Why It’s Important for You to Be Broken Before Jesus

Those who proudly thought they had all the answers tried to trap Jesus through questions. But Jesus welcomes questions from those who are humble and broken. #Forgiveness #God'sLove #Jesus #CountingMyBlessings

Jesus would have welcomed the Pharisee’s questions if they had truly wanted to learn from Him. But they tossed questions His way trying to trap Him into saying something that would either 1. get Him in trouble with those who followed Him, or 2. get Him in trouble with the Roman government.

The funny thing is, they never realized they didn’t have a chance . . . they were “matching wits” with God Himself.

They arrogantly asked…

“By what authority are you doing all these things?
Luke 20:2

Jesus responded…

“Let me ask you a question first.”
Luke 20:3

They pridefully inquired…

“Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
Luke 20:22

Jesus replied…

“Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
Luke 20:25

And arrogance and pride in any form will always get in the way of knowing Jesus.

Jesus quoted the Psalmist who had written:

The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.
Luke 20:17

And He looked at the proud and arrogant and said…

Everyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on.
Luke 20:18

Have you been broken to pieces? I have. And I’ve learned that God’s way of doing things requires brokenness.

Brokenness that falls at the foot of the cross in humility and says, “I’m so sorry, Jesus. I need Your forgiveness and healing.”

The Life Application Bible says there is a choice to make, we will either be broken before or in the end we will be crushed by Him. That’s the Law. But the Gospel is—Jesus welcomes the broken.

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.”
Matthew 5:3

A Prayer for Those Who Know
They are Broken and Need Jesus

Lord Jesus, Thank you for allowing me to stumble . . . for allowing the consequences that led to my brokenness.

Please forgive me for the times I foolishly listened to and believed the enemy’s lies. Forgive me for ever thinking I know the answers apart from You. Forgive my moments of arrogance, pride, and selfishness. I am so sorry.

Please grant me wisdom to know and understand Your will. Please help me trust and follow You wherever You lead.

Thank you for welcoming our questions when we humbly come to You SEEKing YOUR ABSOLUTE TRUTH. You are love. You are full of compassion. You care.

You are my Lord and Savior and I worship and adore You. Amen.

The truth is . . . being broken is unpleasant. Who am I kidding, it’s hard! But oh, I wouldn’t trade my brokenness for anything in the world. Through it, I received the healing touch of Jesus on my life.

And I gained the Lord’s hard to understand peace, a future filled with hope, and more blessings than I can count. I learned that everything God promised about His grace, mercy, and love is a TRUTH that I can count on every single day.

That is the blessing of knowing I am broken and that I need Jesus.

On today’s note write:

Jesus welcomes those who are broken before Him.

God bless you today as you praise God for His healing mercy and grace.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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How to Experience the Joy of Being Seen, Loved, Changed, and Blessed

3 / 31 / 213 / 29 / 21

2,000 years ago, Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus and he was seen and loved. Then because of His time with Jesus, he was also changed and blessed. #Godlovesyou #LovedbyGod #Blessings #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

He was “vertically challenged.” So short in stature that he couldn’t see Jesus over the crowd. He was also hated. As a tax collector he could collect as muct as possible from people and keep the surplus for himself.

When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”
Luke 19:5

Yet 2,000 years later he inspires us. Zacchaeus was a SEEKer. So much so, that he climbed a tree just to see Jesus! I picture Jesus seeing him up there, perched on that limb and smiling . . . maybe even cracking up.

Jesus responded to this hated, short, SEEKer with love and compassion. He went home to his house and changed his life.

Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Luke 19:9–10

And Zacchaeus not only believed in Jesus, his actions also testified to his faith—he promised he would give the poor half his wealth and reimburse taxpayers 4 times the amount of any money he had cheated from them.

You and I can be inspired by both the converted tax-collector and by the One who looked beyond where he was to see life-changing possibilities.

Zacchaeus was seen, loved, changed, and blessed by the One who is able to do the same for you and me.

Let’s pray to respond like Zacchaeus by SEEKing and responding with joy to the message of Jesus love. And to respond like Jesus, that we my look past the surface to see all the possibilities when a life is surrendered to the Lord’s love.

A Prayer of Thanks
We are Seen, Loved, Changed, and Blessed

Oh Lord, thank you! When I feel small and insignificant—You see me. When I feel unlovable because of my flaws and failures—You love me.

And You smile because You see my potential is greater than my past. You see me with a changed future. One that is blessed with forgiveness, faith, hope, peace, joy, life, and love.

By Your grace, may I be a faithful SEEKer of Your truth and Your will. May I find peace in Your promises and comfort in Your presence. Please help me respond to Your love by surrendering to You and all You want for me. Change me Lord according to Your will. Help me resist temptation that I might obey You. Help me forgive as I have been forgiven. Help me love as You love me. Help me bless others as You have so abundantly blessed me.

Your love surrounds me and changes me. I pray that with the help of Your Spirit I will faithfully love You with all that I am and love others in ways that give them a desire to SEEK You as well. I thank you and praise You, my Lord and my God. Amen.

I remember singing a song about Zacchaeus when I was a little girl. The lyrics went like this…

Zacchaeus was a wee little man
And a wee little man was he
He climbed up in a sycamore tree
For the Lord he wanted to see

And when the Savior passed that way
He looked up in the tree
And said, ‘Zacchaeus, you come down!
For I’m going to your house today!
For I’m going to your house today!’

Zacchaeus was a wee little man
But a happy man was he
For he had seen the Lord that day
And a happy man was he;
And a very happy man was he.

Zacchaeus enjoyed the blessing of experiencing a life changed by Jesus. The blessing of knowing that no matter how the things appeared at the moment . . . He was seen, loved, changed, and blessed!

On today’s note write:

Because of Jesus, I am seen, loved, changed, and blessed.

God bless you today as you SEEK Jesus and respond to His love.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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How You Can Know If You are Worthy of Jesus’ Time

3 / 30 / 213 / 30 / 21

It's people who try to decide who is and who isn't worthy. But Jesus says "come to me." Jesus makes everyone who humbly comes to Him worthy! #Worthy #JesusLovesYou #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers #WWGGG

When you feel rejected and unworthy . . . run to Jesus!

In a first Century culture, men were valued, women less so, and children were to be seen and not heard.

One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him.
Luke 18:15

It wasn’t unusual for mothers to bring their children to a rabbi for a blessing. And unfortunately, it wasn’t unusual for the disciples to try to decide if someone was worthy of Jesus’ time.

They wanted to or did send away…

Hungry crowds in need of a meal.
A Canaanite woman whose daughter needed healing.
And these children.

We’re guilty sometimes, aren’t we?

We’re guilty of deciding who is worthy of coming to Jesus. We’re guilty of choosing who’s good enough to worship with us. And some of us have even been judged and considered unworthy ourselves.

But when Jesus saw what the disciples were doing, He said…

Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.
Luke 18:16

He lifted women up. He lifted the poor, the broken, the sick, and the hurting. He loved and accepted those who were rejected and unworthy from every race and background while consistently challenging those who were judgmental, proud, and self-righteous.

You see…

The truth is—no one is worthy of Jesus’ time!

Yet, He loves and receives everyone who comes to Him with humble trusting child-like faith. He calls them His cherished and precious masterpieces. (Ephesians 2:10)

Precious masterpieces who are blessed to be received and made worthy by Him every time they SEEK Him, RELY on Him and TRUST Him.

You and I are not “worthy” on our own but because of His grace, mercy, and love . . . the Lord declares us “worthy” of His time every time we humbly come to Him with child-like faith.

So when you feel rejected and unworthy—run to Jesus!

A Prayer to Be Worthy of Jesus’ Time

Jesus, thank you for caring for the unworthy and rejected. Thank you for loving every single one of us. Thank you for telling us we can come to You anytime. When the world calls us unworthy or someone rejects us . . . You never will. You welcome us with open arms.

Lord, I love you! I am so sorry for my sins that caused Your suffering. And I know that like John the Baptist said, “I am not worthy.” (Matthew 3:11)

But You say, “Come to me.” And You ask me to invite and welcome everyone I meet to “come” as well. By Your grace and with Your Spirit’s help, I will trust and obey. I will run to You when I feel unworthy and I will stand against the enemy when he tempts me to be prideful and judgmental.

Thank you for calling me Your own. Thank you for suffering my punishment and covering me with Your own righteousness so that the Father sees me as “worthy.” Your love overwhelms me. I praise You. I thank You. I love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen.

It’s the world’s way to consider some worthy and others unworthy. It’s the enemy’s desire to separate us by gender, race, background, beliefs, economics, education, etc.

But that is NOT the way of Jesus.

Jesus says EVERYONE and ANYONE who humbly comes to Him with humble child-like faith is precious and worthy of His time. To find out more about what it means to be childlike click here and to read all of Luke 18 click here.

On today’s note write:

Because of His love, Jesus declares me “worthy” of His time.

May God bless you as you run to Jesus today.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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Jesus Healed 10 But Only 1 Life Was Changed Forever

3 / 29 / 213 / 5 / 21

10 men came to Jesus for healing but only 1 returned to thank Him. That 1 was healed completely inside and out . . . a blessing that changed his life forever. #Gratitude #Thankful #Healing #ChangedLife #CountingMyBlessings

Have you ever prayed in desperation…

Jesus, if you __________ then I will __________?

Leprosy was a highly contagious disease of the skin that terrified people. For that reason, people who had it were completely isolated from their families and communities. They were even called “unclean.”

After the past year, it’s easy for us to see how easily people can isolate themselves out of fear of illness.

What if you heard there was a “Healer” in town? Someone who could make it possible for you to LIVE a normal life again? Not a “new normal” but a full healthy interactive life with those you love and care for?

10 men came to Jesus in need of a miracle.

I wonder if they were thinking, “If Jesus heals me, I will be so thankful . . . I will __________.

But how often do we think or even pray, “If Jesus __________ I will __________ and then we don’t?

Life distracts us and we go back to our old routines and habits.

But for one of the 10, the physical healing of His body led to a simple response of gratitude that led to a life-changing word from Jesus.

One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God. He kneeled at Jesus’ feet, so grateful. He couldn’t thank him enough—and he was a Samaritan.

[Jesus] said to him, “Get up. On your way. Your faith has healed and saved you.”
Luke 17:15–16, 19 (MSG)

Jesus gave him the greatest healing of all. He changed this man’s life forever, not only healing him physically but healing him spiritually.

Gratitude changes our lives. We are healed by God’s mercy and saved by His grace. And a thankful heart and life of gratitude opens us to a life of praise that blesses us and glorifies God.

A Prayer of Gratitude
and the Healing of a Changed Life

Father, please help me want Jesus more than anything. Help me want the Healer more than the healing. Help me come to You in faith with my needs but even more than that . . . help me come to You with gratitude for all You have done and continue to do for me.

You have changed my life! You forgive my sins and give me faith. You heal me physically but more importantly, You heal me spiritually. Because of Your grace, mercy, and love, I have everything I need today and the hope of having everything I need for all eternity.

Please help me to keep my heart and mind focused on You. Help me trust and obey Your will for me. Help me live a changed life of gratitude for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

When you and I focus on ourselves and forget to live with gratitude we open ourselves up to all kinds of temptation and sin. But running back to Jesus in gratitude opens our hearts to know and love Him more and more.

On today’s note write:

Today, I will pray to live my life changed by gratitude.

Read the rest of Luke 17 here.

May God bless you today as you thank Him for His gift of a life changed by His grace, mercy, and love.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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How a Bold Question About Money Actually Changed Our Lives

3 / 26 / 213 / 26 / 21

A wise friend once challenged us with a bold conversation about money that changed our lives and turned out to be a blessing full of wisdom. #Stewardship #Money #LoveMoney #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers

Have you ever had someone say something that annoyed you at the time but later you realized that God used that one comment to plant a seed and change your perspective?

This one occurred when Rev was a Seminary student assigned to do hands on instruction at the church where I was teaching 3rd grade. One of his assignments was making shut-in calls with an older gentleman from the church.

Harry was respected and loved by everyone but he had this one habit that could get on a person’s nerves. He referred to everything he “owned” as “belonging” to God. He drove God’s car and listened to God’s radio and so on and so forth.

So, Rev was a little put off when Harry asked him about our giving habits. We were poor students. I mean really poor students who were doing the best to make ends meet and we believed we were giving to the best of our ability.

But Harry challenged us in that conversation to 1. think of everything we had as a gift from God, and 2. faithfully give at least 10% of our income.

And Harry’s bold challenge about money changed our lives.

In Luke 16, Dr. Luke shared the way Jesus challenged His followers to change the way they thought about their finances.

No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.
Luke 16:13

When you and I think about our jobs and our incomes as blessings . . . gifts from God to be used generously for His glory. It changes everything. We start looking at Him with greater gratitude and at everything we have as ways to love others for His glory.

A Prayer to Trust God
with the Blessing of Money

Lord, You are Creator, Redeemer, Helper, and Friend. You are Lord of all! All we have is the result of Your loving care and creative hand. Your blessings extend to every corner of our lives.

Please forgive me for valuing things of this world more than I do the things that last forever. You have blessed me with all I need now and forever.

You forgive me and cover me with your grace, mercy, and love. You give me peace and joy, courage and strength, protection and provision. Please help me remember that all I have is a gift from Your hand and please help me to faithfully care for and use all I have been given in ways that will give Your glory and reflect Your love. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

An important point to remember when it comes to our attitudes about money is…

Money is a hard and deceptive master. Wealth promises power and control, but often it cannot deliver. Great fortunes can be made—and lost—overnight, and no amount of money can provide health, happiness, or eternal life.
Life Application Bible Notes

Stewardship is “the conducting, supervising, or managing of something; especially the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.”

All we have is only ours to use and the best way to do that is to prayerfully trust and obey God’s will and use all we have for His glory. And I have to tell you that change in attitude turned out to be an amazing blessing!

On today’s note write:

Everything is a gift from God to be used for His glory.

May you be blessed today as you prayerfully invite God to guide your use of all have.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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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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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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3 Awesome Reasons for Joy Found in Jesus’ Love

3 / 25 / 213 / 3 / 21

Jesus' love is made clear in three stories He told - stories of God's willingness to search for, wait for, and forgive anyone because He loves them. #BibleStudy #Parables #JesusLove #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers

Jesus went out of His way to show people that He loved them.

And because as He said…

The Father and I are one.
John 10:30

Jesus made the point that He was showing them God’s love for them.

A love that is proclaimed in the stories Jesus shared in Luke 15.

The Lost Sheep
The Lost Coin
The Prodigal Son

Jesus made it clear that God seeks out sinners and when they are found . . . He and all the hosts of heaven . . . REJOICE!

I love the messages of these parables.

The parable of the lost sheep tells us that the Lord seeks out those who are lost because of their own foolishness.

The parable of the lost coin explains that He seeks out those who are lost because of the carelessness of others.

And the parable of the prodigal son helps us know that He waits with open arms for those who are lost because of their own rebellion.

3 Reasons for Joy Found in Jesus’ Love

God is always pursuing those who are lost.

He has given each of us the freedom to trust Him or reject Him but He never does the rejecting. He is always doing whatever He can to find those who are lost.

If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?

Suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it?
Luke 15:4, 8

God is watching and waiting for those who have rejected Him to return home to Him.

We believe that going our own way is freedom but the truth is freedom is found in Christ Jesus alone. The truth is the joy we want is found in returning to the Father through Jesus’ love.

So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.
Luke 15:30

And then…

God throws a joyful party whenever one of His children comes home to Him.

But those who are self-righteous are in danger of missing out on the joy of celebrating God’s gift of forgiveness . . . both in the giving and in the receiving.

In Jesus’ story, the father left the party to seek out and plead with prideful older son to join the celebration because the Father seeks out both the unrighteous and the self-righteous. He wants everyone to experience His mercy, grace, and love.

The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him…
Luke 15:28

A Prayer to Experience Joy in Jesus

Lord, Your grace overwhelms me. You have given us the ability to make our own choices fully knowing that sometimes we will lose our way because of foolishness, carelessness, and rebellion. But even then, I see how You have worked in my life to guide me back to You.

When one of Your children returns from a time of rebellion, You are there watching and waiting with open arms, a forgiving heart, and the gift of freedom and joy.

Father, I am sorry for failing to faithfully follow Your will. I humbly come to You, and I thank You for seeking me, finding me, and forgiving me.

I ASK that by Your grace, You will give me the desire to SEEK You above all else and that You will help me forgive as I have been forgiven.

Thank you for giving me the gift of JOY. And all I have is because You have blessed me through Jesus’ love. I thank You and praise You. Amen.

Warren Wiersbe wrote:

Sin promises freedom, but it only brings slavery (John 8:34); it promises success, but brings failures; it promises life, but “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23)

The truth is . . . all we need forever and eternally is found in Jesus’ love.

On today’s note write:

Jesus’ love gives me JOY!

May God bless you today with the joy that is found in Jesus!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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

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

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How You Will Be Blessed If Jesus Is Everything You Want and Need

3 / 24 / 213 / 24 / 21

Carry your cross. Count the cost. Words that don't sound like Jesus. But He invites His followers to know that when He is what we want we have all we need. #Jesus #BibleStudy #CarryYourCross #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

I recently circled these words of David from Psalm 142:

Then I pray to you, O Lord.
I say, “You are my place of refuge.
You are all I really want in life.
Psalm 142:5

The rest of that section of his Psalm says things like . . . “I cry out, I plead, I pour out my complaints and tell Him all my troubles. I look for someone to help me but no one gives me a passing thought.”

And the words before say:

No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me.
Psalm 142:4b

Have you ever felt like David? Lonely? Afraid? Like no one cares?

If so, I want you to know that it is a lie straight from the pits of hell.

You see what David realized in the middle of his prayer is that…

Even if God is all you and I have, we have everything we need!

Jesus came to not only save us but He came to show people that TRUTH! He came to be everything we want and need!

In Luke 14, we have an account of another one of Jesus’ stories:

Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations.
Luke 14:16

But people made excuses. They were busy or they had more important priorities.

They all began making excuses.
Luke 14:18a

So the Master told His servant:

“Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.”
Luke 14:23

After Jesus told them all were invited and all are wanted, He told them…

“But don’t begin until you count the cost.”
Luke 14:28a

Why?

Because He knew the challenges, the rejections, the mocking, the persecution . . . the crosses His followers would have to carry. But He also knew the TRUTH that His ancestor, David, had spoken generations before…

You are all I really want in life.

Because He has promised to give us everything we need when He is all we want.

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

A Prayer for Jesus to Be
Everything You Want and Need

Thank you Father for your invitation to each of us to turn from our frivolous and less than meaningful lives for an eternal relationship with You that is filled with purpose, peace, and love. Thank you for Jesus who makes it all possible.

He said there is a cost to following Jesus and surrendering my life to You. We may lose popularity, status, and relationships . . . but oh, the wonderful things we receive. Forgiveness. Hope. Peace. Contentment. Love. And so very much more. By Your grace, when Jesus is all we want we receive everything we need one moment at a time.

Because You are who You say You are and You faithfully keep Your promises, I can say from the depth of my heart . . . “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life.” Amen.

Jesus is all we want and need!

When you and I repent and surrender our lives to Jesus no matter what it costs, when we make Jesus everything we want . . . He graciously becomes everything we need.

I can’t really explain it. I’ve shared before, that I held back a little bit of myself for years because I was afraid that the “cost” might be greater than I was willing to give. I was afraid I would have to sacrifice something that was too dear or that God would allow a pain that was too great.

I know now that was a lie from the enemy.

God has carried me through things I never believed I could endure. He’s carrying me through a difficult time right now. And He has proven to me…

The words for today’s note…

If Jesus is all I have; I have everything I need.

May God bless you as you invite the Holy Spirit to help you make Jesus everything you want and 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.

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

When You Don’t Understand Why God Allows People to Suffer

3 / 23 / 213 / 23 / 21

It's hard to understand why God allows suffering. Sin in this world was not His plan but by His grace, He provided a way to give us what we need when we do. #Suffering #BibleStudy #Jesus #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

After decades in ministry, I have to admit that it’s often hard to understand why God allows people to suffer.

And I think most of us would admit that it’s especially hard when the sufferer is someone who is kind, loving, caring . . . good. Or when that person is an innocent child.

Somehow we want to believe that suffering is deserved because if that’s true . . . then maybe we can avoid it personally.

In today’s verses, Jesus dispelled the idea that all suffering was the result of God’s judgment unleashed on those who are especially sinful.

“Do you think this happened to them because they were more sinful than all others from Galilee?”
Luke 13:2 (NCV)

Jesus quickly said, “No, not at all.”

Then He addresses the more important point…

“You will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God.”
Luke 13:3

And it’s so important, He said it again…

“I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.”
Luke 13:5

Why does God allow suffering?

Because we live in a world permeated by sin. And living in a sinful world includes suffering.

So, the question is not why people suffer but what God has done about it and how He can work in and through it in our lives.

We can take sin seriously and make it personal. We don’t ask why God allowed it but ask Him to show us how He might use it our lives and the lives of those around us.

Jesus calls each of us to take our suffering to Him, to let Him help us through it, and then to use our stories to help others by inviting them to find His grace and mercy through the “narrow door.”

Later in Luke 13, it says…

Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?”

He replied, ^“Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail.”
Luke 13:23–24

When Jesus said to “work hard” He wasn’t talking about working to earn God’s favor, we can’t. But by God’s grace, we can admit our sin and our need for God’s mercy and grace, we can ask Him to forgive us, and help us trust Jesus to save us.

Why does God allow allow people to suffer?

Because He knows suffering is the result of sin and He wants all people to trust His love and grace, a gift that will save them eternally.

A Prayer to Have Strength
Whatever God Allows

Father, I hate the suffering part of life. It does help to know that You hate it, too! It was never Your intention for us to struggle with the consequences of sin and evil in this world. You wanted and created a beautiful perfect world where we would live with joy in Your presence. And even though we fail You, You love us so much that You sent Jesus to save us and make it possible for us to one day experience the joy of that perfect world with You.

Please forgive me. I don’t want to give in to sin. I want to trust Your will and obey You faithfully. I need Jesus. I believe that He is the Way through the “Narrow Door.” I trust He is Truth and Life (John 14:6) I believe that I can only come to You through Jesus by the power of Your Holy Spirit. (John 6:44)

I ask that You will guard my heart and soul, and give me strength to endure when I am hurt by sin . . . my own or someone else’s. Please help me to focus on You, to live with the hope of Your promises, and trust and obey Your will to show You my love. I pray all of this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

The Good News is that Jesus is the Way through the narrow door. Based on all of His other teachings . . . “working hard” comes through our sincere desire to KNOW Him and heartfelt desire to trust and obey Him.

The blessing is that when we do, we have the promise that God will give us everything we need . . . even when He allows us to suffer.

On today’s note write:

With His help, I will trust God to help me live through whatever He allows.

May He bless you as you trust God to help you endure whatever He allows.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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5 Things Jesus Warned People About and 1 Way to Success

3 / 22 / 213 / 22 / 21

The world gives all kinds of opinions to help people know the way to success. Jesus offered something very different through warnings and one absolute truth. #SEEKFirst #TrustJesus #Hope #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers

In a world full of opinions all claiming to be the “truth,” we need for life, having someone who has told us the real, the best, the absolute truth for life . . . well, that is information we should apply.

The crowds of people gathering to hear Jesus had grown into the thousands and in Luke 12, Luke recorded five warnings, 5 times He told His followers to “beware” . . . 5 things He told His followers to avoid and 1 thing that would show them the way to success.

5 Things Jesus Warned People About

1. Beware of Hypocrisy

He turned now to his disciples and warned them, “More than anything else, beware of these Pharisees and the way they pretend to be good when they aren’t. But such hypocrisy cannot be hidden forever.”
Luke 12:1b (TLB)

Hypocrisy is…

Claiming to know the truth without living by it.
Living a selfish self-serving life.
Outward conformity without inner conviction.
Pretending to believe something you don’t.

2. Beware of Greed

Then [Jesus] said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”
Luke 12:15

The world is constantly telling us more is better and most is best. But greed leads to coveting and both ruin relationships. We simply can’t love like Jesus and be greedy.

3. Beware of Worry

Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life.”

“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”
Luke 12:22, 25

Oooh, I’ve wasted way too much time worrying. Worry is lack of trust and it has robbed me of peace, contentment, joy, and several other things the Lord wants for His children.

The truth – fully trusting God is so much better!

4. Beware of Being Unprepared

“You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”
Luke 12:40

You are I are called to live out our beliefs, reflect Jesus’ love, and live with hope for the eternal future we have been promised.

5. Beware of the World’s Lies

“You fools! You know how to interpret the weather signs of the earth and sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the present times. Why can’t you decide for yourselves what is right?”
luke 12:56–57

God has given us the truth in His Word. He gives us the Holy Spirit that we might discern the truth amid the world’s lies and propaganda. We need to turn to His Word and constant prayer to know that if a message doesn’t align with God’s Word . . . it is not truth!

1 Way to Success for a Follower of Jesus

♥ Be a SEEKer

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

I love the Life Application Notes for this verse:

Seeking the Kingdom of God above all else means making Jesus the Lord and King of your life. It gives Him control of every area—your work, play, plans, and relationships.

And when you and I give Him control – He will give us everything we need to trust Him, follow His will, and enjoy His peace that we might live a life of contentment.

Praying for the Way to Success

Lord Jesus, thank you for warning us about the things that will ultimately harm us. Thank you for teaching us the truth and helping us know what we need to live with peace, joy, contentment, and so much more.

Lord, Your grace, mercy, and love have changed my life. With the help of Your Spirit, I will SEEK You and Your Kingdom above everything else. I give You control of my life and I trust You will give me everything I need to live each day for Your glory. I thank and praise You and worship Your holy name! Amen.

On today’s note write:

SEEK God first and give God control.

God bless you and give you everything you need to SEEK Him and KNOW the way to a success that lasts forever.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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5 Things Jesus Taught His Disciples They Need to Pray

3 / 19 / 212 / 26 / 21

The Lord's Prayer is the perfect prayer model for disciples of Jesus. It teaches 5 things we all need to pray to persistently rely on Father in faith. #Lord'sPrayer #PersistentPrayer #AskSeekKnock #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers

I did a quick search on Amazon for books on prayer and the results included more than 70,000 titles.

So, it appears that many people continue to ask…

“Lord, teach us to pray.”
Luke 11:1

Jesus replied with a model for prayer…

“Father, may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
Give us each day the food we need,
and forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation.”
Luke 11:2b–4

5 Things Jesus Taught
His Disciples The Need to Pray For

A Relationship to a Holy Father

When you and I pray we are going to the God of the universe who alone is worthy of all worship and honor . . . who knows every detail of our lives and still He loves us and wants an intimate and personal relationship with us.

His Coming Kingdom

Jesus brought God’s Kingdom to earth and when you and I pray for His Kingdom to come we are asking for more people to come into the Kingdom through faith and for Jesus to return to celebrate His victory with all His followers.

His Provision

God’s provision is daily; so, we need to pray daily. He does not give it all at once and then walk away. He gives us what we need one moment at a time that we might learn to fully depend on Him.

His Forgiveness and Ours

God’s love and forgiveness are overwhelming. He completely erases every sin that is ever brought to Him in humble repentance. And for those who have received the Father’s forgiveness . . . forgiving others becomes a grateful response.

His Protection

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

When you and I ask God to keep us from yielding to temptation we are praying for the wisdom to set healthy boundaries and the strength to walk away in obedience.

Personalizing the Prayer Jesus Taught

Father, thank you for being my perfect loving parent. I love you and ask that You will help me honor You in all I do and say.

Please help me to faithfully focus on You that I might courageously, gently, and respectfully share Your love with others. And by Your grace help me to maintain an eternal perspective always anticipating Jesus’ glorious return for all who love, trust, and follow Him.

Please keep me free of worry and anxiety. Help me trust You with all my needs and the needs of those I love and care for. Today I specifically lift up ________________.

Please forgive me for __________. I want to obey You. I’m so sorry for failing to follow Your will and I ask You to please give me everything I need to quickly and humbly forgive those who hurt me.

Please give me a hunger to KNOW Your commands and promises, and give me what I need to fight temptation with the Sword of the Spirit—which is the truth of Your Holy Word. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Jesus knew that we need to pray!

And He knew we need to pray with persistence.

I tell you, 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. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
Luke 11:9–10

Persistent prayer changes our hearts and minds to understand our need for Him and recognize His work in us, around us, and through us.

On today’s note write:

Persistently pray to the Father about everything.

May the Lord bless you today as you persistently pray the way Jesus taught.

Click here to read all of Luke 11.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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Why It’s Important to Find the Balance Between Worship and Service

3 / 18 / 212 / 26 / 21

The account of Mary and Martha shows us the importance of finding our peace and joy in Jesus by balancing both worship and service as we live our lives. #Planning #Peace #Worship #Faith #CountingMyBlessings

Oh, I can relate to Martha…

Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
Luke 10:40

She had a house full of guests and she was BUSY! I can almost see her rushing around trying to make everyone comfortable and happy . . . especially the guest of honor, Jesus.

But serving to make everyone happy is exhausting and truthfully, impossible.

So, it really shouldn’t surprise that Martha had become frustrated with her sister, Mary, who was getting to do what Martha herself wanted to be doing but felt she couldn’t because of her need to please by serving.

I love the way Jesus responded to her. He didn’t scold her . . . He simply said:

“My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:41–42

Are you worried and upset about all the details of your life? Do you feel like you don’t have time to sit at Jesus’ feet to learn from Him and talk with Him?

Hear His gentle reminder today to pause and take a closer look at your life.

Ask Him to help you find the balance between worship and service.

When you and I look at Mary and Martha, it’s not about who was right and who was wrong. It’s about each of them learning the importance of balancing worship and service.

And about being so very content with the balance in our own lives that we’re not even tempted to criticize someone else.

A Prayer to Balance Worship and Service

Father, there is so much to do. Just once I’d love to get to the end of my day having successfully checked everything off my do-to list. I want to find balance in my life. I want to serve and worship You. But it feels like everyone is demanding something from me and trying to keep them all happy is exhausting.

But wait . . . that’s not what You ask of me. You don’t ask me to serve others is a way that makes them happy. In fact, You encourage me to sit at Your feet like Mary. You invite me to bring my weariness and my burdens to You so that You might give me rest.

Forgive me for thinking I can do it all myself. Forgive me for worrying more about pleasing people than worshipping You. Please guide me as I plan my schedule and help me balance my days with worship and service. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

If you and I truly want to experience the peace and joy we can have in Christ Jesus, we must sit at His feet to find the balance between worship and service.

On today’s note write:

Peace and joy are found when we worship and serve Jesus.

God bless you and help you find the balance you need to experience His peace and joy.

Read the rest of Luke 10 here.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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The Important Truth You Need to Know about Carrying Your Cross

3 / 17 / 212 / 24 / 21

The idea of carrying your cross to follow Jesus can be a frightening thought but there is an important truth His followers have that changes everything. #BibleStudy #JesusTruth #Faith #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers #WWGGG

I’ve stumbled over these words of Jesus more times than I’d like to admit…

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.
Luke 9:23

I didn’t struggle with the “follow me” part. The “give up your own way” part was harder. But the “take up your cross daily” part . . . that was hard. I could get tripped up by those words.

I didn’t want to carry my cross.

I held back a little because I was afraid that if I surrendered myself completely to God’s will, I might be asked to suffer in ways that would be too difficult to endure.

So, when problems came along, I ran to self-help books and so-called experts. Oh, I prayed and asked God to fix my problems but I lived as if it were up to me to do the fixing.

Until the Lord allowed circumstances that helped me understand that although I trusted God for my eternal future, I was denying myself the blessings He wanted me to have everyday.

Because the truth about cross-carrying is that when you and I follow Jesus and willingly give up our own way . . . He helps us carry any cross He allows.

And today, I regularly thank God for allowing the painful time that brought me to the TRUTH that I had doubted for so very long…

When you and I give up our own way, take up our cross daily, and follow Jesus, He will give us everything we need to live with the confidence that He is able and willing to give us whatever is needed every single day.

A Prayer to Know and Live
the Truth of Cross Carrying

Lord, forgive me. I have listened to the world’s lies that my days and my problems are up to me. I have foolishly lived out the consequences of unwise choices of worldly “experts” rather than seeking Your will and trusting Your ways. I have foolishly denied myself Your peace and strength, choosing to live in fear and doubt.

Thank you for allowing me to see my lack of wisdom and understanding. Thank you for showing me that Your love is greater than my foolishness and Your grace is greater than my sin.

I want to fully follow You, Lord. I want to lay down my stubborn will and selfish desires. I want to SEEK You so that I might KNOW, TRUST, and OBEY Your will with confidence that You will give me everything I need for whatever cross You allow. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.

Jesus will help you carry your cross!

I love the way The Message expresses this truth:

Then [Jesus] told them what they could expect for themselves: “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat—I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you?”
Luke 9:23 (MSG)

If, like me, you have struggled or are struggling with the idea of carrying your cross, know that your Savior understands. He cried out in the Garden and pleaded with the Father to remove the suffering He was about to face. Although the Father didn’t remove the suffering, He did give Him everything He needed to endure it because of His tremendous love for you and me.

If God allows us to carry a cross He will give us what we need to carry it.

On today’s note write:

I will follow Jesus and trust Him to help me carry today’s cross.

May the Lord bless you today as you follow Him.

Click here to read the rest of Luke 9.

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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How You Can Have Peace When Your Life Feels Out of Control

3 / 16 / 212 / 23 / 21

When life feels out of control there is only one way to truly have peace each day, and that is to put your faith in Jesus, the One who is always in control. #Faith #TrustJesus #Peace #Control #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingsBloggers #WWGGG

I like to think I’m in control.

Even as I type the words I know how ridiculous that is because it doesn’t matter how organized I try to keep my home and planned and prepared I try to keep my days . . . more often than I’d like, my life is out of my control.

Occasionally, a surprise is good . . . like the time a dear friend sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers just to brighten my day.

But then there are the times when the unexpected feels like a raging storm that is terrifying.

And I think for most of us this past year, life not only feels out of control but there is plenty of evidence that it is completely out of our control.

But…

It’s never out of control for the One who controls the wind and waves.

Jesus and the disciples were sailing across the Sea of Galilee…

As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger.

The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”

When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm.
Luke 8:23–24

So, what is the way to have peace when life feels out of control.

Cry out to Jesus!

He will never turn away from you. He will never reject you. He will never fail to hear you. And He is able to to give you peace.

I’ll admit . . . I typically want Jesus to miraculously stop the storm by calming the wind and waves. But I know from experience that He sometimes allows the storm to continue so that He can show me that He is also able to calm me.

I’ve seen Jesus miraculously take control of dangerous out of control circumstances and I’ve seen and experienced Him miraculously give peace to out of control me!

So, when I can’t control the terrifying moments of my life . . . I’ve learned to cry out to Jesus trusting Him to calm the storm itself or the storm in me. Either way, I have peace!

A Prayer for Peace When Life
Feels Out of Control

Jesus, I need You! I’m afraid. This storm that is raging around me is terrifying. The future is uncertain and I feel like everything is my life is out of control.

You asked, “Where is your faith?” when the disciples cried out in fear. Thank you for faithfully reminding us of who You are with patience and understanding and maybe even a little twinkle in your eye. You show us that You are able to calm both storms and feelings. You are in control of my out-of-control life.

I can trust You. I will trust You! And when life feels out of control, I will cry out to You confident that You will either change my circumstances or You will give me peace. Thank You! I give myself and my out-of-control life to You today. Please be with me and grant me Your peace. Amen.

It’s kind of funny really that we fight so hard to be in control of our lives when we’re not supposed to be.

Friend, you and I are called to faith in Jesus, the One who is in control. We are called to live one day at a time trusting and obeying His will. And we can have a peace that goes beyond all understanding because by His grace the Lord promises to give us everything we need one moment at a time.

On today’s note write:

Jesus is always in control even when my life feels out of control.

God bless you and give you everything you need to live with His peace today.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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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 Jesus Gives All People Compassion and Love

3 / 15 / 212 / 22 / 21

Jesus treated all people with compassion and love without worrying about their race, gender, or background. He ministered to needs because He cared. #Jesus #BibleStudy #Compassion #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers

Compassion has been defined as “your pain in my heart.”

In Luke 6, we have a record of Jesus saying…

You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.
Luke 6:36

And now, in Luke 7, we see several more accounts of Jesus demonstrating the Father’s compassion as He reached across cultural and racial barriers to minister to the people with love and kindness.

He healed a dearly cared for servant of a Roman Officer.
He raised a widow’s only son.
And He responded to John’s doubt-filled question from a prison cell with loving-kindness.

Whatever you are going through today . . . Jesus cares. Jesus sees you with love and compassion. He feels your pain in His heart!

When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion.
Luke 7:13a

If you or someone you love is sick—go to Jesus and ask others to go to Him in prayer on your behalf.

If you are grieving—cry out to Jesus.

If your current pain or problem is causing you to be filled with confusion and doubt—take your question to Jesus.

He will not reject you or lecture you on tradition, theology, or prophecy. He will lovingly remind you of who He is and all He has done.

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

Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.
Romans 8:34

A Prayer to Experience the
Compassion and Love of Jesus

Lord Jesus, thank you for meeting us where we are with Your compassion and love. You see our needs and you care about them. You feel our pain in Your heart.

Please fill me with the presence of Your Holy Spirit. When doubt creeps in. When I am afraid. When I am ill or grieving. When I’m confused and don’t know what to do . . . please help me run to You in prayer. Please help me turn to the truths in Your Word. Please help me remember all You have done and continue to do for me. Please help me trust Your compassion and love.

And with Your help, please help me extend Your compassion and love to all the people in my life. Help me treat everyone I meet with kindness. When I disagree, help me do so with gentleness and respect. When I’m hurt, help me forgive as I have been forgiven.

Lord, I give this day to You. I am so very blessed to have experienced Your compassion and love. By Your grace, may I freely and humbly give compassion and love in ways that will give You glory. Amen.

Friend, Jesus’ compassion didn’t care about race, gender, background, or religious affiliation. He has ministered to people in their need because He loved them. And you and I have been given the opportunity to do the same. We can love people with compassion . . . carrying their pain in our hearts, helping them wherever and whenever possible, and lifting them to the Lord in prayer asking Him to bless them and help them in ways that we cannot.

On today’s note write:

Jesus surrounds me with compassion and love.

God bless you with Jesus’ compassion and love today and every day.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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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!

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

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3 Important Things to Do to Build a Strong Foundation

3 / 12 / 212 / 20 / 21

We need a strong foundation to withstand the storms of life but there are things we have to avoid and three important things to do to make that happen. #TrustJesus #Faith #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers #WWGGG

Buildings need a strong foundation to protect them from the stormy forces of nature and therefore protect those within.

If you and I want to personally withstand the storms of life we need a strong spiritual foundation.

Knowing both those things to be true, why would anyone neglect foundation building either structurally or personally?

I believe there are a couple of reasons…

They believe they are too busy or in a hurry.
They are swept along by popular opinion.

Which is why I believe the enemy of our souls overwhelms us with busyness and entices us with popularity.

Jesus wants us to have something strong that lasts. and He knew we would need a strong foundation for that to happen. So, He made the following analogy…

“It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house right on the ground, without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”
luke 6:48–49

That’s the reason why we need a strong foundation.

But how did He tell His followers to go about building it?

Well, in the verse before His analogy, He said…

I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it.
Luke 6:47

There it is! Three short simple phrases.

Come to Jesus.
Listen to His teaching.
Follow His teaching.

Repent and confess our need for Jesus. Spend time with Him – read the Bible and go to Him in prayer. Obey His commands.

If you and I want to avoid being swept away by the storms of life or the current of culture . . . we need the strong foundation of Jesus!

A Prayer for a Strong Foundation

Lord, I know I need a strong foundation. I experienced enough of life to know that without a strong foundation I’m a mess. Please forgive me for allowing busyness and popular opinions to distract me and weaken my foundation. I am so sorry. I know your way is best.

Please help me. I come to You today and ask You to help me prioritize my time so that I might spend more time in Your Word and in prayer. Help me choose my sources of news, entertainment, and opinions carefully. Help me to always test the world’s truth against Your TRUTH.

And Lord, please help me obey You. Give me the wisdom, courage, and strength I need to trust and obey You. Mold my heart that my life might be built on the firm foundation of Your love. Amen.

Jesus began this message with the following statement…

“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?”
Luke 6:46

Wow, that invites some introspection, doesn’t it?

But what if we thought of obedience as foundation building? What if we thought of it as allowing the Lord to work in and through us to give us the rock-solid strong foundation we will need to weather the storms of life? What if we made obeying Jesus a blessing of His Good News rather than a burden of the Law?

On today’s note write:

Come to Jesus. Listen to Him. Follow Him.
Build a strong foundation.

God bless you as you slow down and listen to Him today.

Click here to read the all of Luke 6.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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