thank you. Amen.

Romans 8:26

Also, the Spirit helps us with our weakness. We do not know how to pray as we should. But the Spirit Himself speaks to God for us, even begs God for us with deep feelings that words cannot explain.

Father, I love this verse. I am weak. My heart is heavy and I don’t know what or how to pray. But Your Spirit helps me. He comes to You and speaks my needs even when they are unclear to me.

Spirit, pray for me. You know my yesterday, my today, and my tomorrow. You know what’s best for me. You know the anxious thoughts behind my wordless prayer. Nothing is new to You. Nothing too difficult. Thank you for praying for me. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for the beyond understanding peace You give. Amen.

Ephesians 1:19–20

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty powerthat raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.

Father, nothing is impossible to You. Power for life is in and with You. You raised Jesus from the dead. My current circumstances, though difficult, are not beyond Your power and love. So, I come to You praying Jesus’ Garden prayer, “Abba, Father,” He cried out, “everything is possible for You. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Mark 14:36) I trust Your will for me. Thanks and praise. Amen.

Jude 1:24

Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into His glorious presence without a single fault.

Father, I praise You. When things appear frail and uncertain. When the enemy tries to fill my mind with doubts I come to You. Take my doubts and fears from me. Gather my tears and hold them close. Fill my heart and mind with hope and joy as I look toward the future You promised long ago. This is just a moment on the journey to my forever in Your presence. You are my promise now and forever. Thank you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Never stop praying. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

When you have words and even when you don’t … pray. Your Father loves you. He hears you. He will answer the cries of your heart.

Now it’s time to share your links and visit your friends…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

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I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

I’m finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith ‘n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun!

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Deb Wolf
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I’m excited to share the following posts with you this week.

What to Do When Your Emotions are Raw

by Dr. Michelle Bengtson

@ Hope Prevails

3 Ways I Respond to Feeling Blah

by Gretchen Fleming

@ Following Hard

What if Praying is Like Breathing

by Nylse Esahc

@ Life Notes

How to Say Thanks When Words Don’t Cut It

by Marva Smith

@ Sun Sparkle Shine

Thank you, Michelle, Gretchen, Nylse, and Marva for partying with us!

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above or link back to CMB.

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May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Have you visited the Faith ‘n Friends Link Pary Board! It’s a great place to catch up with past posts you may have missed here at the party and/or save them for a future read! If you’d like to become a contributor to my Pinterest Group Boards – email me at deb@debwolf.com with a link to your Pinterest home page.

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

Thank you and God bless!

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5 Verses to Pray that will Help You Age with Joy

10 / 27 / 1710 / 28 / 17

Yes, I’m aging. And although I can try to ignore it much of the time on a day like today when my number goes up another digit – well, it’s hard to let it go.

Don’t get me wrong…

I’m thankful for every year and continually amazed by all the ways God has blessed me … things He strengthened me through and ways He’s pulled me closer.

But…

Even though my heart and mind are full of gratitude, wrinkles and physical parts of aging challenge me.

“Old” and all the synonyms that go with it are not words we embrace.

And I wonder, why not? I know we live in a society of appearances but there are so many parts of getting older to celebrate. And when I think of all the ways I’ve been blessed by the older and wiser women God has used to bless me – well, I want to do better.

So, today I’m going to sidestep my mirror and take a closer look at what God’s Word has to say about adding years. And I’m going back to the Lord in prayer asking Him to give me His perspective on aging with joy.

5 Verses to Pray that will Help You Age with Joy

Isaiah 46:4

Even when you are old, I will be the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you. I made you and will take care of you. I will carry you and save you. (NCV)

Father, I love that You are always the same. Who You revealed Yourself to be in the Old and New Testaments are the same today. Forever unchanging! In a world where change is a constant, You are my strength and protection. As I look back over the decades of my life, You have faithfully carried me through so much. I know Your promises are true! Thank you! Amen.

Ecclesiastes 5:19b–20

God gives the ability to accept their state in life and enjoy their work. They do not worry about how short life is because God keeps them busy with what they love to do. (NCV)

Father, culture fights the appearance of aging. That’s no surprise to You. You know how we hate the shortness of this life. You hate death. It’s why You sent Jesus to save us and win the victory over its power. Yet, the enemy continues to speak fear into our world. So, we fight aging instead of embracing the blessing of maturing in wisdom. Thank you for giving me this ministry I love. By Your grace, help me stay focused on Your love and follow Your path for me. Help me reject the temptation to compare myself with others knowing Your grace is sufficient! Remind me of that important truth every day. Amen.

Psalm 143:5

I remember what happened long ago; I consider everything you have done. I think about all You have made. (NCV)

Oh, Father, when I think about all the ways You have helped me in the past, I’m humbled and thankful. Challenges and loss, rejection and illness … You have met every need with Your strength, hope, peace, and love. Thank you! Years of experiencing Your faithfulness help me when circumstances are hard. It is then my heart reminds me, “God has gotten me through worse than this!” I will proclaim Your goodness and give You glory. Thank you, Lord! Amen.

Psalm 90:12

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. (NLT)

Father, teach me to “number my days.” Every one of them, known to You before one of them began. (Psalm 139) Although, this life is short … life with You is forever. Help me keep an eternal perspective. Help me keep my focus on You. Help me hold Your unchanging promises close to my heart. Wisdom is knowing and trusting You for my eternal future and my day today. Thank you, Father. You are faithful and loving. Amen.

Philippians 1:6

God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure He will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again. (NCV)

Father, how I love this promise. I am Yours by the power of Your Spirit. You are continually at work in me … teaching, guiding and growing me. Thank you! Father, You are my hope. When I lose my focus and start to worry, when I struggle with wrinkles and aches and pains, when life feels fragile … You are my hope. Jesus promised, “I will be with you always, even until the end of this age.” Matthew 28:20 What a blessing it is to know You are with me today, tomorrow, and always. I have nothing to fear. Thank you, Father, in Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Today, there are so many reasons to have joy!

Les Brown was right! “You are never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream.”

And to celebrate – I’m giving the Kindle Version of my book, Sarah’s Garden away as a gift to you!

Each child is born with a unique personality, individual talents, and specific abilities. Wouldn’t it be nice if they came with a personalized instruction manual, too!

Sarah’s Garden is a parable that tells of the struggle in each of us to flourish in our strengths, rather than persisting in our weaknesses.

Join Sarah as she deals with her own confusion and frustration while caring for her special garden. Find out who the King sends to help her after the ogre, the nasties, and the “trashy” villagers make a mess. Finally, discover the thrill she experiences when she learns of her true identity, and the fabulous future which awaits her.

Now it’s time to share your links and visit your friends…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

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I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

I’m finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith ‘n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun!

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Deb Wolf
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I’m excited to share the following posts with you this week.

An Invitation to 30 Days of Thanks-Living

by Crystal Twaddell

@ Cultivating a Life of Intention and a Legacy of Hope

When You are Praying for Answers in Your Marriage

by Valerie Murray

@ Cord of 6

Blinded by Fear –
When Circumstances Cloud Your Vision of God

by Esther Dortik

@ Chosen & Cherished

When Life Isn’t Tied with a Bow

by Laura Thomas

@ Truth Teller, Soul Stirrer

Thank you, Crystal, Valerie, Esther, and Laura for partying with us!

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above or link back to CMB.

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May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Have you visited the Faith ‘n Friends Link Pray Board! It’s a great place to catch up with past posts you may have missed here at the party and/or save them for a future read! If you’d like to become a contributor to my Pinterest Group Boards – email me at deb@debwolf.com with a link to your Pinterest home page.

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

Thank you and God bless!

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You Need to Know – Is it Kindness or Grace?

10 / 9 / 1710 / 9 / 17

I’m reading through the God’s Word translation of the Bible. I love it for its easier to understand wording and format.

There is one word in this version that makes me pause…

And that’s the use of “kindness” as a substitute for the word “grace.”

Although it’s true that kindness is a broader definition for the greek word, “χάρις” (charis) and the Hebrew word, “Kaná” both typically translated as grace.

But I wonder – Does thinking about God’s grace as simply extending kindness to us may not fall short of the truth our hearts need to know!

Kindness is Defined

Miriam Webster Dictionary – “the quality or state of being gentle and considerate.”

The Oxford Dictionary – “the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.”

The Urban Dictionary – “the act of going out of your way to be nice to someone or show a person you care.”

Grace is Defined

Miriam Webster Dictionary – “the unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification.”

The Oxford Dictionary – “the free and unmerited favour of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.”

You have probably heard this acrostic for GRACE – God’s riches at Christ’s expense.

My favorite definition for grace that is easy to remember is…

Grace – God giving us what we don’t deserve.

HELPS Word-Study says the following about grace – “Both [the Greek and Hebrew] refer to God freely extending Himself (His favor, grace), reaching (inclining) to people because He is disposed to bless (be near) them.”

I believe there is an important difference between grace and kindness.

Grace comes with a price … one paid by the giver not the recipient.

I believe there is an important difference between the words grace and kindness.

Kindness is a caring gesture. It’s compassion. We’re: Kind to animals. Kind to those in need. Kind to strangers we meet on the street. I believe in kindness. I think it’s important.

But…

Grace is harder.

Grace is personal and carries a personal price.

Grace is kindness when kindness is undeserved.

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Grace is forgiveness even when it is extravagant and unwarranted. Grace is love when love has been rejected. Grace is sacrificial.

You and I miss an important truth if we think of God’s grace simply as His kindness. His grace cost Him everything. Grace was His response to our total rebellion and sin.

Grace is so much more than being nice or considerate. It is love in action. It is grace that heals our yesterdays, strengthens our today, and provides hope for tomorrow.

Grace is God punishing Jesus for our sin.

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.Yet God, in His grace, freely makes us right in His sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when He freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed His life, shedding His blood. Romans 3:23–25 (NLT)

Grace is God making us free.

Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in Him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth. Ephesians 1:7 (MSG)

Grace is God changing us to become more like Jesus.

I mean that you have been saved by grace because you believed. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God. You are not saved by the things you have done, so there is nothing to boast about. God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us new people so that we would spend our lives doing the good things he had already planned for us to do. Ephesians 2:8,10 (ERV)

Grace changes everything.

Yes, I believe in the importance of kindness. Our kindness is one way the people around us can see God’s grace at work in us.

Then there are those opportunites we have to extend grace to others.

When we forgive without being asked and love when it’s not returned. When we give until it hurts and respond to rudeness and pride with compassion and humility.

Whew! I don’t know about you, but I can’t. Nope. I cannot show grace on my own. But Christ in me is grace and He has promised to give me everything I need to give grace to others.

With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all. Acts 4:33 (NIV)

Quotes from Christian teachers that bless me.

I do not at all understand the mystery of grace – only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.” ~Anne Lammott

“Grace is love that cares and stoops and rescues.” -John R. W. Stott

“Grace is God as heart surgeon, cracking open your chest, removing your heart – poisoned as it is with pride and pain – and replacing it with His own.” ~Max Lucado

“We cannot “psychologize” the grace of God. God’s actions are outside and above our human sciences.” -John Powell

“For grace is given not because we have done good works, but in order that we may be able to do them.” – Saint Augustine of Hippo

“Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times.” ~Martin Luther

May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

May your day be filled with reminders of God’s amazing grace.

He loves you so much!

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

Remember – I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

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

5 Verses to Pray When You Want to be Thankful and Happy

9 / 22 / 179 / 22 / 17

It’s so easy to get caught up in the dailiness of life.

I get busy just doing and living and somehow forget to fill moments with gratitude and thanksgiving. Oh, I can talk about it “real good” in this space but the doing it . . . yeah, that can get pushed aside by the more pressing and noisy.

This week, I’ve stopped to thank God for 3,653 bonus days with Rev and thank those who left handprints on our hearts through a difficult season.

And my heart has been full of joy as we’ve remembered the many people God has used to bless, mentor, heal, and encourage us.

With His help, I don’t want to ever again allow a day to go by without intentional thanksgiving and praise and to help . . . I’ve found 5 verses to hold close and pray often. I hope and pray they bless you!

5 Verses to Pray When You Want to be Thankful and Happy

Psalm 9:1

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1

Father, I want my life to be one of gratitude and praise. I am humbled by all you have done for me. Please forgive me for getting lost in the busyness of life. My heart’s desire is to tell of Your goodness and love. Thank you, Father. Amen.

Psalm 106:1

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

Father, I want to thank you for all You do but most of all I want to praise You for who You are. You are good! You are love. All I need now and forever. Thank you for Your Spirit who whispers reminders of my need to stay connected to You through Word and prayer when I’m distracted and begin to wander. You meet every need and keep every promise. Thank you! Amen.

Psalm 118:21–24

I will give you thanks, for You answered me;
You have become my salvation.

The stone the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone;
the Lord has done this,
    and it is marvelous in our eyes.
The Lord has done it this very day;
    let us rejoice today and be glad.

Jesus, My greatest need in this life is salvation found in Your saving grace. Thank you for living the perfect life I cannot accomplish. Thank you for dying for my sins. Thank you for giving me hope and a full and satisfying life today. (John 10:10) As well as the promise of life with You forever through Your resurrection. I can rejoice! Whatever is going on in my life – You are more than enough! Thank you! Amen.

1 Corinthians 15:57

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Father, thank you for the victory You have given us in and through Jesus. Victory over today’s problems and Satan’s lies. You give me all I need to overcome any problem or challenge. (Romans 8) By the power of Your Spirit, I have joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, and love. (Galatians 5) That arsenal helps me live with courage and strength. Thank you! Your victory giving grace is all I need. Amen.

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Father, living with thankfulness is living for You. May every word I speak and thing I do — come from a grateful heart. Help me remember that as Your child every word and act I live become the thoughts and opinions people make about You. Forgive me. Help me. You are my everything and I am so thankful. May I live to bring honor and glory to You. Amen.

Philippians 1:3

I thank my God every time I remember you.

Father, thank you for the community of friends who gather here. I am so grateful for each of them. They bless and encourage me. Father, bless them and hold them close. Please meet every need and grant favor to their ministry efforts. Use them for Your glory and give them joy in serving You. Thanks and praise in Jesus name, Amen.

I am so thankful for you!

Please take a moment to leave a comment and tell us the verse that encourages you to remember to give God thanks and praise when life distracts you.

Now it’s time to share your links and visit your friends…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

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I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

I’m finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith ‘n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun!

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Deb Wolf
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I’m excited to share the following posts with you this week.

3 Ways Our Insufficiency Can by More than Enough

by Gretchen Fleming

@ Following Hard Blog

From 30 – 90, how to revitalize your young-at-heart spirit…

by Pam Depoyan

Writing . . . Apples of Gold

In the Midst of the Storm – Hurricane Irma

by Robin Pyke

@ Robinality

Lord, Restore My Marriage

by Valerie Murray

@ Cord of 6

Thank you, Gretchen, Pam, Robin, and Valerie for partying with us!

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above or link back to CMB.

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May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

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

Thank you and God bless!

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If You Want to Be Blessed, You’ve Got to Be OK With Being Hated

9 / 13 / 179 / 13 / 17

I’m so excited to introduce you to Kris Reece. You’re going to love her.

Kris is passionate about helping others unleash their hidden potential and become all God created them to be.

I want that, don’t you?!

After you’ve read this and made Kris feel welcome, like you always do, go over and check out her latest post titled, How I Broke Up with Control and Got My Life Back.

But first, sit back and relax and find out why…

If You Want to Be Blessed, You’ve Got to Be OK With Being Hated

I like to be liked. Who doesn’t?

Yes, I’ll admit, I was one of those gals who would become whatever anyone needed me to be just to be liked. My core group of friends were not the issue, they accepted me for who I was, but that group was small. it was actually the needs and expectations of people I barely knew that drove me to be a people pleaser.

Why did I care so much about what others thought of me?

I spent so much time in the analysis of this that it exhausted me. I reached a point where I said “ENOUGH”

This was not a characteristic that I wanted to keep, so I ditched it and went on a relentless pursuit of God’s will for my life

I said, “That’s it, my days of trying to please people are done, I am going to fulfill my God-given purpose.”

God answers prayer.

He began to show me what He created me for and opportunities began to open up for me that I never thought possible.

But Boy, was I in for a rude awakening. The more God blessed me, the more I found people hating me. Some people were outwardly vocal is their disdain, but most were secret and passive-aggressive in their hatred towards me.

Now, for this insecure little girl trapped in a grown woman’s body, nothing could have been more devastating. I wanted to be blessed abundantly but I also have a deep desire to be liked. Couldn’t I have my cake and eat it too?

So, I prayed and I was reminded of the story of Joseph in Genesis 37. Joseph was favored by his father Jacob and was hated for it. “Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons because he was the child of his old age. And he made him an elaborately embroidered coat. When his brothers realized that their father loved him more than them, they grew to hate him—they wouldn’t even speak to him.” Genesis 37:3-4

It was also evident that Joseph was favored (blessed) by God.

We see the evidence in his dreams at such a young age. Joseph’s first dream indicated that his family’s bundles would bow down to him. His brother’s hatred grew more. His second dream revealed the sun and the moon and eleven stars bowed down to him. Genesis 37:5-7,9. This infuriated his brothers. They hated him so much that they vowed to kill him.

I thought, “Well at least no one is trying to murder me…yet!”

And the realization that it’s impossible to please everyone began to move from my head to my heart. I began to see how it would be foolish to even try get people to like me. I had a choice to make. Did I want God’s blessings or people’s approval?

I recognized that if I wanted God’s blessings I was going to need to get comfortable with being…

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It’s uncomfortable to know that those around you—especially those whose opinion you value—are struggling with anger or jealousy. But if you can recognize that THEY are the ones struggling, you can rest a little easier in those uncomfortable moments.

I’ll admit, I still struggle sometimes. When I’m giving a talk to a group of ladies and there’s that one woman who looks like she is throwing daggers at me with her eyes, I get uncomfortable, but then I remind myself to move forward in what God has called me to do and I turn my focus to another smiling face.

(Ok, so maybe I still like people liking me more than I should)

When you have the favor of God on your life, don’t expect that everyone will celebrate you.

God’s favor may be a peace that others can’t understand, blessings you don’t deserve and an inexplicable joy. In fact, you can expect that others will be jealous. The important thing to remember is that their upset is not your issue. The minute you make it your issue, you relinquish the favor.

Do what it takes to get ready for your blessings because God longs to bless His children. But also get ready for many people to hate you. If you stay concerned with what others think, you may miss out on the blessing.

What you give your focus to is what you give your power to. Focus on Jesus, He’ll take you places you’ve never dreamed possible.

Kris Reece is passionate about helping women pick up the broken pieces of their lives and build something beautiful. As a Christian Counselor, Christian Life Coach, Author and Speaker, Kris loves to empower and equip women to find and fulfill their God-given purpose.

She lives with the love of her life (her husband Jean Paul) and their three children and three fur babies in New Jersey.

Now don’t forget to go over to visit Kris here, and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

Remember – I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below. And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

The Best Way to Talk About God and Share Your Faith

9 / 11 / 179 / 11 / 17

I will never forget the day I proudly proclaimed, “my God is…”

In all honesty, I may have even said, “I need my God to be…”

It happened many years ago, but I still remember it like it was yesterday. I was in an intense discussion about God’s characteristics and qualities. As a long-time student of the Bible, I was passionate about the information and faith that inspired my side of the conversation.

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

Until later…

When God whispered in His quiet tender voice, “Deb, I’m not who you say I am…”

“I am who I say I am.”

It’s amazing how His gentle whisper can knock the pride right out of me!

I sat there quietly wondering how often I had misrepresented Him as I modified the infinite all-knowing, all-present, all-powerful God because of my finite and limited understanding making Him who I wanted Him to be not who He is.

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

Since then, I continue to be humbled and convinced I will never completely understand God this side of heaven.

And that’s okay.

It’s a truth that keeps me asking, seeking and knocking.

My desire to know Him more continues to inspire me to read and study the Bible and pray faithfully and it humbles me to listen carefully to His Spirit’s wisdom and guidance.

My prayer is that through asking, seeking and knocking my love and trust for Him will flourish.

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

Now, this next part is important!

You and I can be tempted to keep quiet about our faith because we’re afraid of being wrong or misleading someome.

But that doesn’t mesh with Jesus command to “go and tell.”

Jesus sent him home, saying,“No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.” So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him. Luke 8:38b–39

That’s it . . . using every opportunity to tell others what God has done in my life, about the countless times He has forgiven me, held me close, given me strength, and shown me a better way.

However, I will also be careful not to share my thoughts with an “I know God and all about Him” attitude. Because what if I’m wrong?

What if I misunderstood? What if my understanding of who He is comes from some twisting of His truth? What if my “this is who He is” words are misunderstood by the hearer? What if who I say God is . . . causes someone else to stumble.

That’s humbling.

Yet we can’t stay silent because…

But how can they call on Him if they have not put their trust in Him? And how can they put their trust in Him if they have not heard of Him? And how can they hear of Him unless someone tells them? Romans 10:14 (NLV)

It’s a humbling fine line to walk, isn’t it?

The Best Way to Talk About God and Share Your Faith

Tell people who God says He is in the Bible.
Tell them how knowing, loving, and trusting Him has blessed your life.

♥ Who God Says He is in the Bible

“I am God Almighty.” Genesis 17:1

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

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

“I am the Lord, your God.” Exodus 6:7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How can you and I add to that?

God is all we need.

He is…

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

♥ Your Story

Every day of your life has been preparation for this moment. A story uniquely yours!

I love telling people about my life after fear and how transformational it’s been to surrender my people-pleasing good girl prison. Whew.

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

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

Tell me…

What’s your story?

Today is the perfect day to think about ways you can talk about God and share your faith. Think about it, there is someone out there today who needs to hear your life-changing story and your love for the God who is who He says He is.

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

When You Need to Know You are Forgiven and Loved

♥ God made you and loves you so very much!

♥ God wants us to surrender our failures to Him.

Why?

♥ You and I are more than just forgiven; we are new creations!

♥ Sins that have been confessed and repented are forgiven and gone for good!

♥ You and I can LIVE celebrating God’s forgiveness and love.

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Guilt.

Guilt!

In fact, let’s go back to where it all started. …

The Important Truth You Need to Know About Guilt

Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Hope. Contentment. And Life with Him Forever.

Blameless.

Fought for.

Friend.

Blessed.

Strengthened.

His forever.

Through Jesus, your guilt is gone!

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My answer to – What if I’m wrong?

What if I’m wrong?

One more word from Jesus…

So, please ask yourself the most important question.

What if I’m wrong?

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God is All You Need When You are Not Enough

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God Wants to Make You Strong and Courageous

Nothing can ever change that.

Love that is able to make you strong and courageous.

I couldn’t handle it.

My prayer for you…

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Jesus fulfilled every single prophecy!

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Thank you and God bless!

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