The Wonderful Truth about Who You are in Jesus

I don’t know about you, but I can be my own worst enemy.

Why is it so much easier to think about what I’m not rather remembering who I am?

And you’d think after years of experience with this bad habit, I’d have learned a thing or two about consistently taking negative thoughts captive and replacing them with God’s truth.

That I’d be better at thinking less about who I am and more about whose I am!

So, I’m making a list. One I can grab any time I need a truth pep talk.

Seriously, I don’t believe God wants me to sit around dwelling on who I’m not when He has given me all I need to remember who I am in Him.

Maybe you struggle too! Maybe you, like me, need a regular reminder that…

We have the presence of His Spirit.

Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16

Think about that for a minute. You and I have the Spirit of the Living God dwelling within us! And I for one, am ready to quit pushing His voice to the background while I waste time listening to the lies that defeat and discourage me.

It’s time to make a more permanent change. So, I’m making a list of God’s promises to help me. I hope it helps you too!

And as you read through the list of verses, put your name or a personal pronoun in each blank…

The Wonderful Truth about Who You are in Jesus

Who You are in Jesus:

♥ You are Known – God Thinks about You

How precious are your thoughts about ________, O God. They cannot be numbered! Psalm 139:17

♥ You are Loved

I am writing to ________, who has been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ. Jude 1:1

♥ You are a Child of God

But to _________, who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become a child of God. You are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. John 1:12–13

♥ You are a Friend of Jesus

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command … Now ________ is my friend, since I have told you everything the Father told me. John 15:13–15

♥ You are a New Creation

If _________ belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NCV)

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

♥ You are Chosen and Holy

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

♥ You are Chosen and Loved

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

♥ You are Dead to Sin and Alive in Christ

When He died, He died once to break the power of sin. But now that He lives, He lives for the glory of God. So ________ also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. Romans 6:10–11

♥ You are a Citizen of Heaven

________ is a citizen of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior. Philippians 3:20

♥ You are God’s Masterpiece

For ________ is God’s masterpiece. He has created ________ anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10

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

Then ________ will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

♥ You have Strength for Life

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

♥ You are Victorious

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

♥ You are Forever Safe in God’s Love

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

You know it’s funny…

When you and I focus on ourselves, on our faults and failures, it’s easy to get lost in the negatives … in what we’re not. But when we take those heart and mind discouraging thoughts captive and replace them with the truth…

The truth of who you are in Jesus.
The truth of who I am in Jesus.

Then and only then do we have everything we need.

Because we are known and loved, a child of God, a friend of Jesus, a new creation, chosen, loved, and holy, a citizen of heaven, and God’s masterpiece. And we have everything we need to live fully alive in His presence. We have strength, peace, victory, and we are forever safe!

Forever!

Whew! I need to keep this close and change my thoughts more quickly because in Jesus … it is well with my soul. And it’s well with my heart and mind, too!

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlights from the Week!

What Side are You On? The Great Divide

by Lisa Burgess
@ Lisa Notes…

How to Keep a Strong Faith When Disappointed

by Maree Dee
@ Embracing Life in the Midst of the Unexpected

Lessons I’ve Learned in the Space
Between Family Photos

by Michelle Skillern
@ Mrs. Designs

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

<div align="center"><a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/" rel="nofollow" title="Counting My Blessings"><img src="https://countingmyblessings.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Link-Party-Button-Pic.jpg" alt="Counting My Blessings" style="border: none; height: auto; width: 200px;" /></a></div>

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!

Click To Tweet

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

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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Thank you so much for partying with us!
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.

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!

How to Have a Strong Faith that will Reject Fear

10 / 15 / 1810 / 15 / 18

I was about five years old when my parents convinced me to ride a Ferris Wheel. As the car inched upward … I stopped breathing as the grip of fear overwhelmed me! My dad frantically waved at the ride operator, screaming at him to stop the giant rotating hoop and let us off after only one memorable rotation.

Amusement park rides and heights were just a couple of my many childhood fears.

As an adult, I realized that heights, bugs, and the dark were not as life-threatening as I’d once believed. But unfortunately, I just replaced those childhood fears with grown-up terrors.

Eventually, my doctor diagnosed me with high-anxiety agitation/depression. And although medication and counseling helped me function better day-to-day, they didn’t change what was going on in my head or my heart.

I still had a list of things that terrified me and eventually, some of those things happened.

I had a choice to make…

I could either pull the covers over my head and hide or turn to God for help.

Since staying in bed for the rest of my life wasn’t really an option, I cried out to God in prayer and grabbed my Bible hoping it would show me how to have a strong faith in His promises.

And through His grace, God gave me just enough strength to do life one moment at a time. He didn’t magically or suddenly make me fearless rather He gave me the faith I needed to live that day.

And that’s all we need, isn’t it?

A strong faith that will reject fear today!

If you or someone you love struggles with fear, I have a list of things that help me reject my fear with faith – one day at a time…

How to Have a Strong Faith that will Reject Fear

It took me too long to accept that my fear was caused by a lack of faith.

Deep down I think I knew it, but I was a pastor’s wife raising preacher’s kids, I’d read the “do not be afraid” and “be strong and courageous” verses and I was ashamed to admit that I was afraid because my faith was weak.

Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Matthew 8:26

Jesus calmed the storm. He healed the sick and raised the dead.

Through His death and resurrection, He gave us eternal life and through His life, He taught us how to LIVE.

So, let’s begin…

♥ Ask God for Greater Faith

Jesus said, “Anything is possible if a person believes.”
The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:23–24

Jesus next words didn’t rebuke the father … He rebuked the evil that had a hold on the man’s son and on a watching crowd.

God is greater than our greatest fear and greater than any evil this world has to offer.

♥ Assess Your Fear

“Fear is an emotional response to a perceived threat.”

So, it’s important to assess if our fear is true or just a “what if”. Next, it’s important to decide if this is something we can control or change and assess how it’s affecting the way we live.

Then we must remember…

Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love drives out fear. 1 John 4:18 (NCV)

Fear that debilitates is not from God, it is from the enemy!

And Jesus has defeated Satan! God is greater than any fear the enemy is using to torment us.

♥ Pray Continually

Prayer is not a one and done experience, especially when it comes to fear. I’m learning that when I take fear to God as soon as it hits me … it takes my focus off my fear and places it squarely on Jesus.

In John 14, Jesus said…

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” v. 1
“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” v. 6

And…

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

God wants you and me to be strong and courageous! We can ask Him to give us a strong faith that will reject fear trusting that He will.

♥ Find a Faith Mentor

Talk to a counselor. Ask a wise friend to tell you about a time God helped them through a time of fear. Join a small group Bible Study. Spend time with people who encourage you to grow in faith.

“Mentoring is: Sharing Life’s Experiences and God’s Faithfulness” ~ Janet Thompson

♥ Keep Scripture Close

Carry note cards with quotes and verses that help you focus on God … not your fear.

Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Psalm 27:13–14

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” He said. “Take courage. I am here!” Matthew 14:27

♥ Don’t Borrow Fear from Others

If the news and your friend’s posts on Facebook bring your fear to the surface. Take a break. Turn off the television and budget your time social media. Focus on doing things you enjoy and turn your frightened thoughts into prayers.

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

♥ Be Your Own Best Cheerleader

Take charge of your thoughts.

Remind yourself that you are loved, you are precious, you are here at this time and place for God’s plans and purposes. You can trust Him.

Our weapons have power from God that can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s arguments and every proud thing that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4–5

♥ Be Someone Else’s Cheerleader

Build up and encourage the people around you.

Tell someone about the way God helped you in the past … you will encourage them and you’ll be strengthened and encouraged too!

“Sometimes God redeems your story by surrounding you with people who need to hear your past, so it doesn’t become their future.” ~John Acuff

♥ Give Up the Need to be Perfect

You’re human. You’re not perfect.

Ask for forgiveness when you fail and stop being afraid of failing or disappointing others. Fear keeps us from being the people God wants us to be. He created us to flourish … to thrive. He wants us to LIVE with joy for His glory!

Living in the freedom of Christ defeats fear!

In Christ, we can come before God with freedom and without fear. We can do this through faith in Christ. Ephesians 3:12 (NCV)

♥ Keep Your Focus on Today

Why do our “what if” thoughts rarely have happy endings?

Worry and fear are close cousins. How I wish I could have a do-over on the countless hours I spent worrying about “what-ifs” that never happened. And the things that did, well, all my worry and fear prevent a thing.

When I live my today without fear of the future, I’m fully engaged and able to see and enjoy the big and small blessings God is continuously giving me.

“If the Lord be with us, we have no cause of fear. His eye is upon us, His arm over us, His ear open to our prayer – His grace sufficient, His promise unchangeable.” ~ John Newton

♥ Don’t Give Up the Fight

I’d love to tell you that I don’t worry anymore … that I’m never frightened. But really, you probably wouldn’t believe me anyway.

What I can tell you, is that by God’s grace, I am able to remember all that God has gotten me through in the past, accept my fear for the lie it is, and with God’s help step out in faith and take on the day.

When I forget or fail – I trust that I can take it to God. Ask for forgiveness. And try again tomorrow.

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13

I’ve learned through experience that courage and strength are rarely if ever infused into my life.

The only way have a strong faith that will reject fear is focus on all that God has done for me in the past, take my current circumstances to Him in prayer, and ask Him to give me the courage I need to get out of bed and LIVE!

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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When You Need to Reject Fear – PRAY!

9 / 27 / 189 / 27 / 18

I was afraid and I hated it!

I knew I had a need to reject fear but felt helpless to change…

We went years without traveling far because I was too afraid to get on an airplane. Praise God, I just returned from spending last weekend in Denver with beautiful friends.

I failed to set much-needed boundaries because I was terrified of rejection. Unfortunately, my lack of boundaries didn’t prevent painful rejection.

I missed so many opportunities for joy while worrying about “what ifs” that never happened. Countless moments I can’t get back.

Maybe you struggle with fear, too. The enemy has found your weakness and consistently fills your head with all the terrifying things that could happen to turn your life upside down and you listen…

Well, at least I listened.

Even with all the “do not fear” and “be strong and courageous” verses in Scripture … I still listened to the lies that filled me with fear and kept me from living the life of freedom God wanted for me.

Praise God! I’m getting better. I not only know I need to reject fear, but I’m also giving it to God before I’m robbed of precious time and suffer wasted opportunities.

So today, I’m asking God to help me reject fear once again. I’d love for you to join me…

When You Need to Reject Fear – PRAY!

Zephaniah 3:17

For the Lord, your God is living among you.
    He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
    With His love, He will calm all your fears.
    He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.

Oh Father, when I remember who You are my fear begins to fade. You are with me. You are my mighty Savior. Help me when I start to doubt that You delight in me, when I listen to lies and focus on myself instead of on You. Help me trust that You are able to calm my fear and give me the courage and strength I need for anything You allow.

Lord, I believe! Help my unbelief. I want to live in the freedom that comes from knowing you rejoice over your repentant forgiven child. You rejoice over me. Wow! My Father is with me, saves me, delights in me, rejoices over me, and loves me. Nothing in this world can change that! Thank you. Amen.

2 Timothy 1:7

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

Oh, Father, Your Word says You want Your children to be strong and courageous and You are willing to give us what we need. When I am afraid, please make me strong. When I am timid, make me courageous. Father, please give me Your power, cover me with Your love, and when I lose my focus … give me self-discipline.

Father, it’s so easy for me to focus on what-ifs and problems and the truth is, whatever I focus on becomes great in my mind controls my emotions. Please forgive me. Help me “seek You first” trusting that You will give me everything I need. Amen.

Isaiah 43:1b–3a

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
    I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you go through deep waters,
    I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
    you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
    you will not be burned up;
    the flames will not consume you.
For I am the Lord, your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Father, You are greater than my greatest fears. You are greater than my circumstances. You have called me by name and by Your grace, I am Your child. You are always with me and in your presence, nothing can defeat me. You are my Lord and Savior. You are my God. With You, I have nothing to fear! Thank you! Amen.

Romans 8:38–39

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.

That is all I need to remember, Father. NOTHING can separate me from Your love. You love Your children so much, You gave us Jesus to suffer our punishment. By Your Holy Spirit’s presence, we are never alone. Even with all my weaknesses and failures, You continue to love me. I am overwhelmed, humbled, and so very thankful. I love You, Father. Amen.

Philippians 4:8–9

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable,
and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.
Think about things that are excellent and worthy
of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned
and received from me—everything you heard from me
and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Father, please help me focus my heart and mind on You. Please help me remember Your goodness. Help me remember all the ways You have protected me in the past.

I remember the night I cried out to you in pain and heard You gently whisper, “Even in this … you have no idea how I have protected you.” I see such a small portion of who You are and what You do. With Your help, I will trust You through it all. You have given me all I need. I have You. I have Jesus. I have Your Spirit.

I will keep my eyes on You and trust that You are able to meet my needs and give me peace. All my thanks and praise now and forever. Amen.

Before you go, I want to tell you something important…

This is a daily battle. I’m so much better than I used to be but fear is my weakness and the enemy knows it.

So, when my neck hair stands on end and my stomach starts to churn with all too familiar feelings of worry and doubt and I need to reject fear, I … Stop! Pray! Take it to God immediately.

I remember that God will help. He promised…

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

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlights from the Week!

Start with Joy

by Kathy Cheek
@ Devotions from the Heart

Where are You, God?

by Kaitlyn Bouchillon
@ It Just Takes One

How to Hold onto Hope When Life Disappoints You

by and @ Stacey Pardoe

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

<div align="center"><a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/" rel="nofollow" title="Counting My Blessings"><img src="https://countingmyblessings.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Link-Party-Button-Pic.jpg" alt="Counting My Blessings" style="border: none; height: auto; width: 200px;" /></a></div>

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!

Click To Tweet

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

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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Thank you so much for partying with us!
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!

Verses to Pray When You Need to be Forgiven

9 / 6 / 18

As I worked on Monday’s post, Jesus’ Commandments and Why You Need to Know Them, I can honestly tell you I found myself squirming a little.

Let me explain…

I think it’s possible when you and I use the original Ten Commandments as our guide for right and wrong, to come to the conclusion that we’re doing an okay job at this thing called obedience. We can look at the list and think, I love God, I go to church, I don’t steal, I haven’t killed anyone, and I didn’t _______ or _________.

Taking a closer look at Jesus’ Commandments, you and I not only find a list of dos and don’ts but directives that challenge our hearts and attitudes. And when I take a closer look inside myself, I suddenly realize just how far I fall short of God’s will.

I need to be forgiven.

Because, in all honesty…

I don’t love like Jesus. I struggle to willingly take up my cross and faithfully follow Him. I worry. I want to have child-like trust, humility, and sincerity but sometimes “adulting” and bad habits get in the way. I catch myself judging others and have days of selfishness when I’m definitely not as kind, compassionate, or forgiving as I should be.

I’m a mess who definitely needs God’s forgiveness!

If you’re a mess and know you need to be forgiven too, please join me as I turn to God’s Word and prayer. As I ask Him to forgive me and change me to become more like Jesus.

Verses to Pray When You Need to be Forgiven

Psalm 32:5

Then I confessed my sins to you
and didn’t hide my guilt.
I said, “I will confess my sins to the Lord,”
and You forgave my guilt.

Father, I’m so sorry. I want to obey Your commands and trust Your will for me. I’m ashamed of my tendency to be selfish and stubborn. It’s so easy for me to do things I know Your Word says to avoid and it’s even easier for me to fail to do the things You want me to do. I have a list of excuses and reasons but truthfully, they’re meaningless.

I love You, Lord, and I want to obey You. By the power of Your Spirit, please give me the strength I need to turn from temptation, the child-like faith I need to trust and obey, and peace that comes from knowing I am forgiven. Amen.

Psalm 51:9–10 (NCV)

Turn Your face from my sins
and wipe out all my guilt.
Create in me a pure heart, God,
and make my spirit right again.

Father, wash me clean. Fill me with Your love and purify my heart. Jesus said, “My God, why have You forsaken me?” You turned Your face away as Jesus suffered, allowing Him to suffer my punishment. And through His suffering, death, and resurrection You forgive my sins and remove my guilt.

It’s amazing! It’s really too marvelous to understand. Yet, by Your grace through faith, I will receive this precious gift and with Your help, I will do my best to live my life for Your glory. Amen.

Luke 7:47

“I tell you, her sins—and they are many—
have been forgiven,
so she has shown me much love.
But a person who is forgiven little
shows only little love.”

Father, my sins have been many, things I’ve done that I wish I hadn’t and so many things I failed to do, that I wish I had. Like Paul, I have to admit, “I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.” (Romans 7:19)

Your Word tells me I am forgiven completely. I am covered by Your grace and mercy.

May the desire of my heart be to spend every day for the rest of my life showing You “much” love! Amen.

Psalm 103:11–12

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.

Father, Your love never fails and it never ends. It doesn’t depend on who I am but on whose I am. I am Yours and You are love. Perfect love.

You are love who forgives every sin to the extreme … as far as the east is from the west. Love who removes my fear. Love who makes it possible for me to love and forgive others. Love who is able to make me victorious in times of temptation. Love who is not content to leave me as I am but who works in my life to make me more like Jesus.

Thanks and praise, worship and honor are Yours forever. Amen.

Psalm 32:1

Oh, what joy for those
whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sin is put out of sight!

Father, You give me joy! Joy that makes me free and gives me strength. Joy I can feel in my mind and my heart. Joy that gives me peace and fills me with hope.

Joy because my past is forgiven; I don’t need to look back anymore. Joy because Your Spirit is with me blessing me with “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22–23

Although the consequences of my past may continue, Your grace and mercy change me and give me all I need to love like Jesus and live for Your glory. In Jesus name. Amen.

Praise God!

When you and I need to be forgiven … we can ask and receive!

For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:10

My dear friend, whatever is burdening you today … give it to God. He is true to His Word. When you ask Him for forgiveness, He forgives you. He doesn’t wait until you get it right. Your Father forgives you as soon as you ask because He loves you.

Turn to Him. Trust Him. And celebrate!!

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlights from the Week!

Finding Purpose in Emotional Pain

by Sunshyne Gray
@ Sharing Truth that Changes Lives

We are Made to Brave Our Story
Made for Sisterhood

by Shannon Geurin
for Crystal Twaddell
@ Cultivating a Life of Intention and a Legacy of Hope

Are You Blinded by a Gospel of “Get”?

by Jen Avellaneda
@ Rich Faith Rising

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

<div align="center"><a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/" rel="nofollow" title="Counting My Blessings"><img src="https://countingmyblessings.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Link-Party-Button-Pic.jpg" alt="Counting My Blessings" style="border: none; height: auto; width: 200px;" /></a></div>

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!

Click To Tweet

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

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.

Loading InLinkz ...

Thank you so much for partying with us!
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!

6 Ways Faith in Jesus Helped Me Overcome Addiction

8 / 20 / 188 / 20 / 18

I believe we all know someone struggling to overcome addiction.

According to the Addiction Center:

Addiction is more common than many realize. There were approximately 20.6 million people in the United States over the age of 12 with an addiction in 2011.

Over 20 million Americans over the age of 12 have an addiction (excluding tobacco).
100 people die every day from drug overdoses. This rate has tripled in the past 20 years.
Over 5 million emergency room visits in 2011 were drug-related.
2.6 million people with addictions have a dependence on both alcohol and illicit drugs.
9.4 million people in 2011 reported driving under the influence of illicit drugs.
Over 90% of those with an addiction began drinking, smoking or using illicit drugs before the age of 18.

When Paige Taylor wanted to tell her story about the ways faith in Jesus helped her overcome addiction, I thought it might be something that could touch your life or the life of someone you know and love.

So, please welcome Paige! I’ve been so very blessed by her and I’m quite certain she will bless you, too!

6 Ways Faith in Jesus Helped Me Overcome Addiction

I have been addicted to drugs and alcohol for nearly a decade.

I have abused nearly every substance you can think of. I tried over and over again to get sober. I went to rehab, I went to 12-step meetings, I went to therapy. Some of these things helped me to get sober for a little while, but I would always relapse.

Five years ago, a friend invited me to her church.

I had never been much of a church person, and I’d never heard much about God aside from a few things at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. The worship band at the church was amazing, though, and I suddenly had a whole new perspective on God and church.

That day, I began to have faith in Jesus Christ and I have been sober ever since. Recovering hasn’t been easy, but my faith in Jesus Christ has helped me in so many ways:

1. I No Longer Felt Alone

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

One of the hardest parts of fighting addiction is the thinking that you are fighting it alone. That no one can really help you. This is because there is no medicine to cure you. There is nothing doctors can really do for you. You have to do it yourself.

But you do not have to do it alone. Jesus was always there with me. All I had to do was look for Him. He is everywhere. He is listening. He loves both you and me. By sharing my pain with Him I was able to find the strength to get better.

2. I Knew I Was Forgiven

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32

My addictions led me to do horrible things. Unforgivable things. The guilt I felt because of this only drove me deeper into my addictions. I felt hopeless. I felt there was no escape.

But there was hope. Jesus was my hope. Through Him, everything is forgivable, including the unforgivable. By forgiving me, He gave me hope, and hope is a powerful thing. It can overcome anything.

3. I Was Reborn

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Forgiveness of my sins was only the first step to salvation. Far more important was the ability to be reborn. The ability to become someone new. Someone I did not hate.

Through Jesus, I was able to believe that I can become the person I really want to be because through Him I can be anyone I want to be. I can rise above my pain and misery. I can rise just as He rose from the Cross.

4. I Had a New Focus

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33

When my addictions controlled me, they controlled my every thought. They consumed every waking moment in satisfying them. I thought of nothing but this. I didn’t even know if there was anything but this.

But Christ gave me a focus. He gave me something more powerful than any substance. Instead of thinking about my addictions, I thought of Him and His unconditional love for me. My body may have been shaking, but my mind was steady and unfailing.

5. I Had an Alternative to Substances

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

I developed multiple addictions to substances because I was in pain, and I was looking for something to take it away. But substances did not take the pain away. They only masked it and made the pain worse.

In Jesus, I was able to find what I had been looking for all along and overcome addiction. He was the cure for my pain and misery. He alone was able to me what I had been looking for: a pathway toward being truly happy. Happy with who I was and what I was and why I was put on this earth.

6. I Found Humility

“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Luke 14:11

Reaching bottom was actually a good thing because it showed me that I was powerless. That I alone could not conquer my demons.

Jesus gave me humility, which let me know that I needed help. That I needed Him. Instead of continuing to do it my way — a way that led nowhere — I knew I had to do it His way. The only way.

To sum it all up…

Jesus may not have miraculously cured me of my addictions.

But He gave me something even better…

Jesus gave me everything I needed to overcome them myself through His love, His kindness, and for His glory

About Paige Taylor:

Paige Taylor is a faith-based life coach from Orlando, Florida, specializing in addiction. She strives to help those who battle with substance use disorder, and she occasionally writes for The Recovery Village.

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Verses to Pray When You Need to be Sure God Loves You

8 / 9 / 18

Earlier this week, I shared a post about an email exchange I had with a reader who said…

“I’ve had a problem all of my adult years. I’ve been unable to feel God’s love.”

You can read the rest here.

I could relate to her email … I’ve had times when God felt distant and I doubted His love, times when life didn’t make sense and answers seemed distant.

Something I learned this week is that most of you can relate to the faith/feelings conundrum, too!

My earlier post shared a list of things I believe you and I need to know and do when the enemy taunts us with doubts that discourage and overwhelm us.

Be Honest with Yourself and God.
Take Your Doubts to God in Prayer.
Live Your Faith Until You Feel God’s Love.

Today I want to focus on #2 and pray…

Verses to Pray When You Need to be Sure God Loves You

God loves you!

Psalm 13:1–2

O Lord, how long will You forget me? Forever? How long will You look the other way? How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day?
How long will my enemy have the upper hand?

Father, thank you for showing us the honest men of faith throughout Scripture. Even David, “the man after God’s [Your] own heart” experienced times of doubt, times when You seemed distant.

I believe You want me to be honest about my feelings. I believe You want me to come to You with anything that troubles my heart or mind. I believe You hear my prayers and I believe You love me.

Thank you, Father! Please hold me close. Give me a sense of Your presence and love. “Lord, I believe. Please help my unbelief.” In Jesus name. Amen.

God loves you!

Romans 8:38

Father, Your Word tells me that You are love and You are with me … nothing in this world can separate me from Your perfect unfailing love. Forgive me, Father! Although I know Your Word is truth, I am still prone to fear and worry — things that distract me and tempt me to doubt Your promises. But Lord, no matter how I feel, nothing can ever change who You are. You are LOVE! I can trust You … today, tomorrow, and forever. Thank you! Amen.

God loves you!

Psalm 86:5–7

O Lord, You are so good, so ready to forgive,
so full of unfailing love for all who ask for Your help.
Listen closely to my prayer,
O Lord; hear my urgent cry.
I will call on You whenever I’m in trouble,
and You will answer me.

Father, thank you for every word of hope and promise, for faith-filled prayers of people like David, for examples that show me I can come to You with the rawness of my life … with my regrets and worries, doubts and fears. You love me and hear the cries of my heart. Thank you. Lord, may I remember to pray without ceasing, and may I come to You with my praise and gratitude more than I cry out for solutions and intervention.

You are love. Perfect love.

By Your grace and the power of Your Spirit, help me trust Your promises. Remove my doubt and fill me with the truth of Your Word. I will hold Your promises in my heart and remember that You are: patient and kind, forgiving and merciful, holy and just. Your love is a fact greater than my feelings. Thank you! Amen.

God loves you!

Lamentations 3:22–23

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

Father, thank you for Your never-ending, unfailing love. Thank you for mercy that will never stop no matter how I feel or what I’ve done. Thank you for giving me a fresh start each morning.

I surrender my feelings to You today. I give You my doubts, my fears, my insecurities. Fill my heart and mind with Your truth. Help my faith to grow and may my feelings overflow with heartfelt love for You … the One who loves me most and best as You cover me with underserved mercy and grace. I love You, Lord. Thank you! Amen.

God loves you!

Psalm 23:6

Surely Your goodness and unfailing love
will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

Father, You are good. Your love never fails. And because of Your perfect goodness and love, You pursue me. You work in my life in ways that are always for my good and for Your glory. Open my eyes that I might see the mighty and beautiful things You are doing in my life. Fill me with the things of Your Spirit – with faith, hope, and love.

Give me an eternal perspective Lord, full of hope and promise knowing that I can trust You completely. Whatever my feelings, nothing will change who You are … Holy and Perfect Lord of lords and King of kings, Creator, Redeemer, Comforter, Father, and Friend.

Thanks and praise now and forever. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Friend, the truth is … our hearts and minds deceive us. We’ve been told to “trust our guts” even though we know gut feelings are less than reliable.

But we have someone in our lives who is perfectly reliable. Someone who loves us so much He died to show us…

I read the following in my Life Application Bible Notes this week…

If the Bible makes no other point, it shouts this one: God loves us! His love had no beginning and is incredibly patient. All we need to do is respond, not try to earn what is freely offered.

God has said in many ways, “I love you. I have demonstrated that love to you by all I’ve done for you. I have even sacrificed my Son, Jesus, to pay the price for what is unacceptable about you—your sin. Now, live because of my love. Respond to me, love me with your whole being; give yourself to me in thanksgiving, not as payment.” [The price has already been paid!]

Live life fully. In the freedom of knowing you are loved!

No matter how you and I feel, the fact is … God loves you!

Have a wonderful weekend and rest in the Father’s perfect love!

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlights from the Week!

I Quit! – How Fear of Failure Kept Me from Finishing

by Diane Ferreira
@ Worth Beyond Rubies

When You Don’t Know How to Embrace the Delay

by Maree Dee
@ Embracing Life in the Midst of the Unexpected

Did You Make it Home this Summer”

by Carlie Lake
@ From Dust Towards the Heavens

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

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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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Things You Need to Know When You Don’t Feel God’s Love

8 / 6 / 188 / 13 / 18

Earlier this summer I received the following email from a reader…

I’ve had a problem all of my adult years. I’ve been unable to feel God’s love. He is always very remote for me. I have almost constant feelings of guilt. I try to be a Christ-like person, but too often fall short in my thoughts. I have a very difficult time getting rid of unChirstlike thoughts, When someone hurts me, I try to forgive, yet I ruminate on the injury. I just can’t stop the thoughts so I feel like I’m displeasing God. I feel his disapproval. I read scriptures to help me. I have many memorized. I have whole chapters of scriptures memorized. I pray and read the scriptures daily. I do good things, yet those feelings remain. I attend church every Sunday.

I just wondered if you had any suggestions. Maybe it’s lack of faith on my part and I just need to accept that God loves me as I am.

I replied to her email with the following…

I’m so often humbled by God’s timing as He works in our lives. I found myself nodding as I read through your words because I can so relate to times when I long for an extra measure of the feeling of God’s love and He seems silent.

One thing I know for sure – God loves you and He is with you! You are seeking Him and He promises that He will be found by those who seek Him. And that He is with them.

I know what I am planning for you,” says the Lord. “I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future. Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will search for me. And when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me! Jeremiah 29:11–13

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

These are the verses I hold close when I don’t feel God’s love or His closeness in my life.

I’m certain of this as well. It is Satan, the enemy of our souls, who wants you to doubt God’s love and presence; he is the one who wants you to doubt God’s forgiveness and continue to struggle with guilt.

God promises that if you and I repent … He forgives us. He promises His love and presence. I remind myself that even when I don’t feel Him with me. He is.

A Scripture I turn to and trust is Psalm 139.

O Lord, You have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!

I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from Your presence!

You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in Your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered
I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
You are still with me!
v. 1–7, 16–18

You are are seeking Him and doing all the things you should be doing to grow closer to Him. You are doing the things that honor Him and please Him. Try not to let your feelings get in the way – He is pleased with you and He loves you! You can trust His promises.

Thank you so much for reaching out! It is always a blessing to hear from one of my readers.

God bless you! Deb

I’ve thought about this email exchange often since and wondered if you might also have times when God seems silent … when you don’t feel His love. So, I made a list of things I want to do when my feelings and faith fall flat.

Things to Do When You Don’t Feel God’s Love

1. Be Honest with Yourself and with God

I love that you and I can turn to the pages of Scripture and find many examples of men and women who honestly struggled as they walked with God. Even David, the “man after God’s own heart” honestly voiced His feelings of emptiness and longing.

O Lord, how long will You forget me? Forever?
How long will You look the other way?
How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,
with sorrow in my heart every day?
How long will my enemy have the upper hand?
Psalm 13:1–2

2. Take it to God in Prayer

And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him. 1 John 5:14

You and I can be confident that God wants us to seek Him, to grow in faith, to trust His love, and to experience His loving presence. When we pray to know and love Him more, we can be assured that He will not only hear our prayers … He will work in our lives to grant our request.

3. Live Your Faith Until You Feel God’s Love

When you and I can’t feel God’s loving presence – it’s important to remember feelings are just that … they’re feelings. They are not necessarily the truth.

God is always with us. So, even when our faith feels small—God is near.

I love the account in Mark 9:17–29 – Jesus’ disciples had been trying unsuccessfully to deliver a boy from an evil spirit.

As Jesus approached them, the father of the boy pleads, “Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”

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

And then my favorite part…

The father instantly cried out, “Lord, I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

Jesus responded by healing his son.

I believe the most important thing you and I need to remember is…

God’s love is a fact not a feeling!

God is love! 1 John 4:8

Our feelings don’t, they won’t, they can’t, change God’s love.

While you and I were still sinners – God sent 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

He promises His love is never-ending.

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:22–23

And that nothing can separate us from His love.

So, where does that leave you and me?

Thanking and praising God – for His faithful forever love!

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:1

That’s a prayer and a promise to hold close to our hearts each and every day!

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When You Need to Know You are Forgiven and Loved

4 / 23 / 184 / 24 / 18

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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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’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.

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

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 #Seek

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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!

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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.

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.

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…