5 Verses to Pray When You Want to Seek God First

I want to get up each morning and seek God first. I want to live surrendered and free in Jesus! But it takes prayer. So, I'm praying 5 verses asking for the Spirit's help. #Prayer #Faith #SeekGodFirst #Blessings #BlessingBloggers

SEEK was my word for 2018, and I chose Luke 12:31 as my verse…

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

At the end of the year, I knew there was no moving on. Seek went from being my word for the year to being my word for life!

I think the reason it’s so important to me is because giving God first place in my life was something I struggled with for much of my life. I believed and trusted in Jesus for my salvation but I also struggled to surrender myself completely.

Satan had planted a seed of doubt … one that told me much was asked of those who surrendered completely. So, I held back just a little because I doubted God’s ability to strengthen me through my “what if” fears.

But I was wrong!

Life is hard whether we’re surrendered or not. Bad things happen to the faith-filled and to those without faith. But by God’s grace, I’ve learned that God is greater than my circumstances, even when they are painful and unwanted!

The Lord provided everything I needed through a season of overwhelming events and proved He is able to give me everything I need whatever my situation. I can now say…

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.
Romans 8:38

He gave me what I needed when I needed it! Never early. Never late. But right on time.

Now I cling to verses like…

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

And…

“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”
Psalm 46:1 and 2 Corinthians 12:9

I want to get up each morning and seek God first. I want to live surrendered and free in Jesus!

But it takes prayer. So, today I’m praying 5 verses asking for the Spirit’s help to…

Seek God First

Search for the Lord and for His strength; continually seek Him.
1 Chronicles 16:11

Father, Seeking is not a “sit back, wait and see” way of life. It’s spending time in Your Word, coming to You in prayer, and worshipping You in spirit and truth. Seeking is realizing I’m lost without You. It’s recognizing my need for Your mercy and grace. And it’s living a life of gratitude for Your gift of love … Jesus, the One who “came to seek and to save those who are lost” like me. Please help me continually seek You today!

Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:6

Father, I want to trust and obey Your will faithfully but I fall short. Please forgive me and help me. Your Word says repentance is more than just saying I’m sorry; it is intentionally wanting to change. It’s trusting Your Word as truth and obeying Your will. It’s being willing to accept Your help in stepping off the path I’m on to take the path You want for me. Please help me apply these truths to my life.

The Lord is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him.So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.
Lamentations 3:25–26

Father, I hear You whisper, “be still and know … cease striving” but it’s hard Lord. My life feels like it’s spinning. Do this. Be there. Check this box. Finish that project. Run this errand. Help. Serve. Accomplish. I’m exhausted! I need You! I am stopping right now … stopping to surrender and breathe in Your goodness.

By Your grace, help me remember, I don’t have to do this alone. Your Spirit is with me to counsel and guide. Make me constantly aware of Your sweet presence as I depend on Your truth to guide me and give me strength.

Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Matthew 6:21

Father, I know when I have You, I have everything I need. But the world shouts at me. My schedule harasses me. Some days … life simply wears me out.

With the help of Your Spirit, turn my focus from the chaos and desires of the world to the treasure I have in You. Fill me with Your peace. Help me replace the noise of life with the simple sounds of worship and praise. Give me a passion for Your Word and prayer. Be my treasure and my heart’s desire. Satisfy me with Your love.

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done. Search for the Lord and for His strength; continually seek Him. Remember the wonders He has performed, His miracles, and the rulings He has given,
Psalm 105:1,4–5

Father, Thank you! When I remember all You have done in the past, I’m overwhelmed by Your grace and mercy. You have sustained and strengthened, healed and helped, provided and protected. I am overwhelmed. Thank you!

I surrender this day to You. I will follow where You lead and obey Your will as You reveal it to me. I will seek You with all I am and love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Please fill me with Your Spirit that I might willingly and faithfully keep this promise … by Your grace and for Your glory.

Seek God First

Jesus promised…

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
Luke 12:31

Everything! And the next verse…

So don’t be afraid … it gives your Father great happiness to give You the kingdom.
Luke 12:32

Great happiness! Wow! What a blessing it is to know our prayers to “seek God first,” are prayers our Father loves to answer!

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

Be Who God Created You to Be

by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
@ Hope Prevails

Feeling Betrayed by a Friend – Be Honest

by Diane Ferreira
@ Worth Beyond Rubies

AND the…

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!

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

Deb Wolf
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You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
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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.

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5 Verses to Pray When You Need a Miracle

5 / 23 / 195 / 23 / 19

We receive so many prayer requests from people who need a miracle. If you are someone who needs God to do the impossible, these verses and prayers will help you go to God and ask Him for help. #Prayer #Needamiracle #Hope #BibleStudy #SeekGodFirst

If you clicked on the title to this post because you wanted to know more, because you need to pray … I’m guessing you need a miracle in your life.

You’re not alone … my most visited post is 5 Verses to Pray When You Need God to Do the Impossible.

And if you visit the Blessing Counters Pray Page … you’ll find prayer after prayer from people asking for God’s miraculous intervention.

Which is one of the reasons why I write. You see…

I’ve experienced God’s miracles!

He has forgiven me.
He has given me the gift of faith.
He calls me His child.
He gives me hope for the future.

For this anxiety-ridden worrier who knocked herself out to do life “right” and failed miserably … His grace, mercy, and healing love are miraculous.

I’ve also experienced His miraculous power when…

He lovingly healed my broken heart I believed was beyond repair.
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 11-year-old young man.

He is the God of miracles. The God for whom anything in possible.

I can’t promise you He will give you every miracle you ask for… you see, I have experienced His “no” at times and I am also still waiting and praying for miracles yet unseen because He is saying “not now.”

I can promise you … He hears every prayer, He loves you, and He will always give You His best even when you don’t understand.

So, we’ll pray and go to the One who hears, loves, and gives His best when we need a miracle.

5 Verses to Pray When You Need a Miracle

O God, Your ways are holy.
Is there any god as mighty as You?
You are the God of great wonders!
You demonstrate Your awesome power among the nations.
Psalm 77:13–14

Father, Help me remember today that You are who You say You are. You are holy, mighty, and powerful. You are my Creator, Redeemer, and Comforter. You are gracious, merciful, and loving. You are my way and the truth I need. You are my hope for the future.

You are the God of miracles, the One for whom nothing is impossible. And Father, I need a miracle and so I lay my problem before You asking for Your grace and mercy. Please strengthen me today and help me keep my focus on You rather than on this things that is overwhelming me.

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, Thank you for those You inspired to keep a record of all the works of Your hand from the beginning of time. Thank you for the people who documented Jesus’ life and ministry.

Your Word helps me know You. It inspires me and gives me hope. It is the weapon I need to fight the attacks of the enemy. Your Word is Truth! And I believe! I believe Jesus is Your Son and my Savior. I believe that through Him I have life and that is the miracle I needed the most. Thank you, Father.

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”
Matthew 19:26

Father, I believe in Your hands the impossible becomes possible. I admit that sometimes this problem seems impossible. It’s hard to imagine a good outcome. I know the way I want it to go but at moments I have my doubts that the outcome I hope for will happen. But then I remember all the good things You have done for me in the past. I remember miracles that were born in hopes and prayers. So, I surrender this need to You asking You to once again make the impossible possible.

“Abba, Father,” He cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not mine.”
Mark 14:36

Father, This is hard! It’s hard to say, “Your will be done.” It’s hard to ask and then let it go in faith. It’s hard to surrender my will when the possible pain seems like more than I can bear.

Help me remember that although You didn’t take away Jesus’ cup of suffering You gave His all He needed to endure. And You did it for me. You strengthened Him and gave me life.

Help me remember that You see the big picture of my life and every life. You hold it all in the palm of Your hand. You sometimes allow what is painful because You know how it can affect the future.

So, help me trust You today and say, “I want Your will to be done, not mine.”

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord?
Who can ever praise Him enough?
Psalm 106:1–2

Father, Thank you! You are good! You are love! You are worthy of all my praise!

You are the God of miracles … too many to count! Today, I’m asking for You to bless me with one more miracle. I believe You are able. Please strengthen me and give me everything I need so whatever You decide, even if you don’t grant this miracle, I will rest secure knowing my hope is in You alone.

Father, I trust Your will. I am secure in Your perfect love and I will praise You now and forever and even then … it will never be enough. In Jesus name, I pray.

Amen.

Friend, I know you have moments when you wonder if you should give up because waiting on this miracle feels like the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do. And my heart hurts for you.

I can’t tell you how much I’ve struggled to find the words to say to encourage you in these last few sentences.

You see, I could stand with the prosperity teachers and tell you God wants you to have this miracle for which you’re praying. I could even stand with those who say you should simply forcefully and confidently bombard the throne room until God gives you want.

But I can’t. Because I will only share with You what I believe to be His truth.

And the truth I believe … is that God loves you and wants what is best for your eternal future. He hears every prayer and He loves you more than you can imagine. I am certain that your future is safe with Him.

If you need a miracle today…

cry out to Him.
fall at His feet.
touch the hem of His robes.
thank Him for all He has done in the past.
trust Him and follow where He leads.

Give it all to Jesus and surrender Your need and all that you are to God’s timing, love, and perfect will because that’s where miracles happen.

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

Why You Don’t Have to Fear Being an Outsider

by and @ Stacey Pardoe

Talking Matters: To Know and Be Known, for Heaven’s Sake

by Sue Donaldson
@ Welcome Heart

AND the…

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!

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

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.

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…

And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.

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Thank you and God bless!

5 Verses to Pray When You are in a Time of Change

5 / 16 / 195 / 16 / 19

It’s that time of the year…

I’ve heard friends are calling it #Maycember.

And I understand. I still remember overstuffed calendar pages filled with end of the school year events and activities, and although the days were long and exhausting, that wasn’t the hardest part…

The hardest part was dealing with impending CHANGE!

Any time of change is part of life but it's not always a welcome part. It can spike your stress level and leave you sleepless. Let's pray about it... #Prayer #Faithblogger #LinkParty #SeekGodFirst #GoodNews

The end of every school year was another reminder that my children were growing up!

Change is part of life but in all honesty, it’s not always a welcome part of life, is it?

Our children growing up makes us emotional but it’s anticipated and expected … honestly, they’re supposed to grow up.

But what about the unexpected changes that spike our stress levels and leave us staring at the ceiling each night.

Things like…

losing a job.
receiving a difficult diagnosis.
caring for an ailing parent.
having an unforeseen/overwhelming expense.
moving.
finding out you’re pregnant.

Good or not so good – change is often stressful.

So today, we’re taking our time of change to the throne of grace … asking God to meet every need and give us His hard to understand peace.

5 Verses to Pray When You are in a Time of Change

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6–7

Father, You have faithfully given me everything I need in the past and I know You are with me today. Why is it so hard to simply wait trusting You will faithfully give me what I will need tomorrow.

Life is hard. When I look around it’s easy to see that plenty of bad things happen. And this change, Father, feels like it could go either way. So, please help me remember all You have done for me in the past. Help me trust You to give me all I need tomorrow. And fill me with Your Spirit that I might experience Your hard to explain or understand peace.

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”
Psalm 32:8

Father, I love this promise. It comforts me. I can trust You to guide me and You always guide with love and wisdom because You are Love and Wisdom! I am never alone, even during this time of change! You are watching over me. Your Spirit is with and within me guiding me according to Your will. Help me quickly and willingly follow wherever You lead.

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

Oh, Father, please help me remember this … You are with me. You will never leave me. And Your love never fails. Through this time of change calm my fears and help me defeat discouragement as I continually keep in mind that whatever tomorrow may bring—You are already there. Nothing comes as a surprise to You. Father, You know exactly what I need today and exactly what I will need tomorrow.

You will keep in perfect peace
    all who trust in You,
    all whose thoughts are fixed on You! Trust in the Lord always,
    for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.
Isaiah 26:3–4

Father, I do trust You. I will not be shaken when I trust Your Word and Your promises. I can experience peace even through uncertain times when I remained focused on who You are and all You’ve done. You are my Creator, Redeemer, Comforter, Helper, Healer, Shepherd, and Provider. You are my Lord and Savior … I can face tomorrow secure in Your mighty power and unchanging love.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Hebrews 13:8

Father, thank you! Your Word, from beginning to end, points to Jesus. John called Him the Word, with You from before the beginning of time. (John 1:1) The One promised in the Garden. (Genesis 3:15) The Word made flesh … full of unfailing love and faithfulness. (John 1:14) The Alpha and Omega … the One who always was and always will be forever. (Revelation 1:8) The One who sits on the throne. (Revelation 5:13) The One who is coming soon. (Revelation 22:21)

When I keep my heart and mind focused on Jesus with an eternal perspective … this time of change simply becomes part of the adventure we are taking together.

Father, thank you for never leaving me to face day to day adventure alone and thank you for making it possible for me to know with confidence that my adventure will continue forever in Your presence. By Your grace and for Your glory. Amen.

Friend, if you’re going through a time of change…

My Bible reading this week included Psalm 103…

Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise His holy name.
Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things He does for me.
Psalm 103:1–2

David continued by naming things he wanted to remember. Things like…

forgiveness
healing
righteousness and justice
redemption
tender mercy
compassion and patience
grace and unfailing love

You and I can trust God through each and every time of change be He is unchanging. We love, trust, and pray to the same heavenly Father that David did and all of those “good things” He did for David … He continues to do in your life and mine.

When I remember all that God has done for me in the past I have strength and courage for today and hope for tomorrow.

Praise the Lord!

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

Before She Was Your Mother

by Pam Ecrement
@ A New Lens

20 Reasons You are a Great Mom

by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
@ Hope Prevails

AND the…

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!

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

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.

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…

And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.

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Thank you and God bless!

5 Verses to Pray Before You Tell Your Story

5 / 2 / 19

Thank you so much for SHOUTING your disapproval and disagreements on social media and blog comments. You’ve convinced me how much I really need to know your Jesus.

Said no one ever!

5 verses and prayers to help you be prepared to tell your story with gentleness and respect ... not to be right but to share God's love. #Prayer #SocialMedia #BibleStudy #VersestoPray #CountingMyBlessings #faithblogger

So many of those disagreements have to do with the things we consider moral and immoral, right and wrong, good and bad … you know the things we call the law!

There is an account in Scripture where Jesus addresses the subject with an “expert in religious law”…

Jesus asked, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?” And the expert answered…

“‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Luke 10:27

And Jesus said, “Right!”

He didn’t correct the man or remind him of that well-known list of shalts and shalt nots. Jesus agreed that love is the way to sum up the message of that law. It’s interesting to note that love is also the message of grace.

If love is the message of the law and the gospel … I can’t help but question how well we’re sharing the message when I read through finger pointing posts and contentious discussions on social media.

So today, I’m praying about ways we might do a better job of sharing God’s love … not by telling people they’re wrong but by showing them through our kindness and compassion how God’s amazing grace and love is able to transform lives. By telling our own transformation stories.

I’d love for you to pray with me…

5 Verses to Pray Before You Tell Your Story

Father, I want to live for Your glory! I want to tell people about Your amazing grace, mercy, and love. I want to show them Your love. Please help me.

The man who had been freed from the demons begged to go with Him. But Jesus sent him home, saying, “No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.” So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him.
Luke 8:38–39

Father, I was a broken mess and You delivered me. I am overwhelmed by Your grace and mercy. What a blessing to know Your perfect unfailing love covers me. How I want everyone to know the hope and joy only You can give. Please fill my heart with love and help me to go and tell all the “great things” You have done for me in and through Jesus.

You must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.But do this in a gentle and respectful way.
1 Peter 3:15–16a

Father, Give me a heart of gratitude and worship. Make me mindful of all the blessings I have as Your child. And through Your Spirit, help me tell my story with gentleness and respect. Help me remember that I don’t have to be “right” because I know and love the One who IS RIGHT! Help me humbly remember that it is not my job to change hearts and minds … You do that. I just need to “always be ready” to tell my story of faith and hope.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Matthew 5:14–16

Father, I am so aware of my weaknesses and faults. Please forgive me for the countless times I fail to shine for Your glory. You have given me an amazing light-filled story to share. A story of the transforming power of Your love. A story of fear to faith, doubt to hope, and anxiety to peace. A story that knows Your grace really is sufficient. Help me shine … not so people will see me but so people will see You.

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:4–5

Jesus, please hold me close. Help me remain in You, producing fruit for Your glory. You said that I will “remain in You” when Your words remain within me. Then … You invited me to ASK! So, I’m asking today that You will help me make knowing Your Word and prayer a priority in my life. Please help me love You, Lord, with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength … and help me love my neighbor as You want.

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
John 13:34–35

Jesus, You made it known it is our love that will show the world we belong to You. Forgive me. Too often, I have failed to love because I’ve been quick to criticize and judge. Forgive me. Too often, I’ve expected people to clean up and conform before I’ve accepted and loved them. Forgive me. Too often, I’ve refused to listen with love and compassion. Please help me love as You love. Make me humble and caring. Help me bear the fruit of joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Help me love! That the world may know You! Amen.

Always be prepared to tell your story.

Friend, I believe that by God’s grace we can do this … maybe not perfectly but certainly better. We can tell our stories of God’s grace with gentleness and respect. And with His help, you and I can love each other in ways that show changed lives for God’s glory.

One more thing…

I am not throwing out the Commandments nor am I saying the Law no longer matters. What I am saying is that Jesus Himself said that the list of rules we love to wave like a banner is about unselfishly loving God and loving others. It doesn’t throw them out … it’s just a better way of looking at them.

Here are a couple of articles I received this week that I believe speak to this…

Today’s Apostasy by Billy Graham, Decision Magazine

A Divided American – 3 Responses for Christians by Ronnie W. Floyd, National Day of Prayer Website

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

What You are Missing When You’re Not Honest With God

by Carlie Lake
@ From Dust Towards the Heavens

PERSONAL COMMUNION – ARE YOU JUST “MOWING GOD’S LAWN”?

by Diane Ferreira
@ Worth Beyond Rubies

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!

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

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.

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…

And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.

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5 of the Best Faith Books You Need to Reread Every Year

4 / 29 / 194 / 29 / 19

I’ve read a handful of books in my life that I would say have been “life-changing” in the ways they have challenged me and grown my faith.

Books I simply call – the Best Faith Books!

These are books I reread often. Most have them have been around for a while. I’m guessing that even if you’ve read them … it was some time ago. So, I thought I’d take a few minutes to tell you why I think it may be time to read them again…

5 of the Best Faith Books

♥ Soul Keeping: Caring for the Most Important Part of You by John Ortberg

How would you describe your soul?

If you’ve always wanted to know the answers to questions like:

1. What is the soul?
2. What does sin have to do with the soul?
3. What does the soul need?
4. How to restore an injured or hurting soul?

John Ortberg does an excellent job of explaining how you and I are more than a body, a mind, and free-will. You and I are souls, and there may be nothing more important than knowing about our soul’s care and keeping.

Pastor Ortberg draws upon his years of study and mentorship under the late Dallas Willard to provide readers with a guide to their souls, the gateway to a deeper relationship with God.”Your soul is not just something that lives on after your body dies. It’s the most important thing about you. It is your life.”

Quotes from Soul Keeping…

“You’re a soul made by God, made for God, and made to need God, which means you were not made to be self-sufficient.” In one of his books, Dallas has further explained, What is running your life at any given moment is your soul. Not external circumstances, not your thoughts, not your intentions, not even your feelings, but your soul. The soul is that aspect of your whole being that correlates, integrates, and enlivens everything going on in the various dimensions of the self. The soul is the life center of human beings.”

“Our world has replaced the word soul with the word self, and they are not the same thing. The more we focus on our selves, the more we neglect our souls.”

My mind may be obsessed with idols; my will may be enslaved to habits; my body may be consumed with appetites. But my soul will never find rest until it rest in God.

♥ The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel

I reread Lee Strobel’s books because they deal with facts … they always encourage my faith and give me tools I can use to share my own story of faith.

Lee Strobel wrote the following about this journey…

For much of my life I was a skeptic. In fact, I considered myself an atheist. To me, there was far too much evidence that God was merely a product of wishful thinking, of ancient mythology , of primitive superstition.

Then he spent nearly two years interviewing thirteen scholars and authorities on his quest for the truth about Christ. His “Case for” books present the facts and information gathered to the reader as a litigator would present evidence to a jury … facts and information that forever changed his life.

The reason I recommend reading and rereading Strobel’s books is I believe they will encourage your faith and give you tools you can use to share your faith with others.

Quotes from Lee Strobel…

“To continue in atheism, I would need to believe that nothing produces everything, non-life produces life, randomness produces fine-tuning, chaos produces information, unconsciousness produces consciousness, and non-reason produces reason. I simply didn’t have that much faith.”

“Christian faith is not an irrational leap. Examined objectively, the claims of the Bible are rational propositions well supported by reason and evidence.”

“I believe in Jesus on the basis of the historical evidence, but my relationship with Jesus goes way beyond the evidence. I have to put my trust in him and walk with him on a daily basis.”

♥ Your 100 Day Prayer: The Transforming Power of Actively Waiting on God – by John Snyder

This is by far, the best books on prayer I’ve ever read. It’s a book God placed in front of me in the middle of a book store when I was going through a very difficult time.

I’ve read and prayed through this book several times and I’m currently reading and journaling my way through it again.

When the need is so great, so seemingly impossible that only God’s direct intervention will ever bring it about, it takes a different kind of prayer. Your 100 Day Prayer is designed to take you straight to the heart and will of God by seeking him for a specific need. This book includes:
A dedicated page to express your need before God on the day you start your 100 day of prayer,
100 entries to help you focus your prayer through the truth of God’s Word and character,
Leading prayers to give you a jump start,
Writing space to capture your conversations with the Father and the spiritual transformation you experience day by day, and
A concluding page to memorialize how God answered your prayer and transformed you through the process.

Quote from Your 100 Day Prayer – A Prayer To Begin

Lord, as I embark on this journey of prayer, come and banish from my heart every last trace of self-reliance and captivate my mind with the truth that you are sufficient for my every need, great or small. Transform me by increasing my confidence in you, in all your extravagant forgiveness and mercy, and strengthen my trembling knees in the face of trouble. Cause my loved ones and me to emerge from this season of prayer with a fresh vision of Your glory, a new and lasting fearlessness, and a renewed devotion to Your purpose for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

♥ The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

This is another book I’m currently rereading…

I love the first question … What on earth am I here for?

Do you ever feel like you’re just going through the motions of life … swimming around in your own little fishbowl, feeling like there ought to be more?

If you’re longing for more … if you need a new perspective and new hope it just may be time to reread this book.

Quote – Rick Warren dedicated The Purpose Driven Life to you…

Before you were born, God planned this moment in your life. it is no accident that you are holding this book. God longs for you to discover the life he created you to live—here on earth and forever in eternity.
It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. Ephesians 1:11 (MSG)

And finally the #1 most important book you need to read, reread and then reread it again.

♥ The Bible … The Word of God

I promise you the more you read the Bible … the more you will fall in love with reading the Bible.

I’ve participated in more Bible Studies than I can count and although I’m still a fan, studies are primarily reading what someone else has to say about various and specific sections of Scripture.

And although valuable, I don’t want to rely simply on what someone else thinks about God’s Word … I want the Holy Spirit to speak God’s Word of truth directly to my heart and mind.

You see, through faithfully reading through the Bible every day I’ve not only fallen in love with reading the Bible … I’ve fallen in love with the Author.

Quotes from The Bible…

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Hebrews 4:12

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
2 Timothy 3:16

Jesus prayed…

Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.
John 17:17–19

You are so very loved by the God of the universe.

The 5 best faith books will bless and encourage you and if you’re like me you need that reminder most when you’re caught in the middle of life’s daily routine!

P.S. I don’t benefit from the sale of any of these books and have not linked to any resources for you to purchase them. They are all available through Amazon as well as a variety of other book distributors. However, I am adding a link to my favorite version and translation of the Bible because the New Life Translation plus the Life Application Bible Study Notes blesses me.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

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How to Help a Loved One Struggling with Fear

4 / 25 / 194 / 26 / 19

I’m not a fan of many of the sayings you typically find on church signs.

Fear doesn’t leave because someone says . . . don’t be afraid or you need bigger faith ... practical ways to help a loved one struggling with fear. #Faith #BibleStudy #Prayer #OvercomeFear

You know. Things like…

Don’t tell God how big your fear is, tell your fear how big your God is.

F.E.A.R. – False Evidence Appearing Real

Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death.

Although there may be some truth in these quotes they sound trite to…

the parent who received a hard diagnosis about their child.
the spouse who is suddenly widowed.
the child whose parents are divorcing.
the employee whose boss just gave them a pink slip.
the family who can’t pay their bills.

The truth is that although there are countless verses telling us not to be afraid . . . there are things in life that are understandably frightening.

I can relate to this…

“It’s not the unknown I’m afraid of, it’s the known unknown.”

You see, I learned at a very young age that bad things happen.

I can still see my two-year-old self standing next to my grandmother looking out of an upstairs window as paramedics loaded my mother into an ambulance.

Until that, my only caregivers had been my parents or my grandparents and an aunt who lived upstairs.

But for the next two weeks – I stayed with family members I didn’t know very well and I learned . . . life can change in an instant.

And from that time on I was afraid.

Afraid of the dark. Afraid to spend the night away from home. Afraid something bad would happen to my parents. Afraid of being alone.

Once fear is a close companion it doesn’t leave because someone says . . . don’t be afraid or you need bigger faith. Frightened people know that and believe me, they would stop being afraid if they could!

Frightened people don’t want to be afraid! Telling them they shouldn’t be afraid and that their faith is weak or even sharing some trite church sign saying … is not going to help!

How to Help a Loved One Struggling with Fear

Listen with compassion – Don’t tell them not to be afraid. In fact, sometimes the best thing to say is, “I’m sorry you’re going through this. Would you like to talk about it?” Then listen, care, and be willing to help if you can.
Pray – Offer to pray for them. Better yet, offer to pray with them. Jesus understands fear as He experienced it.

While Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane praying before His arrest, trial, suffering and death, He prayed.

“Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Luke 22:42

Jesus was not afraid of the known unknown. He knew what was about to happen, and Luke, the Physician, wrote…

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

♥ Pray that your loved one would come to know that God truly is greater than their fear.

I didn’t believe God was greater than my fear until He proved it to me by graciously giving me everything I needed while lived through some of my greatest fears.

And one day at a time, He gave me the strength to keep going and peace that I couldn’t begin to understand.

And gradually, I began to realize that He really was with me … I didn’t have to be afraid anymore. G

I started to realize things that used to terrify no longer upset me … not because some quip on a church sign or picture on Pinterest said so but because God was giving me strength and peace when I needed it most.

As I prayed and others prayed for me, I focused more on Jesus than on fearful “what ifs.”

Who needs you to pray for them today?

Verses to Pray for a Loved One Struggling with Fear

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

Jesus, __________ is struggling with fear. Please help them to know You are always with them … that You will never leave them nor forsake them. Help __________ know you understand their fear and how very much You love them.

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

Jesus, fear is a difficult burden … it is exhausting. __________ needs Your help. Fear-filled thoughts keep them from getting the rest they need. Please help them and fill them with Your peace.

You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”
Psalm 32:7–8

Father, be my __________’s hiding place; protect them in this time of trouble and surround them with songs of victory. Guide them along the best path for life. Advise them and watch over them.

Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6b–7

Father, Please give _________ Your hard to understand peace. Help them remember the big and small things You have done … ways You have blessed, helped, and protected. By Your grace, increase __________’s faith and help them turn to You in prayer whenever they’re afraid.

And please help my loved one remember…

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

Father, You are the perfect love who casts out fear. Thank you for demonstrating Your love through Jesus, who suffered our punishment so we know Your love and never have to be afraid again. Amen.

Friend, when someone you love is struggling with fear … listen and pray!

Because the truth is…

God really is greater than our fears!

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

My Favorite Bible Resources

by and @ Rebecca Hastings

Three Ways to Surrender Judgment and
Welcome a Heart of Compassion

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How Can I Ever Begin to Thank You, Jesus?

4 / 21 / 194 / 19 / 19

It’s Easter!

He is Risen!

I thought this would be the easiest prayer of all to write until I began and words seemed beyond my reach because I knew the truth…

How Can I Ever Begin to Thank You, Jesus?

Your Resurrection Day changed everything! Everything!

Because of Your resurrection…

My sins are forgiven and I have been freed from sin’s greatest consequence.

He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins.
Ephesians 1:

I have a LIFE that lasts forever.

[It] was God’s 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 1:9b–10

I have the promise that, You, Jesus are praying for me.

Because Jesus lives forever, His priesthood lasts forever.Therefore He is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through Him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.
Hebrews 7:34–35

I have hope for today, tomorrow, and forever.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

I have Your perfect peace to guard my heart and mind.

Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6b–7

I have confidence that all of Your promises are true and that You will faithfully accomplish them all.

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.
1 Corinthians 15:3b–4

I have the assurance that You are with me through good and bad … always and forever.

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

And today and every day I can proclaim with Job…

As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,
   and He will stand upon the earth at last.
And after my body has decayed,
   yet in my body, I will see God!
I will see Him for myself.
   Yes, I will see Him with my own eyes.
    I am overwhelmed at the thought!
Job 19:25–27

How can I ever begin to thank you, Jesus?!

With Your Spirit’s help…

I will do my best to make everything I do and say an offering of thanksgiving for all that You have done for me.

I will surrender each day to You. I will trust and follow Your will as You reveal it to me.

I will rely on You to give me everything I need for whatever lies ahead.

I will love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength and I will love those You place around me.

Yes, I will love because that is the perfect way to thank You, Jesus!

By Your grace, please help me fulfill these “I will” promises as my thank you!

Because Jesus…

Your love overwhelms me! Your love transforms me! Your love surrounds me and fills me.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2:20

By Your grace, mercy, and love, I have everything I need now and forever!

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You, Jesus! Amen.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

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Father, Please Help Me on the Painful In-Between Days

4 / 20 / 194 / 20 / 19

I'm praying because I can relate to in-between days ... painful days of confusion, overwhelming grief and unanswered questions. #Jesus #Easter #MountainMovingPrayers #CountingMyBlessings

It’s the day between Good Friday and Easter.

And for a moment, I want to turn my attention from Jesus to His followers because I can relate to between days … painful days of confusion, overwhelming grief and unanswered questions.

I think most of us have experienced those “in-between” days. The truth is we’re all living in the “in-between” … so, I’m praying…

Father, Please Help Me on the Painful In-Between Days

Father, in-between days should be full of hope but when yesterday is painful and tomorrow is unknown … living in-between is hard.

I can imagine myself hiding in grief with Jesus’ disciples. I picture them overwhelmed with grief at Your Son’s death and terrified of those who killed Him. Confused because it didn’t turn out the way they thought it would and full of questions about what lies ahead.

Yes, I see myself grieving and afraid.

I’ve been there, between…

the diagnosis and the healing
the loss and the restoration
the lie and the truth
the lack and the provision
the bitter and the sweet
the unknown and the known

I need You, Father. I need You because You live on the side of the healing, the restoration, the truth, provision, and sweetness. You live on the side of the known and You are more than able to gently and securely take me from this in-between time and space to the one that awaits me. The one You are preparing … a future hope.

“For 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

With Your Spirit’s help, I will focus on Your promises that give me hope.

I will trust that whatever is going on in my life, You are able to renew my strength. I believe there will be days when You will help me soar but there will also be others when it will take supernatural strength just to keep moving ahead. (Based on Isaiah 40:31) And that’s okay … because You are with me.

That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? It’s what the disciples thought on that in-between day and it’s the lie I can so easily believe on my in-between days.

Their master was dead and they believed they had been left alone and I can feel alone sometimes too.

But Jesus said…

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

And…

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.
John 14:16

Your Word also says…

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

So, with Your help, I will cling to Your promises.

I will trust You on the in-between days.

The truth is … every day is an in-between day … as we live between Jesus’ ascension and His glorious return. But just like those first followers on that Holy Saturday, that new day is on the horizon. A day of hope and promise and life!

Thank you, Father! Amen.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

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Father, It is Finished – Please Forgive Me

4 / 19 / 194 / 19 / 19

It is finished. How can we call it Good Friday? Because Jesus' sacrifice that day is Good News for the lost and broken ... people like you and me. #GoodFriday #Easter #Jesus #CountingMyBlessings

I have a hard time getting my brain around all that this day we call “Good Friday” embraces.

When I think about the betrayals and denials, trials and lashes, a crown of thorns and crowds shouting “crucify Him” … all pieces of the day that Jesus suffered and died.

How can we call it … Good Friday?

Because Jesus’ sacrifice that day is Good News for the lost and broken … for people like you and me.

People who need forgiveness. So, I’m praying…

Father, It is Finished – Please Forgive Me

Father, Your Word says…

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 4:10

Your love overwhelms me … humbles me.

I am so undeserving of Your grace and mercy.

I imagine myself in the worst parts of that day. Oh, it’s easier to think that I would have been standing with John and the Marys … that I would have faithfully followed Your Son to the foot of the cross.

But I wonder, would I have been strong enough or would I have followed the crowd? Would I have been stood strong on Your truth or listened to church leaders, the ones with power and prestige.

That’s how I end up overwhelmed…

Because of Your amazing grace and unfailing love You suffered and died for them, for me!

You sent Your Son to suffer and die for…

Pharisees and Sadducees
High Priests and Temple Leaders
Caiaphas, Herod, and Pontius Pilate
Soldiers and Guards
Betrayers and Deniers
Tax-collectors, Adulterers, and Cheaters
Sinners

People like me!

So today, as I approach the foot of the cross and hear His words, “It is finished!” And my heart and mind cry out, “Father, forgive me!”

I’m so sorry!

I believe Your Word that says…

Everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.
Romans 3:23

And…

The wages of sin is death.
Romans 6:23

I believe that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, that…

There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12

I believe that by You grace…

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.
Galatians 2:20

And that I have been made right with You, Father, by placing my faith in Jesus Christ. That this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. (Based on Romans 3:22)

I trust Your promise…

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.
Romans 10:9–10

And Jesus promise…

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

Which is why I’m overwhelmed, Father.

It is by Your grace that I am saved. Grace given to me through the undeserved suffering and death of Your Son, and my Savior, Jesus.

Thank you!

Because of Jesus’ “It is finished!” Because of Good Friday, I can say, “Please forgive me!”

And hear Him say, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Thank you, Father! That is Good News!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

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

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

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone?

Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

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Father, Help Me to be Humble and Kind – Make Me Like Jesus

4 / 18 / 194 / 13 / 19

So much happened on Thursday of Holy Week. Jesus washed His apostles’ feet. He celebrated a Passover meal with them. He walked with them and taught them about faith and faithfulness. He warned them of the world’s hatred and promised them the presence of the Holy Spirit.

And He prayed.

On Maundy Thursday, Jesus served and taught His disciples and He prayed. I'm inviting you to pray with me as I ask God to make me humble and kind—more like Jesus. #BibleStudy #Prayer #MoreLikeJesus #CountingMyBlessings

Today, I’m praying and asking the Father to work in me and make me like Jesus.

Father, Help Me to be Humble and Kind Make Me Like Jesus

Father, I want to be humble and kind. I want to be like Jesus … to live for Your glory and love as He loved. But I fall so far short. I can be self-focused and selfish. I can get so busy doing I fall short of loving.

I’m sorry! Please forgive me and help me.

I want to be willing to humbly wash feet … to take the role of a servant. Make me willing to serve You by loving Your people.

Father, make me…

strong … willing to work enthusiastically for You remembering Your promise that nothing I do for You is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:58
obedient … willing to follow Your will and keep Your commands. John 14:15
a living sacrifice … serving as an act of worship. Romans 12:1
humble and gentle … willing to love and forgive for Your glory. Ephesians 4:2

It’s hard to be a servant sometimes; especially when people are demanding and greedy.

May Jesus be my example…

Help me take time to get away with You so that I might have patience and strength to serve. Help me rest when I need to so that I might have the energy I need to love like Jesus.

Make me wise and discerning that I might follow where You lead and serve as You want.

Keep me faithful to the study of Your Word that I might know Your truth and follow Your will.

And Father, I ask that You will protect Your children. Jesus said…

I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.
John 15:19

And…

Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.
John 16:33a

This is hard, Father. It’s hard to be hated and persecuted. It’s hard to face trials and sorrows.

When I’m afraid. When I’m dealing with loss, pain, or prejudice. When my health fails and my heart hurts. Please help me remember that Jesus also said…

Take heart, because I have overcome the world.
John 16:33b

And He promised…

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

With Your help, I will surrender this day to Your Spirit’s guidance and I will do my best to love like Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

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

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Jesus, Help Me Obey and Love with Faith and Patience

4 / 16 / 194 / 13 / 19

The Lord spent the Tuesday of Holy Week teaching important truths, so we're praying Jesus, help me obey and love... #Faith #BibleStudy #TrustJesus #CountingMyBlessings

On Tuesday of Holy Week, Jesus spent one last day teaching in the Temple Courtyard and the leading priests and elders came to Him with a challenge…

“By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?”
Matthew 21:23

After answering their question with a question … He began teaching some very important lessons about obedience, love, patience, and faithfulness.

So today, we’re going to pray and ask the Lord to help us sit with Him and learn the important truths we need to love and obey His commands and patiently wait with unwavering faith.

Jesus, Help Me Obey and Love with Faith and Patience

Jesus, I am overwhelmed that even though You had cleared the Temple courtyard the day before and You knew the very leaders of that Temple would succeed in their efforts to have You tortured and killed … You returned yet again to teach them the truth. To give them one more opportunity to change their hearts and minds and believe.

Your love amazes me. You continue to pursue each one of us … offering Yourself, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Offering the transforming power of faith.

Please forgive me for the hurriedness that prevents me from sitting with You — listening and learning. Please forgive me for the times I’ve believed lies without examining them against the truths that You taught. Forgive me the many times I’ve failed to love the way You want and wait the way You ask. I’m so sorry.

I’m asking You to help me sit with Your Word today and hold the truths You taught in my heart praying…

Please Lord Jesus, help me…

Obey when You ask me to go and work. Matthew 21:28–32
Surrender my heart, my life, my all to You, the Cornerstone of our faith. Matthew 21:33–44
Prepare my heart and mind for heaven knowing that to enter, I am completely dependent upon You, my Lord and Savior. Matthew 22:1–14
Trust and obey Your commands to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. And love your neighbor as you love yourself. Matthew 22:34–40
Sit and learn both the Old and New Testaments that I might know and understand the way every account and testimony points to You. Matthew 22:41–45
Help me to test the teachings of people against the teachings of Scripture that I might know the Truth that gives me forgiveness and freedom. Matthew 23:2–12
Surrender my life completely to You that I might reject hypocrisy and be clean inside and out. Matthew 23:23:13–36
Give You my all. Luke 21:1–4
Faithfully wait and watch … always prepared and ready for You to come for me personally or for Your triumphant return for us all. Matthew 25:1–13
Invest in things that matter. Make me a faithful servant. Matthew 25:14–30
Do for others in love as if I were doing for You … for this is your will for me. Matthew 25:31–46

Lord, thank you for seeing to it that Your teachings were written for us. Thank you for being the Way for us to be forgiven and restored to the Father. Thank you for being the Truth that gives us freedom today and hope for tomorrow. Thank you for being the Life we need … life that lasts forever and always.

Thank you for being all we need to heal our past, to live in the present, and to face the future with anticipation and joy.

Thanks and praise forever and always. Amen.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

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

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Mountain Moving Prayers for Holy Week

4 / 11 / 194 / 11 / 19

We’ve been praying 40 Days of Mountain Moving Prayers each morning on my Facebook Page since Ash Wednesday. If you missed out … you can find them all here.

I want anything is possible mountain moving faith inspired by all Jesus has done for me through His suffering, death, and resurrection ... Holy Week. I'm asking God to use this time to grow my #faith. #Prayer #BibleStudy #BlessingBloggers

Lent is traditionally described as the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter when you skip the Sundays. We didn’t skip the Sundays; so, our 40 days will end tomorrow.

Mountain Moving Prayers for Holy Week

I want to keep these prayers going through Easter; so, beginning Sunday we’re going to pray … Mountain Moving Prayers for Holy Week.

We’ll use this time to focus on and grow closer to Jesus.

Anne Graham Lotz wrote…

Why did Jesus have to die?
If there was any other way to offer us forgiveness of sin, to reconcile us to God, to give us eternal life, and to open Heaven for us when we die, God would have found it. He never would have sent Jesus to die on the cross.
There simply is no other way.

That’s how much God loves us! How much Jesus loves us! He willingly paid the “no other way” price to give us what we could have no other way.

“This is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him.
John 3:16–17

And our response…

LOVE!

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.
Luke 10:27

And through Mountain Moving Prayers for Holy Week, you and I will ask God to help us love like Jesus.

He knew He was approaching horrible suffering and death and yet, He moved ahead because of His love for us. He also knew the victory that would follow and because of His victory You and I can have everything we need to live with faith and love.

Like the original 40 days of prayers, these prayers will be a short under 2-minute commitment each day.

I’m hoping you will join me because I want you to know that whatever you’re going through … God’s love is greater.

I’m ashamed to say I used to doubt that … but it’s true! I believed there were potentially unmet needs or possible losses that would destroy me.

And when some of those very things did happen, Jesus gently and lovingly whispered…

“You don’t have enough faith.”
Matthew 17:20

And He was right. But then, at one particularly low point, I cried out…

“I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
Mark 9:24

By His grace, that’s a prayer the Lord always wants to answer and with His Spirit’s help … my faith is growing as I keep my eyes on Him…

Let us keep looking to Jesus. Our faith comes from Him and He is the One Who makes it perfect. He did not give up when He had to suffer shame and die on a cross.
Hebrews 12:2 (NLV)

He knew what followed…

He knew of the joy that would be His later. Now He is sitting at the right side of God.
Hebrews 12:2b

And so do we! We know what follows. We have the promises of the One who sits on the throne — the King of kings and Lord of lords.

We have the promise of Easter.

So, between now and then, we will pray…

Palm Sunday – Father, help me praise You every day … whatever my circumstances.

Holy Monday – Father, guide Your church. Keep us in Your will and fill us with Your love.

Holy Tuesday – Father, help me sit with Jesus and learn from Him.

Holy Wednesday – Father, by Your grace, help me know when it is time to simply “be still” and rest in Your presence.

Holy Thursday – Father, help me to be a humble and caring … willing to serve like Jesus.

Good Friday – Father, fix my eyes on Jesus and His sacrificial love.

Holy Saturday – Father, give me hope even when it appears that all is lost.

Easter Sunday – Father, help me celebrate the victory You have won for me every day of my life and with Your help, live each day with LOVE!

So, join me as at the intersection of faith and life as we walk with Jesus and pray – Mountain Moving Prayers for Holy Week!

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

When You Have Nothing Else, Offer Prayer

by Maryann Lorts
@ Coming to Light

Journaling for the Glory of God

by Jana Carlson
@ Wield the Word

AND the…

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!

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

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.

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…

And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Thank you and God bless!

Friends, we’ll take a break next week from our Link Party to focus on Jesus sacrificial love. I’ll hope you join me each day next week to pray and come back the following week when Faith ‘n Friends Link Party will return.

How Do You See Jesus When You Pray?

4 / 8 / 194 / 8 / 19

I have times when I am overwhelmed by God’s presence when I’m praying and I also know the feeling of loneliness as my pleas seem to simply hang heavy in the air around me.

I joined some friends to answer the question ... "How do you see Jesus when you pray?" You might be surprised by our responses. I wonder what you would say. #BibleStudy #Jesus #Prayer #CountingMyBlessings

I know God’s promises to hear the prayers of His children. Promises like…

The Lord is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on Him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cries for help and rescues them.
Psalm 145:18–19

So, I know my feelings have everything to do with me and nothing to do with God.

And that truth made me think about the way my attitudes, views, and what I’m thinking about influence my feelings about the time I spend in prayer.

Which is why I decided to ask some of my friends the question…

How Do You See Jesus When You Pray?

Here are some of their answers and the Scriptures that I believe support their thoughts…

♥ Shannon wrote – Most often I’m like Mary sitting at His feet. Sometimes he’s just sitting right beside me and sometimes I’m bombarding heaven.

Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what He taught … There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:39,42

♥ Marva wrote – I honestly think God laughs at me sometimes. I imagine I’m gently resting my head on His shoulders as I tell him all my worries.

One of the disciples, the one Jesus loved dearly, was reclining against Him, his head on His shoulder.
John 13:23 (MSG)

♥ Diana wrote – I start off in my prayer visualizing the Father seated on the throne – Almighty and Powerful. As I praise Him for who He is, as I pour my cconcerns, I picture myself sitting on Jesus’ lap with my head on His broad chest .

I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb … And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!”
Revelation 7:9a,10

♥ Carmen wrote – I often picture myself kneeling before Him. My face on the ground to his feet. His demeanor is always welcoming, peaceful, and the intensity of feeling the holy spirit always makes me cry to Him in a humble manner.

“Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at His feet and, trembling with fear, told Him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
Mark 5:33–34

♥ Sarah wrote – When I feel anxious, I imagine God holding me securely in His hand.

From eternity to eternity I am God.
No one can snatch anyone out of my hand.
No one can undo what I have done.
Isaiah 43:13

♥ Cathy wrote – I often picture Jesus walking beside me along a mountain trail (my favorite place to be). But sometimes, I’m sitting at His feet, my head on His knees, and He’s stroking my hair like my dad did when I was little.

Jesus and His disciples left Galilee and went up to the villages near Caesarea Philippi. As they were walking along, He asked them, “Who do people say I am?”
Mark 8:27

♥ Ann wrote – I picture Him on the throne interceding for me at times. Other times, holding my right hand as Isaiah says.

Who then can say we are guilty? It was Christ Jesus Who died. He was raised from the dead. He is on the right side of God praying to Him for us.
Romans 8:34 (NLV)

♥ Rachel wrote – I often picture Jesus sitting beside me, or walking alongside me. Sometimes we dance, or embrace, hold hands, or I simply rest against Him. I love these times with Him. I feel so loved and protected. He truly is the lover of my soul!

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.
Zephaniah 3:17

♥ Elaine wrote – When I pray or practice my singing, I often picture God and Jesus on their thrones.

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Hebrews 4:16

♥ Joan wrote – It is different at different times. Sometimes He’s holding me like a parent would… A hug when I’m crying. But, the way I imagine Him the most when I pray is Him sitting next to me… in a chair, leaning in and truly listening.

If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me.
Psalm 66:18–20

How Do You See Jesus When You Pray? -I joined some friends to answer the question ... "How do you see Jesus when you pray?" You might be surprised by our responses. I wonder what you would say. #BibleStudy #Jesus #Prayer #CountingMyBlessings

How do I see Jesus when I pray?

I share many of the thoughts expressed by my friends. At different times in my life, I’ve pictured Jesus sitting beside me. I’ve imagined the Father sitting on His throne. I’ve walked with Him and I’ve fallen flat on my face before Him in repentance.

But how do I see Jesus most often lately?

I imagine Him waiting for me at the well.

Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well.
John 4:6

He knows what it’s like to be worn out by life and yet … He waits for me.

And I’m a mess. Life has been hard. It hasn’t gone the way I hoped and dreamed. I tried but my failures have labeled me and I feel judged by those who have done better.

As I approach Him, Jesus doesn’t judge me although He knows the truth, not based on gossip or innuendo but fact. He knows everything about me. He’s aware of every sin … things I’ve done and things I’ve left undone. And yet, He doesn’t turn away but invites me into a conversation. He leans in and listens.

And He offers me compassion, kindness, and hope.

The time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship Him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.”
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 4:23–26

The Savior of the world. The Word made flesh. The Lord of lords and King of kings. The Messiah invites me to know His saving grace … to be forgiven. Not because I’ve done anything to earn or deserve it but simply because that is who He is!

Because of who He is … I can boldly pray to and worship the Father. I can approach the One who is on the throne. I can sit at my Savior’s feet and learn His will for me. I can face each day with hope knowing that I am forgiven and loved.

And I can enthusiastically tell others about Him.

Friend, Jesus is waiting for you. He already knows everything about you and everything you are are going through … He cares. He loves you.

So, let me ask you?

How do you see Jesus when you pray?

Thank you so much for joining me today.

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone?

Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

5 Verses to Pray When You are Sick and Tired of Waiting

4 / 4 / 194 / 5 / 19

We quickly get tired of waiting in lines, traffic, and waiting rooms. When God says "wait" and we don't know what that means for the future - it's hard! #Prayer #BibleStudy #ChristianCommunity #BibleVerses #CountingMyBlessings

Waiting is my favorite … said no one ever!

Entire industries have been developed because we want what they want and we don’t want to wait for it!

We hate waiting in lines. Traffic jams make our heads spin around. We pull our phones out to pass the time in waiting rooms and still we grow more impatient with each passing moment.

So, I guess we shouldn’t be surprised that we really struggle when God’s answer to one of our prayers is … “not now.” Especially because He doesn’t tell us when. He simply says, “wait.”

And waiting is hard. I know … we’ve had some experience with waiting.

Let me give you a few personal examples…

Rev and I experienced seven years of secondary infertility. Years of temperature charts and hormonal roller coasters.

We waited almost a year for a diagnosis when Rev was ill and that was just the beginning of many more months of waiting on treatment, surgery, and praise God … healing.

Then my mom took a terrible fall and broke her neck, wrist, and hip. We waited for weeks as she seemed to be recovering … only to have her fall again and die from her injuries.

Six weeks after my mom died, our first grandchild was born at 24 weeks, weighing just a little over a pound and a half. And we waited and waited as he spent time in hospitals and doctor’s offices. Praise God … he is a happy and healthy 11-year-old today!

Friend, I get it! Waiting is hard!

And one of the hardest parts of waiting on God is although He knows the outcome … you and I do not.

Maybe you’re waiting because of a health issue, a relationship struggle, or a financial problem. Maybe you need a door to open professionally. Maybe you’re waiting on a loved one to surrender their heart to Jesus.

Whatever you’re waiting for … God’s Word tells us to bring our prayers to the Lord as we wait with hope. So, today we will pray..

5 Verses to Pray When You are Sick and Tired of Waiting

Psalm 27:7–8

Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard You say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”

Father, I feel like I’ve prayed for this a hundred times or more. My heart cries out. Sometimes I feel like a pestering child pleading again and again … asking You to give me the answer my heart desires. And yet, as many times as I come to You, You never turn me away.

You say, “Come and talk with me.” So, here I am once again. Please strengthen me while I wait and help me trust Your will for me. Fill me with Your Spirit and give me Your peace. I can’t do this on my own. But I believe Your promise that I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13) Amen.

Isaiah 55:8–9

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

Father, forgive me. I really am shortsighted. I only see my immediate needs. It’s hard to imagine the “what-ifs” of the future. But You know them all. You see the end from the beginning. And not just the big picture, You are personally involved in the details of my life.

Help me trust You! Help me know that if You ask me to wait … there is a good reason. Help me rest knowing that whatever You allow, even this season of waiting, is filtered through Your love. Hold me close, Father, and bless me with Your perfect peace. Amen.

Romans 8:24–28

(If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.) And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Father, waiting patiently and confidently is hard … especially when the enemy taunts me with doubts and fears. Please place a hedge of protection around my heart and mind. Give me Your promises to defeat the enemy’s lies in my life.

Thank you, for this word of promise that even when I’m discouraged and exhausted from waiting, Your Spirit continues to pray for me in line with what You know is best for me. And then … You graciously and lovingly work it all out for good.

I’ll admit, sometimes Your answers don’t seem “good” at the moment but with Your help, I will trust that You know what is best for my eternal good even when I don’t understand right now. I surrender this need to Your love and care. Amen.

Psalm 40:1–3

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.

Father, I want to wait patiently for Your help. But honestly, I’m not very good at it. I can be whiney and pouty. Sometimes I sound like those complaining wilderness wanderers. But You never stop loving me. You hear my cries from the pits I dig for myself and You reach down when I’m sinking in self-pity … gently offering me Your outstretched hand.

By Your grace, help me to look up. Make me aware of all You are faithfully doing on my behalf. And help me to trust You to lift me up and lead me. You not only know what lies ahead for me; You promise to go with me. Thank you, Lord. Amen.

Psalm 33:20–22 (NCV)

So our hope is in the Lord. He is our help, our shield to protect us. We rejoice in Him because we trust His holy name. Lord, show Your love to us as we put our hope in You.

Father, whatever happens today … my hope is in You. While I wait … my hope is in You. I believe that You are protecting me in countless ways.

I trust You to give me everything I need to wait today and I will trust You to give me everything I need again tomorrow.

Yes, I will continue to ask. I will seek and I will knock on the throne room door. I will come to You in faith trusting that You always keep Your promises. Fill me with Your Spirit that I might experience “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, and self-control” today. By Your grace and for Your glory … in Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Yes, waiting is hard.

But you and I don’t wait alone. By God’s grace, we have the Holy Spirit who is holding us up before the throne of grace. Jesus called Him, the Advocate … the Spirit of truth (John 15:26) He is with us and in us giving us what we need while we wait.

If you’re tired of waiting for something today … I would love to join you in prayer. Please leave your prayer request in the comments or on the Blessing Counters Pray Page.

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

3 Fantastic Ways to Pass the Hope of Easter to Our Children

by and @ Crystal Twaddell

16 Names of God and What They Mean

by Patsy Burnette
@ InstaEncouragements

AND the…

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!

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

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.

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…

And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Thank you and God bless!

5 Verses to Pray for Your Son to be Strong, Courageous, and Wise

3 / 28 / 193 / 29 / 19

I was so blessed by Melanie’s guest post last week – 5 Verses to Pray for Your Daughter’s Spiritual Sensitivity and Growth, that I was inspired to write a post of verses we could pray for our sons as well.

Verses and prayers for your son to seek God first and to be strong, courageous, and wise as he lives in a society that tells him the opposite. #PrayforChildren #PrayforSon #BibleStudy #BibleVerses

I’ve said often that the one thing I wish I had done more often when my children were growing up is PRAY for them!

Not just for their success and happiness but for their spiritual growth.

The quote Melanie shared is so insightful…

“Most of us spend all of our time praying our kids onto the soccer team, into the club, into the school, into the sorority, into the job, and into the friend group.

But, are we really taking time each day to pray our children INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD?’’

There is nothing more important … not just for their eternal future although there truly is nothing I want more as a parent than to spend eternity with my loved ones in heaven. But the Kingdom of God is not just about their eternal future…

The degree to which our sons and daughters seek the Kingdom of God will have an impact on their lives every day from the moment they believe.

It’s why my tagline here at Counting My Blessings is “At the Intersection of Faith and Life.”

Kingdom citizenship and our relationship with God affects everything … every day!

So I’m thankful it’s not too late. I pray regularly for our children and grandchildren to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength and I ask God to give them an ever growing desire to “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else.”

And that’s where I’m starting today as I pray for my son, son-in-love, and grandsons. I’d love for you to join me.

5 Verses to Pray for Your Son to be Strong, Courageous, and Wise

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.
Matthew 6:33

Father, Please give ________ a deep desire to seek a relationship with You above everything else this life has to offer. I pray that he will search the Scriptures so he might know Your heart and Your promises. Please help __________ know and follow Your will.

Make this promise true in __________’s life. Enable him by the power of Your Spirit and graciously give him everything he needs to live for You. Amen.

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.
Proverbs 9:10

Father, Please give __________ godly wisdom. The world will confront him with lies about what is wise. But Father, Your Word says that true wisdom and good judgment come to those who fear You.

Please help __________ to know and understand what it means to fear You … to have awe and respect for who You are and obey Your commands. Protect __________ and give him good judgment. Amen.

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.
Deuteronomy 31:6

Father, Please give __________ the strength and courage he needs to live obedient to Your Word and Your will. There will always be people who will try to dissuade and discourage him. He will be challenged by thoughts and ideas that stand against Your truth. Father, please make __________ strong … willing to take a stand against the crowd, always willing to trust and follow Your will. Assure him of Your constant presence and give him peace knowing that wherever the road before him leads … You are already there.

Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32

Father, just as I ask for __________ to be strong and courageous in a world that will try to weaken him; please help him to see the strength that comes in being kind, caring and forgiving. May __________ realize the blessings of loving like Jesus. Amen.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2

Father, this is hard. I’ve heard it said often, “God whispers and the world is loud.” It is so very true. In fact, lately, it seems like the world is getting even louder and more frantic. So, Father, I ask that You will work in __________’s heart and mind. Transform him through Your Spirit. Give him an overwhelming desire to know and follow Your good, pleasing, and perfect will. In Jesus name. Amen.

Remember … Melanie has written a new book titled – Live in Light – 5-Minute Devotions for Teen Girls … you can preorder your copy here.

And there is a partner book by Andy Dooley titled – Walk in Faith – 5-Minute Devotions for Teen Guys … you can find it here.

Of all the things you and I do for our children, there is nothing more important than praying for and with them everyday.

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

Wrapped in the Word

by Tai East
@ A Spirit-Kissed Soul

6 Questions to Help You Make Good Decisions in Life

by Leslie Newman
@ Journey to Imperfect

AND the…

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