Praise God for the Gift of His Truth and Love

It's important to know God's TRUTH so we can understand His Love and admit our hypocritical sinfulness and our tremendous need for Him. #BibleStudy #LawandGospel #Faith #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers #WWGGG

I’ll admit, it’s easier to simply focus on Jesus love and acceptance . . . to repeat His Gospel promises and ignore His the truth of His life-changing commands.

It’s more comfortable to say there is no sin, no devil, no hell, and no need for repentance but that wouldn’t be the truth.

Jesus challenged the hypocrites of His day with the following words of Isaiah and through them He challenges you and me as well:

‘These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
Their worship is a farce,
for they teach man-made ideas as
commands from God.’
Matthew 15:8–9

Trusting Jesus’ promises of love and forgiveness elicits our response to obey and follow His commands with sincere attitudes and actions. And once again, that makes me squirm. You too?

You and I need wisdom and discernment to KNOW, TRUST, and OBEY God’s Word in an age when the passages that make us squirm are being ignored and denied.

I don’t like talking about the Law of God’s Word . . . pointing out sin and evil and our need to repent and change. But it’s the Law that makes us aware that we need the Gospel’s message of God’s forgiveness and love.

We’re blessed to have God’s Word readily available to us and to have the promises of His healing touch on our lives because even as Jesus called out hypocrisy and the need for obedience in Matthew 15, we also learn the following essential truth about His compassion and love…

Jesus returned to the Sea of Galilee and climbed a hill and sat down.A vast crowd brought to Him people who were lame, blind, crippled, those who couldn’t speak, and many others. They laid them before Jesus, and He healed them all.
Matthew 15:29–30

You and I can have Jesus’ healing . . . a healing that makes it possible for us to follow Him on a path of righteousness even though we are crippled by sin. And the healing touch that opens our blind eyes to His truth and gives us the message of grace, mercy, and love to proclaim to others.

Healing that gives us a future filled with hope and promise.

I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Pray with me as I thank God for the Law that shows us our need for Jesus’ healing grace and the Gospel that gives us the hope of His loving promises.

Praise God for the Gift of His Truth and Love

Lord, it’s hard to admit that I can be hypocritical picking and choosing the parts of Your Word I want to follow and those I don’t. How I can point out the flaws in others while denying that I am blind and lame. And the way I can believe the voices around me rather than dig into Your Word and fully trust Your TRUTH. Please forgive me. I am so sorry and I repent of my failures and come to You asking for forgiveness. By Your grace and with Your help, I surrender myself to You. Please give me all I need today to live Your plans for me as I share the hope of Your truth and love. Amen.

Friend, I know it’s easier to ignore God’s Laws and simply focus on the grace of His Gospel. But we need both . . . for without the realization that we have sinned and failed to obey His laws, we won’t recognize our need for His mercy and grace.

So, on today’s sticky note write:

Thank God for His TRUTH and LOVE!

God bless you as you live His plans for you with hope!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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How to Have What You Need to Walk on Water

1 / 21 / 211 / 6 / 21

When the storm is difficult and the water is rough keep your focus on Jesus and trust Him to give you whatever you need to have walk on water faith. #Faith #WalkonWater #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers #Matthew14 #WWGGG

Can you imagine what it must have been like to be the disciples sailing across the Sea of Galilee in the middle of the night . . . when Jesus approaches walking on the water.

I can’t imagine all the emotions the disciples were feeling. They had received word that John the Baptist had been killed by Herod. And when they followed Jesus to a “remote area to be alone” to grieve, they were followed by crowds of sick and hungry people . . . thousands of people Jesus healed and fed because “He had compassion on them.”

And now…

The disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them, walking on the water.
Matthew 14:24–25

I want faith like Peter’s to enthusiastically ask Jesus to help me jump out of the boat and walk on water but I think I’m more like Peter a few moments later when he sank into the sea overwhelmed by the storm.

How I can relate to Peter crying out with the words…

“Save me, Lord!”
Matthew 14:30

And I remember Jesus compassion and picture a patient and loving twinkle in His eye when He says…

“You have so little faith.”
Matthew 14:31

Today, I want to pray and remember that when you and I are emotionally exhausted by the storms of life . . . Jesus is the One who controls the wind and the waves. I want to pray to keep my focus on Him—trusting Him to give me everything I need to walk on water.

A Prayer to Have What You Need to Walk on Water

Lord, I can so relate to what the disciples were feeling . . . grief, loss, overwhelmed by demands and responsibilities, caught in a storm sudden and then You come onto the scene doing the impossible—walking on water. How I would love to think I would see nothing but You in that moment, that I would jump out of the boat and run to You ignoring the wind and waves because I know they are completely controlled by You.

Please help me keep my eyes on You, trusting Your ability to give me walk on water faith even when the storm rages around me. Cover me with Your all-sufficient grace and grant me all I need to live today with bold faith for Your glory. Amen.

Friend are you ready to live with bold walk on water faith? Me too!

The enemy wants us to focus on the the losses, demands, and storms but you and I have Jesus and when we focus on Him we have everything we need to live boldly and do the impossible.

On today’s post-it note write:

Today with the help of Jesus, I will have walk on water faith!

God bless you today with courage, strength, and bold faith!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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A Look at the Things Jesus Calls Treasures

1 / 20 / 211 / 5 / 21

Jesus told His followers what to treasure—to know the treasure of God's love remembering it's possible because they are precious and priceless to Him. #Faith #God'sLove #Jesus'Treasure #SEEKfirst #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers

Remember Matthew 6:33:

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

If you haven’t memorized it already . . . it’s a really great verse to hold in your heart.

Why? Because SEEKing is important. Jesus said:

I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Matthew 13:13
Matthew 13:13

Jesus said He spoke in parables so often because He is looking for people with open teachable hearts . . . people who are childlike. People who are SEEKers.

So I want to dig into two of my favorite parables from Matthew 13.

The Things Jesus Called Treasures!

Jesus Parable of the Hidden Treasure

The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Matthew 13:44

I think we can all relate to this man’s actions. When we find a treasure we believe is “worth it,” we’ll give up whatever we must to attain it, won’t we.

In this parable, the treasure contains all of the precious blessings that are found through faith in Jesus. God is the one who has placed the treasure in the field and He invites us to come and to “SEEK,” to sell all that we have, trusting that the treasure of a relationship with Him through Christ will give us everything we need.

And He makes it clear how much He wants that for us by telling us that we are His precious pearl.

Jesus Parable of the Precious Pearl

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls.When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!
Matthew 13:45–46

You and I are God’s precious pearls. He paid the ultimate price to possess the pearl…

God showed how much He loved __________ by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him.
1 John 4:9 (Put your name in the blank)

Pause with me and thank God for seeing precious treasures in sinful human beings . . . for giving His Son, Jesus, and for inviting us to possess the life-giving eternal treasure of His Kingdom love.

Praying About the Things Jesus Calls Treasures

Father, I’m so very aware of my sinfulness, I’ll admit I don’t often think of myself as a precious treasure. But Your Word says that is how You see me . . . that You love me so much You gave up Your life for mine. And You did it all to give me a treasure that is worth more than anything this world has to offer.

Lord, I pray that you will give me the childlike heart of a SEEKer. I pray to know and believe Your commands and promises that I might trust and obey Your will. By Your grace and for Your glory I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Friend, as you SEEK to know the Lord and walk closely with Him, I pray that you will focus on His grace today and remember with childlike faith that you are His precious pearl of great value . . . you are Jesus treasure!

So, on today’s post-it note write:

I am God’s precious treasure and He is mine!

God bless you as you celebrate His love today!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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How to Pray About the Things that Make You Uncomfortable

1 / 19 / 211 / 5 / 21

Knowing God cares about our motives and attitudes makes us uncomfortable. Thankfully, He will help us live with humble love and compassion for His glory. #LovelikeJesus #Faith #Hope #Truth #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG #BlessingBloggers

What do you do when you read a section of Scripture that makes you uncomfortable?

I knew some parts would be uncomfortable and harder to write about when I committed to reading and writing every chapter of the New Testament this year but I was hoping it would take a little longer.

I’m a first-born, Christian church and school educated, married to a pastor . . . people-pleaser. I’ve spent my life trying REALLY HARD to obey the rules and “do it right,” and I sometimes wonder if that’s how many of the Pharisees got started, too. But the problem with Pharisees is that rather than just worrying about their own obedience they worry about everyone else’s obedience, too.

Oh, and they weren’t just worried about God’s commands . . . they wanted strict compliance to all of their man-made rules and traditions. And that’s why, Jesus, who is able to perfectly discern attitudes and motives . . . challenged them with God’s TRUTH.

The truth that says God cares more about our hearts and minds, our attitudes and motives, our showing His grace, mercy, and love . . . than our strict conformity to traditions and regulations.

Jesus said the following when the Pharisees rebuked His disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath:

“But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!”
Matthew 12:7–8

Time and again throughout Jesus’ ministry, He told His followers about the importance of showing mercy and compassion . . . and He didn’t just tell them, He modeled it for them.

I believe God wants our obedience but He wants it because it is one of the ways our hearts, our minds, and our actions can respond to His grace, mercy, and love. And because our obedience to loving like Jesus . . . shows His love to a hurting world.

I don’t know about you, but I’m not very good at consistently doing this on my own . . . will you pray with me as I ask God for His Spirit’s help with the things that make me uncomfortable?

How to Pray About the Things that Make You Uncomfortable

Father, please help me. I want to obey with pure motives and attitudes that honor You. But the world is in my face and it’s so easy to fall into a pattern of worrying about what people think. And people are so free with their accusations and criticism. We also struggle with voices who declare good – evil and evil – good. I need Your Spirit’s help.

I love You, Lord. I want to honor You with pure motives and attitudes. I want to show others the same mercy and compassion that You have shown me. I want people to see You through me. By Your grace and with Your Spirit’s help, help me love like Jesus. Amen.

Whenever I see myself in the hard parts of Scripture it makes me feel uncomfortable and convicted. But the Good News is that the Father of grace and mercy forgives and gives me (and you) everything we need to trust and obey even the parts of Scripture that make us squirm.

On today’s post-it note write:

God, help me love like Jesus! Amen.

You can read more of the ways Jesus challenged the Pharisees in Matthew 12.

God bless you today as you focus on His love and compassion.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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Why You Really Want to Be Childlike and Free

1 / 18 / 211 / 18 / 21

Jesus told His followers to be childlike and to come to Him with their burdens. It's hard to be that trusting and humble but with God's help, it is possible. #BibleStudy #ChildlikeFaith #CometoJesus #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG #HisGraceGirls

I ask God faithfully to make me “childlike.” Unfortunately, too often I give in to childish rather than childlike.

Why do I ask to be childlike? Because Jesus said:

“O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike.”
Matthew 11:25

He also said:

“I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Matthew 18:3

What did He mean? What is the difference between being childlike and my childishness?

♥ Being childish is being foolish and immature.
♥ Being childlike is being trusting, humble, and vulnerable.

The Life Application Bible Notes say:

Those who consider themselves “wise and clever” are prideful and arrogant about their own knowledge but the childlike are humbly open to receive the truth of God’s Word.

I want to be childlike. I want to SEEK God’s truth and trust His promises.

And the good news is that when you and I struggle with childishness—when we fall short of humility and fail to seek . . . Jesus also said:

Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28–29

Jesus doesn’t reject us when we come to Him!

When you and I are weighed down by guilt and shame, fear and anxiety, pain and problems, when we need healing, a fresh start, or freedom . . . He says “come.” And He promises that when we do, He will give us rest by taking our heavy burdens and replacing them with forgiveness, healing, peace . . . love!

Jesus never promised this life would be easy or comfortable but He did promise to help us and give us everything we need to carry on and live free in this moment.

That’s a lot to thank Him for today, isn’t it?

Why You Really Want to Be Childlike and Free

Father, thank you for wanting me to know Your truth. Thank you for Jesus and for showing us Your love and desire to forgive all of creation through Him. Please forgive me for the times I think of myself as wise and clever . . . the times I am childish not childlike.

By the power of Your Spirit, please make me willing to be trusting, humble, and vulnerable. By Your grace, please help me give my burdens to Jesus trusting His power to forgive me and Your willingness to give me everything I need to live free today. I want to be childlike, Father. Take my hand and lead me, I give myself to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

It’s hard to surrender control, isn’t it?

I know I want what I want and I’m not very good at waiting. It’s so easy to have that selfish desire to think of myself as wise and clever.

But God wants better for me and He wants better for you, too. He wants us to live with childlike faith and freedom. And by His grace and with His help, we can have everything we need to do just that when we take it all to Jesus.

On today’s post-it note write:

Today with God’s help, I will be childlike.

Click here to read all of Matthew 11.

God bless you today as you carry your burdens to Jesus with childlike faith!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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

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

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What to Do When You are Afraid of Being Persecuted

1 / 15 / 211 / 15 / 21

Jesus said that His followers should anticipate being persecuted but He also said . . . "do not be afraid." He wants you to know you are precious to God! #ChristianPersecution #BibleStudy #Faith #Godlovesyou #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Do you ever worry about the possibility of persecution that may be ahead for those who follow Christ?

For years, it seemed like Christians living in the United States were given a pass from the persecution Jesus’ followers were facing in other parts of the world.

In the past year, around the world:

– Over 260 million Christians lived in places where they experienced high levels of persecution
– 2,983 Christians were killed for their faith
– 9,488 churches and other Christian buildings were attacked
– 3,711 believers were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced or imprisoned
Open Doors

Although it may not be considered persecution in the U.S., Christians are struggling with churches being closed, lawsuits being initiated, schools making statements of faith “hate speech”, and businesses and social media monitoring what we are allowed to share.

But before you and I start wringing our hands . . . which I have to admit is easy for me to do, let’s take a look at what Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 10:

“Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.”
Matthew 10:16

The world has always been full of differing messages. Solomon wrote:

History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.
Ecclesiastes 1:9

That’s why it’s important for Jesus’ followers to be both shrewd and harmless. We need to know history and to know God’s Word so that we can live with wisdom willing to make ourselves vulnerable and reach others with God’s love.

What to Do When You are Afraid of Being Persecuted

Jesus honestly said that following Him wouldn’t easy but He also said a couple of really REALLY important truths.

“Don’t be upset when they haul you before the civil authorities. Without knowing it, they’ve done you—and me—a favor, given you a platform for preaching the kingdom news! And don’t worry about what you’ll say or how you’ll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words.”
Matthew 10:19–20 (MSG)

And…

“But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you.”

“Not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
Matthew 9:26a, 29b–31

If you’re feeling anxious and afraid today about the things you see going on in your community, state, country, or the world . . . pause with me to pray, let’s give it all to God.

A Prayer When You are Afraid of Being Persecuted

Father, Sometimes I wonder . . . why? Why do people reject Your love? And why are there people who choose to persecute and harm those who do? I know Jesus said His followers should anticipate persecution and that when they are to consider it an “opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about [Him].” (Matthew 10:18)

When I am anxious and afraid, remind me of Your promises. Give me the courage and strength I need each day and by Your grace, help me boldly share the truth of Your love no matter how the enemy tries to silence me.

And Lord, I pray for Your children who are being persecuted around the world. Be their provider and their source of protection and strength.

Please be with me . . . I give myself to You. Amen.

Friend, God knows. Nothing is hidden from Him. He sees the scope of all eternity and He sees you. He loves you.

On today’s note write:

God is with me. I will not be afraid!

May He be with you today and give you His peace . . . calming your fears about being persecuted.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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

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Pray When You Need Jesus to Calm You

1 / 13 / 211 / 13 / 21

People hurried to Jesus when they needed healing and cried out to Him when they were afraid. What a blessing to know when we need Jesus . . . He is with us. #Prayer #Faith #NeedJesus #CalmtheStorm #Healing #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

In this season of Covid and all of the physical and mental suffering that has gone with it . . . can you imagine finding out there is a healer in town? That just a simple word or a touch could cure you or your loved one of any ailment?

Wouldn’t you do just about anything to get yourself or your loved one there?

Matthew 8 begins with the words…

Large crowds followed Jesus.
Matthew 8:1

Because He healed them. And I get it. How often do you and I run to Jesus when we need Him to heal or help while allowing life to distract us when things are going well.

And it’s realizing how easily I’m distracted by life that makes me love Him all the more. His grace, mercy, patience, and understanding . . . His love in spite of my shortcomings overwhelms me.

You see, I’m so much like the disciples.

I’ve seen His miraculous power at work…

He healed Rev of near-fatal Constrictive Pericarditis and gave us bonus days to count.
He protected our 1 lb 9 oz preemie grandson through months in the NICU, PICU, and beyond. Today he is a thriving 12-year-old.

Yet, when the storms of life blow in, when I need Jesus, I can still cry out…

“Lord, save [me]! [I’m] going to drown!”
Matthew 8:25

And He replies…

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

I picture Him with a twinkle in His eye. He understands our weaknesses and wants us to know He is able to control the storms—those without and those within.

His power is greater than our circumstances. Whatever is going on in your life or mine, we can cry out to Him in the middle of the storm and trust Him to be with us.

Pray When You Need Jesus to Calm You

Lord, thank you for Your love and patience. I am so sorry for the times I ignore You when things are going well only to come running to You when I need You to heal me or someone I love. Too often, I use busyness as an excuse—until another storm rages around me or within me and then I cry out to You again for help. Please forgive me.

Please help me by the power of Your Spirit to . . . “Always be joyful. Never stop praying.Be thankful in all circumstances,” [knowing] this is Your will for me. (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18) Keep me focused on You . . . knowing You are with me and that in Your presence I will find peace and healing. You are always greater than my circumstances and I thank and praise You with all my heart. Yours is the power and glory forever. Amen.

When you need Jesus to calm you…

When you’re in the middle of a storm.
When you need healing.
When you’re alone.
When you don’t know where to turn.

Remember…

Jesus is with you. He is greater than this storm you are facing. He will calm the winds and waves or He will calm you. He will give you what you need to get through this.

So, today’s post-it note…

The Lord is with me. I have everything I need.

God bless you! Have a wonderful day in the Lord.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Powerful Words of Jesus that will Make You Want to Pray

1 / 12 / 2112 / 29 / 20

Some of the powerful words of Jesus make me squirm but others make me want to go to God in prayer and trust Him to respond with love, care, and compassion. #Faith #Prayer #AskSeekKnock #WordsofJesus #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Wow, Matthew 7 contains words of Jesus that everyone seems to know . . . no matter what they believe. Words that many love to apply to others but don’t want to apply to themselves.

Like…

“Do not judge others and you will not be judged.”
Matthew 7:1

And…

“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.”
Matthew 7:12

Don’t we all want the people around us to live those words while finding it hard to follow them ourselves? And how often have you heard one of those verses being used to point out someone’s hypocrisy?

It’s hard, isn’t it?

But then, right between those words of Jesus that make us squirm is this verse that draws us in and soothes our restless souls.

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

Powerful Words of Jesus that will Make You Want to Pray

Jesus invited His followers and He invites you and me to persistently go to the Father and…

♥ ASK – like we are lost and needy.
♥ SEEK – like we are looking for something precious.
♥ KNOCK – because we trust the Father’s love.

We have a Heavenly Father who is loving and understanding, caring and compassionate. One who wants to spend time with us.

When we find ourselves squirming because we judged when we shouldn’t or failed to treat others as we should, Jesus wants us to remember that the Father knows us, even our flaws and weaknesses, and He loves us anyway.

So much so, that He wants us to come to Him constantly . . . asking, seeking, and knocking—trusting that He will always give us His best, show us the way, and throw open wide the door.

Will you pray with me, right now?

Father, thank you for inviting me to come to You in prayer. Thank you for loving me even with all my failures and weaknesses. I can be so quick to judge others without pausing to know them or their story. And oh how I fail to treat others the way I want them to treat me. Please forgive me.

I need You! By the power of Your Holy Spirit, please increase my faith that I might trust and obey Your Word. Please give me everything I need to never stop asking, seeking, and knocking. Make me confident that I can do all things with the strength You give me through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:13) In whose name I pray. Amen.

On today’s post-it note simply write:

ASK, SEEK, and KNOCK

And remember…

Your heavenly Father would never invite you to pray and then refuse to hear you or give you something that would hurt you. He loves you and promises that He will give you everything you need, guide you along His paths, and fling wide the door to His presence.

And that is GOOD NEWS!

God bless you!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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How to Seek God First and Have Everything You Need

1 / 11 / 211 / 11 / 21

Jesus taught His followers about prayer and the importance of seeking God's first with the promise that if you do . . . He will give you everything you need. #BibleStudy #SeekGodFirst #Prayer #Faith #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

One of the things I love about reading Scripture is that it speaks to every intelligence level and personality type. It’s everything you and I need.

How is that possible?

Because…

The word of God is alive and active.
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

God’s Word is living and powerful, able to change lives because God’s Holy Spirit works in us through the Bible’s commands and promises.

Matthew 6 is full of Jesus’ teaching, words that speak to all of us together, and each of us individually.

Maybe you’re going through a season where you need to be reminded about your personal relationship with the Lord. Where you ask yourself, would I still do this act of kindness or service if no one would ever know about it?

Maybe, you need to focus on prayer today and remember how much the Father wants us to come to Him in quiet and privacy to thank and praise Him and talk to Him about whatever is on our hearts and minds.

Maybe you struggle with priorities and what you would identify as your “treasure,” and you need to remember that whatever you treasure most controls your thoughts and your choices.

Maybe like me, you have an ongoing struggle with worry and anxiety and you need to reread Jesus’ words…

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Matthew 6:33–34

And you need to be reminded that His promise to give you everything you need, is a promise to give you:

♥ peace that goes beyond understanding. (Philippians 4:7)
♥ courage when you are afraid. (Mark 6:50)
♥ strength when you feel weak. (Philippians 4:13)
♥ wisdom when you’re confused. (James 1:5)
♥ all-sufficient grace when you’re not enough. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
♥ love and mercy when you need forgiveness. (Ephesians 2:4–5)

It’s easy to confuse “everything we need” with everything we want but what God promises is that He will give us what we need to help us grow in and live with faith that we might be able to endure in any and all circumstances.

And that is the EVERYTHING we need more than ANYTHING!

Will you pray with me?

A Prayer to Seek God First and Have Everything You Need

Father, thank you for Your “alive and active” Word that has made it possible for every generation, every person and personality to be blessed by Your truth.

Jesus, thank you for showing us the Father and His truths and for offering yourself as a sacrifice for me. This world is confusing and full of distractions, but You showed us the importance of seeking God’s Kingdom . . . the life-changing eternity-giving blessing of putting my relationship with You, my God, first in my life. And the promise is not just for an eternity in heaven, it is a promise to give me everything I need right now in the midst of the confusion and chaos.

And thank you, Spirit of God, for being with me and helping me live with wisdom and discernment by grace through faith.

Lord, I surrender my life to you! I love you and pray that with Your help I will live each day for Your glory.

Friend, I pray that as you SEEK God first and give Him all that’s distracting and confusing you today.

Write on today’s post-it note:

By God’s grace, I am blessed with everything I need!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

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I’m asking God to bless you today!

How to Leave a Legacy of Love

1 / 4 / 211 / 3 / 21

“Live, laugh, love, and leave a legacy.” ~Stephen Covey How to, with God's help, live with joy, laugh with enthusiasm, and leave a legacy of love. #BibleStudy #Prayer #SeekGodFirst #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG #BlessingBloggers

This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham.
Matthew 1:1

One of the things I love about Matthew 1 is the record of Jesus’ ancestors.

It includes Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, and Solomon, but it also includes Rahab, the prostitute, who was mother of Boaz (David’s great-grandfather), Ruth, the foreigner, who was the mother of Obed (David’s grandfather), and Bathsheba, the woman with whom David had an affair. And God called David a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:!4)

Why does it matter? Because God sent Jesus to be the Savior of all people . . . Jews, Gentiles, men, and women!

It doesn’t matter who or what is part of your past – God uses all kinds of people to accomplish His purposes. He uses ordinary people to do His will on earth.

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son,
and they will call Him Immanuel,
which means ‘God is with us.’”
Matthew 1:23

He even used a poor teenage girl and her human ancestors to form His Son into the God/Man Word Made Flesh!

How to Leave a Legacy of Love

I love Stephen Covey’s quote:

“Live, laugh, love, and leave a legacy.”

I’ve added a few words to make it my own…

Live with joy.
Laugh often and enthusiastically.
Love God, friends, and family with a full heart.
Leave a legacy that glorifies God!

The Psalmist said it this way:

We were filled with laughter,
    and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said,
    “What amazing things
the Lord has done for them.”
Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!
    What joy!
Psalm 126:2–3

So, let’s pray and ask God to help us “live, laugh, love, and leave a legacy” all for His glory!

Father, thank you for using ordinary people to accomplish Your plans and purposes. Thank you for showing us how valuable every person on the planet is to You.

You lift up people of all races. You show Your love and care for women and men. You call every one of us to repentance and freedom that we might be made new and receive beautiful opportunities by Your grace, to leave a legacy of laughter and love that gives You glory!

This is my prayer, Lord, to bring to You my failures and flaws in humble repentance and to surrender my life to You as an offering of my love. I give myself to You. Please help me live every moment of my life for Your glory and leave a lasting legacy of Your love! Amen.

Friend, whatever your ancestry looks like . . . God’s grace is sufficient to put His mark on it to help you from this moment on leave a legacy of love for His glory.

Write the following on a post-it note to help you remember:

Today, I will leave a legacy of love.

God bless you today and throughout the year ahead!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Who is the God-Man – Jesus

12 / 18 / 2012 / 5 / 20

The Bible says that Jesus is the God-Man. Fully God and fully man. This takes a closer look at what that means . . . a closer look at the Word made flesh. #Prayer #Jesus #HopeoftheWorld #WordMadeFlesh #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Who is the God-Man – Jesus?

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through Him, and nothing was created except through Him.
John 1:1–3

Jesus is the Word made flesh . . . God-Man.

100% God. 100% Man.

Impossible to understand, yet essential for faith. But that’s why we call it faith, isn’t it? Believing even when we don’t understand.

The Life Application Bible Notes say…

Although Jesus took upon Himself full humanity and lived as a man, He never ceased to be the eternal God who has always existed, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and the source of eternal life.

That perfect creation the Lord made fell into sin. People became sinners and sinners need a Savior. You and I need a Savior. We need Jesus!

The God-Man Jesus who came to earth to:

suffer our punishment. (Romans 6:23)
die for us. (Romans 5:8)
save us. (Romans 10:9)
show us God. (Romans 15:8 & John 14:9)

Every word of Scripture from Genesis 1 through Revelation 22 points to Jesus – the God-Man . . . God’s grace, mercy, and love in human form.

But why? Why would God choose to create us with a free-will knowing we would selfishly fail to use it well?

John Piper wrote…

God created the world for His glory. [And] We were created to see His glory, be thrilled by His glory, and live so as to help others see Him and savor Him for what He really is — to know, to love, to show His glory.

And Bible.org says…

He desired to share His life with others.

His love is so great for people created in His image that He chose to graciously make a way to save us from our sinful nature so that we might love and trust Him and spend eternity with Him thrilled by His glory.

So today, we’re praying and thanking God for the Word Made Flesh . . . for Jesus, the God-Man, the One who physically showed us God’s character of grace, mercy, and love. We can trust Him. He took a fallen and broken world and began the beautiful process of redemption . . . of making all things new!

And [Jesus] the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!”
Revelation 5:21

Thank God for the God-Man – Jesus

Son of God

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and He will be called the Son of God.
Luke 1:35

Thank you, Father, for Jesus. He is our Emanuel . . . God with us. Deity in human flesh. It is impossible for me to fully grasp or understand but by Your grace, I believe!

We all carry our inherited sinful human nature but because of Your great love for us . . . through Jesus, we can all enjoy a new spiritual nature. Because of Jesus, our guilt can be replaced with forgiveness. He suffered our punishment so that we might live in freedom forever.

I thank and praise You, Lord! Your plans are full of love. Your grace is sufficient.

No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made Him known.
John 1:18 (NIV)

Father, thank you for allowing us to know You through Jesus. He showed us how merciful You are. He made it possible for us to know that You are faithful even though we are not. He demonstrated that Your character is full of love and forgiveness. He is the living example of Your compassion and care for us.

I love knowing that I can honestly come to You with my questions, feelings, and emotions. You never turn Your children away. Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” (Matthew 19:14) Please give me childlike faith that I might love and trust You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Son of Man

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:28

Jesus, how can we ever sufficiently thank You for paying the price to rescue us from the chains of sin and death. You perfectly loved and cared for people when You lived on earth and because You have redeemed us, You will continue to love and care for all who trust You for the rest of forever and always.

You showed us how we are to sacrificially love and care for each other. Please help us, Lord. We can be so selfish and self-absorbed. We can get so focused on what we want, we fail to live with gratitude thanking You for giving us everything we need. And we fail to serve one another the way You want us to. Lord, please forgive us and by Your grace, help us to share Your generosity by giving of ourselves to those You place around us.

“The Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Luke 19:10

Oh, Lord Jesus, You came to seek out those who are lost in selfishness and sin and to offer them a brand new way to live. You not only sat with people who were broken and hurting, You made a way to heal and restore them. Our sin caused You to experience pain and rejection. You know and understand all our emotions. You are God. You could have left us to find our own way and yet, You made a way for us. David wrote, “God arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.” (Psalm 18:32)

Thank you, Lord Jesus. Please help me keep my heart and mind focused on You and help me live each day in ways that will bring glory to Your holy name!

Word Made Flesh

In the beginning, the Word already existed.
The Word was with God,
and the Word was God.

So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
John 1:1,14

Father, Your Word tells us that You sent Your one and only Son to save the world from sin. And these words written by John and inspired by You tell us that He has always been. Your Word says that You and Jesus and the Spirit are One God. You have always and will forever be on the throne, the Great I AM.

Thank you. Through Jesus, You have shown us the source and foundation of all truth. You have shown us Your unfailing love and faithfulness. You have shown us Your glory. Please help us to never minimize either His divinity or His humanity. He is Lord of All—God in human flesh.

I thank and praise You for who You are, for all You have done and continue to do. You are the One my heart and soul need. You are my Lord and Savior. Please help me seek You first, love You with all that I am, and live each moment of my life for Your glory. Amen.

Jesus the God-Man! The One who saves us!

Stop for a moment each day throughout this Christmas season and beyond to thank God for becoming Man! Not part God and part man but fully God and fully man!

He is not God who sits far off leaving His creation to take care of this mess they’ve made. He is God with us! He is the Son of God and Son of Man. He is the Word Made Flesh. He knows our weaknesses and understands our emotions. He is unfailing love and faithfulness.

He is the reason to celebrate Christmas and Easter every single day of the year!

God bless you!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Praising God for Jesus – He is the Savior of the World

12 / 4 / 2012 / 4 / 20

Verses and prayers that thank God for Jesus, the Savior of the World. The One who is the Lamb of God, who saves and delivers all who come to Him in faith. #Prayers #Christmas #Advent #Faith #Jesus #HopeoftheWorld #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

I wonder if it isn’t hard for people to admit their need for a Savior.

We are taught from little on to be self-sufficient . . . to find ways to fix what’s wrong and succeed on our own. We are always on the look for ways to supply and satisfy ourselves.

How often do you hear someone somewhere “preaching” about your need to “save” the planet, “save” the country, or “save” the whales, seals, puppies, or __________ (you can fill in the blank)?

Or your need to “do what makes you happy.”

A “savior” is defined as someone one who:

saves from harm, danger, destruction, or loss
saves, rescues, or delivers
brings salvation

And because we are sinners . . . we need a Savior. We just CAN’T save ourselves no matter how good we are or how hard we try. You and I can not, on our own, ever meet God’s perfect standards.

Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans:

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

And he said to the people of Antioch:

Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins.Everyone who believes in Him is made right in God’s sight—something the law of Moses could never do.
Acts 13:38–39

Through Jesus, there is forgiveness. Through Jesus, God no longer sees our sins . . . He sees the perfect holy covering of our Savior, Jesus.

So, you and I can stop trying to climb out of the pits of our own making but instead we can surrender ourselves and take hold of the hand of the Messiah reaching down to us and pulling us safely to a future of faith, hope, and love.

[The Lord] lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.
Psalm 40:2a,3

Will you join me today as I praise God for Jesus our Savior Messiah, our Deliverer – the Lamb of God?

Praising God for Jesus – He is the Savior of the World

Jesus the Savior

It was His plan from before the beginning of time—to show us His grace through Christ Jesus. And now He has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News.
2 Timothy 1:9–10

Father, It overwhelms me to think that You knew we would fall short of living up to Your glorious standard (Romans 3:23) and yet, You still created us and gave us free-will. Because You had a loving plan to save us from our own self-destruction all along.

We don’t deserve to be saved but You freely offer us Your grace, mercy, and love in the person of Jesus that we might be forgiven and blessed with a beautiful life that lasts forever. Thank you for breaking the power of death for us. Thank you for Jesus, our Savior.

Lamb of God

For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.
1 Peter 1:18–19

Father, how can I begin to thank you. You sacrificed Yourself, Your one and only Son, to pay the price for my flaws and failures. You could have continued to require sacrifices and rule following but instead You paid the ultimate sacrifice once for all and for always.

Please help me SEEK You and Your Kingdom faithfully. Help me LOVE You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. And by Your grace, help me TRUST and OBEY You with all I am every day of my life.

They will never again be hungry or thirsty; they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun. For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”
Revelations 7:16–17

Lord, I can’t imagine . . . no hunger or thirst, no tears or pain. A forever home where every need is more than met, and every moment is filled with LIFE! No more sin for all our sins have been forgiven and replaced with holiness.

Thank you for allowing me to carry the burdens of this life to You, trusting that You will guide me and care for me in perfect love. By Your grace, please help me to be still in Your presence trusting that with You I can pause from my problems and rest in Your peace.

Our Deliverer

Praise the Lord; praise God our Savior!
For each day He carries us in His arms.
Our God is a God who saves!
The Sovereign Lord [delivers] us from death.
Psalm 68:19–20

Father, I praise You! Jesus, I praise You! Spirit, I praise You! You, Lord, are my deliverer. You are the God who saves and delivers me. When I am overwhelmed by failures that hurt me . . . my own or someone else’s, You are the One who carries me giving me the strength I need to face each moment. When I think of all the ways You have held me and protected me in the past, I have the faith I need for today and the hope I need for tomorrow. I have no need to fear anything, even death, because You promise to be with me and bring me safely to the perfect place You are preparing for me.

They speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has [delivered] us from the terrors of the coming judgment.
1 Thessalonians 1:10

No more fear because You, Lord, have delivered us from sin, death, and the power of the devil. Through problems or persecution, we can anticipate Your glorious return. You promise that You, our Deliverer, are coming again soon . . . and I join Your people in praying, “Amen, come Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20) You are our eternal hope and promise! I love You and surrender my life today and forever to Your loving care.

Messiah

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

Father, this may be one of my favorite verses in Scripture. John walked with Jesus throughout His ministry and death, and he spent time with Him following His resurrection. By Your grace, You inspired him to write an account of grace, hope, love, and life.

I believe that Jesus is Your Son and my Savior. I believe that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I believe that through believing in Him, I will live with You forever. Please help me by the power of Your Spirit to trust and obey You in all I do and say.

You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. ( Psalm 119:114) I thank and praise You now and forever. Amen.

Jesus, the Savior. The Lamb of God, Our Messiah . . . the One who Deliverers Us

He is the One who rescued us by becoming the perfect Lamb of God. Why? Because that’s how much He loves us.

So, pause today and look in the mirror and see the Lord who loves you and promises to be with you and give you everything you need when you offer your life to Him in faith.

So, repeat the following until it fills your soul . . .

“My Father loves me! He really loves me! I have everything I need!”

God bless you!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

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

11 / 27 / 2011 / 28 / 20

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

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

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

Jesus said…

When he [the devil] lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.
John 8:44

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

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

“You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.”
John 18:37

And He prayed…

Make them holy by Your truth; teach them Your word, which is truth.
John 17:17

And Paul wrote to Timothy…

Remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true…
2 Timothy 3:14–16a

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

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

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

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

The One Who Sets Us Free

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin.A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever.So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.
John 8:34–36

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

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

The Good Shepherd

The Lord is my shepherd;
    I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
    he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
    bringing honor to His name.
Psalm 23:1–3

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

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices His life for the sheep.
John 10:11

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

The Alpha and Omega

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

The Lord God says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega. I am the One who is and was and is coming. I am the Almighty.”
Revelations 1:4–5,8

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

“Listen! I am coming soon!

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
Revelation 22:12a,13

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

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

The Great “I AM”

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

Then Jesus told her, “I AM the Messiah!”
John 4:25–26

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

Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I AM!”
John 8:58

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

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

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

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

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

God be with you and bless you!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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Praising God for Jesus the Hope of the World

11 / 20 / 2011 / 20 / 20

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

Do you need hope?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28–29

I like the way The Message says it as well…

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

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

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

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

Praising God for Jesus the Hope of the World

Hope of the World

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

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In God’s great mercy He has caused us to be born again into a living hope, because Jesus Christ rose from the dead.
Matthew 12:21 and 1 Peter 1:3 (NCV)

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

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

Our Advocate

My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.
1 John 2:1–2

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

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

The Living Cornerstone

You are members of God’s family. Together, we are His house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus Himself. We are carefully joined together in Him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord.
Ephesians 2:19b–21

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

Rock of Our Salvation

Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken.
Psalm 62:5–6

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

The King Eternal

God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of His great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in Him and receive eternal life. All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; He alone is God. Amen.
1 Timothy 1:16–17

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

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

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

Thank you so much for praying with me!

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

God bless you!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

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

11 / 13 / 2011 / 13 / 20

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

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

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

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

From the Genesis promise:

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

To John 1:1–3:

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through Him, and nothing was created except through Him.

John 3:16:

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

And Revelations 22:7:

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

And those are just the beginning.

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

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

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

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

The Resurrection and the Life

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.
John 11:25–26

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

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

The Truth that Sets us Free

Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31–32

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

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

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

The One who is Holy and True

This is the message from the One who is holy and true, the One who has the key of David.
What He opens, no one can close;
and what He closes, no one can open.
Revelations 3:7

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

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

The Great, “I AM”

Then the high priest asked Him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”

Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Mark 14:61–62

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

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

The Way, the Truth, and the Life

Jesus told Him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
John 14:6

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

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

Praise God for Jesus!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!