Category Archives: Seek God’s Will

Praise God for the Gift of His Truth and Love

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

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

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

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

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

Matthew 15:8–9

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

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

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

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

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

Matthew 15:29–30

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

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

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

Jeremiah 29:11
It's important to know God's TRUTH so we can understand His Love and admit our hypocritical sinfulness and our tremendous need for Him. #BibleStudy #LawandGospel #Faith #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers #WWGGG

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

Praise God for the Gift of His Truth and Love

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

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

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

So, on today’s sticky note write:

Thank God for His TRUTH and LOVE!

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

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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!

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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!

How to Fight the Enemy When You Are Tempted

It's a blessing to know Jesus was tempted like we are but He also showed us how to fight the enemy without giving in to sin. With His help, we can fight, too. #BibleStudy #FightTemptation #God'sWord #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Can you relate to just wanting a break from satan’s relentless temptations and taunts? Do you ever feel like you could really use a break from his constant reminders of the pain you have suffered because of your past failures or someone else’s?

Me too! It drives me crazy when I’m having a great day and suddenly a thought enters my head and sends me into a dark and difficult place. And it’s just as frustrating when he puts one right in front of me and I give in yet again!

But it helps me to remember that Jesus knows what it’s like to be tempted. The enemy used the same enticements he uses to tempt us: 1. physical need and desires, 2. possessions and power, and 3. pride. (Life Application Bible Notes)

Jesus knows what it’s like to be fully human and tempted but Jesus didn’t sin! He resisted temptation with the “Sword of the Spirit.”

…take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:17 (NCV)

Three times Jesus responded with the words…

“The Scriptures say.”

Matthew 4:4,7,10

This is one of the reasons I love reading and studying Scripture.

I can’t make use of the greatest weapon in the arsenal God has given us if I don’t arm myself. I want to know God’s will and discern His truth. I want to be armed and ready.

Do you know what Jesus did after He defeated the enemy?

He began to minister to others, preaching, teaching, and healing:

From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

Matthew 4:17

He called people to turn from their sins, giving up selfishness and stubbornness to follow God’s will by obeying His directives and commands.

I’ve learned something precious as I’ve turned to the Bible over the past decade and a half. Through Jesus, God not only blesses us with the promise of eternal life in heaven . . . He blesses us with freedom, peace, hope, strength, and love each day. And He blesses us with everything we need to release the past and embrace a future filled with hope.

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
It's a blessing to know Jesus was tempted like we are but He also showed us how to fight the enemy without giving in to sin. With His help, we can fight, too. #BibleStudy #FightTemptation #God'sWord #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

The Lord is true to every promise . . . will you pray with me and thank Him for giving us all we need to fight the enemy?

A Prayer to Fight the Enemy When You Are Tempted

Father, I thank and praise You for Your Word and for making it possible for me to know Jesus.

Jesus, thank you for experiencing humanity in its fullness . . . for allowing yourself to be tempted, to feel pain, to know rejection and encounter the demands and pressures life with people. Thank you for showing me how to live through life’s challenges with wisdom, power, grace, and love—how to trust God’s will and fight the enemy. Thank you for all you have done for me! I love you, Lord. Help me faithfully trust and obey You.

It's a blessing to know Jesus was tempted like we are but He also showed us how to fight the enemy without giving in to sin. With His help, we can fight, too. #BibleStudy #FightTemptation #God'sWord #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Friend, it’s a great blessing to know that Jesus understands our weaknesses.

This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin.

Hebrews 4:15
He has given us what we need to fight the enemy whenever we are tempted.

On today’s post-it note write:

By God’s grace, I have everything I need to fight the enemy.

May you be blessed as you fight the enemy with God’s Word today. You can read all of Matthew 4 here.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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!

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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!

A Simple Way to Strengthen Your Faith in the Lord

If you, like so many others, are longing to strengthen your faith in God, I believe this will help you and give you hope in the truth of His forever promises. #God'sPromises #StrongerFaith #Hope #NewBook #BookReview #Journal #Women'sJournal #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Jesus and His inner circle had just descended from the mountain of Transfiguration.

And talk about a mountain top experience!

Can you imagine witnessing Jesus in His GLORY standing and talking with Moses and Elijah? It’s hard to envision, isn’t it?

The next verses are easier to for me to get my brain around as many of us have experienced that feeling of crashing into life’s realities after a great spiritual high.

Really, can’t we all relate to arguing and feeling overwhelmed and desperately needing healing and falling short?

AND can’t we relate to the pleading father’s words:

“Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him . . . I asked your disciples but they couldn’t do it. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”

Mark 9:17–18, 22b (paraphrase mine)

I picture Jesus with a twinkle in His eye as He said:

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

Mark 9:23

But it’s the father’s next words that have been indelibly imprinted on my heart:

“I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

Mark 9:24

Haven’t we all had times when life is overwhelming—when our circumstances are painful and we filled with fear? Times when we, like the father, cry out, “I do believe…”

♥ Help me when I doubt!
♥ Help me when I’m anxious and afraid!
♥ Help me when I’m overwhelmed!
♥ Help me when I need to simply trust You!
♥ Help me and strengthen my faith!

The Life Application Bible Notes for the father’s plea say:

No matter how much faith we have, we never reach the point of being self-sufficient. Faith is not stored away like money in the bank. Growing in faith is a constant process of daily renewing our trust in Jesus.

A friend and I spent some time talking this past week about what an exceptionally hard year 2020 has as been for everyone. The kind of year when many of us are crying out for more faith and hope . . . for a stronger relationship with the Lord.

Like the father, we’re pleading…

“Lord, I believe. Help me overcome my unbelief!”

And that’s my prayer! Lord, help me stand strong on the firm foundation of faith found in Jesus.

So, I’d really like to tell you about something that has helped me and I believe will help to strengthen your faith.

A Simple Way to Strengthen Your Faith in the Lord

If you, like so many others, are longing to strengthen your faith in God, I believe this will help you and give you hope in the truth of His forever promises. #God'sPromises #StrongerFaith #Hope #NewBook #BookReview #Journal #Women'sJournal #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

I started reading through the Bible at a time when life’s circumstances knocked me into a pit of despair and I desparately needed God’s help.

Over the past 15 years, God has gently and lovingly pulled me out of that pit and proven to me that:

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

The more I sought the Lord through His living and active Word and the more time I spent with Him in prayer His Spirit slowly and steadily strengthened my faith.

If you, like so many others, are longing to strengthen your faith in God, I believe this will help you and give you hope in the truth of His forever promises. #God'sPromises #StrongerFaith #Hope #NewBook #BookReview #Journal #Women'sJournal #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

One of my favorite promises became:

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.

Psalm 73:26

Asaph, a musical leader in David’s courts, wrote those words thousands of years ago; and yet, they sound like they were written for 2020, don’t they?

This year it seems we all know someone or several someones with failing health and weak spirits.

My constant prayer has been that it’s the next words . . . the “but God” part of the verse that will become the focus of our hearts and minds.

But God…

  • is the strength of my heart (Psalm 73:26)
  • will be with you. (Genesis 48:21)
  • is my helper. (Psalms 54:4)
  • is strong. (Jeremiah 50:34)
  • showed His great love and faithfulness. (Romans 5:8)
  • encourages those who are discouraged. (2 Corinthians 7:6)
  • is so rich in mercy. (Ephesians 2:4)

Because it is the “but God” promises that are our faith strengtheners.

We are so blessed to have God’s promises to uplift our hearts and strengthen our faith every time we read them.

That’s why I started journaling my thoughts and prayers a couple of years ago. I wanted to have a place where I could write the promises God used to touch me and inspire my faith. I wanted to keep a record of the thoughts that God imprinted on my heart. And I wanted to use those promises and thoughts as prompts to write my prayers and talk with the Lord about the things He was teaching me.

So, when I was invited to write a Women’s Devotional Journal . . . I have to tell you, I was thrilled! You see, there is nothing I love more than telling people about the way God has patiently worked in my life. How He transformed my fear into faith and gave me hope. And I love helping and encouraging everyone and reminding them that they can trust Him to work beautiful blessings in their lives as well.

So, I am beyond excited to tell you about my new book.

I believe it will help to inspire you and strengthen your faith in the Lord!

52-Week Devotional Journal for Women!

PROMPTS AND PRAYERS TO REFLECT AND CONNECT WITH GOD

If you, like so many others, are longing to strengthen your faith in God, I believe this will help you and give you hope in the truth of His forever promises. #God'sPromises #StrongerFaith #Hope #NewBook #BookReview #Journal #Women'sJournal #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

A little bit about this book:

No matter what your busy week may throw your way, God is with you every moment. So, allow yourself to take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional with scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts written just for women. You will strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith throughout the coming year.

Every weekly devotion begins with a scripture passage and an original reflection, followed by four succinct but stirring prompts to give you an opportunity to journal on your life, faith, and relationship with God.

The last prompt in each devotion inspires you to connect with the Lord through prayer surrendering your burdens . . . opening yourself to His wisdom and grace.

Together we will look at topics like – creating balance in daily life, learning to live guilt-free, help for finding peace in moments of pain, ways to seek Him and experience joy, and so much more.

I am so thrilled to be able to take this faith strengthening journey with you!

Please let me know how I can pray for you throughout the year ahead. What are your greatest hopes and prayers as you ask God to strengthen your faith?

May God bless you and your journey of faith.

Grab your copy of the
52-WEEK DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL FOR WOMEN
here!

Thanks so much for the ways you bless
and encourage me! God bless you!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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!

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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!

How to Make Gratitude a Part of Every Day

You and I are faced with choices to either grumble or live with gratitude every day. One brings frustration and the other brings joy. How we can choose joy. #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #livewithjoy #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Okay, I’ll admit it, I wasn’t feeling very thankful.

In my defense, I was pregnant and my raging hormones were definitely affecting my attitude. It seems silly in retrospect, but there I was standing in our closet grumbling to myself as I moved Rev’s suit jackets and dress pants from wire hangers back to the more appropriate suit hangers.

It’s kind of funny when I think about it now, especially considering all the parenting tasks that were ahead but…

That day, all I could think about was having to do something I’d reminded him about multiple times before. Doesn’t everyone know a suit loses its shape and wrinkles if it’s not hanging on a suit hanger?

But then, right there in the middle of my grumbling, I heard the still quiet voice of the Lord whisper…

“Would you prefer he wasn’t here?”

Wait! What?

NO!

God has blessed me with an amazing man. I have so many reasons to be thankful for him.

I don’t believe God’s words were a threat. They were a reminder to love first. And those six words have remained in my heart and mind forever. God gently helped me realize that . . . I could celebrate who Rev is and all the blessings he brings to my life or I can grumble about little things like hangers. I could build him up or tear him down. Choosing to “Love First” is a decision we make every day.

Because, the truth is…

LOVING FIRST by SHOWING GRATITUDE is a CHOICE YOU MAKE EVERY DAY

You and I are faced with gratitude choices every day. We can choose to focus on ourselves and grumble when the people around us aren’t meeting our expectations or we can focus on ways we are blessed by and through them and show them gratitude.

So, I’ve compiled a list of 50 ways to make gratitude part of every day. Ways to bless our families, our communities, and the world around us. There are even a few ways you and I can thank God Himself. The Lord placed us where we are for a reason and the best way to show gratitude to Him is to live boldly with gratitude right where we are!

One of my favorite verses on living with gratitude is…

Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Colossians 3:16b–17

And a favorite gratitude quote…

“Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” ~Henri Frederic Amiel

So let’s check out that list:

You and I are faced with choices to either grumble or live with gratitude every day. One brings frustration and the other brings joy. How we can choose joy. #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #livewithjoy #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

50 Ways to Make Gratitude a Part of Every Day

Start with Gratitude at Home:

  1. Make a Gratitude Jar or Board – Have your family fill the jar or make notes on the board of all the reasons they are thankful for each other.
  2. Have a “Do Something for Someone Challenge” – It doesn’t have to be a big deal. Just encourage everyone in your family to look for ways to do something nice each day without having to be asked.
  3. Write a thank-you note to a family member telling them why you appreciate them.
  4. Go around the table at dinner and have each person name a way someone in the family blessed them that day.
  5. Make an “Our Family Thank You” Song or Saying – Have fun with this. Make up a “thank you” song to sing or sentence to repeat that’s unique to your family. (We simply tell each other . . . “I thank the Lord for you!”
  6. Do little things you know speaks a loved one’s Love Language . . . something you know will make them feel loved and appreciated.
  7. Take time to listen to understand not just to reply.
  8. Do your best to be patient even when life is crazy or chaotic.
  9. Forgive each other quickly.
  10. Take an interest in a family member’s hobby or passion.
  11. Make saying “thank you” a priority before a gift can be used. Send a snail mail note or make a video and send it to the gift giver.
  12. Set aside a time to enjoy a date night with your spouse as often as possible. Even if you just set aside time for the two of you at home after the kids have gone to bed.
  13. Have one on one time with each child at least once a month.
  14. Find the humor in life and LAUGH OFTEN!
  15. PRAY for family members at home and away.
  16. Talk about what they learned from a bad situation and how they might end up being thankful for it.
  17. Make a small handmade gift or card.
  18. When you’re angry – stop, breathe, and pray before you speak.
  19. Make home a no insult zone – not even in humor.
  20. Compliment each other more than you complain.
You and I are faced with choices to either grumble or live with gratitude every day. One brings frustration and the other brings joy. How we can choose joy. #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #livewithjoy #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Thank Your Friends and People in Your Community

  1. Call or send a note to thank a friend just for being there for you.
  2. Donate food, unused clothes, toys, and household items to help those in need.
  3.  Serve at a shelter or senior center.
  4. Carry “Homeless Care Kits” to give to someone in need. (Include toothpaste, a toothbrush, tissues, lip balm, hand wipes, a bottle of water, and a granola bar.)
  5. Let your children see you show gratitude to those who help you. – Servers, trash collectors, checkers, receptionists, etc.
  6. Take a prayer walk in your neighborhood.
  7. Donate blood to save a life.
  8. Teach a skill, language, or hobby at your community center.
  9. Help a neighbor – babysit, cut the grass, shovel the walk, cook a meal, etc.
  10. Invite someone to join your holiday celebration. – I have a friend who does this and says that an added benefit is it puts everyone on their best behavior.
  11. Help your children write a thank you note to babysitters, teachers, and pastors and pray for them.
  12. Smile at strangers -“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” ~Mother Teresa (Even with masks . . . Smile! It makes your eyes sparkle.)

Offer Gratitude and Kindness Around the World

  1. Sponsor a child through World Vision or Compassion Int.
  2. Pack a Shoe Box for Operation Christmas Child.
  3. Write a thank you note to a someone serving in the military – get ideas here.
  4. Pray for those serving in missions.
  5. Help a missionary with financial support.
  6. Join Samaritan’s Purse Prayer Network.
  7. Recycle and conserve energy . . . take care of the earth.
  8.  Go on a mission trip.

Thank and Praise God

  1. Make a list of family blessings and thank and praise God together.
  2. Read a Psalm and give thanks. (Try Psalm 34, 100, 111, or 150)
  3. Live thankful today – let go of the past and don’t worry about tomorrow.
  4. Love and serve the people God has placed in your life.
  5. Find 10 more ways to thank God here.

Be Someone Who Shows Gratitude Everywhere Every Day

  1. Always be honest and kind.
  2. Be complimentary and encouraging.
  3. Offer grace – don’t expect perfection.
  4. Notice people – make eye contact.
  5. See everyone you meet as someone dearly loved and precious to God.

And just for fun!

♥ Tell someone, “You bless me!

I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts He has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. 

1 Corinthians 1:4

Finally…

Another reason to count our blessings and live with gratitude.

You and I are faced with choices to either grumble or live with gratitude every day. One brings frustration and the other brings joy. How we can choose joy. #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #livewithjoy #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

If the World were 100 People

If we looked at the earth’s population as if it were a small community of 100 people, it would look something like this…

Gender

  • 50 Male
  • 50 Female

RELIGION:

  • 32 are Christian
  • 53 are Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, or Other Religion
  • 15 Identify as Not Religious

FOOD:

  • 24 Always have enough food to eat
  • 16 Go hungry some of the time
  • 34 Always hungry
  • 26 Severely undernourished

FREEDOMS:

  • 60 can’t speak, act according to their faith and conscience due to harassment, imprisonment, torture or death
  • 40 live in a country designated as “free”
  • 12 live in a war zone

EDUCATION & TECHNOLOGY:

  • 83 can read 17 cannot
  • 7 have a college degree
  • 22 own or share a computer

LIVING STANDARDS

  • 10 live on less than $2 a day
  • 50 live on about $6 a day
  • 1 of 2 children live in poverty
  • 33 live without basic sanitation
  • 75 easily have access to safe water, 25 do not or spend much of the day walking to get it

Friend…

If you keep your food in a refrigerator and your clothes in a closet…
If you have a bed to sleep in and have a roof over your head…
If you have people who care about you…

You are abundantly blessed. I am too! May we faithfully thank and praise God by showing our gratitude and love every day . . . to Him and to the people He has placed around us.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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!

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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!

How to Enjoy the Benefits of Blessing Counting

Intentional Blessing Counting is good for your health mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 20 questions on a printable guide to help you think of blessings to count. #Blessings #Hope #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #countingMyBlessings #WWGGG

I began intentionally blessing counting more than a dozen years ago. Not because I was overwhelmed with gratitude and joy but because I was overwhelmed by sadness. I realized that if I didn’t start intentionally noticing the good things God was doing in my life I might drown in sorrow.

Living each day miserable and despondent was not only bad for my emotional health . . . it was hurting me mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Many articles have been written over the years about the ways gratitude can improve a person’s health, bless their relationships at home and at work, and generally improve their lives.

But even though we tell ourselves it’s what we want, it’s still easier to focus on what’s wrong than on what’s right. It’s easier to complain than to thank.

Simply put . . . many of us still aren’t very good at living with intentional gratitude.

We fail to consistently communicate our gratitude to God for all He has done and is doing nor do we faithfully thank the people He has placed around us.

Yep! Even though we know grateful people are more satisfied, have stronger relationships, and are generally happier, we listen to and then fixate on negatives more than we do the positives.

That ain’t no way to live. I want to not only notice the blessings in my life, I want to genuinely be thankful for them. I want to reap the benefits of blessing counting.

Don’t you want that too? Not only for yourself but for your children.

If you’d like to make living with intentional gratitude part of your life join me in taking the gratitude challenge and enjoy the benefits of blessing counting.

How to Enjoy the Benefits of Blessing Counting

♥ Grab a journal, colorful pens, and some fun stickers . . . get ready to list at least 3 blessings for which you are thankful each day.

You may even want to make this a family project and have everyone share their daily blessings so you can add them to the list. I think it would be a great New Year’s Eve tradition to read through our blessings journals and thank God for all He has done.

Intentional Blessing Counting is good for your health mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 20 questions on a printable guide to help you think of blessings to count. #Blessings #Hope #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #countingMyBlessings #WWGGG

And if you’d like a little help…

Here are 20 blessing counting questions with verses and quotes that will get you started.

1. WHO WAS KIND TO YOU TODAY?

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

2. WHAT DID YOU ENJOY DOING TODAY?

Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind. Ecclesiastes 6:9

3. WHO HELPED YOU TODAY?

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

4. WHO DID YOU HELP TODAY?

Don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. Hebrews 13:16

5. WHAT IS THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED TODAY?

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

6. WHAT SIMPLE THING MADE TODAY A GOOD DAY?

That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Matthew 6:25–26

7. WHAT DID YOU LEARN TODAY?

My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Proverbs 2:1–3

Intentional Blessing Counting is good for your health mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 20 questions on a printable guide to help you think of blessings to count. #Blessings #Hope #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #countingMyBlessings #WWGGG

8. WHO MADE YOU SMILE TODAY? WHAT DID THEY DO?

How happy I was with the world he created; how I rejoiced with the human family! And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful. Proverbs 8:31:32

9. WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM A BAD EXPERIENCE?

When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. James 1:2–3

10. HOW DID TECHNOLOGY MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER?

May [God] equip you with all you need for doing His will. May He produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to Him. All glory to Him forever and ever! Amen. Hebrews 13:21

11. WHO MADE YOU FEEL IMPORTANT TODAY?

7 Effective Ways to Make Others Feel Important

1. Use their name.
2. Express sincere gratitude.
3. Do more listening than talking.
4. Talk more about them than about you.
5. Be authentically interested.
6. Be sincere in your praise.
7. Show you care. ~Roy T. Bennett

12. WHAT GAVE YOU JOY TODAY?

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7

13. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TASTE, SMELL, TOUCH, SIGHT, OR SOUND FROM THE DAY?

Ears to hear and eyes to see—both are gifts from the Lord. Proverbs 20:12

14. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! Psalm 133:1

Intentional Blessing Counting is good for your health mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 20 questions on a printable guide to help you think of blessings to count. #Blessings #Hope #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #countingMyBlessings #WWGGG
Click here for a printable copy!

15. WHO FORGAVE YOU? WHO DID YOU FORGIVE?

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. Proverbs 17:9

16. WHAT DID YOU DO TODAY YOU COULDN’T DO YESTERDAY?

Pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel.
Then you will show discernment, and your lips will express what you’ve learned. Proverbs 5:1–2

17. WHO THANKED YOU TODAY? HOW DID IT MAKE YOU FEEL?

We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:2–3

18. WHO LOVES YOU? WHO DO YOU LOVE?

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4–7

19. WHERE DID YOU SEE GOD AT WORK TODAY?

You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done. O Lord, what great works you do! Psalm 92:4–5a

20. WHAT ARE YOU MOST THANKFUL FOR TODAY?

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Intentional Blessing Counting is good for your health mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 20 questions on a printable guide to help you think of blessings to count. #Blessings #Hope #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #countingMyBlessings #WWGGG

THE BENEFIT OF BLESSING COUNTING!

Like worship, gratitude is not something to do occasionally. Gratitude is an attitude . . . a way of life and thankfulness is an offering given in response to all God has given us through His grace, mercy, and love.

So, keep a record by making a list of blessings and then don’t forget to add one more thing…

Pause and intentionally say thank you to someone every day. Send a note, card, or email. Make a phone call. Bake a batch of cookies. Be appreciative. I promise it will bless them and it will bless you more than you can imagine.

So, that’s it!

We can do this! I believe blessing counting will change our lives and lives of the people around us.

Tell us what you’re thankful for . . . share something you’re listing in your journal in the comments below. We’d even love a tip or two of the ways you say “thank you” to others. We are stronger when we stand together and hold each other accountable; so, let’s cheer each other on.

Follow me on social media where I’ll be sharing some of the things I’m writing in my Blessings Journal and some of the ways I’m saying thank you to the people in my life!

My favorite blessing today is a husband who always makes me laugh. I think I’ll make his favorite dinner as a thank you.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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!

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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!

The Best Way to Avoid the Comparison Trap

It's easy to fall into the comparison trap focusing on what's lacking in our lives while envying what seems perfect in someone else's. These tips will help... #ComparisonTrap #Envy #JoyStealer #socialmedia #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

I don’t know about you but I have days when my less than ideal attitude can cause me to fall into the comparison trap. I start focusing on what’s wrong in me and around me and before I know it I’m measuring my life against an impossible “ideal.”

I know that’s not God’s plan for me. I know He wants better for me. I know He wants me to focus on the truth . . . what He says about me.

If you can relate to my struggle, I want you to know that God wants that for you too! He wants us to focus on the words of David…

I will offer You my grateful heart, for I am Your unique creation, filled with wonder and awe. You have approached even the smallest details with excellence; Your works are wonderful; I carry this knowledge deep within my soul.

Psalm 139:14 (VOICE)

God made each of us as unique and wonderful parts of His creation made for His plans and purposes to live for His glory.

With that in mind, maybe God wants me (and you too) to think less about who I am and more about whose I am!

We belong to God. We are unique, one of kind, wonderfully complex created for this time and place for a reason.

I was not designed for your life and you were not designed for mine.

I don’t believe God wants us to sit around dwelling on our flaws and faults. He wants us to confess them to Him and repent. He wants us to surrender our lives to Him in faith and invite Him to work in us and through us for His glory.

If you struggle too. If, like me, you need a regular reminder . . . remember you are not alone. He has given us someone to help. We have the Holy Spirit.

But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.

John 14:26 (AMP)

Think about that . . . you and I have the Spirit of the God of the universe with us to teach us and remind us of God’s TRUTH.

Are you ready to quit pushing the Spirit’s voice to the background while you waste time listening to the enemy’s lies that defeat and discourage you? Me too!

It’s time for us to consistently listen to the TRUTH. So, I’m making a list of God’s promises to help us.

Personal promises to help us remember who we are in Christ Jesus and help us avoid the comparison trap.

The Best Way to Avoid the Comparison Trap

It's easy to fall into the comparison trap focusing on what's lacking in our lives while envying what seems perfect in someone else's. These tips will help... #ComparisonTrap #Envy #JoyStealer #socialmedia #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Avoid the Comparison Trap – Remember Who You are in Jesus!

♥ You are Known – God Thinks about You

How precious are Your thoughts about ________, O God. They cannot be numbered!

Psalm 139:17

♥ You are Loved

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

Jude 1:1

♥ You are a Child of God

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

John 1:12-13

♥ You are a Friend of Jesus

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

John 15:13–15

♥ You are a New Creation

If _________ belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new!

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NCV)

Because Christ Lives in You

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

♥ You are Chosen and Holy

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

Ephesians 1:4

♥ You are Chosen and Loved

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

1 Thessalonians 1:4

♥ You are Dead to Sin and Alive in Christ

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

Romans 6:10–11

♥ You are a Citizen of Heaven

________ is a citizen of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like His own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under His control.

Philippians 3:20–21

♥ You are God’s Masterpiece

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

Ephesians 2:10

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

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

Philippians 4:7

♥ You have Strength for Life

________ can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

♥ You are Victorious

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

Romans 8:35, 37

♥ You are Forever Safe in God’s Love

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

Romans 8:38–39

You know it’s kind of funny…

When you and I focus on ourselves, on our faults and failures, we get lost in the negatives and we spend precious time caught in a cycle of discouragement and disappointment. But when we take those disheartening comparison trap thoughts captive and surrender them to the Holy Spirit . . . He reminds us of the important truths of God’s promises.

Promises that remind us of who we are in Jesus.

And that truth gives us everything we need to face whatever God allows.

Remember these words today…

It's easy to fall into the comparison trap focusing on what's lacking in our lives while envying what seems perfect in someone else's. These tips will help... #ComparisonTrap #Envy #JoyStealer #socialmedia #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Read that again and again until it is firmly planted in your heart and mind.

I know I need to keep it close at hand. With the Spirit’s help, I will remember the truth that—it is well with my soul. And it’s well with my heart and mind, too!

May God bless unique and wonderful you today and always!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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!

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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!

Pray When You Need to be Confident You Know the Truth

Taking our questions and confusion to God in prayer asking Him to help us be confident we know the truth, that we can trust His promises and rest in His love. #BibleStudy #Hope #Prayer #BibleQuotes #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

How is it possible for a group of people to attend the very same event or hear the very same message and share completely different accounts of what they saw or heard?

How can something be the truth one day but the exact opposite be cited as truth the next?

I have absolutely no patience with twisting the truth for the purpose of controlling or manipulating others.

So, as you might imagine, this year of mixed messages hasn’t been easy for me and I’m guessing that some of you are finding it more than a little challenging as well.

That’s why I’ve found it important to take my questions and confusion to God in prayer. You see, years ago I experienced a situation where I was getting many varied and contradictory information that left me feeling confused, frustrated, and painfully aware that I had no idea who or what to believe.

But I was certain of one very important truth.

I knew the One who always knows the truth.

You and I can turn our confusion over to Him.

So, when we don’t understand and we’re getting mixed messages, we can take our feelings and frustrations to God in prayer. We can honestly tell Him we’re confused and confess our frustrations and doubts. And then we can humbly express our desire to know the truth.

When I’ve found myself lifting these prayers, I’ve also expressed my faith to the Father that I believe His Spirit is able to give me what I need to handle the truth whatever it is but I also understand that if He chooses to never reveal the truth to me . . . He will give me the strength and peace I need to handle that as well. Finally, I ask Him to give me everything I need to simply live with faith and rely on Him.

And you and I can simply live with faith relying on Him because the Good News is our Heavenly Father has given us access to the only absolute TRUTH we really need.

He has given us the truth in Jesus…

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. 

John 14:6

And He has given us the truth through the Holy Spirit…

When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own but will tell you what He has heard. He will tell you about the future. 

John 16:13

You and I have what we need to be confident we know the most important truth of our lives . . . God has spoken to us in and through the Word made flesh and He has given us His Spirit to help us understand the words of Scripture.

So today, in the midst of all of life’s mixed messages, chaos, and confusion, I’m turning to God in prayer and I’m asking Him to help me focus my heart and mind on the only truth that really matters. The truth that holds the power of life and death. The truth that is unchanging and lasts forever.

Pray When You Need to be Confident You Know the Truth

Taking our questions and confusion to God in prayer asking Him to help us be confident we know the truth, that we can trust His promises and rest in His love. #BibleStudy #Hope #Prayer #BibleQuotes #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

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

John 8:31–32

Lord, I believe. Please help me when I doubt. Help me when the world confuses me with messages I don’t understand. May I remember that I can always turn to You. I have Your inspired Word and Spirit to guide me with Your truth and promises.

Thank you for freeing me from the enemy’s power. Thank you for freeing me to love and trust You and for giving me the strength I need to love others even when it’s hard.

By Your grace, please strengthen me by the power of Your Spirit to be confident of Your truth . . . to hold fast to Your promises, follow where You lead, and obey Your commands. I love You, Lord. Amen.

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

Luke 12:31

Father God, You are Lord of all, I pray that I might give you control of all I think, do, and say. I pray, with Your help, to surrender every part of myself to Your truth and Your will.

I trust Your promise to give me everything I need. You are loving and faithful to forgive. (1 John 1:9) You give me courage and strength when life is hard. (Psalm 29:11) You are the peace that passes understanding. (Philippians 4:7) And You are my hope and my eternal promise. (Romans 15:4)

Thank you, Lord. My heart’s desire is to SEEK You and Your kingdom above all else every day for the rest of my life. You are the TRUTH I need now and forever.

Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:7

Father, may every part of my life be rooted in Jesus. Your Word says when I am rooted in Christ, my faith will grow strong in the truth and I will overflow with gratitude. I want that! More than anything else in life . . . I want that!

I commit my life to You. I surrender myself to Your will. Teach me. Guide me. And help me keep my focus on Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life who is the source and sustainer of my faith. (Hebrews 12:2)

Lead me by Your truth and teach me, for You are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in You. Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past.

Psalm 25:5–6

Father, my heart’s desire is to make Your truth the foundation of not only my faith but of every area of my life. Through Jesus, You have forgiven me and healed my heart. Your compassion and perfect forever love fully surround me.

Please remind me through Your Spirit to daily put on the full armor I need to fight any battle that comes my way. Help me stand firm wrapped in the belt of truth. The enemy tempts and taunts me with lies but by Your grace, You have given me the Truth I need to resist and fight back. Thank you, Lord, for giving me the truth I need to live with strength today and with hope for tomorrow.

The Lord is righteous in everything He does; He is filled with kindness. 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 145:17–19

I worship You, Lord. You are the Savior of my soul and King of my life. I praise You for You reign over all creation and yet, You care intimately about me. It is too wonderful to understand but I believe because You are who You say You are and do what You say You will do.

You are perfect and kind, merciful and loving. You provide for my needs and You hear the cries of my heart. You are the source of wisdom, knowledge, and truth and I trust You with every area of my life. By the power and with the help of Your Spirit, I can be confident that You are TRUTH!

I give myself to You today. Guide me according to Your will and help me live for Your glory. Amen.

Taking our questions and confusion to God in prayer asking Him to help us be confident we know the truth, that we can trust His promises and rest in His love. #BibleStudy #Hope #Prayer #BibleQuotes #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Where do you go when you want to be confident you know the truth?

Do you search the internet?
Ask the experts?
Look for the best book on the topic?

You and I are so very blessed!

We have the best Book . . . the written words of the source of all wisdom, knowledge, and truth. We have the perfect expert in the Holy Spirit to guide us and help us understand the words of Scripture.

And we have the blessing of prayer to ask every and any question without ridicule or rejection.

Isaiah wrote the following words of the Lord…

“Let all the world look to me for salvation!
    For I am God; there is no other.
I have sworn by my own name;
    I have spoken the truth,
    and I will never go back on my word:
Every knee will bend to me,
    and every tongue will declare allegiance to me.” The people will declare, “The Lord is the source of all my righteousness and strength.”

Isaiah 45:22–23

The Lord is my source of TRUTH!

I’m praying for you today and asking God to be your source of TRUTH as well!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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!

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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!

Why You Need to Know What You Really Believe

A new survey says that 58% of Christians in America say they find their truth in something or someone other than God. Who or what do you really believe? #Truth #Faith #BibleStudy #Christianity #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

The American Worldview Inventory 2020 (AWVI) is an annual survey that estimates how many adults have a biblical worldview. (AWVI 2020 was undertaken in January 2020 among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 adults.)

In the latest findings from the American Worldview Inventory 2020 is that a majority of people who describe themselves as Christian (52%) accept a “works-oriented” means to God’s acceptance.

This salvation-can-be-earned perspective fits well with other widely held views identified in the American Worldview Inventory 2020 that are at odds with biblical teaching. That includes the popular beliefs that:
• there is no absolute moral truth (58%);
• basis of truth are factors or sources other than God (58%);
• right and wrong is determined by factors other than the Bible (77%);
• the Bible is not the authoritative and true word of God (59%);
• people are basically good (69%);
• and the personal definition of success is not based on consistent obedience to God (79%

American Worldview Inventory 2020

John the Baptist said the following about Jesus…

For He is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit. The Father loves His Son and has put everything into His hands. And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.”

John 3:34–36

And Jesus said…

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 14:6

When I compare the above statistics and beliefs with the words of Scripture my heart aches.

And it prompts me to ask life’s most critical question…

Do I, do you, do we really believe that Jesus is the one and only source of God’s saving grace and mercy?

Do we really believe that He is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God?

Do we really believe He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life?

Because . . . if we really believe, why would we add, change, or doubt any word of Scripture?

Why would we ever think that we need – Jesus plus:

  • Good Works
  • Church Attendance
  • Charity
  • Obedience
  • Witnessing

Or Jesus plus:

  • Humanism
  • Tolerance
  • Humanitarianism
  • Universalism
  • Historical Criticism

I’m not trying to point judgmental fingers here. I’m guilty too. I understand that rules seem clearer and good works righteousness makes sense to people who want self-control and the success of personal achievement.

We also want popularity and approval, so we have many teachers of faith who are validating worldly views rather than expressing the truths of God’s Word.

And even that is understandable as we all have a desire to fit in, to please the people around us. But God called us to “be holy” or set apart for Him.

Now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.

1 Peter 1:15

He calls us to KNOW, LOVE, TRUST and OBEY HIM.

I grew up in church and Sunday school. I learned early about the problem we all have with sin and I knew Jesus was and is the only answer.

And yet, when life was hard and worries kept me up at night . . . I would sit quietly in prayer and Bible Study looking for all the things I needed to do . . . things that needed to change. When morning arrived, I would greet my family with a list of ways we needed to adjust our lives to become more obedient and fix what was lacking.

In reality, what I was saying was – Jesus plus me, plus doing it right, plus fixing my family would fix our problems. (I’ve since apologized to Rev and our children.) Because the truth the Lord has finally shown me is that I can surrender my flaws and failures at the foot of the cross of Christ Jesus and trust that He is faithful to forgive me.

If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that His word has no place in our hearts.

1 John 1:8–10

That’s pretty clear, isn’t it?

A new survey says that 58% of Christians in America say they find their truth in something or someone other than God. Who or what do you really believe? #Truth #Faith #BibleStudy #Christianity #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

And then there are the verses that affirm that salvation is through Christ Jesus alone, by grace alone and faith alone.

CHRIST JESUS ALONE

Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but He died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but He was raised to life in the Spirit.

1 Peter 3:18

GRACE ALONE

God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 

Ephesians 2:8–9

FAITH ALONE

Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake, I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with Him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law [or doing good works]; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 

Philippians 3:8–9

Why You Need to Know What You Really Believe

So, let’s ask the question again…

Do you really believe Jesus is enough?

Paul wrote…

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.

Romans 5:1

Every page of the Bible points to one central truth.

God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

Romans 5:8

From Genesis through Revelation—from the promise God made in the Garden of Eden, accomplished on the cross and the resurrection, and that He will ultimately culminate when Jesus returns to take us home to celebrate for all eternity . . . JESUS ALONE IS GOD’S ANSWER FOR SIN. JESUS IS GOD’S GIFT TO A SINFUL WORLD.

That’s the message of the Bible. And if we throw away one little thing, if we deny one small part of its truth, how can we trust any of it. How can we know where to start and where to stop.

Either Jesus is the Way to the Father or He’s not. He is either the Truth spoken of throughout Scripture or He’s not. He is either the source of life or He’s not.

I believe Christ alone is the Way to joy, peace, contentment, and true happiness . . . because He has been that and more in my life.

Because of Jesus, I’ve received a life that:

Loves when it would hate.
Forgives when it would condemn.
Gives when it would keep.
Shares when it would withhold.
Prays when it would fear.
Trusts when it would doubt.
Worships when it would dishonor.
Praises when it would be prideful.
Surrenders when it would fix.
______ when it would ________.

Not Jesus plus good works, church, charity, or anything else. Those are just the things that are the natural outpouring of a life changed by His grace, mercy, and love. They are not the way to God’s saving grace; they are the result of His saving grace.

Will you pray with me?

Lord, forgive us. We have made You too small in our hearts and minds. We have worshipped the idol of self. We’ve fallen for the lie that we are good enough and that we can “earn” a place in heaven. Forgive us. We are sinful. No matter how hard we try we cannot free ourselves of sin. We need Your grace and mercy. We need Your forgiveness.

Please help us. Turn our hearts and minds to the truth of Your Word. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Grant us wisdom and discernment to not only know but apply Your will to our lives.

And by Your grace, overwhelm us with the love of Christ Jesus. Increase our faith. Help us love You with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength . . . and help us love each other in ways that give You glory. Lord, we believe . . . please help us overcome our unbelief. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

May you and I and the whole world that our Father loves come to really believe that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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!

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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!

God Can Help When You Want to Stop Worrying

I used to have a terrible problem with worry and fear and that's why I'd love to tell you how God gave me what I needed to stop worrying. #StopWorrying #Faith #Hope #Prayer #MentalHealth #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

I began my cycle of fear and worry as a very young child and I worked hard to perfect my skills for way too many years.

Rather than bore you with the ugly details, I hope to bless you with a truth I wish I’d learned and applied years ago.

You see, I had a terrible problem with chronic worry. I understand it now, worry is the natural byproduct of fear and if you’ve visited here often you know I’ve been honest about my ongoing struggle with fear.

So yes, I was a practically perfect chronic worrier.

I worried about…

  • Our Children
  • Rev
  • Illness/Injury
  • Death
  • Rejection
  • Life

I worried about the things that happened yesterday . . . things I should have handled differently. I worried about things that could potentially happen tomorrow. And I worried about everything in between. I worried about things I couldn’t change or control because seriously, what’s the point of worrying about the things you can do something about?

I was a worry addict and like many addicts, I had to hit bottom before I could accept that living worried—ain’t no way to live!

The Apostle Paul gave us all great advice when it comes to worrying. Well, not advice about worrying but about not worrying.

He said:

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. 

Philippians 4:6

 It sounds simple, doesn’t it?

Don’t worry … go to God, thank Him, and…

Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. 

Philippians 4:7

I’d known those verses forever. So, why did I continue to worry even though I prayed? Why didn’t I experience the peace I wanted?

Because my prayers were short on faith.

Even though I prayed, “Father, please help me.” I continued to worry because deep down, I believed the enemy’s lies. I allowed myself to believe that…

  • My problem was too trivial for God to get involved.
  • My fear was too real, my “what ifs” were too great to let go of them.
  • If the things I worried about could happen to someone else, they could certainly happen to me.
  • And if God allowed one of those things in my life, I’d be unable to go on.
  • God couldn’t give me what I needed if my greatest fears came to pass.

But then…

Some of the things I’d worried about most often did happen.

All my worrying had not prevented my fears from becoming my reality.

So, I finally realized I had to answer a very important question…

Was I going to trust God completely, not just with my eternal future but with my temporary today and my unknown tomorrow?

I am so thankful the Spirit prompted me to run to the Lord in prayer. I cried out, “Lord, I believe. Help me overcome my unbelief,” (Mark 9:24) and I searched the Bible to find promises that would give me hope and strengthen my faith.

I’d love to share a some of them with you…

Have you never heard?
    Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
    No one can measure the depths of His understanding.

Isaiah 40:28

His understanding is immeasurable!

The New Century version says – No one can understand how great His wisdom is.
The Message says – He knows everything, inside and out.
The Holman Christian Study Bible says – There is no limit to His understanding.

The Lord is our Creator. He knows us inside and out. He understands us. He cares about even the tiniest details of our lives. Nothing is too trivial for Him to care and nothing is too big for Him to handle.

The enemy loves to tell us lies. But they are LIES!

The truth is … God is love. He loves you and He loves me. He cares. And if He allows something; well, He has a promise for that, too.

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

Isaiah 41:10

He promises that He will never leave His children alone. He promises to give us the strength we need.

I lived through something I had worried about for a very long time. Something I truly believed would break me forever and it didn’t. Oh, I was devastated. Yes, even broken at first . . . but God was with me. I felt His love and care as I began to feel His strength and help. He gave me victory and helped me stop worrying.

I used to have a terrible problem with worry and fear and that's why I'd love to tell you how God gave me what I needed to stop worrying. #StopWorrying #Faith #Hope #Prayer #MentalHealth #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

God Can Help When You Want to Stop Worrying

God helped me learn two important truths about worry and fear…

1. I CAN AND SHOULD TAKE My FEAR AND WORRY TO GOD IMMEDIATELY.

As soon as I start to worry, I go to God.  When “what ifs” start spinning around in my head, I remember all the times God has helped me in the past.

The enemy loves it when you and I worry because when we’re worried and afraid we’re not focused on God and we forget all that He is able to do to give us everything we need.

The enemy loves to murmur, “God can’t. God won’t. God’s holding out on you. You’re on your own. You’re not worthy”

But we’re not alone in this spiritual battle. The battle is real but you and I don’t have to fight it alone … ever!

The Holy Spirit is with us and within us willing and able to provide us with all we need to fight and win every spiritual battle, even our battle with worry and fear.

John wrote:

The Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.

1 John 4:4

God is greater. Through Jesus, He has won the ultimate victory for us and will equip us to fight every battle.

And Paul wrote:

Since He did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won’t He also give us everything else?

Romans 8:32

And one of the things He gives us is the ability to resist the enemy when he taunts us with fear and worry.

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

James 4:7

With God’s help, you and I can resist the devil. We don’t have to listen to his murmuring. And with His help, I will continue to get better at using the Sword of the Spirit (God’s Word) to defeat the enemy’s lies and make him flee.

And that means I need to…

2. KEEP GROWING CLOSER TO GOD THROUGH HIS WORD.

Peter wrote:

May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. 

2 Peter 1:2

And Paul wrote:

Just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him. Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. 

Colossians 2:6–7

You and I need to be in the Word every day. It’s one of the things God uses to help our roots grow. It’s where lies are replaced with truth and we get what we need to resist the devil when he tempts us with doubts.

I’ve realized I can’t just will myself to not worry. I have to replace my worrying with something else.

AND THAT SOMETHING ELSE IS…

Hope!

Hope in Jesus!

Through Jesus, God met our greatest need. He conquered sin, death, and the power of the devil.

Sin can no longer defeat us. Death is not the end. And by His grace, the devil has no power over us.

We have God’s promise…

So God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.

Hebrews 6:18–19a

Read that again … slowly!

God has given us His promise. His oath. When we run to Him for refuge He will shelter us. We are secure in Him because He is trustworthy and true. He will give us everything we need to get through today and that means you and I have nothing to worry about. Absolutely nothing!

I used to have a terrible problem with worry and fear and that's why I'd love to tell you how God gave me what I needed to stop worrying. #StopWorrying #Faith #Hope #Prayer #MentalHealth #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

If you want to stop worrying, too.

I would love to tell you it’s like flipping a switch … one holy moment where you can embrace God’s truth and never worry again.

I can’t.

So, please be patient with yourself. It takes time to break free of habitual worry.

But stop for a minute and imagine your life worry-free. Imagine doing what you can and trusting God to help you with everything else.

Imagine running to God in prayer, holding onto His promises, trusting His love, and knowing without a doubt that God is always working in your life for your good and for His glory.

Friend, you can do this.

Believe me, if God can deliver me and help me stop worrying, He can and will deliver and help you!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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!

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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!

Verses that will Help You Know and Trust God

How often do we, like Job's friends, give a distorted version of God? These Bible verses tell us the truth to help us know and trust God. #Faith #Truth #BibleStudy #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG #HisGraceGirls

I spent several days recently studying the book of Job.

I have to admit that I can’t get my brain around his story.

Many can relate to having some kind of loss and heartbreak but losing everything … family, possessions and financial security, and health all in a few short days.

Just thinking about it is overwhelming.

It’s easy to understand how Job could have a lot of “why me” questions?

When his friends showed up, they started out well by quietly sitting with him just letting him know they cared. But they fell short when it came to compassionate listening. Unfortunately, as Job started voicing his grief, his friends did what so many of us do…

They explained, or at least they tried to explain, the unexplainable.

We want to have answers for all of life’s problems, don’t we?

We want answers because we believe if we can explain it . . . we can fix it.

So like Job’s friends, we want to blame people for their own problems.

  • They sinned.
  • So they must deserve this suffering.

Right?!

Oh, we may not say those things out loud … but I think we’ve all had times when we’ve allowed ourselves to think them because we want to believe if the suffering person did something to cause their problems we won’t experience those problems.

So regrettably, we can be guilty of self-righteously blaming the person when we’re trying to explain the unexplainable . . . simply because we’re basing our beliefs on the imperfect lens of our own perspective.

So, like Job’s friends, we fall short.

I don’t want to fall short. I want to know and trust the truth of who God is. When I talk about Him, I want to wisely share the truth of who He is. And that means I have to know and trust who He says He is.

I love the following quote from Hannah Whithall Smith:

“It is of vital importance for us to understand that the Bible is a statement, not of theories, but of actual facts; and that things are not true because they are in the Bible, but they are only in the Bible because they are true.”

So, I’m turning to the Bible and gathering verses that tell us who “God says He is…”

Verses that will Help You Know and Trust God

How often do we, like Job's friends, give a distorted version of God? These Bible verses tell us the truth to help us know and trust God. #Faith #Truth #BibleStudy #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG #HisGraceGirls

The Bible says…

God is not a man, so He does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change His mind. Numbers 23:19

The Lord your God is a devouring fire; he is a jealous God. Deuteronomy 4:24

For the Lord your God is a merciful God… Deuteronomy 4:31a

The Lord your God is faithful; He keeps His promises of unfailing love. Deuteronomy 7:9

He is the Rock; His deeds are perfect. Everything He does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright He is! Deuteronomy 32:4

The eternal God is your refuge, and His everlasting arms are under you. Deuteronomy 33:27

The Lord your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below. Joshua 2:11


God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. Psalm 18:30

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1

For the Lord Most High is awesome. He is the great King of all the earth. Psalm 47:2

Our God is a God who saves and rescues us from death. Psalm 68:20

Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure His greatness. Psalm 145:3

For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps His promises; He is gracious in all He does. Psalm 145:13

The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving. Daniel 9:9

 God is true. John 3:33

Since [God] did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won’t He also give us everything else? Romans 8:32

God will generously provide all you need. 2 Corinthians 9:8

The Word of God is alive and powerful. Hebrews 4:12

God is greater than our feelings, and He knows everything. 1 John 3:20

God is love. 1 John 4:8

God is who He says He is. 

What an amazing gift God has given us in His Word.

When I want to KNOW and TRUST who God says He is, I need to…

  • Personally and prayerfully read the Bible.
  • Spend time with Him in quiet prayer
  • Actively allow the Holy Spirit, through the Bible and prayer, to influence your beliefs and behaviors.
  • Thank and praise Him for His love and forgiveness.
  • Share His love and forgiveness with others.

Hannah W. Smith also wrote:

“I am so absolutely certain that coming to know Him as He really is will bring unfailing comfort and peace to every troubled heart….”

I agree.

I’ve believed that Jesus is the Son of God and my personal Savior for as long as I can remember. In fact, I can’t remember ever not believing in Jesus. But trusting Him for my everyday needs. There I fell short on faith. I was too busy living with fear that I might some day experience some Job-like catastrophe.

But ten plus years ago, following a life crisis, I started doing the things listed above. I wanted to know and trust God every day. So, I needed to really know Him. Not just about Him. I needed to know and trust who He says He is. I wanted and needed to know His character and His heart.

And the blessing is that God used that simple desire to change me. Knowing who He says He is has given me peace. I no longer worry like I used to. I have hope. I am content. I believe God is with me today and will be with me into my eternal future, and I believe that in His presence “it is [always] well with my soul.”

How often do we, like Job's friends, give a distorted version of God? These Bible verses tell us the truth to help us know and trust God. #Faith #Truth #BibleStudy #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG #HisGraceGirls

Will you pray with me today as I ask God to help us know and trust who He says He is?

Father, please help me SEEK to know You every day. I want to know the TRUTH. I want to know who You say You are. Because Father, the enemy of this world (Matthew 13:39) and the father of lies (John 8:44) wants me to have a false worldly idea of who You are. Please stir my heart and mind to spend time with You studying Your Word and sitting with You in prayer. Please give me wisdom (James 1:5) and understanding (Psalm 119:34). And above all else, help me to trust Your love and Your desire to give me everything I need for whatever You allow. Help me trust Your promise . . . Since [God] did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won’t He also give us everything else? (Romans 8:32) Thank you, Lord. Your grace truly is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). It is well with my soul. Amen.

May you be blessed today and every day as you SEEK to know and trust God to be who He says He is.

May you and I be able to join Job in saying…

I had only heard about You before, but now I have seen You with my own eyes.

Job 42:5

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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!

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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!

Spirit Inspired Goals for Positive and Successful Planning

A great planner and tips for setting Spirit inspired goals and planning so you can enjoy more peace and live with success. #spiritualseedsplanner #spreadtheseeds #weeklyplanner #faithplanner #ledbythespirit #SpiritInspired #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

It’s hard to believe we’re about to start the last quarter of the year. And it’s been a crazy one for many of us.

I never have been very good at setting goals and consistently planning my days to work toward those goals. I can have good intentions but I fall short when it comes to follow-through.

My problem is that I’m typically more reactive than proactive with my time.

I start the day well . . . I get up each morning and brush my teeth, wash my face, and tame my hair. I get dressed and make the bed. I feed and walk the dog. And then I sit down and spend time with the Lord.

So far so good. But that’s when it starts to head south. From that point on I spend much of my time going “squirrel, squirrel” to almost anything that floats by and distracts me.

A post on social media can have me digging around the internet. An email can send me off to do some online shopping. A news article or opinionated post can agitate and distract me. Or a random memory can put me on a path to visit my reserved spot in a town called melancholy.

I start out positively proactive and end up wondering “what in the world just happened here.”

So, I’m making it a goal to do better with God’s help.

Spirit Inspired Goals for Positive
and Successful Planning

A great planner and tips for setting Spirit inspired goals and planning so you can enjoy more peace and live with success. #spiritualseedsplanner #spreadtheseeds #weeklyplanner #faithplanner #ledbythespirit #SpiritInspired #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

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

Galatians 5:22–23

The Life Application Notes say – We can’t obtain the by-products of Christ’s control without His help. If we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us, we must join our life to His. We must know Him, love, Him, remember Him, and imitate Him.

Brother Lawrence called it “Practicing the Presence of God.”

And because it’s my desire to live by my Spirit inspired goals, I’m adding the following…

♥ Count your blessings every day.

I started “Counting My Blessings” during one of the most difficult times in my life. I launched it to hold myself accountable to noticing God’s goodness in the middle of the pain.

Whatever is going on in the world, even in my world, God’s grace and mercy never change. His perfect love is unfailing!

Whether I write them here in this space, in a journal, or on a piece of paper to drop in a jar or basket, I want to keep a list of the many ways God is providing for and protecting me … heart, mind, body, and soul every single day.

Let all that I am praise the Lord;
    may I never forget the good things
He does for me.
He forgives all my sins
    and heals all my diseases.
He redeems me from death and
crowns me with love and tender mercies.

Psalm 103:2–4

♥ Seek God first every day.

What does it mean to “seek God first?”

I often think of it as beginning each day with prayer and Bible study. But I wonder if it’s more than that. I wonder if it’s more of an attitude … if it’s finding my purpose, as I plan my day, in Him.

Do you remember the 5 Purposes of a Purpose Driven Life?

1. You Were Planned for God’s Pleasure.
2. You Were Formed for God’s Family.
3. You Were Created to Become Like Christ.
4. You Were Shaped for Serving God.
5. You Were Made for a Mission. ~Rick Warren

I think it just may be time for me to reread that book! I may be allowing too many “squirrels” to distract me from focusing on and doing what’s most important all day long.

♥ Assess your goals and the progress you’re making.

I’m going to be completely honest with you here…

I am terrible at goal setting, time management, and follow-through.

I am a Sanguine and I like to chase “squirrels!”

So, I can spend all kinds of time making a list of goals and thinking about the best ways to plug them into my schedule. On a good day, I might make it ’til lunchtime before I’ve abandoned them all and gotten off track.

But I am determined to not give up! I’m making a new list of Spirit inspired goals this afternoon and attaching to my new planner.

I want to be able to live my purpose intentionally. And I believe that God sometimes sends interruptions to help me grow in different ways. But I also know . . . not every interruption is from God and it is not God-honoring for me to chase every “squirrel” I see.

So, I want to prayerfully plan my days so I can better live my goals.

A great planner and tips for setting Spirit inspired goals and planning so you can enjoy more peace and live with success. #spiritualseedsplanner #spreadtheseeds #weeklyplanner #faithplanner #ledbythespirit #SpiritInspired #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

♥ Plan for the future but live one day at a time.

This is where I need help. I’m a recovering worrier. So, I typically plan and worry with lousy completion.

Which is why I am so excited to tell you about…

Planning with Spirit Inspired Goals

Spiritual Seeds Planner

Spiritual Seeds Planner is a planning tool designed to help Christians prioritize living a fruit filled life, guided by the Holy Spirit. The Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness and Self-Control. (Galatians 5:22-23) The planner uses a gardening theme concentrating on four garden plots – Friends/Family, Self, Community, Vocation/Work. Each month focuses on one Fruit, detailing actions to plant + cultivate + grow.  Actions are planned daily for highest yield. Cute garden themed stickers provide visuals for tracking growth. Unlike any other planner, Spiritual Seeds Planner prioritizes and plans Spiritual growth over daily “to do” lists and activities focusing on growth rather than achievement. 

What makes it different:

  • Puts God in charge
  • Inspired, led, and powered by the Holy Spirit
  • Based on Scripture
  •  Impacts all areas of life
  • Improves relationships
  • Fills life with an abundance of Spiritual Fruit – Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control

Features:

  • Easy to follow instructions with visuals
  • Vision Board 
  • Monthly Fruit Focus & Planning Pages
  • Monthly Inspirational Prayers 
  • Weekly Planning
  • Beautiful faux leather cover
  • Fruit of the Spirit Bookmark with definitions and scriptures
  • Fun Garden Themed Stickers 
  • Back pocket 
  • Blank pages for notes
  • Brown Ribbon Bookmark
  • Monthly Tabs

I received my 2021 Spiritual Seeds Planner a couple of weeks ago and I can’t tell you how excited I am.

I have tried so many different planners over the years but I’ve never found one that helped me incorporate my spiritual goals and my daily planning. I don’t want to segment my days into spiritual stuff and life stuff . . . not when I want to practice God’s presence all day every day. I need the Spirit’s help to apply God’s goals for my life into my daily schedule. This planner is the perfect source.

And I have some exciting news for you!

The designers of this planner have a couple offers for my readers:

You can get 20% off when you use the CODE – FRUITOFSPIRIT

at

https://spiritualseedsplanner.com

AND
A Giveaway

https://www.blessedfreebies.com/spiritual-seeds-planner.html

I’m not very artistic or creative but I’m looking forward to the motivating and inspiriting helps of this planner to help me focus on my goals for positive and successful planning in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

May God bless you as His Spirit inspires you and helps you fulfill your goals.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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!

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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 Need to Replace What’s Negative with the Truth

The best way to get along with others and replace what's negative with the truth is to focus on who God is and all that He's done for us. #Philippians4 #Positivity #Truth #Faith #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Worry, anxiety, envy, anger, frustration, discouragement, self-pity, etc.

It’s everywhere! And it’s hurting our mental health and our relationships.

At the moment it seems worse than ever. The news is depressing and everywhere you look people are frustrated and discouraged.

But the truth is, it’s always been this way. Negativity is just part of life.

Since the enemy tempted Eve and sin entered the Garden, there has been a consistent stream of negative thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors leading to serious problems.

You’re probably familiar with the following quote:

“Watch your thoughts, they become words;
watch your words, they become actions;
watch your actions, they become habits;
watch your habits, they become character;
watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”
~ Author Unknown

The Bible says it this way:

Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.

Proverbs 4:23(GNT)

What you and I think and the attitudes we form from those thoughts are the most critical contributors to our conversations, behaviors, and in general how we live. We need help to replace what’s negative in our lives.

So, I decided to turn to Philippians 4, because I know I need help and I thought you might need help, too.

When You Need to Replace What’s Negative with the Truth

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

Don’t worry about anything – Anything! Whew, that’s hard. But Paul’s next words are the best way to eliminate worry…

Instead, pray about everything – Turning anxious and upset thoughts into prayers turns my focus from the problem to the One who is the Problem Solver.

Tell God what you need – He already knows what you and I need, but talking to Him about our negative thoughts reminds us that we can surrender everything to His all-sufficient grace, mercy, and love. He will help us replace what’s negative.

Thank Him for all He has done – And when I thank God for His faithfulness and blessings and remember all that He has brought me through in the past, it helps me trust Him with my uncertain future.  

Then you will experience God’s peace which exceeds anything we can understand – God’s peace is grounded on faith, hope, and trust in His love. You and I can be confident He will always give us what we need each day (even if it’s not what we want). It’s impossible to understand or explain God’s supernatural peace, but when we are blessed to experience it, we know it is a gift that comes from His grace. 

His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus – Which sounds like the perfect antidote to negativity. 

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing.

Focus your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

And that pretty much sums it up, doesn’t it?

The best way to get along with others and replace what's negative with the truth is to focus on who God is and all that He's done for us. #Philippians4 #Positivity #Truth #Faith #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

There is something else I find noteworthy about this section of Paul’s letter to the people in Philippi.

It starts with…

Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. v. 2

We don’t know what these two women were arguing about, but we do know it was a big enough problem that Paul heard about it 800 miles away in Rome.

Arguing is nothing new. Jealousy, anger, frustration, and fighting are as old as the first brothers, Cain and Abel. But I love that Paul tells them to work it out . . . to settle their disagreement even if they had to agree to disagree. And don’t you love how he tells them to do it…

Be full of joy in the Lord always. I will say again, be full of joy. Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is coming soon. Philippians 4:4–5

He goes on to tell them how to do it.

Replace What’s Negative with the Truth By…

Quit worrying. Pray—tell God what you need and thank Him for what He has done. Know His peace—a peace that protects your heart and mind. v. 6–7

Keep your thoughts on things that are:

True – Accurate and trustworthy.

Honorable – Building reputations not tearing down.

Right – Fair and just.

Pure – Clean and uncontaminated.

Lovely – Beautiful and pleasant.

Admirable – Respectable and good.

Excellent and Worthy of Praise – Wonderful and God-pleasing.

Now, I’ll admit in our sin-filled world, it seems impossible to keep our thoughts exclusively positive 24/7.

We tell ourselves we can’t help it. There’s so much flying by. The news, social media, and gossip-filled phone calls. Reports presented as truth later revealed as being less than accurate. Posts complete with photos of luxurious vacations and super-children that make us envious. And “ain’t it awful” whispers that invite us to judge.

Whew! The temptations are continuous…

I took a break in the middle of writing this to eat my lunch and decided to quickly scroll through my Facebook feed. Many posts from friends were encouraging and shared Bible verses and posts from their Faith Blogs but others were “ain’t it awful” news reports and articles intended to sway public opinions one way or another.

And it didn’t take more than a few minutes for me to find myself feeling anxious and discouraged . . . AGAIN!

So, I’m making a list of the things I can do to help me change my focus and replace what’s negative with the truth! You might like to try it too…

  • Admit that I’m Overwhelmed by the Negativity – because I won’t change something I don’t acknowledge.
  • Stop and Pray – surrender my negative feelings to God and ask for the Spirit’s help.
  • Give Thanks – list at least 3 blessings, things for which I’m thankful.
  • Trash Negative Thoughts – thoughts are just thoughts, I don’t have to believe all the negative ones or allow them to linger. So, I’m going to imagine myself physically taking the negative ones and tossing them in the trash.
  • Avoid Obvious Triggers – I want to take more intentional breaks from social media, the news, and negative people.
  • Clean Up My Space – I don’t do well with chaos and sometimes chaos in my environment causes chaos in my head. I don’t like to clean but a neat home always makes me feel better. It might help you, too.
  • Do Something Positive – it’s helpful to pause and take a break to do something I love – play with the dog, call a friend, read a book, etc.
  • Remember the Big Picture – pause and ask if this will matter a year from now. Five years. 10. And remember that God will always be on the throne now and forever.
  • Do What I Can or Let It Go – If I can do something about it, I should . . . but if not, I need to let it go and stop worrying about it.
  • Do Something Encouraging and Kind for Someone Else – I used to volunteer at our local Children’s Hospital and hold babies in the NICU. Volunteer to do something you love . . . help a friend, send a card or notes, make a call, etc.
  • Laugh – I love to laugh! And I think we all need to laugh a little more at the moment. Remember it’s healthy . . . it’s good therapy and a great ab workout too!
The best way to get along with others and replace what's negative with the truth is to focus on who God is and all that He's done for us. #Philippians4 #Positivity #Truth #Faith #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Take one more look at Paul’s initial words to Euodia and Syntyche:

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon!

Philippians 4:4–5

That kind of sums it all up doesn’t it.

You and I can replace what’s negative with the truth and be full of joy when we remember all that the Lord has done and continues to do for us. And with God’s help, we can be considerate of others’ thoughts and feelings even when life is less than ideal and we don’t agree with those thoughts and feelings.

Because when we look at life with the truth of an eternal perspective, we will remember that the Lord is returning to take us home to heaven and well, everything else wanes in comparison.

I’ll admit, it’s not easy. Sometimes it can even feel satisfying to reflect on all that’s wrong in the world while we feel sorry for ourselves.

But God’s truth challenges us and reminds us to keep what’s important . . . important. And with His help we can…

Think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected.

Philippians 4:8 (NCV)

We can think about how very much we are forgiven and loved by the God of the Universe!

Now it’s your turn. What do you do to replace what’s negative with the truth?

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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!

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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!

Pray When You are Confused About an Uncertain Tomorrow

Helping you live with boldness when you are confused by an uncertain tomorrow although things try to get in the way with God's help, you can LIVE today! #LiveToday #TomorrowisANewDay #Prayer #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

When our daughter was a toddler she found the difference between today and tomorrow very confusing.

We’ would say, “We are going to to do (something fun) tomorrow.”

And she would always respond with delight and great enthusiasm.

But the next morning when she got up she would ask, “Is it tomorrow?”

Of course, we would reply, “No, it’s today.”

At which point she would get very sad and say, “But I want it to be tomorrow so we can do __________.”

(It sounds like our personal version of who’s on first, doesn’t it?)

And even when we would tell her, “Honey, we are going to do __________.”

She would look at us confused and say, “But it’s not tomorrow.”

Little children aren’t the only ones who have trouble understanding the difference between today and tomorrow.

You and I can so easily waste today worrying about tomorrow. Waiting for tomorrow. Procrastinating until tomorrow. Starting over tomorrow.

But the truth is, whatever we think about tomorrow we can only live today.

Corrie ten Boom wrote:

“Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength- carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”

So, let’s take a closer look at what the Bible says and surrender our worry and uncertainty about tomorrow to the Lord.

Pray When You are Confused About an Uncertain Tomorrow

Helping you live with boldness when you are confused by an uncertain tomorrow although things try to get in the way with God's help, you can LIVE today! #LiveToday #TomorrowisANewDay #Prayer #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

When You’re Worried and Uncertain about Tomorrow

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” 

Matthew 6:34

Father, I surrender my thoughts to You. Please grant me Your peace and help me live today without worrying about tomorrow. By Your grace, help me know the difference between planning for tomorrow and worrying about tomorrow. Guide me as I set goals and help me put You first in everything I do . . . that I might live each day for Your glory. Amen.

When You’re Tired of Waiting for “Tomorrow”

Wait patiently for the Lord.
    Be brave and courageous.
    Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Psalm 27:14

Father, Please give me the courage and strength I need today. Sometimes today is hard because You’re asking me to wait. Please give me patience. By Your grace, give me everything I need to trust You today. Whatever is going on in my life . . . You promise to give me everything I need when I seek You first. Please lead me today, make Your will clear to me, and give me all I need to follow You in faith today. Amen.

“Darkness comes. In the middle of it, the future looks blank. The temptation to quit is huge. Don’t. You are in good company… You will argue with yourself that there is no way forward. But with God, nothing is impossible. He has more ropes and ladders and tunnels out of pits than you can conceive. Wait. Pray without ceasing. Hope.” ~John Piper

When You’re Tempted to Procrastinate Until Tomorrow

“Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the week” ~a Spanish Proverb

Fight the good fight of faith, grabbing hold of the life that continues forever. You were called to have that life when you confessed the good confession before many witnesses. 

Ephesians 5:15–17

Father, please give me the strength I need today. By Your grace, help me plan my days well without over-planning so I’m not tempted to procrastinate. Give me the energy I need each day and help me remember to pause and rest in Your presence. By Your all-sufficient grace help me stay focused on You that I might do Your will as You reveal it to me. Amen.

“You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” ~Abraham Lincoln

When You’re Tempted to Carry Guilt and Shame Into Tomorrow

“The voice of sin is loud, but the voice of forgiveness is louder.” ~Dwight L. Moody

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

1 John 1:9

Father, I am so sorry for failing to trust and obey Your will the way You want. I try so hard but fall short every day. And the enemy taunts and tells me I’m useless, that I’ll never change, that I need to wear my guilt like a label across my heart. But You are faithful to forgive because You want to forgive. You proved Your unfailing love by allowing Jesus to suffer my punishment on the cross.

Thank you! Help me live today with the joy of forgiveness and help me generously extend that same loving forgiveness to the people You place around me. Thank you for washing me clean today and for every new tomorrow You give me to try again. Amen.

Helping you live with boldness when you are confused by an uncertain tomorrow although things try to get in the way with God's help, you can LIVE today! #LiveToday #TomorrowisANewDay #Prayer #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

“Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” ~L.M.Montgomery

When You Need to Remember to LIVE Today

“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” ~Martin Luther

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

Psalm 23:1–3

Father, thank you for Your provision, guidance, and rest. You truly do give me everything I need each day. Please help me walk peacefully with You today. Keep me from worrying about tomorrow’s unknown and give me the faith I need to trust You even when I don’t understand. Life can be hard and confusing but when You are with me teaching and leading . . . I have Your all-sufficient grace to flourish in the good things You have prepared for me. I love You, Lord. You are all I need today, tomorrow, and forever. Amen.

I love this quote from Henri Nouwen. It reminds of simple ways you and I can live for God’s glory today . . . without worrying about tomorrow’s uncertainty.

“Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come.”

So friends,

Celebrate today.
Live with confidence that God has You covered in His grace, mercy, and love.
Have hope for tomorrow, but don’t wait for it to live . . . get up and boldly experience all God has for you.
Follow where the Lord leads you and trust Him to bless you with the goodness of life that only He can give. 

May He bless you today and tomorrow!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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!

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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!

10 Things You Can Do that will Make You a Great Friend

God made us to live in community, He created us for friendship and with His help, you and I can do what it takes to be a great friend and love well. #Friendship #FriendshipQuotes #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

It’s been a weird season for friendships, hasn’t it?

We’ve spent much less time with each other in person and our online relationships seem to be burdened by the overshadowing of divisive views and opinions being tossed in the air like confetti.

It’s funny! Some friendships seem effortless and last a lifetime and others crash and burn even though we give them everything we’ve got to give.

We learn about ourselves and others through our friendships, don’t we?

I have to admit, that I’ve wondered lately if social media doesn’t give us a distorted view of means to be a great friend.

Online, friendships come and go with a click of a button.

And they’re easy, right? Where else can you and I keep up with hundreds of friendships without ever leaving the house?

But unfortunately, it can seem like online quantity is more highly rated than quality and appearances are more important than authenticity. And I wonder if deep down we don’t long for greater real honest friendships.

God made us to live in community. He created us to share a closeness … and with His help, we can be great friends in person and online.

So I want to take a couple of minutes take a closer look at friendship. Maybe we can be encouraged toward having the great friendships we all need and want.

What exactly is a friend anyway?

A friend is defined as:

  • A person attached to another by feelings of affection.
  • A person whom you know, like, and trust.
  • A person with whom you enjoy spending time.

A great friend is someone who:

  • Wants what is best for you.
  • Shows empathy and sympathy, compassion, and understanding.
  • Allows individuality without fear of judgment.
  • Understands balance and the importance of give-and-take.

Important characteristics of a great friend:

  • They take time to develop.
  • Are based on honesty and trust.
  • Reflect kindness, compassion, and caring.
  • Are not selfish.
  • Protects the privacy of your story.
  • Encourages your goals and dreams.
  • _______________ (What would you add?)
God made us to live in community, He created us for friendship and with His help, you and I can do what it takes to be a great friend and love well. #Friendship #FriendshipQuotes #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Bible Verses that Define Friendship:

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. Proverbs 17:17

Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 1 John 4:11

Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon is someone who lies to a friend and then says, “I was only joking.” Proverbs 26:18-19 (honest)

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Colossians 3:13

Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Romans 12:15–16

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. Proverbs 27:17

Wow, wouldn’t it be amazing if all our friendships looked like that!

The truth is…

A great friend values we over me.

I want to know how well I’m doing, so here are some questions I’m asking myself:

  • Am I always gently and respectfully honest with my friends? Are they honest with me?
  • Do I quickly forgive a friend’s flaws? Do they forgive me?
  • Do I talk about my friend’s problems to others? Do they talk about me?
  • Am I quick to help and encourage a friend? Are they helpful and encouraging?
  • Have we invited God into our friendship?
  • Am I willing to make some necessary changes to enjoy the blessing of great friendship? What will that mean?

To help, I’ve come up with 10 important qualities needed in every friendship.

God made us to live in community, He created us for friendship and with His help, you and I can do what it takes to be a great friend and love well. #Friendship #FriendshipQuotes #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

10 Things You Can Do that will Make You a Great Friend

1. Do Be an Encourager, not a Flatterer 

Flattery is just sugar-coated manipulation and no matter how sweetly it’s presented manipulation is selfish and unloving. Encouragement is love in words and action. Go ahead … give compliments generously – but do it for them and be sincere!

So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

2. Do Be Understanding and Helpful

Sometimes all it takes is a listening ear or a caring note. Other times it may be providing a meal or sitting in a hospital waiting room. Whatever it is . . . as much as it is possible, friends help each other.

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. Galatians 6:2–3 (MSG)

3. Do Be Honest

Trust is an important and essential part of any close relationship. Lies destroy trust. So tell the truth but do it respectfully and kindly.

An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship. Proverbs 24:26

4. Do Be Compassionate

Show that you care about your friend and their problems without being judgmental. Listen without judgment

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

5. Do Be Respectful of Boundaries

Healthy friendships aren’t clingy. Each person values the other’s personal space and preferences. Boundaries are a healthy and important part of great friendships.

“Good boundaries prevent resentment.” ~ Dr. Henry Cloud

God made us to live in community, He created us for friendship and with His help, you and I can do what it takes to be a great friend and love well. #Friendship #FriendshipQuotes #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

6. Do not Gossip

Friends shouldn’t gossip with you or about you. Because the unfortunate truth is … If they will do it with you, they will do it to you.

A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. Proverbs 16:28

7. Do not Judge

The simple facts are you never have all the information. You haven’t lived their experiences and you probably don’t know the whole story.

Remember…

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.” Luke 6:37

8. Do not Pry 

If your friend doesn’t want to talk about it—let it go. They’ll talk when they’re ready. 

“True friendship comes when the silence between two people is comfortable.” ~ David Tyson Gentry

9. Do not Envy

You may wish you could enjoy their blessings, but I promise you don’t want their problems. Every life has a blend of good and bad.

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt

10. Do not Make Promises You Can’t or Won’t Keep

To the best of your ability be reliable. Being trustworthy is one of the most important parts of all relationships.

“May the Lord make us keep our promises to each other, for He has witnessed them.” 1 Samuel 20:23

And that’s my list of the 10 Most Important Things to Do if You Want to Be a Great Friend.

Now, let me also add that I’m a huge fan of simply having fun and laughing together as often as possible. God made us to live life together. To share our laughter and our tears. And He has given us everything we need to encourage each other with love.

Today, if you have one or more great friends . . . stop for a moment and thank God, then reach out and thank them.

Finally, tell us . . . what’s on your list of “important” important things to do to be a great friend?

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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!

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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!

How to Know and Trust God’s Will for You

Do you worry about the future? Have you ever struggled to trust God's will? These 5 Steps will help you know and trust His plans for your future. #Faith #Trust #God'sWill #Hope #Fearless #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG #BlessingBloggers

One of the hardest sentences in my life has been…

“Lord, not my will but Yours be done.”

I’ve had more than a few times when I’ve gone into and through things kicking and screaming that seemed to be God’s will, or at the least, they were things He allowed!

Honestly, the idea of completely surrendering my life to the Lord terrified me.

Jesus said…

  • Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. (John 16:33)
  • You will be hated because you are my followers. (Matthew 24:9)
  •  I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. (John 15:19)
  • If you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:28)

I also looked around and witnessed the ways the enemy attacked God’s children.

Because of my weak and immature faith, I didn’t fully believe that I could…

Trust that God is who He says He is.
Believe He is able to do what He says He will do.
Live in peace knowing His love is greater than any circumstances.

I doubted His willingness to give me everything I need.

You’d probably admit that it’s easier to surrender to God’s will when life is easy and He’s working in ways that please you. It’s harder when you can’t understand your current situation or when the road ahead looks hard.

Maybe, like me, you want stronger faith. You want to face each day with obedient surrendered faith without an attitude that says, “MY will be done.”

So, I’ve challenged myself to read and repeat the following until I believe the truth . . . that living completely surrendered to God’s will is by far the best way to live. Until this truth becomes the only way I want to live.

How to Know and Trust God’s Will

Do you worry about the future? Have you ever struggled to trust God's will? These 5 Steps will help you know and trust His plans for your future. #Faith #Trust #God'sWill #Hope #Fearless #CountingMyBlessings

1. Know and Trust God’s Love for You

It’s hard to follow someone who doesn’t want what’s best for us and since the Garden of Eden, Satan has used whatever he can to tempt people to doubt God’s love.

Have you ever heard a child say “you don’t love me” to a parent’s “no?” Yet the job of a loving parent isn’t to make their children happy, it’s to do what is best to keep them safe and help them grow and mature.

I’m learning that as our loving Heavenly Father, God is at work in my life and yours guiding us, protecting us, and helping us grow and mature in faith and love.

And if you need a reminder of just how much God loves you…

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

1 John 4:9–10

That is HUGE love you and I can trust!

2. Know and Trust God’s Ability to Care for You

If fear and anxiety were Olympic sports, I’d have a trophy case full of medals. The list of things I’ve worried about is too long for this space. Even though I memorized the verse “don’t worry about tomorrow” as a child—applying it seemed beyond my anxiety overwhelm.

But you and I are not doing tomorrow yet. We are living today! It took several major crises before I learned that I just needed to let God help me through this present moment and trust Him to give me what I need in the next. That’s living through faith…

Believing God will meet each need one moment at a time!

Your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need.

Luke 12:30b–31

 3. Know and Trust God’s Mercy and Healing Grace

Dwelling on the past overwhelmed by guilt is as much of a problem as worrying about the future.

Through Christ Jesus, God completely forgives those who come to Him in repentance. With His help, we can trust Him and rest in His grace and mercy.

Part of surrendering means going to God in prayer asking Him to forgive our past and to help us by giving us everything we need to forgive others. When you and I focus on regret and revenge it’s impossible to surrender to God’s will. Lack of forgiveness will always rob us of God’s perfect peace and joy.

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

1 John 1:9

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

Ephesians 4:32

4. Know and Trust God’s Timing

I’m not good at waiting … lines, doctors offices, etc. I have a schedule to follow. You too?!

But the truth is, there is no peace when I’m tapping my foot and staring at my watch. And there’s no peace when I try to put God on my prayer-answering timetable.

With the Spirit’s help, I’m surrendering my impatience to God, asking Him to help me trust His timing. And while I wait . . . I’m also asking Him to give me His peace and strength.


But they who wait upon the Lord will get new strength. They will rise up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weak.

Isaiah 40:31

5. Know, Trust, and Obey God’s Will

I’m a creature of habits and truthfully, not all of them are good. It’s easy to make light of my sins, after all they’re not THAT bad. But all sins are a big deal. They rob me of peace, cause unpleasant consequences, and fail to glorify God.

Lately, I’ve been asking God to reveal to me the things culture and the church excuse that I have come to think of as acceptable to Him. I want to know, trust, and obey His will.

So, I’m asking God to help me know and trust His truth and commands. I’m asking Him to help me believe that His perfect will is best and that He will give me a heart for obedience … not to earn His favor but to glorify Him and testify to His love.

Lord, we show our trust in You by obeying Your laws;  our heart’s desire is to glorify Your name.

Isaiah 26:8

I’ll admit that I’m still a work in progress. I have so much to learn about completely surrendering to God’s will.

My sinful self wants to have total control over all that happens in my life. Most of the time, I want what I want and I want it now.

But experience has taught and is teaching me that fighting God’s plan for me will never offer me lasting happiness or peace. It hasn’t happened in the past and I doubt it will in the future.

I believe God wants to help us know and trust His perfect love and surrender to His will because He wants what is best for us today, tomorrow, and always.

Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me.

Isaiah 46:9

So with the Spirit’s help, I will surrender my will to God today.  

Not on my own.

But…

I can do all things through Christ because He gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

And that is everything we need!

Do you worry about the future? Have you ever struggled to trust God's will? These 5 Steps will help you know and trust His plans for your future. #Faith #Trust #God'sWill #Hope #Fearless #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG #BlessingBloggers

Here are a few quotes that inspire me. 

♥ “If my life is surrendered to God, all is well. Let me not grab it back, as though it were in peril in His hand but would be safer in mine!”~Elisabeth Elliot

♥ “It is wonderful what miracles God works in wills that are utterly surrendered to Him” ~Hannah Whitall Smith

♥ “Real contentment must come from within. You and I cannot change or control the world around us, but we can change and control the world within us.” ~Warren Wiersbe

♥ “Peace is the deliberate adjustment of my life to the will of God.” ~Author Unknown

Daily Prayers of Surrender to God’s Will

Years ago, a dear friend shared this morning prayer with me.

Father God, I surrender this day to You. I will follow where You lead me and do Your will as You reveal it to me. Please help me live this promise – that my life might glorify You alone. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Hannah Whithall Smith also wrote the following prayer:

Lord, I am Yours, I do yield and leave myself entirely to You and I believe You accept me. Work in me all the good pleasure of Your will and I will only lie still in Your hands and trust You. Amen. 

I hope these prayers bless and encourage you as you make it your heart’s desire to know and trust God’s will for you.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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!

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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!